Steph Reviews Leah & Rhea: Spell: Book 1 By Melissa Hines Helms Illustrated by Stephanie Parcus

Publisher: Helmshines Publications
Series: Leah & Rhea #1
Format Read: E-Book
Source: From the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
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Blurb from goodreads:

Leah and Rhea, twin fairies living in the quiet hollows of a beautiful forest, never had a mentor to help them realize their magic. Left on their own after the tragic death of their parents, they’ve made a life among friends in the wilderness. Until one day Leah and Rhea discover a terrible sleeping spell has been placed upon their friends, and they soon embark on a quest to counter the evil magic cast by the witch Matilda—a quest that could split them apart forever. The sisters must find the courage to face foes and gather allies as they leave behind everything they know, battling creatures they never could have imagined. Will Leah and Rhea be able to find the inner strength and resourcefulness to secure the freedom of their most cherished friends? Join them on a journey that could determine their future or spell doom for them all.

Review: Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Terry Jones

Review by Jax

Book Blurb: This perennial bestseller never loses its charm. It really happened-a hoax perpetrated by two girls who claimed to have photographed actual "fairies"; among the people caught up in the popular hysteria were Arthur Conan Doyle (who fell for it) and Harry Houdini (who did not). This remarkable parody, written by a former member of the Monty Python troupe, takes a riotously witty, visually extraordinary, and wildly original look at what went on. In every respect, this "handwritten diary" captures the look of the age-though the fairies, it is true, do sometimes have a more malevolent aspect than one might expect...
A fresh-and funny-take on the true story that inspired two movies.

My Thoughts:  I was gifted this book YEARS ago, and it became an instant favorite. It's written by Terry Jones of Monty Python and Brian Froud, who's art inspired the movies Labyrinth and Dark Crystal.  

It is the facsimile of Lady Angelica Cottington's Journal - complete not with pretty flower pressings, but of fairies. It tells us the triumphs of a young girl who can now prove her stuffy Nanna how wrong she was. But is smart enough not to do so.

Fairies, being the mischievous and delightfully naughty creatures they are, tease and torment the dear girl throughout her life. (Speaking of naughty, there is even a section of pressings "sealed for the protection of the innocent." Don't worry, the seal slides off easily enough.) Nowhere is sacred. There's a reason she began bringing her pressed fairy book to church!

This book is whimsical, and morbid. It is dark and silly. To me, it has what makes fairy tales, true fairy tales, compelling and fun. Tricks, treats, rhymes and riddles - it's all there. 

Publisher: Sterling

Release Date: September 2, 2004

This book is owned by the reviewer.