A Reading Daydreamer: amy butler greenfield

Hey y'all! I'm so excited to be a part of the Chantress Blog Tour, hosted by Shane at Itching For Books. I'm going to be sharing my review and a giveaway! Thank you Shane for allowing me to be a part of this tour. Check out the rest of the tour here!

Jen's Review

Chantress
by Amy Butler Greenfield
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: May 7, 2013

Ever since I laid eyes on the cover for Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield, I knew I had to read it. Without a doubt. But this cover isn't just pretty on the outside. Between the flaps of this gorgeous book is a magical tale with beautiful prose, a creative plot line, and endearing characters that I loved from the start. Chantress is a historical fantasty that you won't want to miss.

First off, I'd like to mention the concept of this book that's intriguing and definitely something that's not typical out there in the YA fantasy world. Chantresses, the fantasy element in this book, are kind of like witches/fairies, but not at all in any way at the same time. Greenfield spices things up by adding little sprinkles of her own imagination and creativity here and there. I really enjoy how she introduces the topic mildly and not in any confusing way. Thankfully there's no info-dump, which is the worst. Greenfield skillfully weaves in Chantress information in a sneaky way that helps the reader learn about the idea along with the main character Lucy, since she starts out in the beginning of the story not knowing that she is a Chantress. What's more, Chantress is set in a historical time period (mid 1600s, which is what I'm studying in History class!), and it's surprisingly interesting to read about (usually I'm like, "History? SNOOORE). Set in London, I think that Greenfield was able to capture the dialogue of the time fabulously. The tone of the era was executed well, and I couldn't have asked for better.

Probably one of my favorite aspects of all in this novel is the characters. Lucy, the young woman who learns that she is Chantress, is easily lovable, as well as a hard-working character. There's something about her curiosity to learn more and to try her very best to use magic appropriately that is just admirable. In the middle of the book, it's evident that she works persistently to use magic, since her mentor scolds her endlessly, and she never gives up. Additionally, Nat is also a character I learned to fall in love with. Starting off as a cold, rude character, his heart opens up for Lucy and their very subtle romance is heart warming. I have no complaints for any of the characters in Chantress. They are all simply amazing and realistic.

Finally, the plot line is very well paced in this novel. It starts off with a bang (not literally), and I knew from the start that I was going to love this book. Chantress held my attention until the very end, and even then I didn't want to let go of this world and characters that Greenfield has created for us. It's not always fast-paced, but it's just enough to keep the readers engaged and interested in the story. It also helps that Greefield's writing is lush and flowy.

Chantress is definitely a book that every reader needs to pick up. I'm not a big historical or fantasy YA fan, but look who loved it? I DID. That's right, this book has it all: an enchanting concept that stands out, extremely delightful characters, and an absorbing plot. Go pick this up, you won't regret it!