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momc12's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
faeriesparks's review against another edition
5.0
THAT ENDING
I'M SCREAMING
OMFG
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. NOOOOW
I'M SCREAMING
OMFG
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK. NOOOOW
illyrian_wings's review against another edition
4.0
WHAT ?!!!!!!
That ending slapped me right in the face.
That ending slapped me right in the face.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
It's always a little scary, leaving the familiar characters of a series behind and continuing with a new adventure in the same world with new stars. What if those characters aren't as great as the ones I grew attached to? What if I don't like this adventure as much as the previous one? What if I'll just be missing the previous books?
Well, in this case there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Calla is an amazing leading lady and it didn't take long before we had a connection. For some reason it was so easy to identify with her and the problems she was facing. And her secret power, already revealed in the previous books, is even more awesome when it's front and centre. But I most of all liked how she was emotionally more expressive and outgoing, even though she did the very best to hide it.
And since we already know the world a little Morgan dares to throw Calla into her plot way sooner. It doesn't take long before the story really starts and it also gets exciting very fast. Not only do we see Calla at the academy, in a clearly very different position than her brother and his now wife, but soon she's also exploring the underworld and becoming part of an adventure far bigger than her own.
That adventure leads us to new places, new faces, old faces and well known hot spots. But it most of all leads to the most breathtaking cliffhanger I have ever encountered in a book! I'm already really looking forward to next week, because then I'm gonna read the next book in this trilogy. The start was at least very exciting!
Well, in this case there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Calla is an amazing leading lady and it didn't take long before we had a connection. For some reason it was so easy to identify with her and the problems she was facing. And her secret power, already revealed in the previous books, is even more awesome when it's front and centre. But I most of all liked how she was emotionally more expressive and outgoing, even though she did the very best to hide it.
And since we already know the world a little Morgan dares to throw Calla into her plot way sooner. It doesn't take long before the story really starts and it also gets exciting very fast. Not only do we see Calla at the academy, in a clearly very different position than her brother and his now wife, but soon she's also exploring the underworld and becoming part of an adventure far bigger than her own.
That adventure leads us to new places, new faces, old faces and well known hot spots. But it most of all leads to the most breathtaking cliffhanger I have ever encountered in a book! I'm already really looking forward to next week, because then I'm gonna read the next book in this trilogy. The start was at least very exciting!
arkascha's review against another edition
5.0
I admit it: I was reluctant to pick up A Faerie's Secret, knowing that the story of Creepy Hollow would not continue with Ryn and Vi, who I had come to love so much in the first three volumes of the series. But of course I did pick up the book, and the only reget I have is that I hesitated for as long as I did.
To keep this review spoiler-free for newcomers and fans of Creepy Hollow who haven't made it to this fourth volume alike, I will just say that both parties will thoroughly enjoy the novel, each in their own way. While it is possible to get into A Faerie's Secret without having read the first three volumes, those who have done so will get the extra bonus of being reunited with old friends (and foes!) in settings that feel like home-coming. This latter part may disappoint some, as the novel does not expand a lot in terms of world building and expansion. I too had moments where this bothered me a bit, but the feeling of knowing where I was (scenery and place- wise), and how much that made me feel part of Creepy Hollow, ultimately overrode the desire for a larger world.
The author's writing style, which has always been matching the characters it describes or speaks, quickly conveys Calla's personality and attitude, giving "double-insight" into the thoughts and expressions of the main protagonist. Some may find the alternating fluent prose and choppy, short sentences a bit cumbersome to read but I found this to be a creative layer of expression that adds depth to the story.
One thing I truly did not enjoy was a part of the novel that attempted to bring in elements of national security versus social justice. While I give triple kudos for trying to tackle a worthy and extremely difficult topic, the justification for why something existed (trying to keep it spoiler-free!) was woven into the story in a way that was too obvious and thus felt like it was merely towing political party lines. Granted, my job makes me have a radar for these types of things, so I am probably being overly sensitive and way too critical, and especially so because it was a very small portion of the book.
In the end, the tiny gripes did absolutely nothing to dim my love for the Creepy Hollow series, which continues to spell-bind (Ha!), entertain, and cause heart palpitations with its roller coaster plot twists author Rachel Morgan is (in)famous for. Calla's journey is rough and tough, and one many of us while be able to empathize with. Calla is vulnerable and strong, bratty and thoughtful, child and adult; throughout the novel, these opposites will help (and also hinder) Calla learn, experience setbacks, and grow on her chosen path to become a guardian. Wait - make that the best guardian!
With this review written, I am left to sit here waiting for book five. Are we there yet?
Oh, did I mention that A Faerie's Secret ends with a massively brainbusting cliffhanger? Yeah, there's that...
To keep this review spoiler-free for newcomers and fans of Creepy Hollow who haven't made it to this fourth volume alike, I will just say that both parties will thoroughly enjoy the novel, each in their own way. While it is possible to get into A Faerie's Secret without having read the first three volumes, those who have done so will get the extra bonus of being reunited with old friends (and foes!) in settings that feel like home-coming. This latter part may disappoint some, as the novel does not expand a lot in terms of world building and expansion. I too had moments where this bothered me a bit, but the feeling of knowing where I was (scenery and place- wise), and how much that made me feel part of Creepy Hollow, ultimately overrode the desire for a larger world.
