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mybooksarenovel's review
3.0
This contemporary fantasy was pitched to me as being clean, and for fans of Narnia. It is clean, and is a portal fantasy. However, I wasn't a fan.
The story was fine. It read like a sweet contemporary romance set in a fantasy world. Fairy godmothers, found family, and a cute love interest, and a neurodivergent MC. If this is your cup of tea, you would be a much better audience than I was.
I have a lot of criticism, but I feel that it is based on reading a style of novel I am not interested in. The inner monologuing was driving me crazy for the most part, and the story was a bit silly in my opinion. However, I do think this is merely a matter of preference, and I know that there's a large audience for this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for review.
The story was fine. It read like a sweet contemporary romance set in a fantasy world. Fairy godmothers, found family, and a cute love interest, and a neurodivergent MC. If this is your cup of tea, you would be a much better audience than I was.
I have a lot of criticism, but I feel that it is based on reading a style of novel I am not interested in. The inner monologuing was driving me crazy for the most part, and the story was a bit silly in my opinion. However, I do think this is merely a matter of preference, and I know that there's a large audience for this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for review.
audreyslittlelibrary's review
2.0
DNF @ 8%
I don’t enjoy dnfing books, but I had a hard time understanding what was going on most of the time. I took breaks from these books and would read a couple pages at a time because I thought it would help. Every time I came back to the book it was the same and continued to be confused. I love fantasy books, but I wish there was more world building in the first few chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Tabitha for reaching out to me about reviewing this book!
I don’t enjoy dnfing books, but I had a hard time understanding what was going on most of the time. I took breaks from these books and would read a couple pages at a time because I thought it would help. Every time I came back to the book it was the same and continued to be confused. I love fantasy books, but I wish there was more world building in the first few chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Tabitha for reaching out to me about reviewing this book!
kariniwonderland's review
4.0
Instead of the regular magical/supernatural creatures like vampires, fae and witches the Fairy Godmothers take the spotlight and i loved it. Although they are a bit set in their ways, but luckily there is new recruit Lexi who shakes things up. Deliberately or not. This was a cute fun read with magical characters, budding friendships and a hint of romance set in a magical world. Definitely worth the read.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
leilaxx's review
2.0
Thank you, NetGalley and Tabitha, for reaching out and providing this arc for me.
Initially, from the start of the book, I was hooked. I was curious to read a fantasy novel where the main character's issue arises because of her need to help. The people around her enter a haze where they all suffocate her with problems, and she tries to figure out a solution to drown it all away. So we follow her character choosing between the unknown escape or suffocating in the present. The introduction to her new life was exciting because this premise is a unique one that I have yet to read about. Fairy godmothers with an academic twist. It was a fresh start for me. But the more I continued the book, the more frustrating she became. Lexi though 19, had the thought process of a 13-year-old. Her behaviour and recklessness were all very juvenile acts. It was hard trying to sympathise with her. Character, wise I liked Oliver's character. I enjoyed Harriet and Oliver's personalities and how close their friendship had grown as individuals. I would like to have seen more of Oliver's background. Lexis' inner thoughts, I won't lie, resonated with me at times, and she was pretty funny throughout the novel.
I hoped for a more substantial background to her abilities, the villain's origin, the history behind the godmothers and their individual powers. This is more of a YA fantasy than an adult fantasy. I recommend it if you're looking for a YA light-hearted fantasy novel with friendship, funny characters and an easy read. This is a good choice for a younger audience wanting to dip their toes into fantasy.
Initially, from the start of the book, I was hooked. I was curious to read a fantasy novel where the main character's issue arises because of her need to help. The people around her enter a haze where they all suffocate her with problems, and she tries to figure out a solution to drown it all away. So we follow her character choosing between the unknown escape or suffocating in the present. The introduction to her new life was exciting because this premise is a unique one that I have yet to read about. Fairy godmothers with an academic twist. It was a fresh start for me. But the more I continued the book, the more frustrating she became. Lexi though 19, had the thought process of a 13-year-old. Her behaviour and recklessness were all very juvenile acts. It was hard trying to sympathise with her. Character, wise I liked Oliver's character. I enjoyed Harriet and Oliver's personalities and how close their friendship had grown as individuals. I would like to have seen more of Oliver's background. Lexis' inner thoughts, I won't lie, resonated with me at times, and she was pretty funny throughout the novel.
