13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison
January 2009 by UK Simon & Schuster Children's
Paperback, 336 pages
Review Copy
Review Copy
Book Synopsis
While visiting her grandmother's house, an old photograph leads Tanya to an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods nearby - a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. Fabian, the caretaker's son, is tormented by the girl's disappearance. His grandfather was the last person to see her alive, and has lived under suspicion ever since. Together, Tanya and Fabian decide to find the truth. But Tanya has her own secret: the ability to see fairies. Can it help them to unravel the mystery? Soon they are facing terrible danger. Could the manor's sinister history be about to repeat itself?
Review
Little things like waking up stuck to the ceiling and tormented by winged creatures are nothing new to Tanya. Although she longs to tell someone about them she can’t….and eventually the secret and all the destruction that gets left in the wake winds up labeling Tanya a troublemaker. At her wits end, her mother decided perhaps spending time with Grandmother (in a remote place, in a creepy manor, with a creepy groundskeeper) will whip Tanya’s behavior into shape.
Going to Grandma’s felt like riding the train with Cathy and Christopher back to the attic, fortunately for Tanya- she’s traveling brotherless and her Grandma isn’t sadistic, just weary and haunted from a troubled past. Attempting to make the best out of her circumstances, Tanya takes the time to learn more about the creatures that she has seen since birth and develops a new friendship with her once annoying cousin Fabian. Together they start to unravel the secrets in the house and in the woods that they have been forbidden to enter. Learning how to protect herself from the faeries and meeting the local crazy woman labeled the town witch help Tanya discover strength she didn't know she had and gives her the bravery needed to solve the mystery surrounding her, which I can say, kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought the writing and story- telling were well done.
This is a fantastic read for the younger audience (10-14) but any age group can enjoy the magical world Harrison created. Balanced with the right amount of fairy tale and scary faeries, 13 Treasures delivered a magical story sure to please any reader who loves magic, faeries and a great mystery.
Rating
A fun, magical story of a twelve year old girl- who at times has the backtalk of a disrespectful brat, but also uses common sense and gains some wisdom throughout. Suitable for all ages.
O sounds adorable. I want this one.
ReplyDeleteI should get this book for my daugher to read
ReplyDeleteI love to read this one day, it sounds so magical. I love it that she goes to find out what the creatures really are.. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good read. I think I know someone who would really enjoy this one!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely - thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a great young read. If I see it when I am at stores I may have to pick it up for fun. :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, AWESOME review. I am on my way to pick this up right now at Schulers, my favorite bookstore! :)
ReplyDeleteOoops! I posted my comment in the wrong review! :P I am such a dunce! I did pick this one up last week though, and plan on reading it soon! I love your review of it and will definitely link it to mine when I post it! :P
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