Today I'm joining Shane of Itching for books for True love's first kiss by Heidi Garrett blog tour. This is my first time to participate and honestly, I am super thrilled! Moreover, it's to promote one of the best Fantasy-Faerytales I ever read!
From Goodreads:
Nandana’s Mark, Book 1: When two half-faeries—Melia and her younger sister—are cursed under dreadful circumstances, true love’s first kiss is the remedy.
The Flower of Isbelline, Book 2: Nothing but true love’s first kiss can save Melia’s younger sister from blind ambition and ruin.
The Dragon Carnivale, Book 3: Melia must choose the freedom she cherishes or true love’s first kiss—and a relationship that promises to secure her place in the Whole.
The Queen of the Realm of Faerie is a fantasy fairy tale series that bridges the Mortal and Enchanted worlds. The main character, Melia, is an eighteen-year-old half-faerie, half-mortal. She lives in Illialei, a country in the Enchanted World, with her two sisters and their mother. Melia’s father has been exiled to the Mortal World, and her best friend is a pixie.
When the story opens in the first book, Melia is troubled by her dark moon visions, gossip she overhears about her parents at the local market, and the trauma of living among full-blooded faeries with wings—she doesn’t have any.
As the series unfolds, the historic and mystical forces that shape Melia’s life are revealed. Each step of her journey—to find the place where she belongs—alters her perceptions about herself, deepens her relationships with others, and enlarges her world view.
True Love’s First Kiss is a compilation of the first three books in this ongoing series.
Heidi Garrett is the author of The Queen of the Realm of Faerie series. Her personal message to all her readers is:
Once upon a time, you lived in an enchanted world, too…
May you always see the magic in your life.
The Queen of the Realm of Faerie includes many strong female characters within an intricate fantasy land. It is also a fairy tale fantasy.
The first book, Nandana’s Mark, is one of those free ebooks; the second book, The Flower of Isbelline, is now available; and the third book, The Dragon Carnivale, will be released in June 2013.
Heidi's hope is that when you read her books, you will rediscover the enchantment in your own life.
She currently resides in Eastern Washington State with her husband and their two cats. So far, she loves the snow. Being from the South, she finds it very magical.
My Review:
True love's First kiss is the compilation of Ms. Heidi Garett's three wonderful books : Book 1 Nandana's Mark , Book 2 The Flower of Isbelline and Book 3 The Dragon Carnivale . Being a dreamer, I am always fascinated with faerytales. There is always a magical feeling when I'm reading it.And all of three books were consistent of giving me that "feel"!
When I read Nandana's Mark, I was instantly enthralled with the Faery Realm , Ms. Garrett created. It was so vivid , I can almost see the colorful , magical world! And I was instantly captivated with the three beautiful half faeries, Melusine , Melia and Plantine. ( and of course, their pretty, pretty names! )
Being a half faery ,Melia feels like an outcast. While her two sisters are quite coping up..she feels alone. Plus she's having this dark visions of witnessing Faery Realm being destroyed. ( and Umbra incarnating! ) It was a nightmare.. and Melia feel helpless.. and more confused. It's a good thing she has Totou, her pixie friend to confide with. ( I love pixies ! So cute! ) I love how Ms. Garrett creates her characters! I am aware that this is a faerytale at the beginning, but as I read along... there's something more about the mythical creatures portrayed here. I have that certain feel.. like, I know they are not real (a product of imagination) but at the same time I want them to be real? Now, I sound confusing? I can't seem to put it into words... ( oh my! )
Book one highlights Melia and gave me a glimpse of the bigger role she has in saving Faery world. Such a big responsibility for such a young half faery. I loved Melia , she may have flaws ( she stutters, clearly lacks confidence..) but I know deep inside she has the heart of gold.
When they tried to stop their father from his attempt to incarnate Umbra, he accidentally died ! And Melusine , Melia and Plantine were blamed ...and cursed by their Mother! Melusine is cursed to turn into a hideous snake , Melia an eagle each time the sun sets and Plantine gradually fades! And the antidote of this curse? Yes, a true love's first kiss! ( See?! I can feel the faerytale sense to it! And I remember Sleeping Beauty and Snow white! ) So, will these three half faeries find their knight in shinning armor? their one true love?
The Flower of Isbelline begun where Nandana's Mark ended. And another adventure is about to start! Melia together with her new found friends will journey to save her sister Plantine from marrying Lord Goring and stop his evil plan to incarnate Umbra.
