The Last Great Heir: Feast and Famine by Carina Finn

The Last Great Heir: Feast and Famine by Carina Finn
Publisher:  Sourcebooks for Young Readers
Format:  E-ARC via NetGalley
Number of pages:   278 pages
Publishing:   January 28th, 2025 
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Opening Line: "Rue pressed her back flat against the brick wall of the alley, her breath caught in her lungs."

The land of Fauret was once united until a rift was caused by a demon leading the land to divide into two distinct houses: the Feast and Famine's.  The demon was contained within the spiral tower of Helix and since then, the custom in Fauret has dictated that the heirs of Feast and Famine engage in a duel.  The victor will retain rule over the land of Fauret and ensure that the demons are unable to break loose from the tower and inhabit  Fauret.

Merriment "Merri" Feast has always known a life of parties and fine pastries, gold bracelets with a sword charm and elaborate skirts of emerald.  Rue Famine, on the other hand wears an all-black dress and stockings, and a silver bracelet with a tiny skull.  She's never indulged in the frivolity of pastries or parties.  Instead, her house creates the potions and elixirs that help the people of Famine.   

Yet, on the girls thirteenth birthday, which is quickly approaching, they are set to participate in a duel.  Rue would like nothing more than to be a great heir, but her mother hasn't been proactive with her training, so how is she to be successful?  Merri is being trained by her Aunt Ambrosia, and the Feasts haven't lost a duel in three generations, placing considerable pressure on her to ensure that the trend continues.  While she is naturally gifted with charms, Merri begins to experiment in Famine magic and one of her potions accidentally causes her twin sister, Abundance "Bun" to fall into a deep slumber.     

Rue and Merri have always been curious about one another, wanting to learn more about the person who they've been brought up to view as their rival.  Each feeling weighed down by the responsibility and what the consequences of them possibly losing the duel will mean to themselves and their house.  As they get closer and closer to their birthday, they begin to realize that they don't feel prepared to do battle and suspicions begin to form that their families have been holding a valuable piece of information from them.  

The Last Great Heir is the debut novel from Carina Finn, a food writer, critic and content creator.  Finn began writing The Last Great Heir while she was working in NYC as a restaurant critic, stating "living a life of “unfathomable abundance.” She says, “In many ways, it was a dream. But sometimes my dream life felt physically awful, and it was impossible not to think of all the people who went without basic necessities while I spent my days writing about the previous night’s twelve course dinner.  The world of Feast and Famine was born out of this dichotomy."  She can be found at @sheneedsasnack (Instagram, TikTok).

The Last Great Heir is a light middle grade fantasy that focuses on classism, familial ties, the expectations that are placed on us or that we place upon ourselves, and the aspirations of being a kind and just heir who "understands the world beyond the confines of one's inheritance."  Rue and Merri have two very different lived experiences yet have more in common than they even know.  Feasts have a lavish life and vigorish magical training while Famine study history, alchemy and develop elixirs to stave off hunger.  Both families have been keeping secrets from the girls, and I enjoyed watching how their shared hidden past lead them closer and closer toward one another and a final understanding of how and why the duel began in the first place.  Through the alternating narratives of Merri and Rue the author fills in some of the key details and helps the reader to understand these girls better.  What motivates them and who is most important to them.  Fauret is an interesting world of demons, ancient magic, talking cats, an adorable puppy and two houses that have long been divided over social class.  The story includes LGBTQIA+ representation with Rue having two mothers and two gay uncles and that final twist will have the reader eager for the next book in the series.  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

**A huge thank you to Sourcebooks for Young Readers for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**  

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with a review of The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco

The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco
Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   368 pages
Publishing:   January 21st, 2025 
Source:  Blue Slip Media

Opening Line: "One thing you don't know about me yet is I am very quiet."

