Thursday, July 12, 2018

Review: Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty

Title: Willa of the Wood
Author: Robert Beatty
Series: Book One in the Willa Series
Genre: MG Fantasy
Published By: Disney-Hyperion (July 10, 2018)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
Escape into the story of a brave and unusual girl brimming with the ancient powers of the forest. From Robert Beatty, the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Serafina books, comes a thrilling new series filled with the history, mystery, and magic of the Great Smoky Mountains. Kirkus Reviews described WILLA OF THE WOOD as "A moving, atmospheric journey of hope."

Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.

Willa, a young night-spirit, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work--the day-folk kill whatever they don't understand--but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.

When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day-folk world, she calls upon the old powers of her beloved grandmother, and the unbreakable bonds of her forest allies, to escape. Only then does she begin to discover the shocking truth: that not all of her day-folk enemies are the same, and that the foundations of her own Faeran society are crumbling. What do you do when you realize that the society you were born and raised in is rife with evil? Do you raise your voice? Do you stand up against it?


As forces of unfathomable destruction encroach on her forest home, Willa must decide who she truly is, facing deadly force with warmest compassion, sinister corruption with trusted alliance, and finding a home for her longing heart.







Not having been familiar with this author's other novels, I had zero expectations going into this, other than to have a great time. With the cute cover and fun sounding synopsis, I was sure, if nothing else, that was exactly what I was going to get. 

Can I just say that I love all the heart in this book?

It was so much fun but it was so much more than just a good read. It has meaning and feeling. I loved the unexpected depth of Willa's love for her people and her woods. The setting was perfect and so picturesque that it felt like you were transported right into the very heart of Willa's story. 

I loved Willa's adventurous heart and her strong spirit. The twists were a nice surprise, in fact the whole story was a delightful surprise and one I'm so very glad I took the time to read. It truly makes me want to pick up the author's other work and check it out as well. 




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

30 comments:

  1. Aw, I love books with lots of heart. Sounds like a really lovely read!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
  2. This sounds delightful. I cannot wait until the Royals reach this age group. I had fun reading them when my kids were that age.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's always fun to introduce your kids or grandkids to books you loved when you were their age.

      Delete
  3. I have not read a middle grade book in ages.This sounds delightful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That sounds like a really good story.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love great MG reads especially those with heart. I will add this to my tbr pile. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure you would really like this one.

      Delete
  6. Awe makes me want to be a kid again :) thanks Kindlemom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is fun to read these every now and then, especially when you still have little ones at home. ;)

      Delete
  7. It's been forever since I picked up a middle grade, but this sounds magical and delightful! Wonderful review! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It had for me as well and it really was so much fun and so heartwarming.

      Delete
  8. This sounds like a great middle great read, and the heart included has me interested.

    Tori @ In Tori Lex


    ReplyDelete
  9. Aww it sounds like a good one. I just looked at his other books and remember seeing one of them around but never read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember seeing them too but yeah, haven't read them. My kids never did either so, I don't know what happened there.

      Delete
  10. Yes! I am so thrilled you enjoyed this one! I've been looking forward to it since I stumbled across it one day. It sounded like it had the potential to be amazing, and I'm happy it delivered. A lot of heart is a good thing! <3

    L @ Do You Dog-ear?

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the cover! Yay for it being a good read, too :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm going out today to grab this one up. My daughter loves this author's writing/books and I want to try this one for myself as well! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you both love it but I have a feeling you will!

      Delete
  13. Sorry I am so behind in commenting. This book sounds pretty amazing for people that love fantasy especially. I am happy to hear is was a good read for you Ali. Wish I knew someone in that age group that loves to read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lorna and it is a great MG book for anyone that is able to read it, so cute and fun with great messages about family.

      Delete