This book has all the elements to make it really magical . It was truly a treat to read! And I love when Ms. Garrett introduce me to get to know Melia's newfound friends a little better. I feel that I was part of their journey and adventure! And when Melia was flying, I feel I was Totou on her back and gripping and holding on to Melia's smooth feathers... and whenever I close my eyes.. I felt the wind too! That's how Ms. Garrett writes! She has the amazing way of putting her readers inside the book!
Here, I was looking at a different Plantine. From an innocent , sweet half faery to an ambitious , power hungry Lord Goring's bride to be ! I was totally surprised ...how Umbra corrupts? So, I was thinking... Umbra must be stopped at all cost! See? I got carried away, again!
And what's a perfect adventure without a little romance? Well, take a good look at Ryder and Melia?! It was super obvious that they got a little something going on! See? the awkward moments... uhmmm, I mean the "swoony" awkward moments! And.. uhmmm.. I kinda checking out Ryder and his gorgeous green eyes! Haha.
But their love is not that simple. In fact, though Melia is undeniably drawn to Ryder, she is torn between him and her love of flying! Flying gave Melia the freedom that she wanted . And she was afraid to give in to what she really felt for Ryder! ----Poor Melia! Must be super confusing and overwhelming at the same time.
If you find book 1 a little slow.. well , I tell you The Flower of Isbelline has the action-adventure that you've been waiting ! Prepare yourself to a joyride! There's a lot of magic ..you'll be awed just like I did. And there's pulse-stopping encounter with Umbra! I have mixed emotion of fear and excitement... and there's Sevondi , a powerful Dragonwitch gate crashing Plantine's Wedding! Just imagine what happens next? It was a WOW!
Finally, The Dragon Carnivale ! I'm super excited for this since The Flower of Isbelline left me with a cliffy. Plus , I have been anticipating for that one True love's first kiss! As I step into Ms. Garrett's Faery world again.. I was like...
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This book clearly leveled up! I experience the same feelings ( the excitement, the thrill, the anticipation ) from book two ...only this time, it was intensified! Yes! I love every moment in it.
So, as I lay on my pink bed ... I let myself get lost in the beauty of the Faery world. Time definitely stopped. And I found my self... in Melia's shoes! ( or leather boots .. or sometimes barefoot for that matter! ) ! As I look around, I took in everything.... I found myself inside the ancient orchard and smelled the sweetest golden apples! ( mouth watering and my stomach grumbled! ) Now, I can't help but pick one myself. But ... oooops! I realized I was picking up my book reader instead?! Good heavens ! I'm thankful, I did not munch it! haha.
Everything in this book seems so real. And every bit of it is an experience I won't forget! I also love the two new friends Melia met... Calista and Bertille! ( Again, Ms. Garrett and her never-ending cool and pretty names! ) I love how they taught Melia, one valuable lesson in life : To let go. And when they made Melia jump off that cliff ...and into the water. Everything finally became clear. It was a beautiful revelation. This is definitely one of my favorite scenes!
Book one highlights Melia and gave me a glimpse of the bigger role she has in saving Faery world. Such a big responsibility for such a young half faery. I loved Melia , she may have flaws ( she stutters, clearly lacks confidence..) but I know deep inside she has the heart of gold.
When they tried to stop their father from his attempt to incarnate Umbra, he accidentally died ! And Melusine , Melia and Plantine were blamed ...and cursed by their Mother! Melusine is cursed to turn into a hideous snake , Melia an eagle each time the sun sets and Plantine gradually fades! And the antidote of this curse? Yes, a true love's first kiss! ( See?! I can feel the faerytale sense to it! And I remember Sleeping Beauty and Snow white! ) So, will these three half faeries find their knight in shinning armor? their one true love?
The Flower of Isbelline begun where Nandana's Mark ended. And another adventure is about to start! Melia together with her new found friends will journey to save her sister Plantine from marrying Lord Goring and stop his evil plan to incarnate Umbra.
This book has all the elements to make it really magical . It was truly a treat to read! And I love when Ms. Garrett introduce me to get to know Melia's newfound friends a little better. I feel that I was part of their journey and adventure! And when Melia was flying, I feel I was Totou on her back and gripping and holding on to Melia's smooth feathers... and whenever I close my eyes.. I felt the wind too! That's how Ms. Garrett writes! She has the amazing way of putting her readers inside the book!
