Review by Mimi of Woven by Words

Here's a review from Mimi (not me!) on her blog, Woven by Words:

My Review:

I have only read a few "fantasy" Christian genre books. I'm always a bit hesitant because I think it's a fine line between the "fantastical" and faith. Well, let me say for the record, F.A.R.I.E.S. combines both in a spectacular way.


When M.C. sent me her book and told me to be brutally honest, can you imagine my first thought? Oh boy, this isn't going to be that great if she wants my "honest" opinions! I proceeded with caution and was immediately swept into a new world following the journey of Mellie.


We're introduced to numerous creatures that all live below the earth.Each of these characters factor into Mellie's immersion into this new world. She learns about "fantastical" beings and that she has been "chosen", but she has no clue what that means or what's expected of her. Thankfully she makes friends with creatures of different shapes, sized and abilities.


Mellie is 12 and so is my son. I can't picture him acting as "mature" as she is so I kept imagining her more like a 17yr old. That was probably the hardest thing for me to wrap my mind around. Mellie has a lot of learning to do and her group of friends each add an element to her learning. She also has a lot of growing up to do and learning about putting others first and not being so selfish. Being young, you can forgive her lack of maturity.

It's wonderful that her instructors see her gifts of being the Chosen by the One (God). The One has given her abilities that stand out from others and with the help of her instructors and her friends she is able to hone those talents. I loved that part of this story. Her friends love her no matter what. They accept her just the way she is. There are so many wonderful underlying messages!

One of my favorite parts of this whole book is how M.C. adds scripture into conversation that sounds like it fits so well. It's not preachy, but encouraging. The scriptures are perfectly placed and directs the characters and the reader to Him.

The adventures in F.A.I.R.I.E.S. will appeal to adults and youth alike. I was excited to get to my reading every night and as I'd read, my thoughts would go to my boys and how much they would enjoy this. That's a great appeal for me, a book I can share with my kids. They don't like boring books and my 12yo wants to be taken on an adventure. M.C. definitely provides that throughout the entire story!

I also enjoyed the illustrations provided by M.C. I liked seeing what year she did each one and would look for those. I didn't see them in every single one, but you can tell she had this book in her head for a very long time!


Like I told M.C., the only part I didn't like was the ending because I have to wait for the second book! =) Don't you hate it when you finish a book you've thoroughly enjoyed and know you have to wait at LEAST a year before the next one comes out? LOL


If you're looking to go on an adventure, this would be the perfect book. If you're looking for a book that is family friendly and you can read with your tween or older, I would highly suggest grabbing this book and adding it to your reading list this year!


I want to thank M.C. for sending me her book for review. She knows I've been looking forward to reading her debut novel since she announced it at F.I.R.S.T.!

Review by Nora St. Laurent

Nora Stlaurent's review 

Jan 26, 12

Read in December, 2011

Review: Have you seen the movie Tooth Fairy or The S.A.N.T.A. Clause? Read the book Hinds Feet in High Places? F.A.I.R.I.E.S. reminded me of parts of these movies and book. I’m thankful to have received a review copy of such an imaginative book. This author combines fantasy with reality like the two movies I mentioned and is an allegory like the book Hinds Feet in High Places. Mellie is the only human in the story. She is surrounded with mystical characters like Lord of the Rings has with fairies, elves, gnomes, gremlins, dragons, dwarfs just to name a few and she’s trying to make sense of this new world she has just entered, like Lucy in C.S. Lewis’s book Narnia.

M.C. Pearsons is not only the author of this youth fantasy but she is the illustrator as well. Her pictures are scattered throughout the book. They illustrate for the reader her imaginative characters

Mellie is a disgruntled human who wishes to escape the home life she has with her dreadful sisters. “Just once she wanted to do something that would make her sisters see that she wasn’t stupid, awkward, ugly, and a little baby.” She wanted to live in a family where she was loved and accepted. Maybe she could runaway and find a better place to live.

Suddenly Mellis finds herself deep into the forest unsure of where to go next, then she runs into the strangest sight, a walking stick that talks.

