Pages and Co: The Lost Fairy Tales is book two of a clever trilogy. Author Anna James transports you back and forth between reality and fiction (and sometimes in-between) throughout the story. James does a good job of filling you in on details from book one but I would recommend starting at the beginning to better immerse yourself in the world she created. Entering the fairy tale realm was the best part and was reminiscent of The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. The main character, Tilly, and her sidekick/best friend, Oskar, often find themselves in sticky situations and are usually left to solve things on their own. Tilly is smart and spunky but at times disrespectful to her grandparents who are helping her mother raise her. However, she is persistent and willing to do what it takes to help their world that is in disrepair, even if it means putting herself in danger. Expect a serious cliff-hanger ending. Hopefully James is writing the third and final book quickly so we can see how things get resolved. Fairy tale fans will enjoy this four-star story.

Review of an Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Philomel

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 mild obscenity.

Violence/Gore:  Several (13) brief incidents including characters could die or get killed; verbal threat; reference to thinking a character was killed; characters fell in a hole and received minor injuries; reference to Julius Caesar and blood on his hands; characters fought; a finger is pricked; a character has been given many and received an additional tattoo; the ground and floor fell in a few instances; fantasy character turned to ash.

Sex/Nudity:  Few (3) brief incidents including references to love affairs and character kissed wife.

Mature Subject Matter:

Adults threaten children.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Reference to wine; a few incidents of adults drinking wine.