Throwback Thursday #Diverse edition is our way of spreading the love of backlist diverse books that you might have missed. We'll hopefully be posting a new book every second week, and we'd love you to join us!
Tash's pick
Author: Judith Rossell
Released: November 2014
Publisher: ABC Books
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Rating :★★★★
High on a cliff above the gloomy coastal town of Withering-by-Sea stands the Hotel Majestic. Inside the walls of the damp, dull hotel, eleven-year-old orphan Stella Montgomery leads a miserable life with her three dreadful Aunts. But one night, Stella sees something she shouldn't have... Something that will set in motion and adventure more terrifying and more wonderful than she could ever have hoped for...
Review
This was a whim purchase that I'm now glad that I did purchase. Withering - by - Sea is a play on the classic Wuthering Heights. Aside from period of time , that where the similarities end. Instead readers are taken on an magical adventure that is not for the faint hearted. Stella Montgomery lives in one of the bath hotels that is known in this time period. The setting is key to this story as allows for the liberties that take place and explain the incident that unfolds and changes Stella's lifeStella is a free spirit that is controlled by her aunts. Until 'the incident' happens and then her word explodes. Stella is adventurous sort of young girl. Whilst her Aunts expect a prim and proper miss.Stella's true nature shone through and it played well with the mystery that unfolded.
The mystery at first seems to be a straight forward but the hints the author releases, indicate something more. The childish nature of Stella shows despite her bravery. It allows for growth and time to understand the gravity of the situation.
As this story isn't typical in any shape or form which makes it special. Rossell captures the time period well . With little nods to the history of the time that enhanced the mystery and help shaped the story.
The storyline is perfect for the target audience given the day and age. With YA fantasy releasing books like this now. This book is perfect for those who want to find a similar MG series.
The supporting characters fit the sort of people you would find in a town like this which relies on tourists and bathing houses.
Aunts are the dowdy type, the ones you find like in other novels. They don't care much for Stella and subscribe to the saying of that time. Little children shouldn't been seen or heard.
Encouraging Stella to fight and this bodes well given this is the first in three book series. This loveozmg was recently re-released by the publisher and it's perfect time as allows new readers to discover this magical series.
The perfect combination of history and fanasty allowing readers to enjoy a simpler reader before expanding their horizons to heavy fantasy. Stella is a character you won't forget any time soon.
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