The author's writing style, which has always been matching the characters it describes or speaks, quickly conveys Calla's personality and attitude, giving "double-insight" into the thoughts and expressions of the main protagonist. Some may find the alternating fluent prose and choppy, short sentences a bit cumbersome to read but I found this to be a creative layer of expression that adds depth to the story.
One thing I truly did not enjoy was a part of the novel that attempted to bring in elements of national security versus social justice. While I give triple kudos for trying to tackle a worthy and extremely difficult topic, the justification for why something existed (trying to keep it spoiler-free!) was woven into the story in a way that was too obvious and thus felt like it was merely towing political party lines. Granted, my job makes me have a radar for these types of things, so I am probably being overly sensitive and way too critical, and especially so because it was a very small portion of the book.
In the end, the tiny gripes did absolutely nothing to dim my love for the Creepy Hollow series, which continues to spell-bind (Ha!), entertain, and cause heart palpitations with its roller coaster plot twists author Rachel Morgan is (in)famous for. Calla's journey is rough and tough, and one many of us while be able to empathize with. Calla is vulnerable and strong, bratty and thoughtful, child and adult; throughout the novel, these opposites will help (and also hinder) Calla learn, experience setbacks, and grow on her chosen path to become a guardian. Wait - make that the best guardian!
With this review written, I am left to sit here waiting for book five. Are we there yet?
Oh, did I mention that A Faerie's Secret ends with a massively brainbusting cliffhanger? Yeah, there's that...
tthe_cancerian's review against another edition
4.0
A Faerie's Secret was really enjoyable but it wasn't as great as the previous 3 books. I missed being in Violet's head so much. I missed her and Ryn so damn much, it was nice to see them here and there once in a while. Now, the plot, as usual, was spectacular. Action, humour, mystery, and, major twists!
Calla was fun, a very determined girl, but I found her to be quite selfish at times, that might be the reason I didn't like her as much. The side characters were very fun. But the villain was such a surprise!! The writing was great, fast-paced, and very addicting.
It did take me a while to get engrossed in the story but when I was in, it went smoothly from there.
The last chapter had me in tears!! So happy!
Calla was fun, a very determined girl, but I found her to be quite selfish at times, that might be the reason I didn't like her as much. The side characters were very fun. But the villain was such a surprise!! The writing was great, fast-paced, and very addicting.
It did take me a while to get engrossed in the story but when I was in, it went smoothly from there.
The last chapter had me in tears!! So happy!
ellentje1997's review
5.0
I loved this book so much I can't even get over this story. The fourth book in this series follows Calla, but still shows Violet and Ryn being their adult selves? I'm happy they're still involved.
Can I please take a moment to praise the romance in this book. Again, the romance is awesome! I thought nothing would ever get me over saying goodbye to Violet and Ryn, but this book proved me wrong.
I can't wait for October to find out what's next and I'll probably re-read this series once book 5 comes out and I have it. Even if it's only to get in the Creepy Hollow vibe again.
Nothing but good about this book. And for everyone who's still going to read this book. Prepare for plottwists, loads of small ones and then your mind will be blown.
Can I please take a moment to praise the romance in this book. Again, the romance is awesome! I thought nothing would ever get me over saying goodbye to Violet and Ryn, but this book proved me wrong.
I can't wait for October to find out what's next and I'll probably re-read this series once book 5 comes out and I have it. Even if it's only to get in the Creepy Hollow vibe again.
Nothing but good about this book. And for everyone who's still going to read this book. Prepare for plottwists, loads of small ones and then your mind will be blown.
aprilk's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, I'll admit it, I was a little wary to start reading this one. Only because I loved the first three books in this series so much ( so so much ) and was worried about the 10 year time jump and switch of main character. But there was no way I could not read it ( you know what I mean? ). So anyways it didn't take long at all and I was once again absorbed in the world of Creepy Hollow. I felt foolish for ever doubting that Rachel Morgan could pull me in and make me love this book just as much as the others. Calla was an easy character to fall into instalike with and I just couldn't wait to go on this adventure with her. I want to keep my review as spoiler free as possible so bare with me if I don't go into too much detail about the story plot. With that said, the ending has me extremely happy that I already have a copy of book 5 waiting in my kindle because OH MY GOODNESS!!! I did not see that coming! Just wow!
If you have not read The Creepy Hollow series you could start with this one but honestly I'm not sure why you would want to miss all the amazingness ( is that a word? ) of the first three books to this spellbinding series. I believe newcomers to the series would enjoy this book but even more so those who have read the previous books. I loved getting to have a little peek into the lives of previous friends ( and foes ) of the series and highly recommend them all to basically everyone who's a fan of YA and the fae. Happy Reading!!!
A Faerie's Revenge is due to release Oct 27th.
** I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review. **
If you have not read The Creepy Hollow series you could start with this one but honestly I'm not sure why you would want to miss all the amazingness ( is that a word? ) of the first three books to this spellbinding series. I believe newcomers to the series would enjoy this book but even more so those who have read the previous books. I loved getting to have a little peek into the lives of previous friends ( and foes ) of the series and highly recommend them all to basically everyone who's a fan of YA and the fae. Happy Reading!!!
A Faerie's Revenge is due to release Oct 27th.
** I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review. **