Is this a dream she wonders? Then suddenly the walking stick ushers her into the labyrinth of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. She doesn’t know what to think. Everything was quite magical. Just like in the Santa Clause and Tooth Fairy movies she sees everyone working together as a team for a common goal, she’ll learn later.

The walking stick finally introduces himself to her, his name is Regnans. He says, Welcome to the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. it stands for
F – Fantastical
A – Aerial
I – International
R- Reasonably
I- Inconspicious
E- Emancepation
S – Squads

They have accepted her into their organization. Regnans goes on to tell she has been “chosen” by the One. He tells her, “You made a choice to run away from a miserable life and asked to be set free?..... Right? You asked – we answered – you are accepted.”

Mellie is surprised and says, “But I don’t believe in fairies….”

“Follow-Me. I’ll enroll you for training. We are at war.” Move quickly.

She replies, “I’m not at war with anyone”

Regnan says, “You are at war. The darone wants to stamp out the light.”

This is where the story reminded me of the Tooth Fairy and how he goes into training. He learns all he can and then makes the mission his own.

Mellie embarks on a magical adventure as “chosen” by the One to be trained as a soldier of the light to fight the shadow whose set on fighting humans.

She also is in search of the One who truly loves and accepts her for who she is and was created to be.

I enjoyed this journey into the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. training and beyond!! It was fun, entertaining and yet there was a depth to this story I enjoyed. I also like the surprising twists and turns Mellie takes in her search to find the One and her mission in life.

Are you looking for a story that will whisk you into a magical land and help you not think about the worries of this world; at the same time bring comfort and joy to your soul? Then search no more F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is the book for you and the young people in your life. It will spark great conversation for you and any book clubs that would like to read it.

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
www.bookfun.org 

#37 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

This is what Rachelle Sperling of Sojourner's Journey had to say about F.A.I.R.I.E.S.:

Geared primarily for children and pre-teens, F.A.I.R.E.S. (Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads) is the story of Mellie (12 going on 13) and her adventure of being chosen and choosing to serve the One.

While I love fantasy and read a fair amount of children's and young adult fiction, I had a difficult time getting into this book. In order to show the growth of her character Mellie, the author starts with a self-centered, whiny young girl. Maybe Pearson did a bit too thorough a job in showing Mellie's unflattering side, because I just couldn't find anything about Mellie's character to connect with until well into the story. Mellie's character development reminded me a bit of both Edmund and Eustace from C.S. Lewis' Narnia, but when Mellie was introduced there were no other (more noble) characters to help me stay connected to the story.

Still, I'm glad that I kept reading. About a quarter of the way into the book Mellie's character started to take on a more rounded personality and I enjoyed the development of the relationships within her squad of fantastical being friends. Though I must admit that it seemed odd how Mellie went from being a self-centered twelve year old to acting like a mature sixteen or seventeen year old in the span of four months, the changes in Mellie moved the story along in a way that helped me connect to the lessons she was learning.

Despite the fact that it took some time for me to feel involved in the storyline, Mimi's imagination knows no bounds. As I read I became immersed in a world of strange and fascinating creatures exploring the riddles of dragons and the representation of the One.

Once I settled in to the story I enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing more from Mimi Pearson and her tales of the realm. Her grand imagination will no doubt continue to spark the interest of her target audience as she weaves tales of light, darkness and the One who is above it all.
Thanks to the author for sending me a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

#36 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

This is what MJ Chind had to say on her blog, Creative Madness:

It was a few years ago when I first started to read Mimi’s book and I was captivated. I was reading unedited versions and sending in opinions. I absolutely love starting with the foretelling of Gnome Dig Deep (see below) and the whit and whimsy of all the characters was soon to follow. At that time I have to admit that I did not finish reading, because it was before I had an ereader and then having a baby I was not able to sit at the computer to read much. Now that the real book is finally here, I’m so excited again!!

*Thanks to Mimi for providing a copy for review

#35 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Lesley has to say about F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire on her blog, Dragonflies 'n Daydreams.

