INTRODUCTION
I am happy to post another review by my talented young writer friend, Isabelle Knight. Today she reviews Soledad and the Curse of the Phoenix, the debut middle-grade novel by another friend of mine, Mindy Baker. Yes, I have a lot of writer friends! And yes, I appreciate each one!
THE BLURB
This lower middle grade fantasy set in an ancient Mesoamerican world builds hope and courage rising from destruction.
Soledad is a victim of the Phoenix’s evil plagues, just like the rest of her former village. But she’s also different. She’s hiding with her mother’s flute, which the Phoenix is determined to find.
After a friend’s betrayal, she flees along a new path, high into the mountains, where she discovers the truth about what has really happened to her people. She realizes her knowledge, together with the power of the water and the magic of the flute, can help them all.
But this realization brings a whole new danger. Before she can unite her people and face the Phoenix, Soledad will have to find the strength to forgive and learn again how to trust.
THE REVIEW
I truly had no idea what to expect from this book. Really. And yes, I do indeed read a lot of middle-grade (fantasy, especially), but I don’t think I’ve ever read a middle-grade fantasy set in a Mesoamerican world such as this! And well… let’s just say I turned the page, and I was hooked from the start.
Mindy Baker’s writing style is so vivid and descriptive, and it really dragged me right into the story from page one. I felt as though I was right there with Soledad all throughout her adventures, exploring this world that has been affected by the Phoenix’s evil plagues! The way she describes the world was amazing, and her writing really succeeded in really making me feel this world. By Chapter Five, I already felt as though I knew this world and I really saw how much the Phoenix’s plagues had affected the land.
The characters were such fun as well!! And as much as I love Soledad’s character (and her character arc as she learns to forgive and trust again), I fear that my favorite character has to be the llama, Suri… Animal companions are simply the best in middle-grade books, and Suri did not disappoint at all! :) He was hilarious and was just such a sweet animal companion for Soledad.
The magical flute was such a intriguing element of this story and one of my favorite parts! As someone who plays the Irish/tin/penny whistle, I always love it whenever any sort of woodwind flutes/instruments are included and so I loved learning more about the flute and what it did. (And I loved seeing the twist at the end with the stone and the flute!!! I was not expecting that.)
The only thing I’d have to note is that, for me, it did feel like the story was flowing a bit too fast at times. Which isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but I think I would’ve liked to see all of these plot threads given more time to develop and to be able to see more of the history of the world and such. However, it must be noted that I typically read longer upper middle grade books, and I think having the plot be this fast-paced would likely hook lower MG readers!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story! The world was fascinating (especially the flute and the Phoenix), and I absolutely adored Suri’s character!!! There are also small illustration at the beginning of each chapter which I thought were gorgeous. I’d definitely recommend this book for lower MG readers, especially for those who are looking for a book set in a unique, ancient Mesoamerican world!
SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Mindy’s background as an educator comes through in the activities she designed for readers and their families. Make sure you check them out on her website.
GIVEAWAY
This is a great book for the 9-11 year old reader in your life–just in time for Christmas! Leave a comment by December 16, and Mindy will get an autographed book sent to you right away. In your comment, please indicate who you want the book inscribed to as well as your email address if you are new to my blog. U.S. addresses only.
Looking for more middle grade books? Then check out Greg Pattridge’s blog. Each week he has a slew of reviews of middle grade books!
People seem to be interested in finding out about curses to protect themselves from being trapped by one.
No need for my name if there is a drawing.
Thanks for sharing
Never Give Up
Joan
Thanks for your comment…when writing the book, I started with my main character who was in a desperate state and trying to get water that would heal. I am thankful for Christ who died on the cross to break the curse of sin and death! As for fear of curses, I stand confident that as believers the Holy Spirit who dwells within us is greater than any dark power. :)
Great answer, Mindy! Praise to Christ who breaks the biggest curse of all!
Interesting comment, Joan. I hadn’t thought about that! I’m not sure if that was the writer’s intention. Maybe she’ll comment on your comment!
I’d love for my granddaughter Ezhri.
Thanks, Marissa. Your name starts the list!
My granddaughter would love this. If I win please make it to Bella.
Send to:
Karen Agee
1648 Hollow Dr Unit A
Greenville, NC 27858
kagee1954@gmail.com
Thank you, Karen! I’ll add your name to the list.
Intriguing book, and I admit I had to Google mesoamerican! So glad that Ms. Baker stresses that Jesus Christ takes care of allall curses, including the greatest one of all: Sin!
Sounds like a book my 6th grader would enjoy!
thanks, Connie. I think she would–but I can’t believe she’s in 6th grade already!
It would be for Bowyn.
Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
Thank you, Michelle! I’ll add your name now.
Thanks for the great review, Isabelle!
I too love it when a writer manages to pull off an immersive world. A strong sense of place really lets me sink into a book.
I read more upper MG than lower MG, so your comments about development and pacing really resonated with me. Also, your honesty in pointing out what didn’t work for you, and why. It will be interesting to see if Mindy Baker decides to stretch her storylines out in the future. Sometimes, this happens to authors when they run out of room in MG.
Oh, and Carol? Don’t enter me into the giveaway. I’m a Canuck.
Thank you, Linda, for your comment, insights, and letting me know you’re Canadian. I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
Thanks for all the comments! I’m excited to see who wins! :)
The cover makes me curious. I don’t read a lot fantasy anymore. (I must have gotten worn out when I used to read it all the time!)
Thanks for your comment, Maria. Perhaps this book will pull you back into the fantasy world!
I also haven’t seen a fantasy set in Mesoamerica! This sounds so intriguing, and I love a good character arc. Thanks to Isabelle for another wonderful review!
Thanks, Jenni. I’m adding your name to the list.
This sounds like it has interesting world building, and I’m curious about the magic flute. I’ll let someone else win who has time to read this book now.
thanks for commenting,Natalie!
I’m always looking for books for new readers to MG and this sounds like the perfect choice. Great plot and an even greater review by Isabelle. Thanks for being a part of MMGM this week.
Thanks, Greg. I’m glad this book interests you!
Great review, Isabelle! I too love magical animal companions (who could not?? :) ) and magical artefacts! It sounds a great story with an unusual setting. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Valinora!
Wonderful review. Thanks for that. It sounds like a fascinating book. Unfortunately, I am buried in books right now so have to pass on the giveaway. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for leaving a comment, Rosi. I understand the buried in books phenomena!