this was a really cute tale. I reminded me a little of Ink Heart. It may be somewhat short, but the description and storyline didn't suffer. The depth achieved is amazing.

NOTE: I received an Uncorrected Advanced Proof of this book from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion of the book.
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TITLE: Unwritten
AUTHOR: Tara Gilboy
EXPECTED DATE OF PUBLICATION: 16 October 2018
ISBN-13 (paperback): 978-1-63163-178-8
ISBN-13 (ebook): 978-1-63163-178-8
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Unwritten is a beautifully written portal-fantasy/adventure novel written for middle-graders but that is also interesting enough for adults to read. The novel also has an attractive and eye-catching front cover.

The reader follows twelve-year-old Gracie, who is not a normal child. She is actually a character from an unpublished novel that she has never read. She only knows that she was supposed to die in the story. That's why her parents took her (and some other people) out of the story, into this world, to save her. She longs to know more about the story but her mother refuses to talk about it. All that this secret-keeping does is foster Gracie's curiousity about herself and the story she came from. Then the author of Gracie's unpublished story comes to town and things get interesting... and messy.

The main characters are believable (even if I did want to stuff Gracie in a broomcloset for continually ignoring sound parental requests), and the conflicts dealt with are complex. however, the other characters (Walter, Cassandra and Jacob) could all have used a bit more "flesh". The plot line is interesting and slightly twisty, with the setting skipping between our world and the story-world.

There are many themes in this book - keeping secrets, being honest, the detrimental effects of being too stubborn, family - but the main theme is about figuring out who you are in a world that may try to turn you into something else; realizing that your story is not written for you and you can determine your own path.

Being geared for the 8-14 years olds, this novel is rather short and fairly easy to understand, but it is a fantastic story about magic and self-determination that is enjoyable to read.

REVIEW POSTED:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2395166496
http://elentarri.booklikes.com/post/1760879/unwritten-by-tara-gilboy

Unwritten is a very clever book which will undoubtedly appeal to bookworms and voracious readers. The language and flow of writing is quite advanced, probably towards the upper end of Middle Grade, but the story itself has such a great pace, and excellent plot, that a reader of any age should fall in love with it. Gilboy explores some complex themes of predestination and fate, but in an exciting adventure that never lets up, so the book never gets bogged down in philosophy.

I particularly liked the character of Gracie, in whom I could definitely see myself as a twelve-year-old! She is a great heroine, and I love that she is allowed to be stubborn, to fail, to doubt herself, to be selfish, and then to become a better person through the story. Her bookishness and bravery make her a great role model for girls. I think that this would be a perfect read for anyone fed up of the sweetness of fairy tales - I certainly would have adored this as a pre-teen!

"Unwritten" by Tara Gilboy will be released October 16th 2018. This was a fresh take on the "Storybook" verse "Real World" stories, it was well written, kept me engaged and moved fast. It is clear this is going to be a series, and I am looking forward to reading more.

http://seventhingstosay.blog/2018/05/19/7seven-things-to-say-about-unwritten/

This story follows Gracie - a young girl who was born inside of a story - but now lives with her mother in our world. She is plagued by "nightmares" of a fire and woman who beckons her - that are actually "glimmers" of memories of the story that she belongs in.

"The dreams are glimmers," Mom said. "Like a special kind of memory. We're not ordinary people."

She longs to know more about the story that created her but her mother refuses to talk about it. Gracie makes some decisions that go against her mothers wishes and end up putting them all in danger.

"Because it doesn't matter what she wrote." Mom said. "You're Gracie, my daughter. You can be whoever you want to be"

This story is about finding your true self - realizing that your story is not written for you and you can choose who you want to be - a hero or a villain!

This book is perfect for middle grade readers. It is not a long story and it is not difficult to understand. Anyone who is a fan of fairy tales and magic will like it. It reminds me a bit of "Land of Stories".
I was so happy to have a chance to read this book and I will definitely be buying a hard copy of it when it is released.

This book was provided by net galley for review.
This review is posted on Goodreads as well as:
https://vibookcrate.com/blogs/news/unwritten-by-tara-gilboy-book-review

This was such a fun little story! If you're a fan of 'Once Upon A Time', then this book is definitely up your alley. A great Middle Grade story with a positive message...anyone can change. Just because people may see you as one thing, doesn't mean you have to always be that way.

