Driftlad the magical revival is a captivating tale that takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a mystical world. The story revolves around a young boy named Driftlad, who discovers that he possesses extraordinary powers and is destined to save his land from an imminent threat. Throughout the narrative, the author seamlessly weaves elements of fantasy, magic, and adventure to create a compelling and immersive experience for readers. Driftlad embarks on a quest to master his newfound abilities and unlock the ancient secrets that hold the key to the survival of his land. As Driftlad's journey unfolds, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and challenges. From wise old wizards to fierce and cunning creatures, the characters in this story add depth and complexity to the narrative.
I received a copy of The Legend of the Christmas Witch courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review; and I received a copy of Red and Green and Blue and White courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
When the twins are separated as children, and Kristoffer is taken in by a kind couple far, far, away, Kristtörn finds her life in the forest with a witch named Lutzelfrau. In support of her best friend, his family, their religion and their celebration of Chanukah, Teresa makes a heartfelt, visible display For Isaac in her own home window- so now the light from her home shines Blue and White Menorah Light From Two Homes Tonight.
From wise old wizards to fierce and cunning creatures, the characters in this story add depth and complexity to the narrative. The world-building in Driftlad the magical revival is captivating, with vivid descriptions of enchanted forests, majestic castles, and mysterious underground caverns. As readers follow Driftlad on his quest, they become immersed in a richly detailed and imaginative world, which adds to the sense of wonder and excitement.
The ancient myth of the Christmas witch
Two beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my…
December 20, 2021 6 minutesTwo beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the picture book Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy. Happy reading!
“No doubt you’ve never heard the name of Kristtörn, for the Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that has been forgotten in time. But in her day, she was as familiar to children as Santa Claus. In fact, she is his long-lost twin sister…”. The children’s book debut of creative partners Dan Murphy (writer/producer) and Aubrey Plaza (actress/producer/writer you may immediately recognize as April from Parks and Recreation!), with illustrations by Canadian artist Julie Iredale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch tells a richly imagined tale of twins separated as young children and the very different paths their lives take. Opening with a rhyming, atmospheric prologue taking place in the Yuletide season, readers learn about ”a wondrous phantom [smelling] of the sea”, traveling from town to town, whistling a ”strange melody“. This phantom, we learn, is the Christmas Witch…a witch who leaves ”peculiar gifts” on doorsteps as she navigates the falling snow, with children pressing their noses to the windows hoping for a glance of her. But who is this Christmas Witch? And where did she come from and what has she to do with “the season of Yuletide”? As an old raven named Malachi takes over upon the Prologue’s end, he let’s captivated readers know that he will divulge everything about the incredible story of Christmas Witch and begins to unfurl an intricate, mesmerizing legend. From a time ages and ages ago, when ”magical beings freely roamed the earth”, twin babies “with red hair and green eyes” are forsaken in a forest. The twins, a girl named Kristtörn, and a boy named Kristoffer, have magical gifts and a deep connection. When the twins are separated as children, and Kristoffer is taken in by a kind couple far, far, away, Kristtörn finds her life in the forest with a witch named Lutzelfrau. Even as she grows and cultivates a fascinating life with Lutzelfrau, Kristtörn never, ever forgets her long-lost brother and vows to find him one day. With story elements that include everything from notes about winter solstice, the rise of misplaced suspicions about witches, to unbreakable sibling connections, hair-raising travels to the disparate poles, as well as a look at the Kringle family and the legend of Santa Claus, The Legend of the Christmas Witch thrums with activity and turns. Julia Iredale’s gothic-leaning, gorgeously moody and unmissable artistic style is such a perfect match for Murphy and Plaza’s sophisticated and inviting storytelling. Iredale’s gouache and digital illustrations are fantastical and evocative- the illustrations and close-ups of Kristtörn are especially stunning as are the rich outdoor scenes with various hues of greens, browns, and blues and bursts of snow. With undercurrents of old-world Hans Christian Andersen-like storytelling, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a delicious fable to sink one’s teeth into: unusual and inventive, with elements of tragedy and surprise that capture attention from opening to the last word. (…Perhaps more stories featuring The Legend of the Christmas Witch may be in store for the future?). Readers who adore layered, moodier fairytales and children’s stories about powerful, magical witches, or those looking for a noteworthy and unexpected winter tale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a fantastic pick.
“On a block dressed up in Red and Green/one house shone Blue and White. Isaac helped his family decorate their big window for Chanukah/Across the street, his best friend Teresa helped her family trim their Christmas tree.” A story inspired by events that took place in Billings, Montana in December of 1993, Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinksy’s Red and Green and Blue and White tells an important, poignant story of the holiday season. Best friends Isaac and Teresa cannot wait for the holidays and celebrations to begin: Isaac and his family are Jewish and celebrate Chanukah; while Teresa and her family are Christian and celebrate Christmas. The front window displays of each of their homes reflect their family’s respective holiday celebrations; though readers learn from the opening of the story that Isaac and his family’s house is the one home on the block glowing ”Blue and White, Menorah light”. One night, “shadows” make their way to Isaac’s house and a stone shatters through their front window, breaking the glass and extinguishing their menorah. When help is called and adults meet and discuss, the question arises about whether or not Isaac’s family should ”light the menorah again”. Isaac lights the menorah the next night, knowing that if they do not, ”it would be like hiding they were Jewish [and] that didn’t feel right”. In support of her best friend, his family, their religion and their celebration of Chanukah, Teresa makes a heartfelt, visible display ”For Isaac” in her own home window- so now the light from her home shines ”Blue and White/Menorah Light/From Two Homes Tonight!”. The actions made by Teresa and her respective family is then shown to extend more deeply and widely than ever thought, culminating in a celebration ”of the true spirit of the holidays [and] the true meaning of community”. A deeply beautiful, heartfelt story, author Lee Wind’s spare yet lyrical storytelling is met to perfection in award-winner Paul O. Zelinsky’s multi-layered, intensely bold and deeply coloured digital artwork. Red and Green and Blue and White is highly recommended reading and a must-add to the holiday collection of a school and/or public library. Extras: Be sure not to miss the Author’s Note at the book’s end which includes a significant, salient point about being an UPstander versus being a BYstander. A link to author Lee Wind’s website is also included for readers interested in learning more about the real-life story behind this picture book.
I received a copy of The Legend of the Christmas Witch courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review; and I received a copy of Red and Green and Blue and White courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
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One of the most compelling aspects of the story is the moral dilemmas and personal growth that Driftlad faces throughout his journey. As he grapples with the weight of his destiny and the sacrifices that must be made, Driftlad's character evolves, becoming more courageous, compassionate, and wise. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged and eager to discover what will happen next. The author's skillful storytelling keeps the pace brisk and maintains a sense of urgency and suspense that propels the story forward. Overall, Driftlad the magical revival is a gripping and enchanting tale that will captivate readers of all ages. With its well-developed characters, immersive world-building, and compelling narrative, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and ignite the imagination of its readers..
Reviews for "Driftlad's Revial: Unveiling the Magic Within"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was disappointed with "Driftlad the magical revival". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, with too many characters and plotlines thrown in without proper development. The writing style felt choppy and lacking in depth, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, I found the book to be a disappointment and not worth my time and money.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Driftlad the magical revival" was a complete letdown for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the lack of action made it difficult to stay engaged. The world-building was underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. The characters were flat and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect or care about their journeys. The writing style felt amateurish, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and well-crafted fantasy read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Driftlad the magical revival". The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, making it hard for me to invest in the story. The constant switches between different perspectives and timelines were confusing and disrupted the flow of the narrative. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Overall, I found the book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 1 star - "Driftlad the magical revival" was a huge disappointment. The writing was dull and lacked creativity, with predictable plot twists and cliché characters. The pacing was slow, with unnecessary filler scenes that added nothing to the overall story. The world-building was shallow, with poorly explained magical systems that left me feeling disconnected and uninterested. I was hoping for an exciting and immersive fantasy experience, but this book fell flat in every aspect. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
5. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Driftlad the magical revival", but it failed to meet my expectations. The story lacked originality and felt like a copycat of other popular fantasy novels. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to care about their struggles. The pacing was slow, with unnecessary and drawn-out scenes that hindered the overall reading experience. Overall, I found this book to be a generic and forgettable fantasy read, and I wouldn't recommend it to fellow readers.