Official Review: Mysteries of Brettenwood by David Blank

[revna01]

Brettenwood Forest and the mysteries contained therein sound like a captivating backdrop for this YA novel. I'm curious about the witch and what becomes of Erik and his friends. Great review.

[starshipsaga]

This book sounds a little younger than YA, actually, to me it feels closer to Middle Grade. But it doesn't matter, because it sounds AWESOME. I love fun stories like this that don't take itself too seriously, and the characters sound delightful. Thank you so much for the review!

[Preshgold73]

I love books that are intriguing and mysterious, and this book did just that. It sure will make a good read. Thanks for the review

[Preshgold73]

I love books that are intriguing and mysterious, and this book did just that. It sure will make a good read. Thanks for the review

[mamiDEzzruiz]

Thank you for your review. As I read thru the sample I was able to notice those grammar errors. I am intrigued so far therefore, I will finish reading this book.

[mariakavo88]

I also enjoy YA fantasy and have to say it is one of my favorite, if not favorite genres. I original started to read the sample and decided to just download the whole book so I could read the whole thing. It sounds like an interesting book and even though I have not read it yet, I hope it ends up in a series as well because in my opinion that would make it that much better. thanks for the review.

[AMill77]

Even your review was fun!
I also love YA fantasy in fact- the scarier the better! And I agree, there was just enough description to immerse you in the story without losing you in the midst of it. Sounds like ike a fun read! Thanks for your review !

[Shas F]

The Mysteries of Brettenwood by David Blank is indeed the first in a series of YA dark fantasy novels with a Gothic touch. So Congratulations to Mr. Blank for starting an adventure set in a huge unknowable forest where just about anybody or anything is ready to pounce on our fears and weaknesses. Like any smart 12-year-old, Erik Christian’s curiosity can get him into trouble but his friend, Kristina Glynnis, who is just as smart, seems to be more grounded. Together, they are drawn to the mysterious forest and become fascinated with uncovering its strange inhabitants and secrets. Many would be curious to know what would become of Erik, Kristina and their friends as, according to the Amazon summary of the book, their journey into the forest leads to the discovery of their inner selves.

The first few chapters of the book introduce us to Erik, Kristina and their friends and the outer parts of the forest from the point of view of outsiders perceiving it and Erik who checks it out to the point of seeing a dark figure among the trees, wolves and a woman, and finding a cold mountain sculpture big enough to fit into his grasp. The opening chapters are interesting enough to propel us to the rest of the book where Erik will deal with the effects of keeping the mountain sculpture even as he and Kristina get to know more about the dangers of the uncharted forest. Happy reading to those who love fiction that has shades of The Blairwitch Project, The Lord of the Rings and many of our best-loved fairy tales but which clearly creates its own universe of ghosts, witches, wolves, myths and creatures. CataclysmicKnight says the book “blends hope-crushing fear with a sense of adventure extremely well, and no one is ever safe.”

[Uche B]

This sounds like a good read, good YA fantasies are hard to come by.

[goldengal1315]

The YA genre is not something that I would be be inclined to pick up on an average day. In the post Harry Potter age we are more fascinated then we once were with magic and and mysticism. Characters and storylines are more developed and we demand more of them and of our authors and the details they offer while at the same time holding them responsible from offering too many clues as to the storylines next turn. It seems from the review that it was a nice balance and a easy crowd pleaser.

[holsam_87]

I like the idea of having two points of view to show how a story progresses in YA stories.

[Nandy]

Thanks for the review. I'm not much o a fan of scary stories, kids or adults. Looks like a good book though which contains a lot of excitement.

[CinWin]

Thank you for the review. It was, as you stated, a page turner but I got a bit turned off by the long run-on sentences and the excessive use of commas in the sample. Perhaps it changed further along in the book. Thanks again.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

Your enthusiasm about the book and the genre is evident from your review. I loved it! I am sure this book is going to be a treat for me, as I am also a fan of YA fantasy. The shift in perspectives is something I will look forward to read, especially since Erik and Kristina's voices are so distinct from each other. Thanks again for the review!

[lexiskill]

An engaging young adult mystery about a town that is haunted by a nearby forest. Erik and his friends live near and see the world things that happen within the outskirts of the forest. Seems like a very good read for an adult and an excellent read for a young adult!