I loved this book!!! It was witty, exciting, and everything a middle-grade book should be!
First, I wanted to make sure I pointed out how funny this book was! I think that's what initially caught my attention from page one. The author uses jokes that can be appealing to both adults and children and make the book enjoyable for all. There were multiple times were I laughed out loud so now I'm going to have to read more de la Cruz books to experience her humor once more.
Also, the voice of Filomena, the main character, is strong and unique. She has already experienced some hardship in her life (a lot of bullying), but she carries herself so well. She's kind, thoughtful, a bit adventurous, and ever curious. I'm eager to learn more about her in the coming books in the series.
As I briefly mentioned above, this book covers the topic of bullying a little bit. It doesn't focus on it too much, but it's a large enough theme to help those who may have previously or may currently be struggling with this issue. The bullies in this book are dealt with in a humorous and justified way, but I suspect this topic will return in later books.
We get to meet so many fun and interesting characters in this book as we follow Filomena on her journey to discover the world of Never After. By the end, we have a whole posse of friends that I can't wait to go on more adventures with. They all add something different to the group, be it humor, strength, knowledge, fashion (I'm looking right at you Gretel), etc.
For so many reasons, only a few of which are mentioned above, this book is a 5/5 for me. It was a great beginning to a new series and I can't wait to get more of it!! I'm officially a STAN of Melissa de la Cruz.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First, I wanted to make sure I pointed out how funny this book was! I think that's what initially caught my attention from page one. The author uses jokes that can be appealing to both adults and children and make the book enjoyable for all. There were multiple times were I laughed out loud so now I'm going to have to read more de la Cruz books to experience her humor once more.
Also, the voice of Filomena, the main character, is strong and unique. She has already experienced some hardship in her life (a lot of bullying), but she carries herself so well. She's kind, thoughtful, a bit adventurous, and ever curious. I'm eager to learn more about her in the coming books in the series.
As I briefly mentioned above, this book covers the topic of bullying a little bit. It doesn't focus on it too much, but it's a large enough theme to help those who may have previously or may currently be struggling with this issue. The bullies in this book are dealt with in a humorous and justified way, but I suspect this topic will return in later books.
We get to meet so many fun and interesting characters in this book as we follow Filomena on her journey to discover the world of Never After. By the end, we have a whole posse of friends that I can't wait to go on more adventures with. They all add something different to the group, be it humor, strength, knowledge, fashion (I'm looking right at you Gretel), etc.
For so many reasons, only a few of which are mentioned above, this book is a 5/5 for me. It was a great beginning to a new series and I can't wait to get more of it!! I'm officially a STAN of Melissa de la Cruz.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.