Here, I was looking at a different Plantine. From an innocent , sweet half faery to an ambitious , power hungry Lord Goring's bride to be ! I was totally surprised ...how Umbra corrupts? So, I was thinking... Umbra must be stopped at all cost! See? I got carried away, again!
And what's a perfect adventure without a little romance? Well, take a good look at Ryder and Melia?! It was super obvious that they got a little something going on! See? the awkward moments... uhmmm, I mean the "swoony" awkward moments! And.. uhmmm.. I kinda checking out Ryder and his gorgeous green eyes! Haha.
But their love is not that simple. In fact, though Melia is undeniably drawn to Ryder, she is torn between him and her love of flying! Flying gave Melia the freedom that she wanted . And she was afraid to give in to what she really felt for Ryder! ----Poor Melia! Must be super confusing and overwhelming at the same time.
If you find book 1 a little slow.. well , I tell you The Flower of Isbelline has the action-adventure that you've been waiting ! Prepare yourself to a joyride! There's a lot of magic ..you'll be awed just like I did. And there's pulse-stopping encounter with Umbra! I have mixed emotion of fear and excitement... and there's Sevondi , a powerful Dragonwitch gate crashing Plantine's Wedding! Just imagine what happens next? It was a WOW!
Finally, The Dragon Carnivale ! I'm super excited for this since The Flower of Isbelline left me with a cliffy. Plus , I have been anticipating for that one True love's first kiss! As I step into Ms. Garrett's Faery world again.. I was like...
So, as I lay on my pink bed ... I let myself get lost in the beauty of the Faery world. Time definitely stopped. And I found my self... in Melia's shoes! ( or leather boots .. or sometimes barefoot for that matter! ) ! As I look around, I took in everything.... I found myself inside the ancient orchard and smelled the sweetest golden apples! ( mouth watering and my stomach grumbled! ) Now, I can't help but pick one myself. But ... oooops! I realized I was picking up my book reader instead?! Good heavens ! I'm thankful, I did not munch it! haha.
Everything in this book seems so real. And every bit of it is an experience I won't forget! I also love the two new friends Melia met... Calista and Bertille! ( Again, Ms. Garrett and her never-ending cool and pretty names! ) I love how they taught Melia, one valuable lesson in life : To let go. And when they made Melia jump off that cliff ...and into the water. Everything finally became clear. It was a beautiful revelation. This is definitely one of my favorite scenes!
"The sooner she allows her tears to wash away the dirt in her heart, the sooner she’ll be able to see clear and find her way. Then, she might be able to tell who her enemies are and who they’re not.”
“If you don’t set your heart free, you’ll never be able to trust anyone.”
“I was wrong to use words written long ago to dismiss the truth that you spoke from your heart.” He raised his gaze. “I will stay with you, no matter what.”
Melia’s blood rushed. She touched his face. He was real.”
If you want a lot of surprises and twists ,this book totally has it. Most of the characters surprised me. Specially Sevondi whom I truly disliked at first.. but ended up entirely different...and surprisingly , likable. I love her Dragon Carnivale! I have to say , it was truly a wonderful and spectacular show! Imagine, instead of fireworks, there's the display of dragons?! Colorful , magical dragons! And like the rest of the Muannaye , I'm was mesmerized!
The ending was great. The last chapter is truly heart stopping! I was gripping and holding on to my book reader like my dear life depend on it! I dare not blink. All I think was.. Melia... Melia...let this be the moment.. And I was never disappointed. :)
If you want to read a truly amazing faerytale that will grow in you, go grab this book... and experience what it's like to be inside the faery world Ms. Heidi Garrett beautifully created!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found below for a chance to win a copy of this book! :)
I'm giving this book:
5 wonderful, magical stars!
Wow! Wonderful review :)
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Shane! I'm so glad to be a part of your Blog Tour! :D
DeleteBillie, breathless, heart-melting thank you! speechless. you know-rare for me! I LOVE every word you wrote, and the pictures of Melia on the cliffs with the river below, the orchard, Bilbo running off on an adventure, that super-duper cool image of nailing up those stars…okay, all of them—awesome! Thank you my spunky half-faerie friend. I hope that many many readers & writers find your wonderful blog and get to know that special magic & pixiedust & moonbeams that comes off the page every time you post a PINK review. thank you. Heidi
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww! * blushes! Your'e always welcome , Heidi! It's my pleasure writing this review. I had lots of fun and wonderful moments making it! Good luck and lots and lots of pixie dust for the success of your book! :D
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