13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

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**2010 Debut Author Challenge List**
Reading level: Middle Grade (Ages 9-12)
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 12, 2010)

Summary: No one else can see the evil fairies that rouse Tanya from her sleep, torturing her at the slightest mention of their existence, but they are as real to the 13-year-old as anything she's ever known. She cannot rid herself of them, nor can she ignore them. But it is her insistence on responding to them that has her banished to her grandmother's secluded countryside manor.

There is much to explore and even more to fear in the woods surrounding the estate. But, the forest isn't the only source of dark secrets, and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could trap her in the fairy realm forever.

My review: At the beginning of the book it seemed like a normal mystery: a girl named Tanya has to go live with her grandmother at her creepy manor. Once there Tanya finds out this is no ordinary house. This house has secrets. Bullies who are fairies, ghosts, treasures and more, this book was great. My favorite part dealt with the fairies on the property and their realm. But then the story started getting more interesting, and it came to a point where it was hard to put this book down. The story grew more exciting, and I was sure that I knew what was going to happen in the end.

But I was wrong. 13 Treasures took a twisty turn and the last scene was such a surprise for me. I don't want to spoil the ending but it made me like  the character Red a lot. If fantasy is your thing, check this one out.

Favorite excerpt: "There is a place where rosemary grows freely by a stream that flows uphill. The domain of the piskies. Heathen creatures. Unpredicatable, dangerous, some say.
The rosemary, renowned for its aid to memory, grows tainted. The properties are reversed.

Yet even piskie-tainted rosemary has its uses. In the correct quantities it has the power to extract a memory from a mortal head forever.

Such as the memory of an old sweetheart." (Page 353, ARC edition)

Cover comment: The cover picture of a girl entering a magical-looking forest just shouts "Mystery! Read me!" I liked it a lot.

Rating: ++++1/2

For fans of: MG fantasy, fairy stories.

Book source: Around the World Tours

Reviewed by: Caitlin

Comments

  1. Jan von HarzJune 28, 2010 at 5:19 AM

    This sounds like a fantastic read and one I really need to check out. Loved the review. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laurie TJune 28, 2010 at 9:04 AM

    Thanks Jan!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 12, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    I really enjoyed this book and I totally agree with your review and summary. Thanks so much for your help!!! :D

    ReplyDelete

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