Tag Archive | Storybound series

Book Signing Adventures: Marissa Burt

I meant to write about this wonderful adventure back in January, but oh how work gets in the way sometimes.

Well not today! I’m so happy to share this lovely book signing adventure with you!

Marissa Burt is a fantastic middle-grade author, her books are Storybound (1) and Story’s End (2) and she is also local! I first learned about her books when I lived in England, and sadly I couldn’t get them! Upon my return home they apart of the great haul I had requested from my library.

I adored them. I loved them so much I checked to see if Burt had any upcoming events. I went to her website and checked her events page. I saw she was doing a signing at a Barnes and Noble – but I didn’t see a start time.

So I tweeted her.

She responded that it had been an old event and I was so embarrassed!

However, all was not lost – because of this interaction the lovely Mrs. Burt tweeted me in November to let me know that she was doing a book signing event in December!

I don’t know how to describe the feeling. An author I seriously admired, remembered that I wanted to meet her and reached out to me.

Of course I went.

It was amazing.

She was so sweet, kind and approachable!

I’ve been making a huge effort this year to go to as many author signings that I can, but this one was unique to all the others. She chatted with me for like almost half an hour! I never expected (or should I say not used too) getting such kind attention from a talented writer.

She took pictures with me (sorry I’m still getting used to my iphone). We shared how we loved reading (and writing) what we wanted children to have access to and was wonderful to just speak to a writer that is passionate about children books!

I have never been more proud to support local and I know I am lucky to live in a state that is full of talented writers.

Thank you Marissa Burt for giving me the opportunity to meet you and speak with you. It was an inspiring opportunity and I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement!

To everyone else that reads middle grade fiction, or has children that age range that have a tough time getting into books – please, please, please check out her series. It’s adventurous, page turning and full of inspiring characters that kids need to be exposed too!

Isn’t her dress fantastic? I love it!

Book Review: Story’s End by Marissa Burt

Jul9

Please note: This is the second book in the Storybound series and does contain spoilers from the first book.

For my review of the first book Storybound, click here.

With the enemy returning at the hands of an unknowing Una Fairchild, the fate of Story is in peril.

Whispers of the true king of Story waft from character to character. Yet, can it be believed?

As the Red Enchantress blankets most of the Story with lies, can a proper ending be written?

With Una’s new knowledge of who she is exposed, can Story forgive her for what she has done?

What will become of Story? What ending is it destined to have?

Burt is truly a gifted middle grade writer. I absolutely adored Storybound, and I wasn’t disappointed with Story’s End. I do think the second book is bit more mature than the first, but it’s an exciting end for such a fantastical world.

All loose ends are tied up and I really enjoyed how Una is not a traditional character. To avoid spoilers, it’s understood when the book is read.

Story’s End will challenge middle grade readers and expose them to battles against good versus evil. What is happening to the characters isn’t immediately understood, making them perfect for parent assisted or reading groups.

For all the parents, there is a happy ending. For a two book series it’s beautifully written with care for it’s age range, and brings to life stories in a way that hasn’t been done in many a year. Even adults can find the fun and thrill. Well done Burt! I am so happy to recommend such amazing work!

Book Review: Storybound by Marissa Burt

Jun8

A lonely foster child, full of wonder about who and where she came from; Una Fairchild is shocked as she’s transported to the land of Story when browsing her school library.

Now she’s a part of a magical land she never imaged could exist. Story, a world filled with characters one grows up with. Talking animals, princes in training and a school where all the students learn to be either a Hero or a Villain.

Yet not all is well in the land of Story, and twelve-year-old Una is about to discover that she wasn’t brought there by accident. There are secrets waiting in the dark and an evil just bidding time to be restored to Story. With her new friend Peter, it’s going to be up to Una to set a prophecy in motion.

What a fantastic middle grade series! I absolutely loved it! Can you tell? The setting, the characters, the breath of fresh air that brings humour and fun to the fairytale world where there’s more than meets the eye! Not to mention the fact that there is plenty of challenges for all ranges of middle grade readers.

Plus the ending is so AMAZING! I don’t know how else to praise Burt for creating such an intriguing series. Not only are the characters easy to relate to, but the whole creation of Story is an awesome way to get kids to think outside of the book. This is length done right with loads of new characters, places and motives. As the knowledge within Story is challenged, the information is at a perfect rate to keep kids turning those pages!

I’m looking forward to delving back into Story with Burt’s sequel, Story’s End.