I hoped for a more substantial background to her abilities, the villain's origin, the history behind the godmothers and their individual powers. This is more of a YA fantasy than an adult fantasy. I recommend it if you're looking for a YA light-hearted fantasy novel with friendship, funny characters and an easy read. This is a good choice for a younger audience wanting to dip their toes into fantasy.
mickeyb41014's review against another edition
3.0
As much as I wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into it. I loved the premise of the story and was very excited to start a brand new fantasy series as it is one of my favorite genres.
That being said, do not dismiss this book based off my review. Pick it up for yourself and see what happens. Everyone's tastes are different and I know many who have loved it.
That being said, do not dismiss this book based off my review. Pick it up for yourself and see what happens. Everyone's tastes are different and I know many who have loved it.
thebookedcookie's review
4.0
Have you ever wanted to be a fairy godmother? Well this story tells us what that might be like. Lexi is turning 19. She has always had a need to help other people, but it’s gotten out of hand. A fairy godmother comes to her and invites her to join them. Lexi does eventually, but things don’t go as perfectly as she plans.
Lexi is impulsive and doesn’t think things through. She struggles to accept authority and makes rash decisions without understanding everything at stake. Lexi has big heart and just really wants to help her fellow godmothers and the people in need of blessings. Throughout Lexi learns and grows, and so do the godmothers.
There’s family, friendship, and a little romance in these pages. Don’t forget the magic and an every-so-often ball. This isn’t all glitter and magic wands. There is an old evil that is wrecking havoc and somethings from your nightmares.
This is a cute read that is perfect for teenagers who still love fairytales.
This book contains scattered mild profanity and an innocent romance.
Lexi is impulsive and doesn’t think things through. She struggles to accept authority and makes rash decisions without understanding everything at stake. Lexi has big heart and just really wants to help her fellow godmothers and the people in need of blessings. Throughout Lexi learns and grows, and so do the godmothers.
There’s family, friendship, and a little romance in these pages. Don’t forget the magic and an every-so-often ball. This isn’t all glitter and magic wands. There is an old evil that is wrecking havoc and somethings from your nightmares.
This is a cute read that is perfect for teenagers who still love fairytales.
This book contains scattered mild profanity and an innocent romance.
sarahanne_65's review
2.0
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC -
We follow Lexi, a 19 year old with the uncanny ability to help others. On her 19th birthday, she finds herself overrun with requests for help. That’s when we meet Gussy, a fairy godmother. Gussy invites Lexi to join the order of fairy godmothers and help others find their happily ever after.
Although I do enjoy fantasy, this one wasn’t really my cup of tea. I found the writing to be not my style. It was at times too many words and too much telling. I think that this would be better suited for a young YA. Lexi felt much younger than 19 to me, but I did enjoy watching her mature throughout the story line. Oliver was a huge redeeming character for me, and I wish more time had been spent focusing on their friendship, as well as character development for Harriet.
Also please! We need more world building! The opening chapter describing how Acacia came to be was not nearly enough. I found myself confused for a lot of the beginning of the story. I would love to read more of a prequel to the story in the opening chapter, describing what the fairy godmothers do or the evil they keep at bay. Reading the few journal entries near the middle of the book was almost too late. I think this would have been more powerful if we’d already been given a better understanding of what’s at stake and then we see WOW Mavis was involved?!
We follow Lexi, a 19 year old with the uncanny ability to help others. On her 19th birthday, she finds herself overrun with requests for help. That’s when we meet Gussy, a fairy godmother. Gussy invites Lexi to join the order of fairy godmothers and help others find their happily ever after.
Although I do enjoy fantasy, this one wasn’t really my cup of tea. I found the writing to be not my style. It was at times too many words and too much telling. I think that this would be better suited for a young YA. Lexi felt much younger than 19 to me, but I did enjoy watching her mature throughout the story line. Oliver was a huge redeeming character for me, and I wish more time had been spent focusing on their friendship, as well as character development for Harriet.
