3/5 stars

Mere Enchantment by Alicia Rivoli

My first rule of reading: NEVER start a new book series until ALL the books in the series have been published. You can thank Jo and Harry for that rule. Heroes of Olympus, Kane Chronicles, Beyonders — haven’t even touched them yet.

I’ve only broken that rule twice. The first was Miss. Peregrins Home for Peculiar Children. It was a fun book, but there was no warning that it would leave me hanging from a cliff of unresolved story, with no signs of book #2 coming to rescue me. And so I continue to hang.

The second violation was for Mere Enchantment, although this time I did with full knowledge of what I was getting into AND for a good reason. Alicia Rivoli is a friend of mine, and I was excited to know that she had finally finished her long rumored book! Who wouldn’t be excited to read a book written by someone you actually know? If only I could figure out a way for her to sign my Kindle book . . .

Enough of my rambling, on with the review!

I love the world Alicia has created! The story is original and fun–I felt like I was reading the dreams of every 8 to 14 year old boy or girl coming true on paper–or eInk anyway! When I found myself turning the last page, I felt a twinge of disappointment that I have to wait to learn the rest of the story. Or maybe Alicia will give me a peak into the future of my new friends from Mere (Maybe? Alicia?) . . .

As an adult, reading Mere Enchantment felt very similar to the first time I picked up Fablehaven. (Which also earned three stars from me btw, so Mere Enchantment is in good company!) Like Fablehaven, there are inconsistencies that my perfectionist mind got hung up on, pacing that felt off, some grammar mistakes that can easily be corrected, and terminology that I might have wielded differently. Certainly all things that can and should be corrected in future editions–for me these elements distracted from the story. Alicia, if you’d like a more detailed explination, I’d be happy to share my notes and thoughts with you.

As a child, however, I suspect reading Mere Enchantment will also feel similar to reading Fablehaven–magical and exciting and hard to put down!

Brava Alicia for seeing through to the end what has certainly been a labor of love. I am completely impressed that you have created a new world and new characters and a story that is fresh and unique, but still feels familiar because finding out you are a prince or princess is the dream of every child! Thank you for creating a wholesome and uplifting story. I picture kids 8 – 14 (and their parents) enjoying your story for years to come!