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ashreads10k's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, The Secret of Spruce Knoll honestly blew me away! There is just so much to love about this novel. In fact, I don't think there was anything that I didn't like, that's how good it was.
Let's just start out with the main character, Eren. She was very level headed, which I liked because a lot of girls in YA seem to lose it once things get crazy. Even though she had to deal with the pain of her parents' death, she still made the best of her new living arrangements with the aunt she had never met. In fact, I absolutely loved Eren's family! Her aunt, grandfather, uncle, and cousin were such great characters, even if some were only there for a few scenes. I really hope to see more of them in future books! It's not often that families play a big part in YA novels, so it was really nice to see that in here.
And the romance! Mmmm, Aiden is certainly very sexy. He's sweet and lovable, but also strong and very protective of Eren. The two of them make a fantastic couple, and even though there was a bit of insta-love, I can overlook it because they worked so well together.
I also loved the concept of Channelers! It's something like a witch, but not exactly, and it's extremely unique in YA. I'm really interested to learn more about the Channeler heritage/mythology, because it's so interesting.
Overall, I give The Secret of Spruce Knoll 5 stars! A definite must read!
Let's just start out with the main character, Eren. She was very level headed, which I liked because a lot of girls in YA seem to lose it once things get crazy. Even though she had to deal with the pain of her parents' death, she still made the best of her new living arrangements with the aunt she had never met. In fact, I absolutely loved Eren's family! Her aunt, grandfather, uncle, and cousin were such great characters, even if some were only there for a few scenes. I really hope to see more of them in future books! It's not often that families play a big part in YA novels, so it was really nice to see that in here.
And the romance! Mmmm, Aiden is certainly very sexy. He's sweet and lovable, but also strong and very protective of Eren. The two of them make a fantastic couple, and even though there was a bit of insta-love, I can overlook it because they worked so well together.
I also loved the concept of Channelers! It's something like a witch, but not exactly, and it's extremely unique in YA. I'm really interested to learn more about the Channeler heritage/mythology, because it's so interesting.
Overall, I give The Secret of Spruce Knoll 5 stars! A definite must read!
b00kr3vi3ws's review against another edition
4.0
Can I start by saying that I love the name ‘Spruce Knoll’? At first I thought that it was just weird! A place called Spruce Knoll! But by the end of the book -- I love it. Before I tell you why, let me tell you a bit more about the book and the storyline.
The story revolves around Eren and Aiden. Eren, whose parents are recently killed, moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Moving from a big city to a small town, Eren was in for surprises. But the basic difference was nothing compared to the much darker secrets of the town and the people living in it. But it is also where she first meets Aiden. Also an orphan, Aiden had grown up with his adoptive family and had a few secrets of his own. Together, Eren and Aiden work through whatever is thrown at them.
The best part of the story is, not the plot and not the magic (though I loved them both) but the relationships portrayed. Eren and Aiden’s relationship is totally ‘dreamy’ (that’s the only word I can come up with to try and explain it) and Eren’s relationship with her aunt is also amazing. Now coming to the second and third best parts of the story, the plot is just amazing and so is the magic described in this book. It is only after coming to Spruce Knoll that Eren realizes that she has magical ability. I love the way Heather has developed her character and portrayed her dealing with this ‘gift/ability’. Besides the protagonists, the author has also created a few very lovable characters – like Sylvia and Fane.
I had started reading this book with the thought – a place called ‘Spruce Knoll’ – seriously? But now I love it simply because it has grown on me along with the characters and the plot of the book. It’s unique and special, just like the book!
The story revolves around Eren and Aiden. Eren, whose parents are recently killed, moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Moving from a big city to a small town, Eren was in for surprises. But the basic difference was nothing compared to the much darker secrets of the town and the people living in it. But it is also where she first meets Aiden. Also an orphan, Aiden had grown up with his adoptive family and had a few secrets of his own. Together, Eren and Aiden work through whatever is thrown at them.
The best part of the story is, not the plot and not the magic (though I loved them both) but the relationships portrayed. Eren and Aiden’s relationship is totally ‘dreamy’ (that’s the only word I can come up with to try and explain it) and Eren’s relationship with her aunt is also amazing. Now coming to the second and third best parts of the story, the plot is just amazing and so is the magic described in this book. It is only after coming to Spruce Knoll that Eren realizes that she has magical ability. I love the way Heather has developed her character and portrayed her dealing with this ‘gift/ability’. Besides the protagonists, the author has also created a few very lovable characters – like Sylvia and Fane.
I had started reading this book with the thought – a place called ‘Spruce Knoll’ – seriously? But now I love it simply because it has grown on me along with the characters and the plot of the book. It’s unique and special, just like the book!
libbet's review against another edition
2.0
Good plot, not great writing. Way too much telling, very one dimensional characters, and lord but does it need another pass from an editor. "... four different races that are all prejudice?" "So people in this town were prejudice after all." Really? That's basic grammar. Prejudiced. Anyone should have been able to catch that.
Anyway. It gets two stars because the plot held my interest, but the writing needs some more work.
Anyway. It gets two stars because the plot held my interest, but the writing needs some more work.
libbet's review
2.0
Good plot, not great writing. Way too much telling, very one dimensional characters, and lord but does it need another pass from an editor. "... four different races that are all prejudice?" "So people in this town were prejudice after all." Really? That's basic grammar. Prejudiced. Anyone should have been able to catch that.
Anyway. It gets two stars because the plot held my interest, but the writing needs some more work.
Anyway. It gets two stars because the plot held my interest, but the writing needs some more work.
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