Review: Wonderful Children's Book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 21, 2013
As the mother of a 12-year-old daughter who loves to read, it can be quite difficult to find appropriate reading material for her. I can't allow my "tween" to read all of the YA books that she would love to, due to content that is still too mature. So, I was thrilled when Victoria Simcox contacted me about reading and reviewing her book, The Warble, a beautiful fantasy book geared toward middle-graders. I applaud Ms. Simcox for writing a book that contains no profanity, violence, or other inappropriate content. What it does contain is an enchanting story with positive messages and positive role models. This is a wonderful, wholesome book that is also exciting and fun for kids of all ages. My daughter says she would also have enjoyed it before she became a middle grader, so I believe it is quite appropriate for elementary age. Since I haven't been a middle grader for, *clears throat* um, quite some time, who better to finish the review on this awesome book than my very own and most favorite middle-grader in the world? Here is what she thought about The Warble:Kristina Kingsly, a twelve-year-old girl who receives a mysterious gift from her teacher before Christmas break, is awoken one night by a buzzing noise coming from somewhere in her bedroom. The gift she was given by her teacher, Miss Hensley, came in some sort of hatbox, and she had carelessly tossed it under her bed the day before when she couldn't open it. But now, as the buzzing seems to be growing louder... and seems to be coming from underneath her bed... Kristina pulls out the box and opens it, only to find a tiny, silvery, tarnished ball. What kind of gift is that? Just as she is about to go back to sleep, she suddenly finds herself in a different place! Not like one of those times when you close your eyes and feel like you're somewhere else... she literally appeared in a beautiful garden in a pile of leaves. Afterwards, she learns she is the "Chosen One," brought to this land, Bernovem, to place the little tarnished ball... or the Warble... in its resting place.Currently, Bernovem is ruled by the tyrant Queen Sentiz. She knows Kristina is attempting to place the Warble in its resting place and is bound and determined to kill Kristina and Werrien (the boy who is helping Kristina on her mission), take the Warble, and destroy it, also destroying the only chance Bernovem has of being saved.While this book was very exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat, it also really touched my heart, especially when dealing with certain matters near the end; however, I can't say any more without giving away too much. I'll be honest, I cried near the end, and I agree with my mom - she says, "You know you've read a great book when it brings out that kind of emotion in you."This book is absolutely wonderful - 5 stars! Victoria Simcox is incredibly talented. I enjoyed her writing thoroughly and adored all the characters! Fairies, gnomes, dwarfs, AND talking animals? I'm hooked! The cover also intrigued me... what a beautiful book! A spectacular read by a spectacular author, The Warble is a new favorite of mine! I will most definitely be reading the sequel, The  Shard, as soon as possible!