What do you think?
Rate this book
F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire
Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.
482 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
5 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Pearson
8 books26 followersM. C. Pearson graduated from San Jose State University with a B. A. in art, served as a multi-media illustrator in the United States Army, earning the rank of sergeant, and spent four years as a house parent for at-risk youth. Now married over 20 years, she homeschools her two children, volunteers with her church youth group, and runs a book review blog alliance (FIRST Wild Card Tours) while writing and drawing. F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire is her first novel.
Take My First Kiss Survey: http://fairieswriter.polldaddy.com/s/...
AND/OR
Take My First Kiss Poll and SEE YOUR RESULTS!: http://poll.fm/3o9td
Take My First Kiss Survey: http://fairieswriter.polldaddy.com/s/...
AND/OR
Take My First Kiss Poll and SEE YOUR RESULTS!: http://poll.fm/3o9td
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 5, 2011
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
F.A.I.R.I.E.S., Baptism by Fire is a very sweet, well suited for young readers of many different ages. If you enjoy fantasy and a tale with countless fantastical beings involved, this book will appeal to you in many ways. I think that is why I wasn’t as taken with the novel—while I do enjoy some fantasy, this kind of fantasy isn’t one of them. So, while I give the book 3 stars, it’s through no fault of the author, just my own personal likes/dislikes.
The lively, imaginative, and fun cast of characters within F.A.I.R.I.E.S. will no doubt engage and thrill many readers. I personally had a hard time trying to remember all the different kinds of beings, but that’s probably due to the fact that I don’t normally read books with oceanides, fairies, dwarves, dragons, and whatnot. I did love the friendship between Millie and her E.L. clan—Lizzy, Spike, Zandra, GroBe.
M.C. Pearson has an amazing imagination, creating a world where fairies, dwarves, and dryads exist, unseen to humans. I loved how the fantastical used bible verses repeatedly, and believed in the One and the light He gives. Lovely illustration for young readers! All the different acronyms—F.A.I.R.I.E.S., I.M.P.S., and E.L., to name a few—got a bit confusing for me, I will admit. But it was kinda neat, at the same time.
F.A.I.R.I.E.S: Baptism by Fire took a little while to really ‘get going’, but was filled with many interesting incidents and adventures with Millie and her friends in the meantime. The drawings that Pearson included frequently within the book—which she herself drew!—was really neat, helping to engage the readers with the visuals.
While I did not find it an amazing read, I would recommend viewing other reviews—preferably from those who enjoy the fantasy genre—before coming to a conclusion about this book.
F.A.I.R.I.E.S., Baptism by Fire is a very sweet, well suited for young readers of many different ages. If you enjoy fantasy and a tale with countless fantastical beings involved, this book will appeal to you in many ways. I think that is why I wasn’t as taken with the novel—while I do enjoy some fantasy, this kind of fantasy isn’t one of them. So, while I give the book 3 stars, it’s through no fault of the author, just my own personal likes/dislikes.
The lively, imaginative, and fun cast of characters within F.A.I.R.I.E.S. will no doubt engage and thrill many readers. I personally had a hard time trying to remember all the different kinds of beings, but that’s probably due to the fact that I don’t normally read books with oceanides, fairies, dwarves, dragons, and whatnot. I did love the friendship between Millie and her E.L. clan—Lizzy, Spike, Zandra, GroBe.
M.C. Pearson has an amazing imagination, creating a world where fairies, dwarves, and dryads exist, unseen to humans. I loved how the fantastical used bible verses repeatedly, and believed in the One and the light He gives. Lovely illustration for young readers! All the different acronyms—F.A.I.R.I.E.S., I.M.P.S., and E.L., to name a few—got a bit confusing for me, I will admit. But it was kinda neat, at the same time.
F.A.I.R.I.E.S: Baptism by Fire took a little while to really ‘get going’, but was filled with many interesting incidents and adventures with Millie and her friends in the meantime. The drawings that Pearson included frequently within the book—which she herself drew!—was really neat, helping to engage the readers with the visuals.