My thoughts:

What an interesting book! This story is full of imagination and tells a wonderful story. You'll find yourself smiling and feeling intrigued by the characters and fictitious land. Full of fantasy you will enjoy every moment of the fight against good and evil. With illustrations that capture your eye you will want to share this book with your young friends. 

Readers Favorite Book Reviews

Just received a 5 star review on Readers Favorite Book Reviews! I plan on entering their 2012 Book Award Contest.

Reviewed by Linda W. for Readers Favorite


This is a fantasy tale of good versus evil through the eyes of a young teenage girl, Mellie. Running from her sisters’ taunts, she finds herself caught up in the world of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S, where she will learn the world of spiritual warfare against the I.M.P.S. as she attends the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. academy and learns of the One–the light who always overcomes the darkness.


The unbelievable characters become a part of your life, as you learn of their ways. The military academy is tough, yet most of the classes are enjoyable and instructive. Plenty of humor is there, though some is lost in interpretation! I enjoyed the characters of Mellie, Spike, Lizzy, GroBe, and many others. They are rich, descriptive and eccentric. They are truly fantastical beings! What a super delightful book with deep spiritual meaning. The spiritual aspect is what makes the book so great, as it pertains to each of the characters and to us as well. I loved it. Your kids will, too!


This would make one extra-special birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion gift for some young girl or boy! Your child(ren) will learn truths that are pertinent to their lives. Pick one up today! Superb, intricate writing. Christian fantasy at its best! I am rating this a 5 out of 5!


I’m so excited as I never used to like books like this, let alone loving this one! This should become a classic for years to come!

#34 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Angela has to say on her blog, All Grown Up?:

I turned this one over to the boys,

Youngest *13* said: "Hey, it’s pretty good, and you know this lady? WOW!” He was impressed that I know the author!

Son4′s *15* reaction was “I like it, think she’ll write more?”

And Son3′s *17* reply “A little young for me, but it was still pretty good! I’d read more by her if you have it!”

So there we go, 3 out of 3 stars!

*Ages* added from Angela's family page

#33 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Lindsey has to say on her blog, Kindred Spirit Mommy:

F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism By Fire is a new faith-based novel for kids and young teens that is sure to be loved by many. I was especially excited when I first heard about it because it’s one of the few fantasy adventures in the Christian fiction genre. We need more like this!

Here’s a short description:

Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.

If you enjoy meaningful books with deep characters, fantastical creatures, imaginative made-up worlds, and exciting adventures, you’ll enjoy F.A.I.R.I.E.S. It reminds me in a way of books like The Chronicles of Narnia or A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. It’s a really enjoyable read, and you get caught up in the characters’ lives quickly.

I did struggle a bit in the beginning to get into the book but once I was a few chapters in I just had to know what happened to Mellie. I found her inner conflicts to be very true-to-life for a girl in her early teens, and I think that young girls who read her story will relate well.

Another thing that makes this book unique and special is the author’s own illustrations throughout the book. There are so many! It really adds interest, and was fun to see how the author saw certain scenes and characters. I loved it!
If you have a young daughter or family member, definitely consider this for them. The story has a lot of depth and heart to it that you won’t find in most young adult fantasy fiction. I recommend it!

You can find it on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle edition, and at Barnes&Noble.com.

#32 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Anne Payne has to say on her blog, Stuff & Nonsense II:

My Thoughts

Several times I have tried to read a book in the Fantasy/Speculative Fiction genre and cannot do it. My brain just doesn’t conjure up what the characters and creatures look like. For that reason alone I was glad that the illustrations in the book were there and they are “fantastical” in and of themselves! You get two treasures in one: The boundless imagination of the author and her incredible illustrations. It’s amazing! And to weave the spiritual thread in the way she did. AWE.SOME.

This is definitely a book that young and old speculative fiction fans will enjoy.

