Another book review! I'm going back to my roots with how I first started blogging many, many years ago. I honestly have no idea if that book review blog even still exists...
I actually read this book a few days after it had been released, but hadn't gotten around to actually posting a review of it (especially since I hadn't written anything for this blog since late last year). So here is my belated review of one of the most original and brilliant children's books I've read in a while.
I first picked up The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael partially due to the beautiful cover illustrations, and partially due to the fascinating title. Then I read the blurb.
This book was as though it was written for me.
The historical context added an element of drama to an already drama filled, heart wrenching book with subtle hints of magic and real world influence.
Set in the era of Oliver Cromwell's influence, of a puritanical regime which banned the likes of Christmas and Easter alike, you wouldn't think that this would be a good setting for a children's book, let alone a debut novel, but the setting works brilliantly for the plot and how family and compassionate actions are at the heart of the story. There is enough historical accuracy within this children's novel to suggest wider readings of the subject, making you want to learn more about the topic.
The main character Art is a wonderful protagonist, one whose strong relationship with both her mother and the side characters shines through with brilliant but clearly understandable language. The hardships that Art faces throughout the novel are believable enough that it makes you want to jump in and help, but Art has it.
Throughout the book, there is a clear underpinning of folklore and magic (and not of the fancy Dragon Age kind). It's subtle enough that you could easily miss it, but clearly there if you pay enough attention. It was enchanting enough to keep a slight fantasy vibe about it, but believable enough that you could see it happening in the real world.
A complaint that I have about this is that I wish that it had been a bit longer. That isn't to say that it isn't a well thought out and planned book, but there are portions of the book that could have been expanded upon and characters as well whose stories I would have loved to know more about.
Despite my few complaints, the small but incredibly beautiful illustrations throughout the book help to bring it even more to life.
I would definitely recommend this book, regardless if you're an adult or a child, this book is charming and fun to read whilst learning something new and different from a time long since past.
The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael ★★★☆☆
Another book review! I'm going back to my roots with how I first started blogging many, many years ago. I honestly have no idea if that book review blog even still exists...
I actually read this book a few days after it had been released, but hadn't gotten around to actually posting a review of it (especially since I hadn't written anything for this blog since late last year). So here is my belated review of one of the most original and brilliant children's books I've read in a while.
I first picked up The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael partially due to the beautiful cover illustrations, and partially due to the fascinating title. Then I read the blurb.
This book was as though it was written for me.
The historical context added an element of drama to an already drama filled, heart wrenching book with subtle hints of magic and real world influence.
Set in the era of Oliver Cromwell's influence, of a puritanical regime which banned the likes of Christmas and Easter alike, you wouldn't think that this would be a good setting for a children's book, let alone a debut novel, but the setting works brilliantly for the plot and how family and compassionate actions are at the heart of the story. There is enough historical accuracy within this children's novel to suggest wider readings of the subject, making you want to learn more about the topic.
The main character Art is a wonderful protagonist, one whose strong relationship with both her mother and the side characters shines through with brilliant but clearly understandable language. The hardships that Art faces throughout the novel are believable enough that it makes you want to jump in and help, but Art has it.
Throughout the book, there is a clear underpinning of folklore and magic (and not of the fancy Dragon Age kind). It's subtle enough that you could easily miss it, but clearly there if you pay enough attention. It was enchanting enough to keep a slight fantasy vibe about it, but believable enough that you could see it happening in the real world.
A complaint that I have about this is that I wish that it had been a bit longer. That isn't to say that it isn't a well thought out and planned book, but there are portions of the book that could have been expanded upon and characters as well whose stories I would have loved to know more about.
Despite my few complaints, the small but incredibly beautiful illustrations throughout the book help to bring it even more to life.
I would definitely recommend this book, regardless if you're an adult or a child, this book is charming and fun to read whilst learning something new and different from a time long since past.
The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael ★★★☆☆
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