A Dream Within A Dream: Annabelle's Story Blog Tour: Spotlight, Review & Giveaway

Series Summary:

Annabelle Walsh thought she had it all. She was the star of her swim team, had a loving family, a great boyfriend, and to top it off, she’d be starting at UCLA in the fall. One day, she’d be referred to as Dr. Annabelle Walsh.

She was living every girl’s dream – until her life was turned upside down. All starting with finding out that she's not just a human, but also a water spirit. Half-human, half-sprite to be exact. Although not just any sprite, Annabelle is prophesied to be the only one who can save both the sprites and mankind.

With a mix of current events, anecdotes from Greek mythology, tidbits of folklore, and Leigh’s own imagination, we join Annabelle in her journey to restore order beneath the sea. Each step of the way her mind, body, and soul are pushed to the limit begging the question, how much can one half-human, half-sprite take?

Sprite Review:

Sprite is the first book in the young adult fantasy series, Annabelle's Story. It follows the main character, Annabelle Walsh, as her entire life comes crashing down around her when she learns she is actually half water sprite. On top of this bomb, she learns that she isn't just any half sprite, she is the one prophesied about - the one who will save humans and sprites alike. Will Annabelle be able to accept her fate and save the world?

I found this book to be a fast-paced and fun read with tons of adventure and great fantasy characters. I found it interesting how the author presented the sprite culture and their history. There are tons of mermaid books out there, but the water sprites brought a unique and refreshing feel to the fantasy genre in young adult fiction.

This story was somewhat predictable but had great twists and adventures that I didn't see coming. I easily reconnected to Annabelle and identified with her early in the story. The ending was a good fit for a first in a series - it doesn't leave the ending too closed and it doesn't leave too many questions unanswered either. All in all, Sprite is a great start to a fun and interesting series. Fans of fantasy YA fiction and mermaid lore will love this series.

Kin Review:

Kin is the second book in the Annabelle's Story series and picks up right where the first book left off. The story continues effortlessly from each book into the next, which makes for great flow. The characters grow and gain more depth with the second novel, which makes them all the more realistic and easy to root for.

I really liked how the author explained the back story of the sprite culture and history. She went above and beyond by not just writing about sprites, but including other interesting beings, which I thought added a lot of uniqueness to the series. The series deals with serious issues that all readers can identify with; ones like family, friends, fate, courage, love, and responsibility. It's a fresh voice in the fantasy and young adult genre.This is a wonderfully fun and interesting series that fans of YA fantasy will definitely enjoy!

PROMOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT:

Annabelle's Story by Leigh Michael

She was living every girl’s dream – until her life was turned upside down. All starting with finding out that she's not just a human, but also a water spirit. Half-human, half-sprite to be exact. Although not just any sprite, Annabelle is prophesied to be the only one who can save both the sprites and mankind.

With a mix of current events, anecdotes from Greek mythology, tidbits of folklore, and Leigh’s own imagination, we join Annabelle in her journey to restore order beneath the sea. Each step of the way her mind, body, and soul are pushed to the limit begging the question, how much can one half-human, half-sprite take? 

"I quickly got sucked into the world Leigh Michael created."

Excerpt from Annabelle's Story

It was odd; people have always said that your life flashed before your eyes when you die.

But mine didn’t. All I thought about was a story I’d heard as a lifeguard — from a guy who drowned and was brought back to life through CPR.

He said after a few minutes he gradually sunk. It was because little by little all the air had left his lungs. He felt his lungs aching to be replenished, making his heart quicken.

Then the only thing left for him to do was inhale. He had no choice, his body instinctively breathed. It didn’t matter that he was under water. But after he did, the water burned his throat as it went down, it filled his lungs, and then he died.

Right on cue, my body forced me to inhale.

"I think Leigh Michael is a YA author to keep your eye on."

Buy Annabelle's Story:

Sprite can be purchased at: Amazon Barnes & Noble

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Kin can be purchased at: Amazon Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

About Leigh:

Leigh Michael is an author of YA fiction. She's worked within the advertising world for nearly a decade before writing her debut series, Annabelle's Story. Leigh lives in Washington, DC with her husband and goldendoodle. Be sure to stop by her site on October 31st for a special Trick or Treat surprise.

Author Links:

Goodreads