#31 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Laura O had to say on her blog, Day by Day in Our World:

My Thoughts ~

I have really enjoyed reading this title and plan to pass it along to my older boys to read. Our family adores fantasy books like this one and I suspect the boys will agree with my assessment of it being a good read. There is a wide variety of fantastical creatures with several characters I enjoyed.

I have to add that I really enjoyed the artistic touch that Ms. Pearson supplied with her own illustrations of scenes in the novel. My only regret was trying to view them on my Nook and not a bigger screen.

#30 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Molly had to say on her blog, Reviews by Molly:

My Review:

With tons of sickness going around my house lately, I didn't get a lot of the books read that I wanted to read. But I did take the time to read this amazing book by Ms. Pearson. She is absolutely AWESOME in her work!

To be honest in my review, I will tell you that this sort of book is not my first choice of reading material. It's young readers that tend to read this kind. Me, not so much. But, I want to give every author a chance and sometimes, like with this one, I will find one that blows me away to the point of making me a fan.

In F.A.I.R.I.E.S., Ms. Pearson does a wonderful job at illustrating as well as the creation of the story. Ms. Pearson takes a classic bad battles good plot line, throws in a mix of fantastical characters, and turns out a story that will capture hearts young and old alike. Mellie Goodwin is one of those such characters and she truly pulled me to the heart of the book. I could feel the adventure and twists that Ms. Pearson through Mellie as if I was the character.

Ms. Pearson definitely created a 4 Book worthy story in my opinion. Her characters are gripping, her story line is one that is both entertaining to read and lesson learning, with good vs. evil, right vs. wrong. An inspiring story for young readers, this would make a wonderful, fantastical gift for your young book lover! As I said before, while this is one that I wouldn't normally read, Ms. Pearson did make a fan of me with her amazing talent for being an author AND an illustrator, and I am looking forward to her next book!

#29 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here is what one of my favorite authors, MaryLu Tyndall, has to say on her blog, Cross and Cutlass:

MaryLu Here: I recently had the pleasure of reading this book. I'm not quite finished yet, but I wanted to write a short review: F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is unlike any book I've ever read. Immediately I was swept away into a fantastical world through the eyes of a young girl. I'm amazed at Ms. Pearson's extravagant imagination! The creatures and world she describes are beyond anything my mind could conceive. This book has everything anyone could want: battles between good and evil, adventure, humor, romance, an interesting plot and characters you will love. What also impressed me are the wonderful hand-drawn illustrations by the author herself scattered throughout the story! She can not only write, but draw as well! I highly recommend this books for young and old lovers of fantasy.

#28 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Megan DiMaria had to say on her blog, A Prisoner of Hope:

I don't often read fantasy, and this book was a welcome surprise. An imaginative and adventurous page turner, I loved the illustrations sprinkled throughout. Thumbs up!

#27 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Danica had to say in her blog, The Journey of Writer Danica Favorite:

MY REVIEW:

Very much an enjoyable read. I keep thinking that this is a great story my 11yo and her friends would love, but that means I have to give up my death grip on my e-reader. :) I had a hard time getting into the story at first, but as I continued reading, I realized that this book reminds me a lot of Madeleine L'Engle's work, and I loved that level of fantasy as a child. I'm excited to pass on this book to my children, and I might even have to let them use my precious e-reader. This is definitely an appealing storyline for any parent who is looking for something wholesome to read in an age when there are a lot of questionable fantasy novels out there.

#26 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Maureen had to say on her blog, Maureen's Musings:

My Review: What an imaginative book....you will Love what comes to mind. The beverages of kokokola...lemon lime??

Meet the Faries and the vast underground network....wow! Learning to fight the Evil One. You will enjoy the dialogue and sometime bickering that goes on.

The book opens with Mellie having quite a time feeling sorry for herself and proceeding to leave her family. She goes down the beach so far she doesn't recognize the place, she sees some branches moving, and her adventure is about to begin. She meets a "Walking Stick" named Regans, a member of The Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads....F.A.I.R.I.E.S!
He tells Mellie that she is the "Chosen One" and had been accepted into their Organization.

She is about to go to School....one she never dreamed of attending!

