Review: Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

 

* First Book in a new series *

Skandar's always wanted to pass the test and hatch a unicorn. But when he's not allowed to take the test, he feels like the whole world is against him. Until a strange arrives at midnight. She will take him to the hatching site and sneak him in.

At first, Skandar believes it's too good to be true. Does this mysterious strange have anything to do with the unicorn thief?

He bonds with a unicorn and joins his place among the students. But he quickly learns that his magical element is illegal. And if anyone else found out, both he and his unicorn could be killed...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this start to a new series. I liked that unicorns were not innocent magical creatures but rather monsters that could be sweet. I liked their personalities and their quirks. I loved the bond between Skandar and Scoundrel's Luck. I felt bad for Skandar and his family life and wanted to wrap him up in a big hug. I loved his big heart and his loyalty. I loved the quartet of friends and how they bonded as well. Lots of danger, action, and mystery. A great start - I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your fantasy readers in school and public libraries.

Review: Curse of the Phoenix

 

Zac and Lu's father is having a hard time parenting them after their mother died. He's spending them to England to spend the summer with relatives they've never met. When he leaves them at the airport, the twins are certain it's going to be the worst summer ever.

But then they discover the stories their mother told them were not just stories. The creatures from those stories are real. And their family must take care of them all - it's their curse.

For the first time ever, Zac can spend time outside - without feeling sick and miserable. Lu vows to watch over him. But the two of them get into more trouble together than apart. Will their trouble cause a rift in the family and change everything?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved how the twins had to learn about this new world bit by bit - layer by layer. I loved meeting the new creatures - even if they were harmful and a bit scary. I loved how the twins came together after being apart for so long - they were really sweet even when they were annoyed with each other. I felt bad for the family - who didn't want the curse and didn't enjoy being caretakers. I really liked the ending!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection - very eye catching 

Source: ARC sent for Review

Library Recommendation:  A great middle grade fantasy for your school and public libraries. Highly recommended.