2024 the best fantasy novels review

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(as of Dec 06, 2024 18:01:14 UTC - Details)

An Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post bestseller, and a Goodreads Choice Award finalist.

In this gorgeously stunning debut, a mysterious child teaches two strangers how to love and trust again.

After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. She throws herself into her work from dusk to dawn, until her solitary routine is disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious child who shows up at her cabin barefoot and covered in bruises.

The girl calls herself Ursa, and she claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles. With concerns about the child’s home situation, Jo reluctantly agrees to let her stay―just until she learns more about Ursa’s past.

Jo enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash, to solve the mystery of the charming child. But the more time they spend together, the more questions they have. How does a young girl not only read but understand Shakespeare? Why do good things keep happening in her presence? And why aren’t Jo and Gabe checking the missing children’s website anymore?

Though the three have formed an incredible bond, they know difficult choices must be made. As the summer nears an end and Ursa gets closer to her fifth miracle, her dangerous past closes in. When it finally catches up to them, all of their painful secrets will be forced into the open, and their fates will be left to the stars.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing; Unabridged edition (March 1, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1503904911
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1503904910
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Very good read
Review: Well written, full of life, wonder, tragedy, tears, and joy. I was unable to put it down. I really enjoyed it.

Reviewer: RSW Kindle Customer
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: 4.5 Stars
Review: This very unique and lovely contemporary fiction novel earns 4.5 Stars from me.SUMMARYJo is a PhD candidate staying in a rural cabin in Southern Illinois for a summer while researching nesting patterns of birds. She mainly keeps to herself, working long hours each day, returning home in the evening to shower, eat dinner, sleep and start the whole process again the next morning.Being away from the familiarity of her college town and friends, the only social interaction Jo has are phone calls with Tabby, her BFF (who is still in their college town) and occasional short conversations with the guy who sells eggs at an egg stand on the side of the road.From the beginning, author Glendy Vanderah, draws the reader in, making Jo a slightly mysterious, yet very likable character. Vabderah alludes to some sort of a crisis from which Jo has recovered or is still trying to recovery. As the book progresses, the reader learns the source and details of Jo's troubles and gains significant insight into her world.One evening, after a particularly long day in the field, Jo arrives home to find a barefoot, scraggly little girl in her yard. When Jo questions the child about her identity, trying to figure out where she came from and why she is there, the girl gives her a crazy story about being an alien sent to Earth to study our planet. She claims to be earning a PhD and says after witnessing five miracles, she will to return to her planet to teach her people about Earth.Jo tries to tell her to go home several times, but she keeps insisting she doesn't have a home here on Earth. Finally Jo feeds the child dinner and sends her home. The next day, the girl is back again. Still sticking with her alien story, still barefoot and hungry.Who is this girl? Why does she keep appearing at Jo's house? Why is she refusing to tell anyone who she is and where she belongs? Why does nobody seem to be looking for her?WHAT I LOVEDI don't mind admitting that I was initially not planning to read this book. I wasn't sure I was up for reading a super sensitive book that could possibly have science fiction elements to it. I tend not to have a ton of patience for anything related to aliens or books focused on people's feelings. But the book kept getting rave reviews from my GR Friends and critics alike so I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did! It sucked me right in!!!!I love the characters in this story, they were well developed, complicated and each had some sort of mystery to uncover. I loved Jo, Ursa and Tabby so much!!! I could completely relate to the friendship between Jo and Tabby; they shared the kind of honesty and loyalty only true friends can share. And Ursa! I totally wanted to take her home with me!!!!I found myself getting caught up in Ursa and Jo's adventure. I know I said I am not into science fiction, but about half way through the book I was entertaining the possibility of aliens coming to Earth to study us and kind of hoping it was the case.The plot was very unique. It's hard to believe this is Glendy Vanderah's debut novel! She must have a lot of fascinating ideas floating around in her head.WHAT I DIDN'T LOVEThere were a few places in the book, particularly pertaining to Jo's research that moved too slowly for me. I get that the research was a bit part of who Jo is, but I didn't enjoy those details.I know I was supposed to love Gabe, but I did NOT. He seemed like an emotionally stunted spineless man-child. I also didn't love any of the characters in his family, and the changes in their feelings and opinions toward the end of the book didn't seem authentic.OVERALLThis story was not at all what I expected, I was happily surprised. It was so darn lovely, unique and well written. I cannot wait to see what Vanderah follows up with.

