• Pub Date: October 29, 2013
• Publisher: Patchwork Press
• Format: Paperback/Ebook, 302 pages
• Age Range: Young Adult
Enchanted castles and charming princes thought to exist only in stories come to life in this classically twisted fairy tale that combines the timeless quality of generations old folktales with the challenges of the modern world.
The woods of Elorium appear ordinary to Andi Grace, until birds start talking and elves answer doors. Along with three others, Andi has been whisked out of her world and finds herself the reluctant guest of the perplexing millionaire, Mr. Jackson—a stranger willing to help get them home, but who’s keeping secrets of his own.
Discovering unexpected family connections to this fairy tale land, the group must rely on each other as they dodge evil fairies and battle giants, intent on keeping them in Elorium.
Faced with characters short on whimsy and bent towards treachery, Andi, Quinn, Fredrick and Dylan are forced into fairy tale roles to find the way home. But in Elorium, happily ever after is never guaranteed.
Excerpt from A Grimm Legacy
by Janna Jennings
Dotted among the rainforest of trees, ferns, and vines hung cages from every available branch, while more crowded for space on the floor. Tiny golden cages held delicate canaries, finches, chickadees, and sparrows. Tremendous wooden cages large enough for Fredrick to stand in were half hidden behind massive ferns. These held the larger birds—regal macaws, coral colored ibises, peacocks, and Fredrick thought he even saw a black eagle staring at him from her own cage suspended at eye level.
How would he ever find Quinn in all this? He looked for both Quinn and the old woman. He chuckled when he spotted the black cat that beat him into the atrium and perched among the cages in a tree, napping.
None of the staircases led directly to the ground floor, forcing Fredrick to follow the spiral of balconies down. He ducked under a hanging branch and peered into each smaller cage suspended from the trees carefully. There was no sign of Quinn.
He finally found a small dark bird hopping around and trilling in the company of a few finches.
Opening the door, the birds peeped in alarm and beat their wings frantically around the tiny space, trying to elude his hand. He hadn't realized she would be this difficult to catch, especially one handed, without crushing her against the side of the cage. He snagged one delicate clawed foot and dragged her through the cage door. As soon as his hand left the confines of the cage, the finches calmed down and satisfied themselves with chirping indignantly at him from behind the bars.
The tiny black bird flapped in frantic desperation, trying to free herself from Fredrick's grip. He pinned her wings to her sides and she settled until only the buzz of her heart gave away her anxiety. He brought up the flower and gently touched it to her head.
A faint POP sounded and the bird was gone, but a young woman with dark hair hiding her face sprawled at his feet. She looked disoriented as she cradled her head in both her hands.
Fredrick bent and touched her shoulder, "Quinn?"
The woman turned and peered into his face, confused. Then she screamed. Fredrick
staggered back several paces. This wasn't Quinn.
Janna is a Colorado based YA author who loves a good fairy tale. She’s married to her own real life Prince Charming, and will usually admit to being mom of three, including her incorrigible middle child.
She has a good deal of education in subjects that are somehow not related to writing, which includes a Masters in Education. Currently she teaches toddlers important life skills like which end of a spoon to use and that gluesticks are not for eating. They lack a few things that make a good literary critic, but she loves her students all the same.
Besides wrangling with kids Janna can be found doing some therapeutic baking, dreaming of the ocean, and of course, curling up with a good book.
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This book sounds like it's perfect for those who like fantasy and fairy tales. I wish Janna much success with her new book! :-)
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