Maggie L. Wood

Captured by Maggie L Wood is a fantastic retelling of a game of chess in a YA setting.

Back when there was an indie book store with fantastic deals, this book was one a giant cardboard cut out bookshelf with a for sale sign on it. At the time, I wasn't a giant reader but I was getting bored with Twilight and vampire novels in general so I picked this book up. Little did I know, that I'd become obsessed, the third book would be in development for years and years and years and I'd forget this book was on the back of one of my shelves for YEARS. So, like I tend to do - I avoid my four giant to-read book shelves with physical copies and reread some old "classics".

This YA book is truly incredible - yes it's your typical romance, adventure, action and thriller story but instead of vampires or fairy tales - it's chess!! I'm horrible at chess, but I love seeing someone make a book around it! It's original, and while it's probably been done before but I've never found the book, I really enjoyed it!

Our lead isn't just some frail princess falling in love, no she's ready to be a superhero in her own realm! At this time, most of the books I was reading were weak girls who just wanted a boyfriend. When I picked up this book and saw a strong heroine, I was amazed. And I still am! It's such a great, unique story and it's upsetting seeing that barely anyone has read or reviewed it!

This is a 110% recommended read from me. I would love to see more books by Maggie L Wood popping up on bookshelves all around the nation! She has a unique look on the world and her books aren't the usual silly vampire story. If she had room to grow and write more books, I'm sure her writing ability would sky rocket and rival some of the best.

Five out of five stars.… (más)

Raised by her nana, fifteen year old Willow grew up listening to fairy stories and playing chess games. One fateful night, Nana passed away. Willow touches a glowing crystal that takes her to the realm of Mistolear, where, to her surprise, she is the princess of the kingdom. In this magical world, Willow realized that all the stories Nana had told her were real, and Nana was only her nurse. Now, Willow must learn to live in this world and fit into the royal family she never knew existed.

At a shocking turn of events, Willow is chosen to fight with the faerie prince Nezeral in a chess game to the death, where people are the game pieces. Willow learns that she is a pawn that the Elf Queen of Timorell has chosen, so now she must defend for life.

As a pawn, Willow, her knight Sir Brand and her friends set out on their journey for survival. When Sir Brand is captured, Willow has to face prince Nezeral around, without any help or knowledge of magic. Coupled only with the knowledge of the earth, her intelligence, and the gift wisdom bestowed upon her by Cryrrarna, will she defeat the prince Nezeral and break the spell on the kingdoms? Will she be able to save her lover?

This book is an epic tale of heroism, magic, adventure and a classic hates-him-at-first-but-its-love romance story. Readers will enjoy reading all aspects of the book. This book is recommended for readers 13 and up.… (más)