A mysterious snow globe shop. A multiverse at war. And a girl searching for her father.In the heart of Vienna, twelve-year-old Sarah Ann Reisende wanders into a mysterious shop where snow globes double as portals to other worlds. After breaking the globe tethered to Earth, she discovers a cryptic note scribbled on the back of a photograph. The note links her father, who left before her third … third birthday, to a place called Elohi. Could this be a chance to find her father at last?
Unable to return home, Sarah follows the lead into the world of Elohi. But an army of vicious hybrids led by a genetically engineered warrior named Malvine now rules the once peaceful planet, and she becomes a target as Malvine wants to use the shop’s connections to wage war.
Can Sarah uncover the truth behind her father leaving and find a way home before Malvine gains control of the shop?
A Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Silver Medalist.
more
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this middle grade fantasy novel. It took a bit for me to get oriented in this new world, but the story drew me in. The idea of a snow globe, which I have always enjoyed, being used as a portal to another planet in a parallel universe offers an original concept to explore. You can’t spend too much time thinking about the why and how of things, but just have to jump into the unfolding action and go with it. I guess it’s similar to Dorothy waking up in the mystical land of Oz, where some try to harm her and some help her, and she is not aware of the treasure she holds. The characters come across as authentic, but the tale sometimes seemed a bit confusing. The main character’s dilemma of finding her missing father is not solved in this so the saga will continue. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
First let me say how much I love snow globes. I always look at them when I see them in shops. I love picking them up and shaking them while the snow slowly falls and sprinkles white on the item inside the dome. Some of them even have a windup that will play music. But what happens when you pick up a snow globe and everything changes? Nothing is the same and you find yourself in a strange place. That’s the premise of this enchanting story that allows the author to use her imagination and take readers on an adventure of mystery.
Sarah is at the heart of the story as she finds herself in a strange land. I did get a bit confused at all the gadgets and instructions she found in the shop. I felt like I was on overload at times while I tried to maneuver through the story. There is a lot going on and many strange creatures lurked about in this place that was unknown to Sarah. Her goal was to get back home and undo her mistake. A shattered snow globe, adventures that test her strength and hope awaits readers in this sci- fi adventure.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This is an author’s debut. And it’s definitely a unique one! I loved reading this book. Even though it’s marked as for middle school or high school I say all ages are going to love this book. My kids all did!
I read the book first as I always do. You can never be too careful about the books you give to your children. I’ve found some that I thought would be amazing that ended up being tossed in the trash. This book is not like that. It has a nice spot on my shelf for good.
That is probably the highest honor we can give a book. Giving it a spot on the shelf where children can read it at will.
After I finished reading the book I used it as a read-aloud with my kids. I’ve got kids ages 2-15 in our house and all of them sat to listen to this book. That’s high praise from my crew.
We loved following along with Sarah on her adventures inside the snowglobes. This is a great book with mystery and intrigue as well as lots of good plain fun to be had. The characters are relatable and as long as you don’t read it in a monotone there is no way you can be bored!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is an awesome book for all ages! I work with kids and got this book in order to recommend it to the students. But I found, not surprising though considering my taste in reading, that I love this book. Incredibly unique with great characters and a compelling story, this gets a big recommendation from me to kids and adults alike.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great middle grade portal fantasy full of adventure. Great for Tales of Narnia fans!