Hurricane and her older sister Bronte have lived alone since their father died in World War I and their mother passed away from Tuberculosis (TB) in 1930.  The two sisters are inseparable.  Being a quiet girl, Hurricane has always relied on Bronte to do all the talking for her.  However, Bronte is suddenly diagnosed with TB and sent to recuperate at Wintering Pines, a sanatorium.  Hurricane is uprooted from her coastal home to reside in the city with her great Aunt Claire.  Aunt Claire is a bit eccentric; she employs Mr. Keats as her chauffeur and cook, and she has embraced modern conveniences like electricity and indoor plumbing.  Hurricane finds the transition challenging, and the thought of being separated from her cherished dog, Brody-Bear and sister, is simply too devastating.  Without Bronte who will be her voice now?

Aunt Claire is well meaning, yet a tad overly concerned with Hurricane wearing overalls and boots.  She's insistent on implementing a few new rules for her also: making the bed first thing in the morning, doing calisthenics daily, completing household chores, and above all, maintaining a "brave demeanor."  Mr. Keats on the other hand is a softy, thoughtful and very kind.  He notices that Hurricane is making an effort to adapt and subtly encourages her aunt to be more lenient with her.  Soon Hurricane meets Theo, a boy who is instrumental in helping her with a stray cat, together with his suggestions and Mr. Keats help, they're able to entice the cat from the basement to the upstairs.  Eventually, Hurricane begins to build her confidence to ask for the things she wants and even convinces her aunt to check in on how her sister is doing in the hospital.       

Hurricane is such a delight.  In a lot of ways, she reminds me of Pippi Longstocking in terms of her energy and desire to dress comfortably.  And Aunt Claire is lovely.  As I said I truly believe she has the best of intentions, having never had children herself to raise.  She even consults the local women's club for pointers and is reading "mothering" handbooks.  As Hurricane's independence begins to grow, her aunt also begins changing.  Even learning to drive the car, which is most comedic.  The story has a very nostalgic feel, little bit of Emily of New Moon and Anne of Green Gables.  With Mr. Keats being a little like Matthew Cuthbert.  Just like the cover, this was a warm, cozy and inviting read for me.  I appreciated the authors note at the end discussing the inspiration for her story, information for the sources of research on TB and class lesson suggestions.

Favorite lines:  "I see, Mr. Keats says now pouring more tea.  And I can tell that he does because he's giving me every ounce of his attention.  He looks me in the eye, soft and warm, and the sun shines through me."   

    **A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. **  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee
Publisher:  Wednesday Books
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   352 pages
Publishing:   January 7th, 2025
Source:  St. Martin's Publishing Group

Opening Line:  "Two strangers arrived on a mid-autumn morning, as if swept in by the cold wind rustling the drooping branches of the elm trees."

At the age of six, identical twins Sai and Jun were separated when their father, Li Hon broke the law by teaching them martial arts, something strictly forbidden in the East.  Jun and his father were banished to West Longhan, forced to work at the Cheon Opera Company, separating them from Sai and his mother.    

Every six years an elite Guardian's Tournament is held to entrust the Scroll of Earth to its new protector.  For the past ten years, Jun has done nothing but dreamed of competing, but his father has forbidden him from entering.  Instead, he wants Jun to take the imperial exam and get a respectable job.  However, Jun's desire to become a Guardian is too strong, even though he isn't breathmarked like his brother Sai.  Jun lacks the scales, dragon's blood and special abilities that are associated with the mark. Determined to not let that stop him, Jun secretly steals aboard a carriage heading East, defying his father's wishes.

During the tournament, Jun encounters numerous setbacks. First, his registration fee is stolen and then he faces more experienced opponents.   General Cobu of the Imperial Army even changes the rules of the tournament to favor his own fighter.  Jun has much at stake in the outcome of the tournament, but can he survive long enough to make it to the finals while the fate of the country is resting on him winning?

Breath of the Dragon is a fast paced, action-packed fantasy set in a Chinese inspired world.   It's a story with political intrigue, lovely fight scenes, and a country that has been divided into two opposing sides over their differing views on the practice of martial arts.  Reunification hasn't been possible for many years as they have taken different paths and continue to be divided over this complex issue.

