When 22 year old Alaina stumbles into a world that she thought only existed in her mind, she is understandably a little bit freaked out. Who wouldn't be? Characters that she had written down years ago are walking, and talking, and telling her that she is the only one who can save the princess and the kingdom of Isleen. Um...okay. As she travels down to the southern kingdom with Sir Gabriel, a really hot knight, she falls off horses, has an interaction with an evil witch, gets attacked by a sea creature, and even falls from lust into love. (Description from amazon.com)
Ok, I admit it. I have never been a huge fan of the Fantasy genre. As a Children’s Librarian, I know that there are a lot books that should be in my archive, but I just have never been able to bring myself to read them. The Dark is Rising, Once and Future King and The Sword in the Stone… I am talking about you. Too complicated, too many characters, and dare I say boring. I usually pass on those in favor of some chick lit.
That being said, The Secret World of Alaina Downs has all of the things you would think that should make up a great fantasy/adventure novel; a damsel in distress, a knight and many magical creatures. Rebecca was able to give these classic elements her own special twist.
It made me happy that I did not have to take out a notebook to keep track of the characters and places! Rebecca did a great job balancing dialogue, action and description. Sharp dialogue was a great way to advance the story with out bogging it down with too much description. It was a great combination of fantasy/adventure/romance. For me, it was a “finished in one sitting book.” Looking forward to the sequel.
