A Little Wicked Review and Blog Tour

Please join Janet Macreery as she tours with HF Virtual Book Tours for A Little Wicked, from October 27-November 7.

 

A Little Wicked by Janet R. Macreery

Publication Date: April 29, 2014 | Outskirts Press | Paperback; 188p

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction (Ages 9-13+)
Source: Publisher via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review

After her Scottish village is attacked, 12-year-old Dory must flee her home without her family. Once the granddaughter of the chief, now branded a fugitive, Dory begins a dangerous journey trekking through the Scottish wilderness and crossing the Atlantic in disguise in order to reach the distant and unfamiliar Massachusetts Bay Colony in the New World. There she must survive a crisis that is quite different from the one in Scotland but no less fatal, the Salem Witch Trials. The year is 1692 and Dory is plunged into mayhem on both sides of the ocean.



My Take:

I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed A Little Wicked by Janet R. Macreery. The book does a wonderful job of bringing the harsh reality of life in the highlands of Scotland in 1692. I loved that it isn't romanticized and Dory and her family struggle to survive under normal circumstances, but these are not normal times. Her clan is in a tough spot and there seems to be little hope. So much so, that she is sent to Massachusetts Bay Colony to keep her safe from the upheaval.

Dory is a great character who is smart, perceptive, adaptable and has the strength to survive a rough ocean crossing disguised as a boy without giving herself away. Unfortunately, even though she thought the hard part was over once she arrived, she finds out she has pretty much gone from the frying pan straight into the fire by arriving during the Salem Witch Trials.

I really enjoyed reading how Dory adjusts to her new home and uses her intuition and brain to figure out who is friend and who is foe. She isn't easily manipulated and stands up for herself. This story was just so much fun -- despite the very real danger a young girl from far away might find herself in during the highly emotional and fearful atmosphere of the witch trials. Dory sees there is more going on than is being publicly acknowledged. If only more of the adults were willing to see what was actually going on. I really loved the little twist at the end of the book! And my ONLY complaint is that the book was too short. I would love to read more about Dory.

As far as recommending the book, as soon as I finished reading it, I gave it to my daughter and told her she HAD to read it. So, yes, I am recommending it. Wholeheartedly. It is a wonderful read for the story as well as for the history included in the book. It is all woven together seamlessly.

Praise for A Little Wicked

“…readers will learn a lot about resilience and Scottish identity.” – Publisher’s Weekly

"...the fast pace and suspense-filled pages will keep younger teens engrossed while providing notable history lessons. A high-stakes historical adventure full of emotional, social and political drama." – Kirkus Reviews

“…debut novel is addicting, passionate, and fresh.” – Novel Nutritious

“A Little Wicked evokes themes of survival, rebellion, and identity just as vividly as the most popular fantasy novels for young people.” – Amazon.com Reader

“The author writes from the viewpoint of the female child character Dory, making the story highly relatable as well as understandable to young readers. Readers will gain a strong idea of customs, daily life, and government for those living in 1692 in England, Scotland, and The New World…” – Michelle Robertson for Reader Favorites

“Writing with both discipline and creative abandon, Macreery gives studious attention to detail as each carefully crafted sentence flows fluidly to the next.” – Amazon.com Reader

“…fast-paced style that kids are used to from their favorite fantasy-adventure books.The book is full of historical and cultural details, with touches of Scottish folklore leaving open the possibility of the supernatural.” – Goodreads Reader

Watch the Book Trailer

About the Author

Janet’s parents never had to emphasize the importance of reading; they both genuinely love to read. That love of literature transferred to Janet, her sister and brother as they grew up in suburban New Jersey. College took Janet to Pennsylvania where she met her husband. Proud of her homeland and her heritage, Janet and her husband read about and travel the United States and Scotland to learn more about the history and culture of both countries and currently live in the shadow of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia.

For more information please visit Janet Macreery's website. You can also connect with Janet Macreery on Facebook, Twitter, and Gooreads.

A Little Wicked Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 27
Review at Books Complete Me
Spotlight at Unshelfish

Tuesday, October 28
Review a A Bibliotaph's Reviews

Wednesday, October 29
Spotlight at Let them Read Books

Thursday, October 30
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, November 3
Review at Beth's Book Nook
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection

Tuesday, November 4
Interview at Closed the Cover

Wednesday, November 5
Spotlight at The Maiden's Court

Thursday, November 6
Review at A Book Geek

Friday, November 7
Review at Peeking Between the Pages