While I did not find it an amazing read, I would recommend viewing other reviews—preferably from those who enjoy the fantasy genre—before coming to a conclusion about this book.
December 7, 2011
You know those times when you were younger and you would be sooo upset with someone in your family? Maybe you might even wish to be in a different family altogether? Well, that is just what happened to Mellie. She was feeling sorry for herself as she walked down to the beach to get away from her older sisters. She is wishing for a new life, an important life, and one that really mattered! As Mellie continued on her walk, she realized she no longer recognized the area where she was walking and then she meets "walking stick" or you might say he looked like a tree twig. He not only looked odd but he spoke too! With a British accent!
He shares with Mellie that she is the Chosen one and must follow him. She wasn't quite sure what to do but once they arrived, Mellie had never seen a place like this before! She is going to go to school...and what a school it is! Here she will learn what it means to be a Fairie -aka- a Fantascital, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squad!
Mellie meets some amazing friends and I just fell in love with all of them. Just to name a few, you will meet an elf, a yeti, and even a limionade.
This book is sooo very good and would be EXCELLENT for younger kids from 11 and up! This is a Fantastic book for those who might want to read something like Narnia!!! M.C. Pearson brings us a wonderful fantasy world and allows the reader to see an example of a deep faith and wonderful friendships!!
He shares with Mellie that she is the Chosen one and must follow him. She wasn't quite sure what to do but once they arrived, Mellie had never seen a place like this before! She is going to go to school...and what a school it is! Here she will learn what it means to be a Fairie -aka- a Fantascital, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squad!
Mellie meets some amazing friends and I just fell in love with all of them. Just to name a few, you will meet an elf, a yeti, and even a limionade.
This book is sooo very good and would be EXCELLENT for younger kids from 11 and up! This is a Fantastic book for those who might want to read something like Narnia!!! M.C. Pearson brings us a wonderful fantasy world and allows the reader to see an example of a deep faith and wonderful friendships!!
December 7, 2011
F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is unlike any book I've ever read. Immediately I was swept away into a fantastical world through the eyes of a young girl. I'm amazed at Ms. Pearson's extravagant imagination! The creatures and world she describes are beyond anything my mind could conceive. This book has everything anyone could want: battles between good and evil, adventure, humor, romance, an interesting plot and characters you will love. What also impressed me are the wonderful hand-drawn illustrations by the author herself scattered throughout the story! She can not only write, but draw as well! I highly recommend this books for young and old lovers of fantasy.
July 8, 2015
Have you seen the movie Tooth Fairy or The S.A.N.T.A. Clause? Read the book Hinds Feet in High Places? F.A.I.R.I.E.S. reminded me of parts of these movies and book. I’m thankful to have received a review copy of such an imaginative book. This author combines fantasy with reality like the two movies I mentioned and is an allegory like the book Hinds Feet in High Places. Mellie is the only human in the story. She is surrounded with mystical characters like Lord of the Rings has with fairies, elves, gnomes, gremlins, dragons, dwarfs just to name a few and she’s trying to make sense of this new world she has just entered, like Lucy in C.S. Lewis’s book Narnia.
M.C. Pearsons is not only the author of this youth fantasy but she is the illustrator as well. Her pictures are scattered throughout the book. They illustrate for the reader her imaginative characters
Mellie is a disgruntled human who wishes to escape the home life she has with her dreadful sisters. “Just once she wanted to do something that would make her sisters see that she wasn’t stupid, awkward, ugly, and a little baby.” She wanted to live in a family where she was loved and accepted. Maybe she could runaway and find a better place to live.
Suddenly Mellis finds herself deep into the forest unsure of where to go next, then she runs into the strangest sight, a walking stick that talks.
Is this a dream she wonders? Then suddenly the walking stick ushers her into the labyrinth of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. She doesn’t know what to think. Everything was quite magical. Just like in the Santa Clause and Tooth Fairy movies she sees everyone working together as a team for a common goal, she’ll learn later.
The walking stick finally introduces himself to her, his name is Regnans. He says, Welcome to the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. it stands for
F – Fantastical
A – Aerial
I – International
R- Reasonably
I- Inconspicious
E- Emancepation
S – Squads
They have accepted her into their organization. Regnans goes on to tell she has been “chosen” by the One. He tells her, “You made a choice to run away from a miserable life and asked to be set free?..... Right? You asked – we answered – you are accepted.”
Mellie is surprised and says, “But I don’t believe in fairies….”
“Follow-Me. I’ll enroll you for training. We are at war.” Move quickly.
She replies, “I’m not at war with anyone”
Regnan says, “You are at war. The darone wants to stamp out the light.”
This is where the story reminded me of the Tooth Fairy and how he goes into training. He learns all he can and then makes the mission his own.
Mellie embarks on a magical adventure as “chosen” by the One to be trained as a soldier of the light to fight the shadow whose set on fighting humans.
She also is in search of the One who truly loves and accepts her for who she is and was created to be.
I enjoyed this journey into the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. training and beyond!! It was fun, entertaining and yet there was a depth to this story I enjoyed. I also like the surprising twists and turns Mellie takes in her search to find the One and her mission in life.
Are you looking for a story that will whisk you into a magical land and help you not think about the worries of this world; at the same time bring comfort and joy to your soul? Then search no more F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is the book for you and the young people in your life. It will spark great conversation for you and any book clubs that would like to read it.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
M.C. Pearsons is not only the author of this youth fantasy but she is the illustrator as well. Her pictures are scattered throughout the book. They illustrate for the reader her imaginative characters
Mellie is a disgruntled human who wishes to escape the home life she has with her dreadful sisters. “Just once she wanted to do something that would make her sisters see that she wasn’t stupid, awkward, ugly, and a little baby.” She wanted to live in a family where she was loved and accepted. Maybe she could runaway and find a better place to live.
Suddenly Mellis finds herself deep into the forest unsure of where to go next, then she runs into the strangest sight, a walking stick that talks.
Is this a dream she wonders? Then suddenly the walking stick ushers her into the labyrinth of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. She doesn’t know what to think. Everything was quite magical. Just like in the Santa Clause and Tooth Fairy movies she sees everyone working together as a team for a common goal, she’ll learn later.
The walking stick finally introduces himself to her, his name is Regnans. He says, Welcome to the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. it stands for
F – Fantastical
A – Aerial
I – International
R- Reasonably
I- Inconspicious
E- Emancepation
S – Squads
They have accepted her into their organization. Regnans goes on to tell she has been “chosen” by the One. He tells her, “You made a choice to run away from a miserable life and asked to be set free?..... Right? You asked – we answered – you are accepted.”
Mellie is surprised and says, “But I don’t believe in fairies….”
“Follow-Me. I’ll enroll you for training. We are at war.” Move quickly.
She replies, “I’m not at war with anyone”
Regnan says, “You are at war. The darone wants to stamp out the light.”
This is where the story reminded me of the Tooth Fairy and how he goes into training. He learns all he can and then makes the mission his own.
Mellie embarks on a magical adventure as “chosen” by the One to be trained as a soldier of the light to fight the shadow whose set on fighting humans.
She also is in search of the One who truly loves and accepts her for who she is and was created to be.
I enjoyed this journey into the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. training and beyond!! It was fun, entertaining and yet there was a depth to this story I enjoyed. I also like the surprising twists and turns Mellie takes in her search to find the One and her mission in life.