You wonder if Mellie will ever see her family again, but all is answered.

M. C. has down a wonderful job with this book, it is so very entertaining! Really makes you think. Enjoy!!

#25 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Linda had to say on her blog, One Desert Rose:

This is a fantasy tale of good versus evil through the eyes of a young teenage girl, Mellie. Running from her sisters’ taunts, she finds herself caught up in the world of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S, where she will learn the world of spiritual warfare against the I.M.P.S. as she attends the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. academy and learns of the One–the light who always overcomes the darkness.

The unbelievable characters become a part of your life, as you learn of their ways. The military academy is tough, yet most of the classes are enjoyable and instructive. Plenty of humor abounds, though some is lost in interpretation! I enjoyed the characters of Mellie, Spike, Lizzy, GroBe, and many, many others. They are rich, descriptive and eccentric. They are truly fantastical beings! What a super delightful book with deep spiritual meaning. I loved it. Your kids will, too!

This would make one extra-special Christmas gift for some young girl or boy! Pick one up today! Superb, intricate writing. Christian fantasy at it’s best! I’m rating this a 5 out of 5!

I’m so excited, as I never used to like books like this, let alone loving this one! This should become a classic for years to come!

#24 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Chin chin has to say on her blog, Inspirational Life Quotes:

I like fantasy stories. But more than reading, I love to watch movies with this genre. I have watched The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Never Ending Story, Narnia, Bridge to Terabitha... How I wish that someday this book "F.A.I.R.I.E.S." by M.C. Pearson would find its way to the movie screen, too. The book is very long (482 pages) and, honestly, I haven't had the time yet to finish reading the whole book. But just reading some of the chapters gives the feeling of excitement on every turn of the page. This is something really perfect for those young and young-at-heart who like fantasy and adventure stories. Check out the free look inside chapter 1 of the book at the end of this post.

#23 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Andi has to say on her blog, Radiant Light:

My Thoughts:

I received an electronic version of Mimi's book, and I was blown away by the cover on the book. It was super clear on my Kindle and I couldn't wait to read it. The book was a great adventure, and I fell in love with Mellie. Mimi is quite a talented writer and artist. Fantasy fiction is not one of my huge favorite genre's yet I found myself taken away to another world and I really didn't want to leave. This would be a great gift for your fantasy fan!

#22 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Loren has to say on her blog, FROM THE ♥ OF A BOOKWORM:

You know those times when you were younger and you would be sooo upset with someone in your family? Maybe you might even wish to be in a different family altogether? Well, that is just what happened to Mellie. She was feeling sorry for herself as she walked down to the beach to get away from her older sisters. She is wishing for a new life, an important life, and one that really mattered! As Mellie continued on her walk, she realized she no longer recognized the area where she was walking and then she meets "walking stick" or you might say he looked like a tree twig. He not only looked odd but he spoke too! With a British accent!
He shares with Mellie that she is the Chosen one and must follow him. She wasn't quite sure what to do but once they arrived, Mellie had never seen a place like this before! She is going to go to school...and what a school it is! Here she will learn what it means to be a Fairie -aka- a Fantascital, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squad!

Mellie meets some amazing friends and I just fell in love with all of them. Just to name a few, you will meet an elf, a yeti, and even a limionade.

This book is sooo very good and would be EXCELLENT for younger kids from 11 and up! This is a Fantastic book for those who might want to read something like Narnia!!! M.C. Pearson brings us a wonderful fantasy world and allows the reader to see an example of a deep faith and wonderful friendships!!

A Definite 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

#21 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Tammy had to say at her blog, Three Different Directions:

So what more is there to say about this book? Well quite a lot actually, but I'll try to keep it short since the professional authors' quotes above summed it up pretty well.

I reall liked this book, it would be fun for a family with pre-teens/teens to read it together. Mellie's adventures kept me swiping (I received an e-book) the pages and I very much enjoyed the fantastical vein this story took. I would recommened it for any one about ages 11 and up that enjoys Christian fantasy reading, and it would make a good Christmas gift.