Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Back to Bernovem

It has been two years since fifteen-year-old Kristina Kingsly spent time in Bernovem and became “the chosen one”. Although Hester and Davina were there, too, Kristina seems to be the only one that has any memory of what happened while they were in the magical land. When they all attend horseback riding camp together, Kristina is reminded of why she tries to avoid Hester and Davina. Reluctantly, she takes a secret ride with them, and the three girls end up back in the enchanted land of Bernovem. Kristina is thrilled to see her old friend, Prince Werrien, and she can’t believe how handsome he has become. There are lots of familiar faces, and Kristina feels right at home. She sees fairy friends, talking horses, and gnomes who feel like family. When Prince Werrien asks her to travel with him to his homeland, Kristina can’t wait to set sail. Unfortunately, she keeps getting sick and she can’t figure out if it is the traveling or if it is the food in Bernovem that isn’t agreeing with her. Kristina also doesn’t know what to make of the hag she sees each time she looks in the mirror. Who is it and what do they want? What will happen when Kristina and Prince Werrien find out that important items are missing from the castle and they were the last ones to see them? What is the Black Shard that Prince Werrien found and why does it leave Kristina feeling cold? Read this wonderful book to find out!

I just finished reading The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox, and it is a story that took off from page one. I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed catching up with Kristina and the rest of the characters that I came to know the last time she was in Bernovem. Right away, I was swept up in the adventure! For those who read the first book in the series, The Magic Warble you will find that this book has a nice rhythm and you get to find out more about some of your favorite characters. For people reading The Black Shard without reading The Magical Warble, you will easily be able to read this story as a standalone book. The author does an excellent job creating a world that the reader can get lost in and picture completely. Kristina is easy to relate to and I liked seeing that she is still strong and kind. This book had a little romance, but it was innocent and I liked watching her crush develop a little bit. This would be a great read for people ages 9 and up. It is a fantasy book you will enjoy falling into and a journey you won’t want to end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Has anyone else read The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox? Or have you read another book by this author?

We are thrilled to host a giveaway for one lucky reader. Enter below for your chance to win one of 4 ebook copies of The Black Shard. To find out more about Victoria Simcox stop by to check out our author interview with her! 

Open to US and International ; )

Giveaway ends Wednesday January 23rd! 

Happy Reading!
~L

a Rafflecopter giveaway

47 comments:

  1. Though you say this is very readable as a standalone novel such is the appeal of the first book I think I'd have to read that first.

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    1. Petty- Even though it can be read as a standalone- I definitely enjoyed reading both books! I think you will like this series. :) ~L

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  2. I've never read anything by this author. Sounds good though.

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    1. Kelly- Her books are excellent and take you to a new world. :) ~L

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  3. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've never heard of this series but now your review has me intrigued! Great review! :)

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    1. Ifrah- This is a great series. I am glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L

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  4. I've followed as lionelsnod via GFC. My favorite magical creature is the genie in Aladdin. I'm thinking specifically of Robin Williams in the Disney Movie. Sounds like a great series. I've never read either book but I want to now.

    Paul R. Hewlett

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    1. Paul- I love your magical creature pick! This is a great series and I hope you get to read it. :) ~L

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  5. I think I would like to see how the romance develops in this one. I read book one but haven't had a chance to read this one yet, It sounds like it is even better than the first according to you and Katertot :)

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    1. Heidi- It is fun watching the romance develop in the series. It is young love and very sweet. Katertot's review was fabulous! I think The Black Shard was even more exciting than The Magical Warble (which was great)! I hope you get to read it soon. ~Stephanie

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  6. Sounds like a fun read! Great giveaway! I'm signing up and crossing my fingers.

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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    1. Nutshell- It is a fun read! Glad you enjoyed the giveaway and wishing you the best of luck! ~L

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  7. I have not ever even heard of this series but I am discovering that I know about very few middle grade books. This sounds delightful, though!

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    1. Patty- I think this is a series you would love and get lost in right away. I hope you get to read it soon! ~L

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  8. I haven't heard of this book before. It sounds awesome.

    I'm a follower (Cherie Reich) and I love dragons best of all magical creatures.

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    1. Cherie- I love dragons, too! This is a wonderful series that I think you would like! ~L

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  9. I haven't heard of these books, either. But they do sound like good ones. thanks for the review.

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    1. Creativewritingintheblackberrypatch- I am happy that you liked the review. This series is excellent! ~L

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  10. I LOVE when a book can hook you from page one!

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  11. This is a new book for me, but it sounds like one I would enjoy. Must enter the contest. Thanks.

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    1. Beverly- This is a great book and I think you would like it! Good luck in the contest. :) ~L

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  12. Sounds great - I have a few students who would love it :)

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    1. Jemi- It is great! I think your students would fall into this story. :) ~L

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    1. Adrian- Toothless is just wonderful! :) ~L

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  14. What an interesting interview! I haven't heard of these books before but the description certainly tweaks my curiosity and I'll have to check them out.

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    1. I mean "interesting review." :)

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    2. Anna Maria- Thanks! Glad we made you curious about this fabulous series. :) ~L

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  15. Enjoyed the review! First time hearing of these myself, but they sound like an adventure indeed. Thanks for sharing...and good luck everyone!

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    1. Gina- Theses books are an adventure that shouldn't be missed. Good luck! ~L

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  16. I love that even though this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone novel. So few books in a series can do that and I would love to see more that do.

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    1. Lisa- It is nice to read a book that can standalone. It is very easy for a reader to connect to the characters and imagine the story without reading the first one. :) ~L

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  17. Ooh it sounds adventurous and magical!!! Thanks for sharing! :0)

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    1. M. Christina- It is a magical adventure! ~L

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  18. Sounds interesting. Is the book in hard-cover? I would love to get one if it is. Thanks.

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    1. Nekky- It is a great book! I don't know if it is in hard cover, but I know you can get it on Amazon in paperback. Happy reading! ~L

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  19. I haven't read anything by Victoria Simcox but this certainly sounds like a fun read.

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    1. Barbara- Victoria is a talented author and takes you to a new world. :) ~L

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  20. This sounds like a good story. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Andrea- It is! Glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L

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  21. I.. well. Have not read book one (A) But they both sounds amazing :D Thank you for sharing your amazing review. <3

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    1. Also, commented with favorite creature on another post ;p But yeah. It is Toothless. <3

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    2. Carina- I love Toothless, too! Both books are amazing. I think you will love them. ~L

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  22. I've never heard of this story, but I love it already.

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  23. I won a copy of Victoria's 'The Magic Warble' last year but was unable to read it due to regional differences. Will be searching for her books from my library. Victoria's stories sound wonderful.

    As for my favourite mythical creature, it used to be unicorn. (Haven't found a new one yet, so I guess unicorns will do for now too!)

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