Book Review: My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond, Illustrated by Alla Alekseyeva

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  My Sparkling Misfortune

Author:  Laura Lond; Illustrated by Alla Alekseyeva
Publisher:   Dream Books LLC

Language: English

Format:  E-book (Adobe Digital Edition)

Pages:  80 pages
Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Laura Lond

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Summary

From Goodreads: 

"Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle readily admits that he is a villain and sees no reason why it should stop him from being the protagonist of this book. After all, Prince Kellemar, an aspiring hero, has defeated him in a rather questionable way. Bent on revenge, Arkus attempts to capture a powerful evil spirit who would make him nearly invincible, but a last-minute mistake leaves him with a sparkling instead a goody-goody spirit that helps heroes, watches over little children, and messes up villains plans. Bound to Lord Arkus for five years of service and sworn to act in his best interests, the sparkling is not easy to get rid of, and of course his understanding of best interests is quite different from what Lord Arkus has in mind."

Review

Are you a hero or a villain?  Answer carefully, or you might find you have misjudged yourself.  Take Lord Arkus, lord of Blackriver Castle, one of the most feared villains of his time - he himself has said so.  He had no illusions about being a hero, he was a villain through and through.  So how did he end up with such a kind, tender-hearted and powerful sparkling named Tulip, a.k.a. Jarvi?  If that is not an enough reason yet to read My Sparkling Misfortune, a book written by Laura Lond and exquisitely illustrated by Alla Alekseyeva, then maybe this would change your mind:

Imagine a black-hearted (if he indeed has a heart) villain - cold, calculating, and fiercely stylish (have you ever encountered a frumpy bad guy?), only interested in causing havoc, conquering lands, plundering wealth, and has no second thoughts about hitting his servants.  Can you picture that on your mind?  Probably thinking about Voldemort or a famous super model?  Now, visualize an angelic being whose intentions are pure as a baby's cheek, whose sole purpose of existence is to do good.  These two people are certainly on opposite poles, and when put together, they would certainly repel.  But what really happens is so hilarious, so heart-wrenching, and a little bit insane you would only believe it if you have read the book yourself.

My Sparkling Misfortune is definitely anything but a misfortune.  But its prose does sparkle, the writing humorous and assertive, Lord Arkus' voice genuine and believable.  The characters were vividly drawn, as clear as if seeing them in person while reading about them in the book.  The pace is quick and to the point, and the tone - though it may sometimes sound dire through the characters' points of view - comes off as hilarious, which reminds the reader to be optimistic and find joy in everything, as Tulip-Jarvi does.

The story is uncomplicated and very light, ideal for young readers yet packs quite a punch during intense moments and at every turn, a lesson is unconsciously taught and learned, and every reader would find themselves changed, though they might not immediately notice it.

I am so glad to have met Arkus and Tulip-Jarvi, and I am sure that a lot of readers would also agree once they have finished reading this book, and has gone to witness these two hilariously different creatures' adventures as villains and heroes.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Laura Lond, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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