Saturday 19 February 2011

Book Review - 13 Secrets

Title: 13 Secrets
Author: Michelle Harrison
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
ISBN-13: 978-0857070890

Synopsis
Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put her past behind her. But staying on the straight and narrow isn't as easy as she had hoped...Hounded by fairy messengers who are trying to convince her to participate once more in the changeling trade, Rowan is haunted by dreams of the Hedgewitch's cottage and the chained-up Eldritch, who threatens revenge against her. Her past is about to catch up with her - can Tanya and Fabian prevent it consuming her altogether?
 
My Review
Oh my goodness, I knew this was due out soon but hadn't realised how soon. I was walking round town with my best friend during the week and we drifted towards Waterstones Book Shop, just for a look, but i saw this on the new releases display and actually let out a high-pitched excited squeal, which got me some very unhappy looks from the shop assistant. Despite the fact I said i wasn't going to buy anymore books until my TBR pile was considerably smaller (currently has over 100 books on it) I brought this straight away, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it.
I absolutely loved the first two books 'The 13 Treasures' and 'The 13 Curses', this book carries the story on, Rowan (Red) is now living in Elvesdon Manor with Florence, Warwick, Fabian, Nell and her mum Rose, for once she feels settled, happy and wanted, she has the home and family she has always wanted. But something doesn't feel right, and when someone from her past shows up with information Rowan knows things will get difficult. Rowan is asked to complete an assignment about a changeling case, reluctant to take part, she knows it will be difficult and cause trouble, still nervous about Eldritch, the fairy she left chained in the cellar in book two, his threats to hunt her down still circle through her head, Rowan must make some tough choices.
I really enjoyed this book, I feel like I've grown with these characters and seen how they have changed. Tanya is back for the holidays and looking forward to seeing her friends, but once more she is plunged into danger, in this book she takes things with a much calmer perspective and seems to think things through. SHe does still have her moments of impulse and carelessness, but she has definitely grown into a very strong lead character. 
Fabian is still sulky and impulsive, but I love that about him, he is also fiercely loyal.
Rowan is the most to grow in this book, trying to shake off her past and the name 'Red' she seems ready to move on and enjoy her life. I could really feel her turmoil and pain in this book as she struggled with her past catching up with her, but she handles it well.
There is a whole new cast of characters in this book and they make a great addition, Part of the secret group Rowan used to belong too, they have come back for her help. Until slowly one by one they start to go missing, someone knows about them, and wants to stop them, This book has volved a lot since the first one, which although action-packed was very safe and I don't remember any real violence or grusomeness, but this book has grown, but it works, as the characters have evolved, got more involved with the fairy world and grown up, so is what they experience. There is one fairly gruesome scene in the book, when they find a member of the group dead, but it isn't overdone, in fact, It brought another side to the books. There are quite a few deaths in this book, but it is not overdone.
Overall, I'd have to say this is probably my favourite of the series so far, with romance, revenge, magic, mystery and intrigue I could not put the book down.
If you want a stunning book of fairy adventures, then this is the one for you. Michelle Harrison you are a literary genius, I hope there is more to come soon.

My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, I LOVED it, pick up the series today, lock yourself in a comfy room and don't come out until you have finished all 3!    

 

1 comment:

Brittany said...

I really enjoyed your review! :) Made me want to read it now! <3

and by the way, I am giving you the One Lovely Blog Award! Congratulations! ( :

http://brittany-blues.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-lovely-blog-award.html