Are you looking for a story that will whisk you into a magical land and help you not think about the worries of this world; at the same time bring comfort and joy to your soul? Then search no more F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is the book for you and the young people in your life. It will spark great conversation for you and any book clubs that would like to read it.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
December 5, 2011
F.A.I.R.I.E.S. : Baptism by Fire by M.C. Pearson is the first book in a series about Mellie Goodwin and her life as a Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads, aka a F.A.I.R.I.E.! Mellie is running away down the beach from a fight with her older sisters, and in her hurt and sadness she wishes for a life of importance, with riches and status, a life that matters. Her wish is granted in an unusual way when she soon encounters a strange man who looks like a tree twig and speaks with a British accent who informs her that she is the Chosen and must follow him. While she's at first hesitant and startled to find a world populated with beings completely unfamiliar, Mellie quickly throws herself into life learning to be a F.A.I.R.I.E. devoted to serving the One. She makes friends with a motley group including an elf, a limionade, a yeti, and an oceanide, but several people jealous of her status as the Chosen spread rumors about her and try to sabotage her success. Mellie's growth as a person and lessons about this new life are put to the test when attacks by I.M.P.S threaten the forces of Light, and she is the only one who can put an end to a thousand-year-old schism. I was a bit unsure at first at the idea of fairies in our modern world, especially keeping it in line with Christianity, but Pearson has a light touch at writing that kept me sucked in to this impossible yet thrilling world. The characters are fascinating; each one could carry their own book, and the story has an epic overarching theme that Pearson seems to have plans for many more books in the series. Her sketches give readers an idea of how to imagine these fantastical creatures that can, at time, be difficult to visualize otherwise. For readers who love Narnia or Harry Potter, this is a terrifically compelling story with a deeper message of faith and friendship. My hat is off to Pearson for making this concept not just work, but fly. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
December 5, 2011
This is a fantasy tale of good versus evil through the eyes of a young teenage girl, Mellie. Running from her sisters’ taunts, she finds herself caught up in the world of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S, where she will learn the world of spiritual warfare as she attends the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. academy and learns of the One–the light who always overcomes the darkness.
The unbelievable characters become a part of your life, as you learn of their ways. The military academy is tough, yet most of the classes are enjoyable and instructive. Plenty of humor abounds, though some is lost in interpretation! I enjoyed the characters of Mellie, Spike, Lizzy, GroBe, and many, many others. They are rich, descriptive and eccentric. They are truly fantastical beings! What a super delightful book with deep spiritual meaning. I loved it. Your kids will, too!
This would make one extra-special Christmas gift for some young girl or boy! Pick one up today! Superb, intricate writing. Christian fantasy at it’s best! I’m rating this a 5 out of 5!
I’m so excited, as I never used to like books like this, let alone loving this one! This should become a classic for years to come!
Special thanks to M. C. Pearson of FIRST Wild Card Press for sending me an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
November 27, 2011
What an imaginative book....you will Love what comes to mind. The beverages of kokokola...lemon lime??
Meet the Faries and the vast underground network....wow! Learning to fight the Evil One. You will enjoy the dialogue and sometime bickering that goes on.
The book opens with Mellie having quite a time feeling sorry for herself and proceeding to leave her family. She goes down the beach so far she doesn't recognize the place, she sees some branches moving, and her adventure is about to begin. She meets a "Walking Stick" named Regans, a member of The Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads....F.A.I.R.I.E.S!
He tells Mellie that she is the "Chosen One" and had been accepted into their Organization.
She is about to go to School....one she never dreamed of attending!
You wonder if Mellie will ever see her family again, but all is answered.
M. C. has down a wonderful job with this book, it is so very entertaining! Really makes you think. Enjoy!!
I received this book from the Author and First Wild Card Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Meet the Faries and the vast underground network....wow! Learning to fight the Evil One. You will enjoy the dialogue and sometime bickering that goes on.
The book opens with Mellie having quite a time feeling sorry for herself and proceeding to leave her family. She goes down the beach so far she doesn't recognize the place, she sees some branches moving, and her adventure is about to begin. She meets a "Walking Stick" named Regans, a member of The Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads....F.A.I.R.I.E.S!
He tells Mellie that she is the "Chosen One" and had been accepted into their Organization.
She is about to go to School....one she never dreamed of attending!
You wonder if Mellie will ever see her family again, but all is answered.