Also please! We need more world building! The opening chapter describing how Acacia came to be was not nearly enough. I found myself confused for a lot of the beginning of the story. I would love to read more of a prequel to the story in the opening chapter, describing what the fairy godmothers do or the evil they keep at bay. Reading the few journal entries near the middle of the book was almost too late. I think this would have been more powerful if we’d already been given a better understanding of what’s at stake and then we see WOW Mavis was involved?!
thecaseofbooks's review
4.0
I read an eARC of this so thank you to Net Galley, the author and the publisher for allowing this.
Through Smoke and Sand is a refreshing new entry to YA fiction. I think this might be the first book I’ve read where Fairy Godmothers are the central focus rather than supporting cast. This was a fun topic and I enjoyed reading about the history and goals of the Fairy Godmothers.
Our main character Lexi is working in a job that’s not going so well. She’s good at helping people with their problems and it gets in the way of her work. On her 19th birthday, suddenly everyone around her starts obsessively demanding her help, to the point that they’re breaking windows to get to her. Whilst hiding, Gussy appears to ask Lexi to join the Fairy Godmothers. In her desperation to escape Lexi travels to a mountain to find them.
I found Lexi’s feelings of being overwhelmed by so many people needing her help really relatable and it made me surprised that I haven’t seen this in more books. This really resonated with me. Lexi really wants to help others but it makes her vulnerable and people do take advantage. When she joins the Fairy Godmothers, she takes some toxic habits with her and has to learn to listen and trust others. At times Lexi was frustrating in how she acts without thinking, but this was part of her growth as she learns to work with others and consider their opinions.
The writing did feel like it was aimed for younger readers, however that didn’t detract from an enjoyable and interesting tale on fantasy.
Certain supporting characters really made this book. Harriet who is so sweet and kind and really shows the value of working hard and trying your best, Oliver who is so supportive, and lovely Gussy who bridges the past and the future in the Fairy Godmothers.
Through Smoke and Sand is a refreshing new entry to YA fiction. I think this might be the first book I’ve read where Fairy Godmothers are the central focus rather than supporting cast. This was a fun topic and I enjoyed reading about the history and goals of the Fairy Godmothers.
Our main character Lexi is working in a job that’s not going so well. She’s good at helping people with their problems and it gets in the way of her work. On her 19th birthday, suddenly everyone around her starts obsessively demanding her help, to the point that they’re breaking windows to get to her. Whilst hiding, Gussy appears to ask Lexi to join the Fairy Godmothers. In her desperation to escape Lexi travels to a mountain to find them.
I found Lexi’s feelings of being overwhelmed by so many people needing her help really relatable and it made me surprised that I haven’t seen this in more books. This really resonated with me. Lexi really wants to help others but it makes her vulnerable and people do take advantage. When she joins the Fairy Godmothers, she takes some toxic habits with her and has to learn to listen and trust others. At times Lexi was frustrating in how she acts without thinking, but this was part of her growth as she learns to work with others and consider their opinions.
The writing did feel like it was aimed for younger readers, however that didn’t detract from an enjoyable and interesting tale on fantasy.
Certain supporting characters really made this book. Harriet who is so sweet and kind and really shows the value of working hard and trying your best, Oliver who is so supportive, and lovely Gussy who bridges the past and the future in the Fairy Godmothers.
huntingforagoodread's review against another edition
5.0
Lexi has had this need to help people for years. Suddenly on her 19th birthday, it becomes overwhelming and every stranger wants her to solve a problem for them. Right as she’s about to have her first real crisis, ever, her Fairy Godmother Gussy appears! Only Gussy isn’t her Fairy Godmother. She’s there to get Lexi to join them in their fight against evil by granting HEA’s.
Throughout this story, Lexi learns not only how to trust the people in her life, but how to use her powers for the greater good, even if she has a mishap or four along the way. Her love interest is the mysterious Oliver who comes and goes as he pleases but she always falls asleep before he leaves. What could he be?
I love fantasy but it’s been a while since a book has been able to get 5 stars from me in that category. This take on Fairy Godmothers was so fun and entertaining. I read it in one setting and can see it being turned into a movie with a cult following like Hocus Pocus. Would definitely recommend if you like light, fun, magical reads.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Green Elk Publishing for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout this story, Lexi learns not only how to trust the people in her life, but how to use her powers for the greater good, even if she has a mishap or four along the way. Her love interest is the mysterious Oliver who comes and goes as he pleases but she always falls asleep before he leaves. What could he be?
I love fantasy but it’s been a while since a book has been able to get 5 stars from me in that category. This take on Fairy Godmothers was so fun and entertaining. I read it in one setting and can see it being turned into a movie with a cult following like Hocus Pocus. Would definitely recommend if you like light, fun, magical reads.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Green Elk Publishing for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
zana_reads_arcs's review against another edition
3.0
So the author reached out to me on Instagram and asked me to check out her novel on NetGalley, which I agreed to do because I'll honestly read anything fantasy and I'm down to support an indie author.
I'll start off by saying that this really wasn't for me, but others might like it. I'm just not a fan of light fantasy with Disney elements, where everything is solved with the power of goodness. The Fairy Godmother-in-training storyline was pretty unique though. The writing is also well done.
This novel is very light-hearted and perfect for younger YA readers. The FMC is an adult who's just a little over high school age, but her POV and the writing reads much younger. This is one of those cases where I wonder if the protagonist should be aged down.
My major issues with this novel is that it's very heteronormative, amatonormative, and is basically all about following the status quo. I'm not sure if this is the author's beliefs leaking onto the page, but as someone who's none of the above, it feels very heavy-handed.
"True love" and being with "the one" was emphasized by one of the Fairy Godmothers while Lexi and Harriet are learning about giving blessings to young women. And cis hetero relationships are the only ones we see here (Lexi/Oliver, Lexi's mom/Kyle, literally every blessing that involves a young woman and the man she loves).
Before the third act, we see Lexi being rebellious and being her sarcastic loudmouth self. By the end of the book, she essentially learns her lesson by realizing that following the status quo and toning herself down to fit in with the group is the best way to go about it.
I feel icky about this revelation tbh and I'm not a huge fan of it. It sends a message that the correct way to do things is to mold yourself to the norm. None of the things that Lexi says are truly offensive, just sarcastic observations that might sting a little. But then again, that technically bucks the status quo, I guess. It feels very corporate or Christian America.
Thank you to Green Elk Publishing and NetGalley for the book.
I'll start off by saying that this really wasn't for me, but others might like it. I'm just not a fan of light fantasy with Disney elements, where everything is solved with the power of goodness. The Fairy Godmother-in-training storyline was pretty unique though. The writing is also well done.
This novel is very light-hearted and perfect for younger YA readers. The FMC is an adult who's just a little over high school age, but her POV and the writing reads much younger. This is one of those cases where I wonder if the protagonist should be aged down.
My major issues with this novel is that it's very heteronormative, amatonormative, and is basically all about following the status quo. I'm not sure if this is the author's beliefs leaking onto the page, but as someone who's none of the above, it feels very heavy-handed.
"True love" and being with "the one" was emphasized by one of the Fairy Godmothers while Lexi and Harriet are learning about giving blessings to young women. And cis hetero relationships are the only ones we see here (Lexi/Oliver, Lexi's mom/Kyle, literally every blessing that involves a young woman and the man she loves).
Before the third act, we see Lexi being rebellious and being her sarcastic loudmouth self. By the end of the book, she essentially learns her lesson by realizing that following the status quo and toning herself down to fit in with the group is the best way to go about it.
I feel icky about this revelation tbh and I'm not a huge fan of it. It sends a message that the correct way to do things is to mold yourself to the norm. None of the things that Lexi says are truly offensive, just sarcastic observations that might sting a little. But then again, that technically bucks the status quo, I guess. It feels very corporate or Christian America.
Thank you to Green Elk Publishing and NetGalley for the book.