Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Rating: 3.75/5 Stars

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: 4/27/2010

Add to Goodreads

About the Book: Isabel is a shifter-an immortal creature bound to protect the king of Somorna. Years ago something happened to make Isabel disappear into the wood and now Prince Rokan needs Isabel's protection. But Isable knows Prince Rokan is lying to her and she finds her loyalties being tested-who can she trust, who should be protect, and can she trust her heart?

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I picked this book up because of the blurb comparing it to Graceling. I could see how this could appeal to fans of Graceling, but I don't think it's complex and detailed as Graceling was. It's still an enjoyable read and I found myself compulsively reading Mistwood over the course of a couple of days.

Isabel starts the novel not knowing anything about her shifter past-she really has no memories and we the reader feel Isabel's joltedness from the start. We're thrown in with her, with no back story and we learn what has happened as Isabel learns it. This was somewhat jarring at first, but I liked it as I felt it made me more empathetic towards Isabel.

Although this is a fantasy, I would give it to readers who might typically shy away from fantasy. I never found the world to be hard to understand and it's much more a mystery and conspiracy driven novel than it is fantasy. I kept trying to figure out who was telling the truth and there's a big twist about halfway through the book that I really liked. I did have the ending guessed pretty closely, but it was fun getting there.

My complaints would be the big fight at the end-I felt like that was the only part of the book I didn't follow as well-there was too much going on and it happened so fast I had to go back and re-read it to make sure I knew what was happening. There's also some mild romance, but it was so light and not really built and developed that I wasn't sure it fit. As much as I like romance, I either would have liked it more developed in the storyline or left out completely.

All in all, this was a good debut and I've recommended it my co-worker who enjoys fantasy and I'm eager to hear her thoughts. Overall, the book is pretty clean, so it would work for middle school and up and mystery fans as well as fantasy fans should enjoy Mistwood.

Full Disclosure: copy recieved from my local library

Contact Me

I love to hear from fellow readers and librarians! Send me an email to say hello! You can reach me at greenbeanteenqueen (at) gmail (dot) com

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Rating: 5/5 Stars Genre: Realistic Fiction Release Date: 2/26/2013 Add to Goodreads About the Book: Eleanor and Park are both misfits. When new girl Eleanor sits next to Park on the bus, they don't want anything to do with each other. But over the course of the school year, things change. It starts with comic books and becomes a friendship and a romance that the two will never forget. You never forget your first love. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Have you ever had a book sit on your shelf that you've heard so much hype about? And you think that books sounds like it would be right up your alley, but you're in a reading slump and you're afraid to give it a try unless it fails? I knew Eleanor and Park sounded like my perfect book, but I was in such an after committee slump that I even though I knew this book would help, I just didn't want to be disappointed. I should have known better because Eleanor and Park was perfect and everything that I had hoped it wou

13 District Mockingjay Tour: District 4

Hello and welcome to District Four. I'm sorry that Finnick isn't here to be your host. I know as a member of District Four I should be cheering for my own tribute, but after watching the last two Hunger Games play out I have fallen in love with Peeta Mellark! Why do I love Peeta? He's smart, he's funny, and he's charming. He stands up for what he believes, he's loyal and he's not afraid to do what's right. He's sensitive and caring but can also be strong and kick butt. He fights for Katniss and with Katniss. Peeta is a great diplomat and he knows how to bring people together. He can also be sneaky to get what he wants. Plus, did I mention he can bake? And he's hot!! But it's not just me! We have an underground club of sorts here in District Four-Seafaring Librarians for Peeta! Here's what some of our members had to say about their love for Peeta: - Team Peeta!! I love their relationship because they balance each other perfectly. Where

AndreaJune 21, 2010 at 8:52 AM
I've heard good things about this one. It sounds pretty good.

P.S. I have an award for you.
mary kateJune 21, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Awesome Review! I think I'm gonna pick this up now,I've heard great things about it.
Faye( Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm)June 21, 2010 at 3:01 PM
I agree somethings Mistwood was a little confusing but i loved the writing. Great review!
Natalie AguirreJune 21, 2010 at 7:25 PM
Great review. I've heard a lot abut this book. I've heard so much about it.
MichelleJuly 10, 2010 at 7:45 PM
I fell right in the middle on this one. I thought it was pretty good but not the best book I've ever read. I imagine fantasy lovers might get more out of it than I did.

GreenBeanTeenQueen

Search This Blog