M. C. has down a wonderful job with this book, it is so very entertaining! Really makes you think. Enjoy!!
I received this book from the Author and First Wild Card Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 5, 2011
Delightful story that includes a 12 year old girl learning that fairies and fantastical creatures do exist and at the same time learning about The One, creator of light. It was interesting to see how biblical verses and mores were taught without actually mentioning God. Mellie runs away from her family at the beach and enters into the world of the fairies. There she joins the academy that will protect the light and fight the dark shadows which want to take over the world. In the process she rooms with a flower fairy, chums with an oceanide, a yeti, and a she-elf while being taught Basic training by a gnome, an Amazon, an elf, and a nymph. Mellie experiences the regular pre-teen problems of self-doubt and emotional swings but learns to work through them and become a promising warrior who can solve problems, work as part of a team and stand her ground for what is right. The story is well written with great descriptions that would inspire imagination in any young reader. It's a book that can be enjoyed by the young and their parents alike.
December 8, 2011
My Thoughts
Though this is not a genre I read, I did enjoy Mellie’s journey thoughout this book. The author Ms. Pearson has an awesome and unique imagination creating a cast of characters that will feel your heart with love for them as you read this book. And while reading, you will see the wonderful artist the author is as well, with lots and lots of unique graphics and images she has created herself and included within the pages of this book.
Saying this is not a genre I read, doesn’t mean this is not a good book, because it is, especially for the younger generation. They love fantasy books, and one such as this one is great for your teen because they will see the Christ of the Bible written in this story. So add this to your child’s Christmas and give them something fantastic, unique, and just an all around good book for them to read.
I want to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not expected to write a positive review.
Though this is not a genre I read, I did enjoy Mellie’s journey thoughout this book. The author Ms. Pearson has an awesome and unique imagination creating a cast of characters that will feel your heart with love for them as you read this book. And while reading, you will see the wonderful artist the author is as well, with lots and lots of unique graphics and images she has created herself and included within the pages of this book.
Saying this is not a genre I read, doesn’t mean this is not a good book, because it is, especially for the younger generation. They love fantasy books, and one such as this one is great for your teen because they will see the Christ of the Bible written in this story. So add this to your child’s Christmas and give them something fantastic, unique, and just an all around good book for them to read.
I want to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not expected to write a positive review.
February 3, 2012
Many times I have tried to read a book in the Fantasy/Speculative Fiction genre and cannot do it. My brain just doesn't conjure up what the characters and creatures look like. For that reason alone I was glad that the illustrations in the book were there and they are "fantastical" in and of themselves! You get two treasures in one: The boundless imagination of the author and her incredible illustrations. It's amazing! And to weave the spiritual thread in the way she did. AWE.SOME.
This is definitely a book that young and old speculative fiction fans will enjoy.
Special thanks to M. C. Pearson of FIRST Wild Card Press for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion, which I have done.
This is definitely a book that young and old speculative fiction fans will enjoy.
Special thanks to M. C. Pearson of FIRST Wild Card Press for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion, which I have done.
October 18, 2015
I loved this story! Parents looking for a great Christian read for their kids that will naturally teach Biblical principals in a fun, entertaining and engaging story will love F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire, by M.C. Pearson. What's more, the kids will love it, too -- and they won't have any idea they are being taught. Kids will learn the principles of spiritual warfare right along with Mellie as she trains to be a member of the One's, Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads. Mellie and her unlikely assortment of friends will appeal to readers of all ages regardless of whether they are girls or boys. If you are looking for just the right novel to include in your child's stocking this Christmas, this is it.
April 29, 2012
Product Description
Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.
From the Back Cover
Here lies a most precious treasure,
Awaiting one Chosen to deliver.
Seek out the red cousins in the East,
For on this your greed mustn't feast.
The wealth of a species now in your hands,
Do with it as the Light demands.
Give them your gift to unite,
For it is the darkness we all must fight.
Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.
From the Back Cover
Here lies a most precious treasure,
Awaiting one Chosen to deliver.
Seek out the red cousins in the East,
For on this your greed mustn't feast.
The wealth of a species now in your hands,
Do with it as the Light demands.
Give them your gift to unite,
For it is the darkness we all must fight.
May 15, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book, especially from the middle to the end where the pace picks up quite a bit. Not that the beginning was bad, it was necessarily slower paced to introduce the main character and set up the plot line. My daughter also read and enjoyed the book. Very well suited for the 10-15 yr old market although others will enjoy reading it. There are so many characters in the story that it is well suited for follow up books that could use any number of them in a larger role. A good, safe read for kids.
December 6, 2011
I received an electronic version of Mimi's book, and I was blown away by the cover on the book. It was super clear on my Kindle and I couldn't wait to read it. The book was a great adventure, and I fell in love with Mellie. Mimi is quite a talented writer and artist. Fantasy fiction is not one of my huge favorite genre's yet I found myself taken away to another world and I really didn't want to leave. This would be a great gift for your fantasy fan!
June 5, 2013
This book is amazing!!! I cannot wait for the next one!!!
December 8, 2013
Enjoyed.
Creative, imaginative.
I like the way the author uses the Scripture.
Creative, imaginative.
I like the way the author uses the Scripture.
February 18, 2018
Love it!
This author writes for the Lord in the the disguise of an enthralling fantasy story anyone of any age would love. I’ll have my kids read it. It’s very uplifting!
This author writes for the Lord in the the disguise of an enthralling fantasy story anyone of any age would love. I’ll have my kids read it. It’s very uplifting!
September 11, 2018
it took a while to capture my attention.
May 18, 2012
The problem with indie books I notice is that many of them have a good idea, but then have a really rough implementation of it. This book is like that.
Mellie is a 12 year old girl who storms off while her family is on vacation at the beach. However she gets completely lost, and winds up being recruited by Regnum, one of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. They're a motley collection of all the good supernatural creatures from myth and legend who fight against I.M.P. a rival organization bent on evil. It seems that every now and then a human being is Chosen to help them out, and she has a lot of training ahead of her. Can she rise to the occasion and fulfill her destiny?
This review is from the Kindle version, and it's rough. There's a lot of formatting errors, noticeably the (?) in front of paragraph indents as a result of a character the Kindle can't render. Another error is drop caps, a common indie mistake. A drop cap can't be rendered in ebook format, and it displays as a single character on the line above it. There's also a problem with one of the character's names that later on in the book renders it like th2is.
The plot isn't too bad, but felt more like a fusion of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. The world is surprisingly decent, and the little touches actually shine like gems. One of the characters is a yeti who can speak German, and he begs for more screen time. I found myself making up lines for him in an outrageous German accent. I wish she had gone a little further actually with the characters. All of them are based on archetypes: the gremlins are named with redneck names like Billy-bob. There's a water nymph who is supposed to be like a surfer-dude, and elves are smug, and self assured. If she pushed them a little more I think you'd have a genuinely funny book. She does so with Lou, the Amazon who happens to be Mellie's combat drill instructor, and she has some of the best lines in the book.
The pacing could be better. This is actually a long book, and it drags in the beginning. It gets better during the school days, and the last mission isn't bad at all. It feels a little more like three separate books though, as foreshadowing really doesn't pick up till the second part and it's a bit heavily done.
There's two last problems. For one thing, Mellie is 12. She really doesn't act like it except at the start of the book, and she has a love interest named Spike. Problem is Spike actually flirts with her instead of probably doing what a 12 year old boy would do, and Mellie doesn't act the same. It's not that creepy in intent-it never goes beyond a rather chaste kiss which has actual plot purposes-but it would have been easier just to make her 15 or older. She doesn't act like a 12 year old girl in my opinion.
The second problem is the art. Full kudos on putting in illustrations. Not many ebooks do. But the illustrations aren't good at all. Spike looks horrible, as does Mellie herself.
So it's really kind of rough for a book, but it does get interesting in the middle. If you are thinking of this as a replacement for books like New Power in the W.I.T.C.H series, it's not going to measure up. If you bought it along with other kids Christian Fantasy to put on a new Kindle your kid might read it, and maybe like it a little. Its heart is in the right place, and it does have some fun to it, but it's just a little too rough and uneven to be more than an average read.
Got to say though, she does a great job at writing smarmy elves.
Mellie is a 12 year old girl who storms off while her family is on vacation at the beach. However she gets completely lost, and winds up being recruited by Regnum, one of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. They're a motley collection of all the good supernatural creatures from myth and legend who fight against I.M.P. a rival organization bent on evil. It seems that every now and then a human being is Chosen to help them out, and she has a lot of training ahead of her. Can she rise to the occasion and fulfill her destiny?
This review is from the Kindle version, and it's rough. There's a lot of formatting errors, noticeably the (?) in front of paragraph indents as a result of a character the Kindle can't render. Another error is drop caps, a common indie mistake. A drop cap can't be rendered in ebook format, and it displays as a single character on the line above it. There's also a problem with one of the character's names that later on in the book renders it like th2is.
The plot isn't too bad, but felt more like a fusion of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. The world is surprisingly decent, and the little touches actually shine like gems. One of the characters is a yeti who can speak German, and he begs for more screen time. I found myself making up lines for him in an outrageous German accent. I wish she had gone a little further actually with the characters. All of them are based on archetypes: the gremlins are named with redneck names like Billy-bob. There's a water nymph who is supposed to be like a surfer-dude, and elves are smug, and self assured. If she pushed them a little more I think you'd have a genuinely funny book. She does so with Lou, the Amazon who happens to be Mellie's combat drill instructor, and she has some of the best lines in the book.
The pacing could be better. This is actually a long book, and it drags in the beginning. It gets better during the school days, and the last mission isn't bad at all. It feels a little more like three separate books though, as foreshadowing really doesn't pick up till the second part and it's a bit heavily done.
There's two last problems. For one thing, Mellie is 12. She really doesn't act like it except at the start of the book, and she has a love interest named Spike. Problem is Spike actually flirts with her instead of probably doing what a 12 year old boy would do, and Mellie doesn't act the same. It's not that creepy in intent-it never goes beyond a rather chaste kiss which has actual plot purposes-but it would have been easier just to make her 15 or older. She doesn't act like a 12 year old girl in my opinion.
The second problem is the art. Full kudos on putting in illustrations. Not many ebooks do. But the illustrations aren't good at all. Spike looks horrible, as does Mellie herself.
So it's really kind of rough for a book, but it does get interesting in the middle. If you are thinking of this as a replacement for books like New Power in the W.I.T.C.H series, it's not going to measure up. If you bought it along with other kids Christian Fantasy to put on a new Kindle your kid might read it, and maybe like it a little. Its heart is in the right place, and it does have some fun to it, but it's just a little too rough and uneven to be more than an average read.
Got to say though, she does a great job at writing smarmy elves.
February 13, 2016
See my profile for my star rating system.
Geared primarily for children and pre-teens, F.A.I.R.E.S. (Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads) is the story of Mellie (12 going on 13) and her adventure of being chosen and choosing to serve the One.
While I love fantasy and read a fair amount of children's and young adult fiction, I had a difficult time getting into this book. In order to show the growth of her character Mellie, the author starts with a self-centered, whiny young girl. Maybe Pearson did a bit too thorough a job in showing Mellie's unflattering side, because I just couldn't find anything about Mellie's character to connect with until well into the story. Mellie's character development reminded me a bit of both Edmund and Eustace from C.S. Lewis' Narnia, but when Mellie was introduced there were no other (more noble) characters to help me stay connected to the story.
Still, I'm glad that I kept reading. About a quarter of the way into the book Mellie's character started to take on a more rounded personality and I enjoyed the development of the relationships within her squad of fantastical being friends. Though I must admit that it seemed odd how Mellie went from being a self-centered twelve year old to acting like a mature sixteen or seventeen year old in the span of four months, the changes in Mellie moved the story along in a way that helped me connect to the lessons she was learning.
Despite the fact that it took some time for me to feel involved in the storyline, Mimi's imagination knows no bounds. As I read I became immersed in a world of strange and fascinating creatures exploring the riddles of dragons and the representation of the One.
Once I settled in to the story I enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing more from Mimi Pearson and her tales of the realm. Her grand imagination will no doubt continue to spark the interest of her target audience as she weaves tales of light, darkness and the One who is above it all.
