Unicorn Island + Human Element

Loved discovering these books. Thank you author for sending me a super gift (a box with some of her titles)

Unicorn Series reviews: (a 5 stars series)

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Book 1

Loved this first volume, although all changes for our dear Sam and she finds herself on her way to spend Summer with her uncle Mitch in a place she has never been, after a gloomy journey, nothing like the discovery of an amazing, magical island beyond the fog to lift hers and our spirits.

This is part of McMeel's Epic educational books, a collection with amazing titles, and this trilogy is like a cozy hug. It touches many relevant issues like adoption, being alone, family relationships, homeschooling vs public school, making and trusting new friends, unveiling secrets, a deep connection with the creatures in the magical island as a metaphor for a deep respect for nature, and our part in protecting it. I love that the author sets us up for the possibility of danger in the next volume. So Sam's part as a guardian is far from over.

Each volume has a section at the end with quick information about specific themes, some of which I didn't know. We learned a lot.

The artwork of the chapters is in color, and each one is a painting in itself. I am so happy to have discovered this series.

Book 2

This volume is filled with tension and major discoveries. The format continues with amazing colored illustrations. The font is large and inviting, making it easy to appreciate the story at a good pace ( it doesn't overwhelm reluctant readers). The characters reveal great heart and do what is right by the unicorns (keeping them in secret from the world, but not denying them the advances of science to save them). Sam's friend (Tuck) and his mom are relevant characters and fun. They help to balance Sam in her journey as she discovers the truth about Uncle Mitch. And...the unicorns are being drained of their magic... what kind of Guardian Sam is if she can't save them?

Although this volume closes the problem initiated by the first chapters, it also makes us wonder what Sam will do about the great reveal and the possibility of finally being home. Again, the book has a section with educational information that we are always excited to check out.

Great design of the hardcovers as well. A high-quality printing.

Book 3

This is a more complex one than the first two volumes. I like that the font reduces the size just so slightly, showing our young readers that this volume has more plot and characters, even a new location, giving them the feeling that they are reading an advanced level. This is a brave and perilous journey as guardians of the amazing creatures, but more than that, Sam will face a larger surprise. Not only will she save the day and re-educate people to preserve the magic, but instead of destroying it, she will find someone she thought was lost. It can be an emotional one because not all goes as expected, and we'll always have an uplifting and inspiring story. I recommend this series, which is easy to read and feels like a warm hug. The illustrations are in color and stunning.

Binged this one at the beach

Human Element vol 1

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4 stars

It's a dark paranormal thriller/sci-fi mash-up with new adult romance. We get three POVs, and their stories will culminate in a big emotional end. Some parts surprised me.

I loved Laura's innocence and trust (As the author comments at the end, all three of these characters have something in common: they were adopted, and they felt alone and alienated.) If Laura embodies joy, hope, love, trust, and willingness to believe, then X-10 is her opposite. He hates the world so much that all his actions and scenes are visceral, raw, violent, and filled with hatred. In the middle is Ben; he is damaged and is capable of violence, but he also can choose what path he wants for his life, and he tries to do right and good. There are other characters, supportive of each character, who help to characterize each. I love that the author wrote the main three characters with honesty. Laura says sweet things, and we want to hug her cuteness, and X-10 dialogue and thoughts come with foul, violent language, so well characteristic of his personality.

A meteorite falls, destroying the lives of a few characters but also bringing life to some. This volume is about a hunt and revenge but not of ordinary thriller characters or elements. If you like X-Files meets hot, explicit first love scenes, with a hint of Split, military secret experiments, and first contact... this makes a fun, entertaining beach read.

Note: I read the author's most recently published book and I loved her writing style so much that I decided to go back and read all her books to see the author's journey that led to the amazing craft we see in Loon Cove Summer: a middle grade that will also be a fav of many adults.

Had 2 copies dropped off one at my local elementary school

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Most recent release:

Loon Cove Summer

5 stars

This one made me cry. Not just the end, but many moments where I wanted to hold the main character closer.

The author did a brilliant job juggling three strong plotlines, combining a journey of grief (how the family reacts individually and as a family) with a rescue of the loons in the lake that helps balance and heal the environment. (I learned that a fallen tree can contribute a lot to the ecosystem feeding other animals, etc...) At the same time, daily life continues, bringing bills, worries, new friendships, but also a first kiss and work at the camp. Uncle Juju was a great character to balance all the drama/conflict parts.

This summer, Sarah doesn't have the support of her best friend who is traveling, although she is present in text with great advice. Sarah has to deal with anger and pain from missing her mom. She makes new friends with Theo and Maggie, saving birds and their nests, being brave, and doing good even to mean twins. I loved Sarah. Even during her breakdown and worst moments, she found a way back and dared to make amends.

I felt that I was spending a weekend at this wonderful camp by the lake listening to the loons and painting the landscape.

I love the cover's depth into the horizon a lot.

COVER REVEAL FOR UPCOMING NEW BOOK

Release 3/3/26

Official website