Featured Review: Prophase: A Present Tale by Mitchel Street

[Karina Nowak]

Add this title to your MUST READ list!!!

In Prophase, A Present Tale, author Mitchell Street has created a wonderful coming-of-age story that is sure to delight all readers. The teenage protagonist, Piper, is easy to relate to, and like most teens, does the best she can to survive her circumstances. Street allowed me to enter Piper’s world easily, and I felt as though I came to know her well in the pages of this artfully crafted novel.

I was drawn in by Piper’s circumstances - a teenage girl without a mother, living with a bitter, alcoholic father, forcing her to take the responsibility for her younger brother and household chores. Piper’s love of animals, music, and the outdoors mirror that of many teens, and her longing to “fit” into the world is a universal desire. When her special powers are revealed to her by the elderly woman next door, the story takes on a delicious twist. Who has not longed for extraordinary powers to escape the realm of a typical teenage life? Street’s lush descriptive writing style paints vivid images of Piper’s dual reality that are a joy to read. Included is a wonderful undercurrent of science; Prophase is a stage in cell division, which mirrors Piper’s journey into her otherworld existence.

Beautifully illustrated throughout with original paintings by J. Robert, the story intimately develops through both prose and artwork. Street is currently working on book two of The Mitosis Series, Metaphase (another stage of cell division), and I cannot wait to join Piper in her next set of adventures.

Wow. This comment actually got me more into it. The reviewer didn't mention the illustrations. Might give it a try.

[Erin Dydek]

A fantasy novel with a strong female character sounds like a great book for a high school audience. I don’t enjoy high school age protagonists as much as I used to but the younger crowd should enjoy this tale of magic and adventure.

[C-obi]

The review blew me away. It was awesome. Would love to read this book. Thanks for the review.

[tristenb]

I wonder if the author is from Wisconsin as Piper attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a Wisconsin girl, this makes me smile. I understand the rating that you gave since it seems like some of the events seem forced. However, it seems like a great, touching story.

[Pearl Hijabi]

The story Prophase had piqued my interest with the first page itself because it was different from any that I have read. The story sample felt like I was there with her and that was something to have me read any book. I'm holding my breath to have a go at this.

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

A fantastic novel about coming of age. The main character Piper lost his mother and his father is an alcoholic. She has been responsible for her brother's care for a long time and it has matured her. She has her life planned and is ready for the future. The changes that surpassed her on her eighteenth birthday. She will discover a world that she never knew existed.
Many fans of fantasy novels will enjoy this one that is an interesting novel, easy to read and coming of age.

[Hester3]

Thanks for the review, the sample of the book grabbed my attention it is just sad that some of the events felt forced and that you felt some aspects of the characters were underdeveloped.

[Florence Nalianya]

Thanks for this very inviting review.This is some good read that I must do soonest.

[Chrystal Oaks]

The cover looks soft and mystical. To imagine waking up on your 18th birthday and discovering a world at your fingertips with powers previously hidden sounds quite magical; this sounds like a good book. Great review!

[Sanju Lali]

A fantasy filled coming of age novel "Prophase: A Present Tale" by Mitchel Street, which follows Piper Walker who has the magical power of seeing lights and auras everywhere and in everything. The interesting and imaginative world,which is full of different types of beings and magic looks entertaining.

[Washboard]

I think there needs to be more coming of age novels with female protagonists! Glad to hear that this one is an overall success. Great review!

[Ngozi Onyibor]

This coming of-age book about a young girl with supernatural powers seems like a thrilling read. I enjoy fantasy novels and this is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing.

[ciecheesemeister]

Interestingly enough, the Piper character reminds me of my own mother. Her father left when she was in high school, and her mother had a psychological breakdown following his departure. My mom had to take care of the house and her rebellious sister, who was two years younger. It explains why my mother tends to micromanage people's lives.
I really enjoyed your review. It made me think, which isn't always a good thing, but in this case, it was!

[Goodlu_1]

Seems like a very good book. Will love to read it

[Herbstlicht]

Thank you for this detailed description. Being a person who cares more about the realistic character development and less about the magic setting of the tale, I think I would like it.