Reviewer: lexipoo
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: sweet book I couldn’t put down
Review: Such a sweet, easy read.So thoughtful and well done.I couldn’t wait to turn the page and thought the twist was well done.

Reviewer: Jesus
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: loved it
Review: It’s a very well thought out book. Characters are greatly. The book had me in the editing of my seat. It kept me guessing whether or not Ursa was an alien.

Reviewer: Tamara
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Great book
Review: I loved the characters and their sense of magic. Well written with interesting characters. Plot was well developed.Worth reading!

Reviewer: Joanne Gano
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Another story
Review: I may be hard to please because I read so many books but this left no idea I’ll read it again. Try for yourself

Reviewer: Tiffany E
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Beautiful story!
Review: *Where the Forest Meets the Stars* is a beautifully crafted novel that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I picked it up, I was captivated by its unique and heartwarming plot. The story weaves together themes of grief, healing, and the mysteries of life in a way that is both profound and uplifting.The writing is wonderfully vivid, making it easy to get lost in the world Vanderah has created. Her characters are complex and well-developed, each facing their own battles while coming together in unexpected ways. The young girl, Ursa, adds a touch of magical realism to the story, and her presence creates a sense of wonder and mystery that keeps you turning the pages.What I loved most about the book was its emotional depth and the way it explores human connection. It’s a story about overcoming trauma, finding hope, and learning to trust again. Vanderah’s ability to balance heavier themes with moments of tenderness and joy makes this novel a truly touching read.Overall, *Where the Forest Meets the Stars* is a moving and beautifully written book that left a lasting impression on me. It’s a story that goes far beyond the surface, touching the heart in unexpected ways. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that is both thought-provoking and full of heart.

Reviewer: Laura
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Intriguing and kept me interested love it!
Review: Loved this book! Intriguing, With A Touch of Romance and a bit of Mystery. Ursa's character was very interesting. This book covered many faucets of life in the real world.

Reviewer: Pranav Sharma
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: "Where the Forest Meets the Stars" by Glendy Vanderah is a captivating tale that seamlessly weaves together themes of grief, healing, and the magic of connection. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide.The story revolves around Jo Teale, an ornithologist who is grieving the loss of her mother to cancer, and Ursa, a mysterious young girl who claims to be an alien on a mission to witness five miracles. Their unlikely friendship forms the heart of the narrative, and it's impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journey.Vanderah's writing is nothing short of exquisite. Her descriptions of nature are vivid and poetic, creating a rich backdrop for the story. The characters are beautifully developed, each harboring their own wounds and secrets, and their growth throughout the novel is both moving and believable.As the story unfolds, it explores the themes of love, loss, and the healing power of human connection. It also delves into the profound idea of finding wonder and miracles in the most unexpected places. Vanderah's storytelling skillfully tugs at the heartstrings, leaving you with a sense of hope and renewal by the end."Where the Forest Meets the Stars" is a literary gem that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that are both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It's a book that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found, and sometimes, that light is as extraordinary as the stars themselves. This novel is a testament to the magic that can be discovered where the forest truly meets the stars.

Reviewer: T. Dar
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: An absolutely wonderful story with a few surprises along the way. Vanderah has a beautiful style, and her characters are charming and relatable. Ursa, the little girl and centre of the story, is especially loveable. There's a fair bit of action and suspense, as well as a heartwarming and moving tale of love and recovery and growth and magic.A really beautiful book.

Reviewer: Chiara Elissa Torres Bayley
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: A novel.that has many subtle twists and turns. It will.have you s!smiling and crying. Imaginative and beautifully written. You fall in love with all of the main characters instantly.

Reviewer: Nino
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I read this in one day. I had to know how it ended. Cried a lot at the end. Beautiful

Reviewer: Enrique Lopez
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: At first, I thought the novel was pure fantasy, given the way Ursa enters into the life of Jo, claiming she came from the stars. However, nothing magic happens, but everything is so normal, such as things that happen among normal people. Ursa mingles into the lives of the neighbors so naturally, yet so intensively, that she changes everybody’s life, and, certainly, for the better. Ursa is the missing puzzle piece, the one that brings happiness and love to everyone she meets. Reality prevails over fantasy and long she was really an alien coming from the stars.I think it is a great book. An original story that moved me and reminded me of the importance of enjoying every minute of my life, while I have it.