The Wingless Fairy Series Book 1: Rebecca and the Changeling

The Wingless Fairy Series Book 1: Rebecca and the Changeling by Margaret Pearce (Writers Exchange E-Publishing)
Ebook RRP $3.99
ISBN 978-1-921636-91-2
Reviewed by Nina Lim

Get ready to be transported to a magical world of fantasy, fairies, and goblins in this fast paced ebook for mid-grade readers. Margaret Pearce has created an enchanting world of make believe and adventure.

This is the first book in the wingless fairy series. We meet Princess Dewdrop, who is not your ordinary fairy princess, and a host of other well-crafted characters. Princess Dewdrop is one feisty fairy, and bored with life in the confines of her enchanted fairy kingdom, she longs for adventure and new experiences. But when her life intersects with Rebecca – a willful but strong and brave human girl – she is exposed to more excitement, thrills, danger, joy and delight than she ever dreamed possible.

Along the way Dewdrop learns the value of friendship, loyalty, self-belief and the importance of knowledge and grabbing opportunities to learn. A fun read that transports you to another world and makes you wonder what happens next.

Nina Lim is the author and creator of Super Harry, an interactive storybook app for the iPhone and iPad. www.ninalim.com

Bones of Faerie

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner (Random House)

PB RRP $18.95

ISBN 978-1-7427-5065-1

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Bones of Faerie is a haunting novel for older readers with a few twists. Firstly, it’s a fairy tale fantasy in post-apocalyptic world. But the main point of difference is the way magic is used in this book. Magic is the enemy and it kills.

Liza lives in a world that hasn’t recovered from a raging war between humans and the Faerie. The Faerie used their magic to turn nature against the humans. Her father is strictly against anyone who has Faerie-like features and abilities, including Liza’s little sister. But when Liza starts showing signs of doing her own magic, she is forced to run away from her home and find answers. She starts a journey to find her mother who disappeared herself.

Simner has written a tight story that grips you from the very beginning. There’s some dark descriptions that show how deadly magic can be. Liza’s efforts to control her visions of the past and future are a neat way to flash back and forth, telling how the Faerie came to be. Liza’s yearning to be reunited with her mother run parallel to the hope that magic can be used for good. The apocalyptic elements are subtle but effective, especially when things like batteries are precious and words like Disneyland are cast off into the world of ‘Before.’ It’s another layer to this involving story.

Bones of Faerie is a promising start to a thrilling series. It’s recommended for ages 13 and up.           

Pearlie and the Big Doll

Pearlie and the Big Doll by Wendy Harmer (Random House)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-8647-1821-8

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Pearlie and the Big Doll is the park fairy’s latest adventure for younger readers. Pearlie finds a new visitor to Jubilee Park, a big doll. Pearlie tries to cheer the doll up, keeping her company and offering to host a concert with her animal friends. Everybody’s excited except the rats who weren’t invited to participate. It’s up to Pearlie to make sure the night goes according to plan.

Pearlie’s fans will enjoy the visual delights of the concert, with wonderful illustrations. There’s a clever comedy performance that is a nice diversion from the music and dancing. Pearlie is definitely an excellent organiser and she peps up the performers in her usual chirpy style.

Harmer doesn’t stray from her hugely successful formula here. It’s another event that Pearlie pulls off without a hitch. The deluxe edition of this book contains some ideas to make a Pearlie puppet show and there’s a neat paper doll to decorate too. 

Pearlie and the Big Doll is recommended for ages 6 and up.