Review: The Truest Heart by E.D. Baker

THE TRUEST HEART

Fairy Tale Matchmaker

by E.D. Baker

Bloomsbury USA Children

Middle Grade Fantasy

272 pages

COMING. . .
OCTOBER 11, 2016!!!

Born to be a tooth fairy, Cory Feathering has been busy proving there's another life meant for her -- one of matchmaking! She's already helped Marjorie Muffet and Goldilocks find true love, and now it's Mary Lambkin's turn. When Cory has a vision of Mary with one particular boy, Cory knows exactly what to do.

But it's Cory's own personal life that needs help. The Fairy Guilds are constantly hounding her, furious that she's abandoned the guild she was born into in favor of choosing her own path. They won't stop until justice has been served. As Cory prepares to fight for what she believes in, she must decide once and for all if she's prepared to take on the responsibility of her biggest role yet, one that will change her destiny forever.

MY TIDBITS

I did not read the other books in this series but started out with this one. That was a mistake. Although it is possible to figure out the plot and surrounding circumstances (it's not that difficult of a story line), this book has obviously built on the others and it's a fight to fill in those holes the first few chapters. In other words, I would not recommend this as a stand alone.

Cory is suffering the backlash for leaving the guilds, and it isn't pleasant. Luckily, she isn't alone. Blue and his ogre friends take turns playing body guard. But that won't be enough. The guilds have even more evil schemes brewing.

This is a sweet story, which plays on fairy tales, mythical creatures and nursery rhymes. There a characters and scenes kids will immediately recognize and feel familiar with. Cory is a lovely girl, searching for her place in life. She's kind, concerned about others, true but yet, ready to stand up for what she thinks is right. Still, she's sometimes unsure of herself and hesitant. In other words, she's a character easy to like and root for.

All in all, this is a very easy read. The dialogue is snappy and fun, and descriptions are held to a minimum, detailing in only when necessary. The pacing is steady, but never overly tense. Sometimes, attention falls on more normal activities, but this also deepens the look into Cory's world. When the action hits, it's in ways fitting to the intended age group, which I would place from 8 to 10 years old.

There are many great messages in the story. Cory needs to figure out where she fits in and trust herself to live up to it. Her truest friends and allies aren't necessarily the 'creatures' everyone else likes, showing that one can't always judge by outer appearances. And she learns to stand up for what she believes in even when the going gets tough.

Summed up, this is a fun, fairy tale adventure for fans of princesses, fairies and magic. The tension was a little light and perhaps, the book's length is a little long for the intended audience, but still, girls ages 8 - 10 will enjoy Cory's adventures and feel at home in her world.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley.