This book was nominated as a Great Middle Great Reads Book of the Month, in a special edition for indie authors.  I was a little doubtful about the book from the blurb, but got drawn in, and read it in two sittings.  It’s the first of an as yet unfinished trilogy, but it stands alone.

Gabriel is virtually ignored at home in New York, and spends most of his time inside video games.  When his parents ship him out to stay with his grandparents in the country for a ‘couple of weeks’ he is completely at a loss – no internet, no games, nothing.  Gradually he discovers he can go outside, which leads to meeting people.  Fortunately there is a treasure hunt set up by the school’s seniors to give kids a challenge over the summer vacation, and he finds his more cerebral ways helpful when it comes to solving clues.  He teams up with some other kids, all of them slight misfits, even if the others do live there, and unravels the mystery of the haunted house…  which brings both joy and sorrow, and was so beautifully written that it even hard me in tears!

It’s a book that gave our group a huge range of responses.  I found it read well, the kids were believable in their own ways, and didn’t notice any particular dialogue difficulties, unlike other members of the group.  I wondered whether people expected all the kids to speak in the way their own did, or whether there is a ‘standard US kid speak’ outside which kids who copy their elders’ speech patterns are thought to be peculiar.  I commented on the forum that maybe I read it in a different accent – which is certainly the case.  I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the writing, which risked getting mawkish at times, but managed not to turn me off, which was a great feat!

It’s a lovely story, which risks being one of those ‘misfit finds friendship’ tropes, but pulls out with powerful writing and keen visualisation.  I could certainly feel the heat, see the river and the woods, and the potential for adventure. Hannah’s adventure is particularly well handled.  I gave it four Goodreads stars, which round up to five on Amazon.

Fireflies by Bree Wolf is permafree on Amazon and Smashwords.

Book Review | Fireflies by Bree Wolf
Tagged on:                     

10 thoughts on “Book Review | Fireflies by Bree Wolf

  • 21 May, 2016 at 7:52 am
    Permalink

    Great review, Jemima. I really enjoyed this book too. Hannah’s story was a particular part that struck a cord with me. Until reading some of the other GMGR comments, including yours, I hadn’t ever really thought about reader accents, but I agree it can make a huge difference in how words on a page are translated and understood.

  • 21 May, 2016 at 6:16 pm
    Permalink

    Nice review. I was one who had some issues with the dialogue (mostly a lack of use of contractions where contractions would be natural and almost inevitable), but I agree that it was a beautiful story. As you say, verging on bathos, but not quite. It made me cry too.

  • 21 May, 2016 at 11:58 pm
    Permalink

    Great review, Jemima.I think since you write books to for children (and adults too), you have a real feel for what would appeal. I’m putting this one on the list for some of my young friends.

    • 22 May, 2016 at 11:49 am
      Permalink

      Sometimes I wonder if I write books for adults who like children’s books, Noelle, but thanks for the compliment 🙂

    • 22 May, 2016 at 11:50 am
      Permalink

      If you’re a Goodreads member, Kellee, why not join us on the Great Middle Grade Reads group – click the button on the left to get you there.

  • 23 May, 2016 at 2:15 am
    Permalink

    Nice review. First time in your blog and I liked what you wrote. The book seems like a very good read for this summer.
    I entered your giveaway! Wish me luck!

    • 23 May, 2016 at 12:14 pm
      Permalink

      Good luck! Thanks for visiting – hope you come again 🙂

  • 29 May, 2016 at 5:49 pm
    Permalink

    I like the premise of the book. Might be a good read for my video-game obsessed child. Thanks.

Comments are closed.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox

Join other followers: