Wondrous Strange

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

I confess that I hate the book cover, so this isn't the reason why I
decided to read this book. Around the blogosphere, this book, along with
Darklight is lighting up like a
"firecracker." (Those who read the book will know what I'm talking
about!) So I decided to read and review it for myself to see what all
the fuss is about.

Pros: the plot is well laid out, the
characters are well-developed and entertaining, plenty of action and
humor, and the book was well-written.

Cons: Wondrous Strange lagged in the
beginning, and took me a while to get into. But I was glad a fellow
blogger (Kelly at Midnight Glance) told me about that specific con of
the book before I read it, so I knew that it was going to get better.
And it definitely did! A minor con in the book was one of the main
characters' name: Sonny. I didn't like his name at all. I wish
Livingston would've switched Sonny and Maddox's names. I felt that
"Maddox" was a better fit for Sonny's character, and the name "Sonny"
seemed more like a main character's sidekick name. But like I said, very
minor con.

Even though I really enjoyed Wondrous Strange, this isn't one of my favorite books. I
can't really say why, but it's
not.

Lesley Livingston wrote a great first novel, and I will add
Darklight to my huge
to-be-read pile.

Reader reviewed by Erica

Wondrous Strange is an absolutely stellar debut from Lesley Livingston. Wondrous Strange is just magic, and you find yourself addicted from page 1. Wondrous Strange bends reality just enough to incorporate the fantasy and still have that realistic feel about it.

I have seen Wondrous Strange compared to books like Wicked Lovely and Tithe everywhere. I haven't read Wicked Lovely, but I have read Tithe. I liked Tithe, but I felt Wondrous Strange crossed the line and became amazing. I loved the incorpotation of theater in the plot. The story was that many know, so as you read the book you saw the characters in different places. I loved the point of view switch at times - you had parts told from Kelley's point of view and other's from Sonny's.

The characters all just come alive! Even minor characters that play such a small role, stick out in your mind and are memorable. Sonny was such a sweet character - you can't help but to fall for him. Sonny and Kelley's romance was so sweet and had me awwwing at it throughout the entire book.

The ending will leave you breathless, and begging for the sequel. I would recommend Wondrous Strange to everyone! Whether you're a fairy lover or not, this is a book to read!

Reader reviewed by Kate

I loved this book. At first I was like ¨meh, this is a stupid book."But then I kept reading and got hooked on the book. I stayed up all night reading it. Each page , each paragraph,each sentance, each word leaving me wanting more! Many unsuspecting things . I truly hope that this becomes a series. I´d love to see/read Kelley finding and saving Sonny. Wondrous Strange kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time i was reading it . I reccomend it for anyone who loves a bit of mystery, and fantasy. And magic. Truely a great book.

Reader reviewed by Jordan

17-year-old, Kelley is an actress living in New York.  She's potraying Titania, faerie queen, in a performance of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, but she never thought real faeries existed... until she met Sonny.
Sonny is a changeling; A human child raised with Faeries, destined to become a guard for the gates seperating the human world and the faerie world.
The story alternates between Kelley and Sonny, giving the reader an insight into each character's mind.  Both characters were well thought.  I think that's what makes this story so good.  Wondrous Strange will have you counting the days to the release of the sequel.
Ages 12+. 

Reader reviewed by Beth

've wanted this book for a
while. I'll admit, it was the title that first captured my attention
and inspired a serious case of book lust. The cover is so striking and
pulled me in, but the story kept me enthralled. I'm a theater kid and
love Shakespeare. In particular, I love A Midsummer Night's Dream (I've
read it more than a few times). I loved how Livingston wove
Shakespeare's tale with her own. I also enjoyed the realistic depiction
of theater rehearsals. Kelley was an interesting heroine, at times
confused and at other times defiant. Her relationship with Sonny was
fascinating. I loved how changelings and the faerie courts were
incorporated. This book felt fresh and new, putting interesting twists
on the known. The plot moved along rapidly, and I was unable to put the
book down. There were a few twists and turns, including a major one
near the end. The enjoyable cast of supporting characters constantly
added layers of richness to the tale. I was astonished to find that
this is a debut, and can't wait to see more from Ms. Livingston. This
is a beautiful tale full of magic that lovers of fantasy and
Shakespeare will enjoy.

Reader reviewed by Bookmac

Beyoootiful! Loved it! If you haven't read this book, READ IT. I can't get over how much I loved this book, it was so, so, good. The plot was moving and filled with many twists and surprises, the ending was fabulous, and the characters were super awesome!

Reader reviewed by stephanie