Review of Pixylations

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 12 Jul 2024, 03:51

[Following is a volunteer review of "Pixylations" by Joe Laudati.]

5 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Pixylations by Joe Laudati

This fantasy novel incorporates elements of Irish folklore and is set in a magical human world where mythical creatures exist. The author weaves a fantastic tale involving humans, pixies, and goblins in which fairies from the fairy realm visit the human world to bring balance to the land by harnessing the magic elements: earth, fire, air, and water. The story follows the adventures of Faela, a wild and rogue blue pixie known for her mischievous and naughty nature. She often breaks the rules of the fairy world just for fun. As a flower sprite, her job is to bloom flowers and tend to them. However, her wild nature leads her to create abnormal flowers, such as daisies with purple leaves and pansies with spots. When the story starts, we see Faela being admonished and ridiculed by her fellow pixies for offending the flowers by making them different from nature's design. They change the flowers back to bring back normalcy. This leaves Faela enraged and hurt, and she flies away. Scuff, a gnome who is also Faela's friend, tries to stop her, but she cannot be stopped. He watches her warily as she plays various tricks on humans. At one moment, out of fury, Faela crosses her limits and is reported to the high king by other pixies. As a result, the Horn of Auberon whisks her away, and a threat of banishment from the Fairy Realm looms above her. Pooka, a goblin fiend and a shapeshifter, is keenly watching this. Banished pixies can be forced to marry Pooka, and he is very intent on marrying Faela for some mysterious reasons. Out of sympathy, the king provides a chance for Faela to prove her noble heart and redeem herself. She is sent to McBride's house to become a house fairy with the mission of bringing joy and courage to seven-year-old Ellie, who has recently lost her mom. She develops a good friendship with Ellie, which makes her happy. While everything is going well, an unexpected turn develops. She is bitten by the love bug and falls for Devin, a handsome ex-fiancé of Ellie's elder sister Katie. She decides to do the ultimate forbidden act of pixylating, despite dangerous warnings from Scuff. What happens next? Will Faela redeem herself or get banned from the fairy realm? Will Pooka attain success in marrying Faela? Grab the book to find out the answers.

After reading the blurb, I was immediately intrigued and picked up the book. I have no regrets, as I absolutely loved and enjoyed reading it. The story is fast-paced, with no lagging. I was totally immersed in the book and drawn into the mythical world of Faela, Scuff, and Ellie. The author's writing style is engaging and comprehensive. His world-building is outstanding and sets a strong foundation for the story. He describes the fairy realm, pixies, goblins, and other fairies very well and merges the fairy world with our world seamlessly, making it feel realistic. In some places, the author speaks directly to the readers by breaking the fourth wall. The pixylating scene involving Faela, Katie, and Devin was amusing.

I was fascinated to learn that the author had also created the illustrations for the book. They were astounding and added a new dimension to the story. I only wished they were colored. I also loved the font used for the book title and the chapter titles. After reading the story, I wished I could have the gifted sight to see some of those 'wee folks'.

I hope this book will be made into a movie, as it has all the elements needed for a blockbuster. I would love to see Faela, Scuff, and Ellie on the big screen. With an engaging plot, excellent world-building, and wonderful characterization, this book exceeded my expectations. The editing is incredible. There is nothing I disliked in the book. So, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

******
Pixylations
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

_Rhea Jacob · Post by **_Rhea Jacob** » 29 Jul 2024, 00:37

It sounds like an exciting and wonderful book. Your review is encouraging me to pick up the book and give it a try. Excellent review from you!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 30 Jul 2024, 21:49

_Rhea Jacob wrote: ↑29 Jul 2024, 00:37 It sounds like an exciting and wonderful book. Your review is encouraging me to pick up the book and give it a try. Excellent review from you!

Thanks a lot!

Anshika Kanan · Post by **Anshika Kanan** » 30 Jul 2024, 22:53

This book seems very exciting. I would love to read it, your review is very helpful.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 31 Jul 2024, 00:34

This sounds like an entertaining and enthralling story. Faela is quite the character; a rebel of sorts. I hope she sorts things out or that the fairy world learns to accept and embrace her creativity. The Irish folklore is intriguing for me. Great review!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 31 Jul 2024, 02:46

Anshika Kanan wrote: ↑30 Jul 2024, 22:53 This book seems very exciting. I would love to read it, your review is very helpful.

Thanks for your comments!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 31 Jul 2024, 02:47

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑31 Jul 2024, 00:34 This sounds like an entertaining and enthralling story. Faela is quite the character; a rebel of sorts. I hope she sorts things out or that the fairy world learns to accept and embrace her creativity. The Irish folklore is intriguing for me. Great review!

Do try this book! I found it interesting.

Harshitha G B · Post by **Harshitha G B** » 01 Aug 2024, 13:08

Interesting review and you have highlighted beautiful points about the book which grabs reader's interest. I will try this book if I get the chance.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 01 Aug 2024, 21:43

Harshitha Nayak wrote: ↑01 Aug 2024, 13:08 Interesting review and you have highlighted beautiful points about the book which grabs reader's interest. I will try this book if I get the chance.

Thank you!

Yashi Shukla · Post by **Yashi Shukla** » 03 Aug 2024, 05:27

You really got me hooked with this review. I would definitely read this book. Thank you for your review.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 03 Aug 2024, 05:30

Yashi Shukla wrote: ↑03 Aug 2024, 05:27 You really got me hooked with this review. I would definitely read this book. Thank you for your review.

Glad that you loved it!

Post by **Rajaee R** » 03 Aug 2024, 09:43

All the characters seem to be perfectly placed in the story. But I really want to know what happened to Faela. I hope Pooka didn't get her.
Thanks for the review.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 05 Aug 2024, 00:29

Rajaee wrote: ↑03 Aug 2024, 09:43 All the characters seem to be perfectly placed in the story. But I really want to know what happened to Faela. I hope Pooka didn't get her.
Thanks for the review.

Do read and find out

Post by **Martina Sette** » 06 Aug 2024, 12:30

It seems interesting. The novel's blend of Irish folklore and engaging characters makes for an immersive read. I definitely want to read this!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 07 Aug 2024, 01:02

Martina Sette wrote: ↑06 Aug 2024, 12:30 It seems interesting. The novel's blend of Irish folklore and engaging characters makes for an immersive read. I definitely want to read this!

Do read and share your review!