Jun is a sympathetic and generally well-intentioned character.   At first, I was thrown off by his over confidence in his skills and ego, he is kind of portrayed as a jerk.  However, I began to warmup to him by the end of the book as his motivations for wanting to enter the tournament came more to light.  Also, he shows a lot of growth despite facing some challenging opponents.  Eventually even coming to understand what the weight of being a Guardian really entails.   I found myself absorbed with his journey to enter the tournament, and enjoyed how the story kept me guessing with all of its twists and turns.  The corrupt General even raised the tension nicely and the stakes kept getting higher and higher.  This is the first book in what is meant to be a duology and is said to be based off of the characters and teachings of Bruce Lee, it is written by Bruce Lee's sister, Shannon and author Fonda Lee.  Overall, I enjoyed reading this YA fantasy and am eagerly awaiting the sequel.    

The Hunt for the Nightingale by Sarah Ann Juckes , illustrated by Sharon King-Chai

The Hunt for the Nightingale by Sarah Ann Juckes, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai
Publisher:  Kane Miller Publishing
Format:  Paperback
Number of pages:   272 pages
Published:   December 1st, 2024 (1st published 1/1/22 in UK) 
Source:  Publisher

Opening Line: "My big sister Rosie says that the first thing you need to do when you're feeling lost, is get your bearings."

Each year, Jasper and his older sister Rosie eagerly await the arrival of their beloved nightingale, who appears every spring in their garden gracing them with its song.  However, this year the nightingale hasn't yet returned.  Rosie promised to help Jasper to find it over the weekend but then she didn't come home either.  Jasper's parents then tell him the sad news that Rosie has gone on to "a better place," which he understands to mean that she has disappeared.  Jasper concludes that Rosie must have gone to search for the nightingale at the gas station where she spotted it last year, and all he has to do is walk there to find them both.  

The Hunt for the Nightingale is a beautiful story that explores themes of sadness, grief, loss, and is a journey towards acceptance.  It highlights the importance of parents communicating openly and in clear terms that kids can understand, rather than trying to deliver simplified messages.  Phrases like "being in a better place" were too abstract for Jasper, leading him to focus on where is Rosie?  Jasper also would have benefitted from parents who weren't so preoccupied with their work.  One's who didn't forget his birthday.  Or parents that weren't dismissive of Jasper and Rosie's passion for bird watching by making comments like it's "only a bird."  It minimized the importance of Rosie having taught Jasper facts about birds and that they had been writing Rosie and Jasper's Book of Birds together.  Jasper and his sister were obsessed with birds and it's something that their parents should have been more encouraging about.   

On his way to the gas station, Jasper encountered many wonderful people, each leaving a lasting impression on him. There was Lulu, an older girl from his school with visual difficulties, who's searching for her lost dog.  Madge who helps Jasper to navigate through a field of cows, Gan Tran Stevens and Ibrahim who help him to push through the tough questions and suggest breathing exercises for those panicky feelings he's been experiencing.  Each offered him valuable advice, guiding him to come to terms with his loss.  Jasper's raw emotions of anger, sorrow and denial are relatable and heartwarming for the reader.  I must admit that it brought me to tears. Yet, there's also a tenderness and heartwarming sentiment in knowing that there were people who took the time to listen and cared for Jasper while he was in so much pain. Jasper changed following each interaction he made, becoming more courageous and gaining insight into his panic attacks.  The book features Sharon King-Chai's exquisite bird illustrations and each chapter is punctuated with fascinating facts about birds.  Overall, this is a beautiful story filled with emotion, warmth and lovely messaging. 

  **A huge thank you to Kane Miller Publishing for the paperback in exchange for an honest review. **       

SPOTLIGHT on UNRAVELED Newest Installment in the Bestselling KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES Series by Shannon Messenger (out:12/3)

Unraveled (Keeper of the Lost Cities #9.5) by Shannon Messenger
Publisher:  Aladdin
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 432 pages
Publishing:   December 3rd, 2024
Find It:  Goodreads, Amazon ,

 YouTube Trailer for Unraveled

  About the Book:

The past and present unravel into staggering truths in this can’t-miss installment of the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series told entirely from Keefe’s point of view.

Please be careful. Please be happy. And PLEASE forget all about me. It’ll be better for everyone that way.

Those were the last words Keefe Sencen wrote to Sophie Foster before he ran away to the Forbidden Cities. He didn’t want to leave, but it was the only way to keep his friends safe while he figured out how to control his scary new powers and searched for answers about his past.

What he found was so much more than adventures in Humanland.

Where did he go? What did he do? And who did he meet while the rest of his friends worked to solve the mystery of Stellarlune? The answers go far beyond anything anyone could have ever imagined and give Keefe the power to change his destiny.

Unraveled makes for the perfect holiday gift idea for fans of the series! And everyone waiting to finally get Keefe's perspective.   

**Of Special Note:  Warner Bros Pictures has acquired Keeper of the Lost Cities, with Emma Watts set to produce.**

                                  About the Author

Shannon Messenger graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where she learned—among other things—that she liked watching movies much better than making them. She studied art, screenwriting, and television production but realized her real passion was writing for kids and teens. She’s the internationally, New York Times, and USA TODAY bestselling author of the award-winning middle grade series Keeper of the Lost Cities, as well as the Sky Fall young adult series. Her books have been featured on multiple state reading lists, published in numerous countries, and translated into many languages. She lives in Southern California with her family and an embarrassing number of cats. Visit her online at ShannonMessenger.com /X / Instagram / Facebook / and for fun Keeper of Lost Cities Themed Receipes

SPOTLIGHT on FUTURELAND by H.D. Hunter a New Afrofuturist Middle Grade Series (Book 3 publishing 11/19/24)

I wish I could read all the books, but occasionally a new series slips by.  Therefore, rather than reviewing the book, I decided to instead highlight the entire series.  Put a spotlight on a book whose covers immediately captured my attention.  Doesn't the premise just grab at you?    If you've already read this series, please feel free to share your thoughts in a comment.  I'd also like to send a big thank you to Banholzer PR for bringing this promising, exciting series to my attention. 

                         About the Series:

Futureland (Book 1):  Battle for the Park  
When an extraordinary flying theme park arrives above Atlanta, one boy must stop a sinister force from stealing the park's tech and taking over the world..

Welcome to the most spectacular theme park in the world.

Everyone wants a ticket to Futureland, where you can literally live out your wildest dreams. Want to step inside your favorite video game? Go pro in a sports arena? Perform at a real live concert? Grab your ticket and come right in.

Yet with all its attractions, Futureland has always just been home to Cam Walker, the son of the park's famous creators. And when Futureland arrives at its latest stop, Atlanta, Cam is thrilled for what promises to be the biggest opening ever. . .

But things aren't quite right with the Atlanta opening. Park attractions are glitching. Kids go missing. And when his parents are blamed, Cam must find the missing kids and whoever's trying to take down his family . . . before it's too late.

Futureland (Book 2):  The Nightmare Hour

The theme park of your dreams is back in this action-packed sequel as Cam Walker and his friends take on creepy carnivals, insidious tech, and a nightmarish new enemy to save the world. An electrifying illustrated series for fans of Miles Morales. 

The most spectacular theme park in the world is headed to the Big Apple. 
After Atlanta, Cam Walker and his family are ready to turn over a new leaf with Futureland. This is where dreams literally come true, and the Walkers are going to show the people of New York City that their park is back and better than ever.

But trouble isn’t done with the Walkers yet. Glitches keep happening with the park attractions. There's a creepy carnival in town that gives Cam goosebumps. Plus, he just can’t shake the feeling that his family is being watched. And it may be his imagination, but are the people around him acting . . . stranger than usual?

Can Cam get to the bottom of what’s going on before Futureland becomes a playground of terrors?

                    And the final book in the series is....

Futureland (Book 3):  The Architect Games by H.D. Hunter, illustrated by Khadijah Khatib
Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers  
Format:  Hardcover
Number of pages:  336 pages
Publishing:  November 19th, 2024

Find It: Penguin Random House , Goodreads, Amazon

Mazes and mind games await in this epic third book
about the theme park of your dreams, where Cam Walker goes head-to-head with the villains who have been after Futureland from the start. An electrifying illustrated series for fans of Miles Morales."Hold on tight, Futureland will be the ride of your life . . . and maybe the last!" —Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Team Futureland. Their archenemies. A showdown in spectacularly futuristic Egypt.After Futureland emerges from back-to-back scandals, Cam Walker and his family are ready to confront the people who keep targeting their flying park. A group called the Architects has been after them since Futureland made its Atlanta stop, and the Walkers have had enough.

To settle things, the Architects propose the very first Architect Games, where the Walkers and the Architects will battle in a series of challenges. If the Walkers win, then the Architects will leave them alone once and for all. But if Cam and his family lose, they will lose everything—including Futureland and its prized tech.  The Architects can't be trusted, but Cam doesn't have a choice. If he can lead his team to victory, his family and friends will be free. Otherwise, there's no telling what the Architects will do once they get their hands on Futureland. . . .

                                  About the Author

Hugh “H.D.” Hunter is a storyteller, teaching artist, and community organizer from Atlanta. He’s also the winner of several indie book awards for multicultural fiction. Hugh is committed to stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds. He loves vegan snacks, basketball, and stories that make you cry—but make you smile afterward. Check out Hugh’s work at thesoutherndistrict.com and follow him at @hd_tsd.

From Wonderland with Love by Jeffrey Westhoff

From Wonderland with Love by Jeffrey Westhoff

Publisher:  Ringtale Publishing
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   261 pages
Publishing:   November 5th, 2024
Source:  Edelweiss+

Opening Line: "Alice sat alone beneath a tree on the bank and, with considerable envy, watched the people rowing past her on the river."

It has been five years since Alice's last adventures in Wonderland and Looking Glass Land, and she has yet to dream up a new adventure to share with her sister.  Suddenly she receives an official visit from the White Rabbit.  The Queen and King of Hearts have demanded her immediate presence in Wonderland for a special mission.  They want Alice to retrieve the T.A.R.T.S (Totally Automatic Random Targeting System) that was stolen by the Knave of Hearts before he can put his sinister plans to instill chaos into motion.  Alice is tasked with infiltrating Looking Glass Land, as the Queen and King of Hearts spy to track the Knave of Hearts, locate the device and return them all to Wonderland.  

As a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland I try to read any new books that come along centered in the same world.  It's always a treat to revisit the characters and see how the author will put a new spin on the classic stories.  From Wonderland with Love continues where Lewis Carroll left off in his previous books, but Alice is now older and much wiser.  Each character from Rabbit to the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar had the same personality as you would find in the classic story and it was especially fun reading Alice's interactions with Humpty Dumpty, who has been put in charge of C.H.E.S.S (the Consummate Headquarters for Espionage, Spying and Such).  Yep, the acronyms abound.

I really appreciated Westhoff's take on the story, particularly envisioning Alice as a spy.  Such fun.  Learning about the various gadgets she used on her mission, such as the bag of holding, informant's brooch, and the mirror portals that enabled her to travel between Wonderland and Looking Glass Land.  The narrative had thrilling moments, like when Alice was aboard a train, and it was very entertaining.   I found myself quickly flipping pages.  Overall, the story was well written, had similar vibes to the classic and has me eagerly awaiting the sequel, Tinker, Tailor, Hatter, Spy!  


 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE