Customer Reviews

F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Geared primarily for children and pre-teens, F.A.I.R.E.S. (Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads) is the story of Mellie (12 going on 13) and her adventure of being chosen and choosing to serve the One.

While I love fantasy and read a fair amount of children's and young adult fiction, I had a difficult time getting into this book. In order to show the growth of her character Mellie, the author starts with a self-centered, whiny young girl. Maybe Pearson did a bit too thorough a job in showing Mellie's unflattering side, because I just couldn't find anything about Mellie's character to connect with until well into the story. Mellie's character development reminded me a bit of both Edmund and Eustace from C.S. Lewis' Narnia, but when Mellie was introduced there were no other (more noble) characters to help me stay connected to the story.

Still, I'm glad that I kept reading. About a quarter of the way into the book Mellie's character started to take on a more rounded personality and I enjoyed the development of the relationships within her squad of fantastical being friends. Though I must admit that it seemed odd how Mellie went from being a self-centered twelve year old to acting like a mature sixteen or seventeen year old in the span of four months, the changes in Mellie moved the story along in a way that helped me connect to the lessons she was learning.

Despite the fact that it took some time for me to feel involved in the storyline, Mimi's imagination knows no bounds. As I read I became immersed in a world of strange and fascinating creatures exploring the riddles of dragons and the representation of the One.

Once I settled in to the story I enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing more from Mimi Pearson and her tales of the realm. Her grand imagination will no doubt continue to spark the interest of her target audience as she weaves tales of light, darkness and the One who is above it all.

Thanks to the author for sending me a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Have you seen the movie Tooth Fairy or The S.A.N.T.A. Clause? Read the book Hinds Feet in High Places? F.A.I.R.I.E.S. reminded me of parts of these movies and book. I'm thankful to have received a review copy of such an imaginative book. This author combines fantasy with reality like the two movies I mentioned and is an allegory like the book Hinds Feet in High Places. Mellie is the only human in the story. She is surrounded with mystical characters like Lord of the Rings has with fairies, elves, gnomes, gremlins, dragons, dwarfs just to name a few and she's trying to make sense of this new world she has just entered, like Lucy in C.S. Lewis's book Narnia.

M.C. Pearsons is not only the author of this youth fantasy but she is the illustrator as well. Her pictures are scattered throughout the book. They illustrate for the reader her imaginative characters

Mellie is a disgruntled human who wishes to escape the home life she has with her dreadful sisters. "Just once she wanted to do something that would make her sisters see that she wasn't stupid, awkward, ugly, and a little baby." She wanted to live in a family where she was loved and accepted. Maybe she could runaway and find a better place to live.

Suddenly Mellis finds herself deep into the forest unsure of where to go next, then she runs into the strangest sight, a walking stick that talks.

Is this a dream she wonders? Then suddenly the walking stick ushers her into the labyrinth of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. She doesn't know what to think. Everything was quite magical. Just like in the Santa Clause and Tooth Fairy movies she sees everyone working together as a team for a common goal, she'll learn later.

The walking stick finally introduces himself to her, his name is Regnans. He says, Welcome to the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. it stands for
F - Fantastical
A - Aerial
I - International
R- Reasonably
I- Inconspicious
E- Emancepation
S - Squads

They have accepted her into their organization. Regnans goes on to tell she has been "chosen" by the One. He tells her, "You made a choice to run away from a miserable life and asked to be set free?..... Right? You asked - we answered - you are accepted."

Mellie is surprised and says, "But I don't believe in fairies...."

"Follow-Me. I'll enroll you for training. We are at war." Move quickly.

She replies, "I'm not at war with anyone"

Regnan says, "You are at war. The darone wants to stamp out the light."

This is where the story reminded me of the Tooth Fairy and how he goes into training. He learns all he can and then makes the mission his own.

Mellie embarks on a magical adventure as "chosen" by the One to be trained as a soldier of the light to fight the shadow whose set on fighting humans.

She also is in search of the One who truly loves and accepts her for who she is and was created to be.

I enjoyed this journey into the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. training and beyond!! It was fun, entertaining and yet there was a depth to this story I enjoyed. I also like the surprising twists and turns Mellie takes in her search to find the One and her mission in life.

Are you looking for a story that will whisk you into a magical land and help you not think about the worries of this world; at the same time bring comfort and joy to your soul? Then search no more F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is the book for you and the young people in your life. It will spark great conversation for you and any book clubs that would like to read it.

The Book Club Network [...]

Several times I have tried to read a book in the Fantasy/Speculative Fiction genre and cannot do it. My brain just doesn't conjure up what the characters and creatures look like. For that reason alone I was glad that the illustrations in the book were there and they are "fantastical" in and of themselves! You get two treasures in one: The boundless imagination of the author and her incredible illustrations. It's amazing! And to weave the spiritual thread in the way she did. AWE.SOME.

This is definitely a book that young and old speculative fiction fans will enjoy.

My Thoughts

Though this is not a genre I read, I did enjoy Mellie's journey thoughout this book. The author Ms. Pearson has an awesome and unique imagination creating a cast of characters that will feel your heart with love for them as you read this book. And while reading, you will see the wonderful artist the author is as well, with lots and lots of unique graphics and images she has created herself and included within the pages of this book.

Saying this is not a genre I read, doesn't mean this is not a good book, because it is, especially for the younger generation. They love fantasy books, and one such as this one is great for your teen because they will see the Christ of the Bible written in this story. So add this to your child's Christmas and give them something fantastic, unique, and just an all around good book for them to read.

I want to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not expected to write a positive review.

F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is unlike any book I've ever read. Immediately I was swept away into a fantastical world through the eyes of a young girl. I'm amazed at Ms. Pearson's extravagant imagination! The creatures and world she describes are beyond anything my mind could conceive. This book has everything anyone could want: battles between good and evil, adventure, humor, romance, an interesting plot and characters you will love. What also impressed me are the wonderful hand-drawn illustrations by the author herself scattered throughout the story! She can not only write, but draw as well! I highly recommend this books for young and old lovers of fantasy.

You know those times when you were younger and you would be sooo upset with someone in your family? Maybe you might even wish to be in a different family altogether? Well, that is just what happened to Mellie. She was feeling sorry for herself as she walked down to the beach to get away from her older sisters. She is wishing for a new life, an important life, and one that really mattered! As Mellie continued on her walk, she realized she no longer recognized the area where she was walking and then she meets "walking stick" or you might say he looked like a tree twig. He not only looked odd but he spoke too! With a British accent!
He shares with Mellie that she is the Chosen one and must follow him. She wasn't quite sure what to do but once they arrived, Mellie had never seen a place like this before! She is going to go to school...and what a school it is! Here she will learn what it means to be a Fairie -aka- a Fantascital, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squad!

Mellie meets some amazing friends and I just fell in love with all of them. Just to name a few, you will meet an elf, a yeti, and even a limionade.

This book is sooo very good and would be EXCELLENT for younger kids from 11 and up! This is a Fantastic book for those who might want to read something like Narnia!!! M.C. Pearson brings us a wonderful fantasy world and allows the reader to see an example of a deep faith and wonderful friendships!!

Very much an enjoyable read. I keep thinking that this is a great story my 11yo and her friends would love, but that means I have to give up my death grip on my e-reader. :) I had a hard time getting into the story at first, but as I continued reading, I realized that this book reminds me a lot of Madeleine L'Engle's work, and I loved that level of fantasy as a child. I'm excited to pass on this book to my children, and I might even have to let them use my precious e-reader. This is definitely an appealing storyline for any parent who is looking for something wholesome to read in an age when there are a lot of questionable fantasy novels out there.

I received an electronic version of Mimi's book, and I was blown away by the cover on the book. It was super clear on my Kindle and I couldn't wait to read it. The book was a great adventure, and I fell in love with Mellie. Mimi is quite a talented writer and artist. Fantasy fiction is not one of my huge favorite genre's yet I found myself taken away to another world and I really didn't want to leave. This would be a great gift for your fantasy fan!

Reading F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is such a wonderful escape, a kind of imagination therapy if you will. The author beckons you with every word, "Come, try out your wings, let's fly." Loved it!

This book is great for young girls looking for an amazing and exciting read. Its got a great hidden message and interesting and creative characters. M.C Pearson writes beautifully and I would definitely recommend this book for young women.