Thanks to the author for sending me a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Geared primarily for children and pre-teens, F.A.I.R.E.S. (Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads) is the story of Mellie (12 going on 13) and her adventure of being chosen and choosing to serve the One.
While I love fantasy and read a fair amount of children's and young adult fiction, I had a difficult time getting into this book. In order to show the growth of her character Mellie, the author starts with a self-centered, whiny young girl. Maybe Pearson did a bit too thorough a job in showing Mellie's unflattering side, because I just couldn't find anything about Mellie's character to connect with until well into the story. Mellie's character development reminded me a bit of both Edmund and Eustace from C.S. Lewis' Narnia, but when Mellie was introduced there were no other (more noble) characters to help me stay connected to the story.
Still, I'm glad that I kept reading. About a quarter of the way into the book Mellie's character started to take on a more rounded personality and I enjoyed the development of the relationships within her squad of fantastical being friends. Though I must admit that it seemed odd how Mellie went from being a self-centered twelve year old to acting like a mature sixteen or seventeen year old in the span of four months, the changes in Mellie moved the story along in a way that helped me connect to the lessons she was learning.
Despite the fact that it took some time for me to feel involved in the storyline, Mimi's imagination knows no bounds. As I read I became immersed in a world of strange and fascinating creatures exploring the riddles of dragons and the representation of the One.
Once I settled in to the story I enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing more from Mimi Pearson and her tales of the realm. Her grand imagination will no doubt continue to spark the interest of her target audience as she weaves tales of light, darkness and the One who is above it all.
Thanks to the author for sending me a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 26, 2012
Review
"Imagination runs wild in F.A.I.R.I.E.S. Pearson brings young readers through a looking glass and into a world bursting with adventure, heroism, and fascinating creatures. Readers will be inspired to be true to the One and left with anticipation of more to come."
--Jill Williamson, award-winning author of By Darkness Hid, and other books
Product Description
Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.
From the Back Cover
Here lies a most precious treasure,
Awaiting one Chosen to deliver.
Seek out the red cousins in the East,
For on this your greed mustn't feast.
The wealth of a species now in your hands,
Do with it as the Light demands.
Give them your gift to unite,
For it is the darkness we all must fight.
"Imagination runs wild in F.A.I.R.I.E.S. Pearson brings young readers through a looking glass and into a world bursting with adventure, heroism, and fascinating creatures. Readers will be inspired to be true to the One and left with anticipation of more to come."
--Jill Williamson, award-winning author of By Darkness Hid, and other books
Product Description
Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.
From the Back Cover
Here lies a most precious treasure,
Awaiting one Chosen to deliver.
Seek out the red cousins in the East,
For on this your greed mustn't feast.
The wealth of a species now in your hands,
Do with it as the Light demands.
Give them your gift to unite,
For it is the darkness we all must fight.
November 23, 2011
F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is definitely geared towards younger audiences, but even as an adult I really enjoyed the story. This book is close to 500 pages, so it may take a while to read.
I personally didn't like it how the main character was so better at things than expected (can solve very quickly what others consider hard to solve, can do what no one else with her training could do on the first try, etc.) - it just seemed SO made up! This is one of the reasons I think it is for younger readers.
Overall, an exciting adventure story with a nice moral wrapped into it. Though all age groups I believe would enjoy it, I would recommend it for ages 10-14.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
I personally didn't like it how the main character was so better at things than expected (can solve very quickly what others consider hard to solve, can do what no one else with her training could do on the first try, etc.) - it just seemed SO made up! This is one of the reasons I think it is for younger readers.
Overall, an exciting adventure story with a nice moral wrapped into it. Though all age groups I believe would enjoy it, I would recommend it for ages 10-14.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
April 23, 2012
Didn't really like it...I guess it was a little too juvenile. Nothing really bad in it, though. The heroine girl was supposedly only 12/13, but the pictures (which were sprinkled liberally throughout) were of an older girl...at least 15. One kiss between teens - yuck. Otherwise, yeah, it was fine.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews