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Wonder Light (2013)

by R.R. Russell(Favorite Author)

3.87 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1402279892 (ISBN13: 9781402279898)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

series

Unicorns of the Mist

review 1: I didn’t think I would have this review done in time for the blog tour since I just received a paperback copy with print big enough for my old eyes to read yesterday. But once I started reading today, I didn’t want to put the book down. So I didn’t. I read the whole book in one evening. Or should I say a dark and stormy night. Well, it was. Our lights went off and on so many times, I pulled out all the electronics’ plugs but kept walking with the book. Otherwise, I didn’t notice the storm much because R.R. Russell wrote so well. Aubrey Poole edited as well – I found fewer errors than I have in months.After I discovered I couldn’t read the PDF copy, I loaned it to a friend’s twelve-year-old daughter for her to review in my stead. I can’t say for sure, but ... moreI think she’ll love the book as much as I did. The only people who might not like this series would be those who don’t like references to Christianity or vicious, predatory animals they think should be tame. Keep this in mind for sensitive kids. At age nine, I suspect I would have hid under the bed like I did when I read about Tolkien’s ring wraiths riding by the hobbits. But I sure wouldn’t have wanted my parents to take the book away!The characterization is good and most of the plot unfolds in a realistic manner. Twig was very likable; however, Russell withheld too much concerning Twig's background. I didn’t like the false mystery, the opposite of info dump. Twig’s not talking was dead on: exactly how my dad’s death affected me at a younger age. But the book was written in Twig’s point of view, and no girl could avoid thinking of the event that brought her to the island for as long as she did. Nightmares would be a frequent and terrifying event. My other concern was that troubled girls didn't act very troubled, and in a couple of places, I also doubted the adult reactions.Still, multitudes of excellent storytelling choices dwarf those problems. I’ll limit examples to a few: time as a healer of wounds and a spur to character growth; good caregivers (for once!); unique unicorn behavior and anatomy (not hard to believe if you’ve seen skeletons of some extinct animals); plus interior and exterior conflicts working together to create tension. I could go on, but the best part of all my favorite books is a complete plot arc with an unexpected resolution, plus a teaser for the next book. It’s hard to explain without spoilers except to say that good overcomes the bad, but not without loss. I think most adults will like Wonder Light almost as much as their kids will. I rate it a 4 for me and 4.5 for tweens. In fact, families might want to have a tug of war to see who reads first. Don’t. Read aloud together and enjoy. I rate received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Now, I’m champing at the bit – pun intended – for book two. I hope it delves a little deeper into the other girls' issues because those who are hurting most inside may also seek reading as an escape and a means to heal. Now that would be real magic.
review 2: Delightful and moving, R.R. Russell’s story about a young girl who is sent to a remote island ranch where she discovers unicorns exist will leave young girls wanting more! Many will relate to Twig’s pain and difficulty adjusting to her new blended family, and find hope as she recovers her joy and purpose in life. When we first meet Twig she’s feeling rejected, isolated and alone, sent away by her step-mother to a pony ranch in the pacific northwest (although I’d want to go to a pony ranch any day). Slowly, she warms to her new surroundings and her interest is sparked by a mysterious boy and the enchanting filly who makes an unexpected appearance in the pony stable. Wonder Light has just the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep middle school readers engaged and interested. Twigs’ journey from despondency to joy is encouraging and coupled with a charming unicorn filly; it becomes an irresistible romp readers will love! less

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