Gracie lives in the real world, but she's from a storybook. Her mother removed her (and a small group of others) from the story when she was a small child, to save her. That's all her mother has ever really told her. Not satisfied with this, Gracie goes looking for answers in all the wrong places, not understanding the serious consequences her actions will have for everyone she loves.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this book. I would have liked to have seen Jacob, Cassandra and Walter's family fleshed out a little more (especially Cassandra), which is why I knocked off a star, but other than that, great book. So glad I got a chance to read it.

***I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I received a free ARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I chose this book because it sounded like an interesting story: a character from a book, being taken from that book and growin up in our world. Being middle-grade, I did not expect such a complex story dealing with destiny, what makes a villain, can you change your destiny, even forgivness and relationships. In my opinion, the book might well have worked as YA if the character had been just a few years older.
The main character, Gracie, acts age-appropriate and sees things not too black and white (she acknowledges her own errors but also realises that adults do not do the right thing all the time).
The storyline including the author of the book Gracie came from is also an intersting one. When she describes how and why she wrote each chapter but also when she has to deal with the accusations of her creations.

I like to conclude with a quote: "Because what does it mean, really, to be labeled a villain? No one actually thinks of herself as a villain. We are all the heroes in our own stories."

If you're looking for a fast-paced middle grade adventure across dimensions, this book is for you!
Unwritten is a gripping tale of friendship, adventure and an air of mystery that will keep readers madly flipping the pages.
The setting and places are described sufficiently with rich details.
The characters are brilliant, carefully built with their own unique profile and lovely personalities, and their own specific role in the story.
The plot is interesting, unique, and special as well, not your average cheesy adventure story.
The story flows smoothly, no plot holes.
I highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this via NetGalley and I am very thankful that I was able to get approved for this. Unwritten follows the story of a girl named Gracie who learns that she actually is from a different world. she is actually a character from a story that the author Gertrude Winters wrote and her mother escaped with her to the "real" world to escape Gracie's fate.. Overall I gave this book a 3 out of 3 stars. I did find it enjoyable as a middle grade and really hope Tara Gillboy continues with Gracie's story. I believe this will be a fun read for the audience that it is intended for.

As a middle grades book, I was unsure what I was getting myself into with Unwritten. The story of a girl haunted by her life as a character in a book was too tempting to overlook. While the audience of this short book may be children, this is a book for every reader. There is so much more to this story than a young girl trying to figure out her happy ending.

The struggles faced by the main character are relatable to readers of all ages. Who you choose to be, how you deal with anger and challenging obstacles, how you treat those who seek to hurt you, and deciding to be true to yourself despite the roles others say you should fill are all issues we face throughout our lives. Gilboy handles these complex struggles with clarity and boldness, encouraging her young readers through the actions of her young protagonist.

This short read is packed with beautiful characters, compelling plot twists (for a young reader), and beautiful language. I read this story as I woke up to this sunny weekend morning and it made for a brilliant, light-hearted mood with which to start my weekend adventures. I highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Jolly Fish Press, and Tara Gilboy for an eARC of this brilliant tale.

I love a good middle-grade book!
I loved that novel very very much!
I am amazed at the writing of the author and I loved the action and the characters.
The first thing that got to me was the title and I immediately decided that I wanted this book ad that I wanted to read it ^^
I am not disappointed and I hope everybody else gets to enjoy it as much as I did.

What a fast, fun read! This book does not read like a young adult book. Well written, well defined character with an interesting plotline and an exciting setting, this book is a fantastic read for all ages.

*I'd like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Hello! Hatter's here with the review, thank you so much for the ARC :)
First, before we go inside the story, let’s look at the cover, do you not think that it is so wonderful? I just love cover with illustrations like this, it’s classic and just intrigues me a lot. And then when I read the summary, I know I just have to read and share it with you guys so you would have prepared before it goes out on September this year!
Characters

As usual, character is one of the most important thing for me in a story. Here we have a twelve year old Gracie, who’s wondering where she came from, how her story truly ends. Ah dear, ah dear, curious one we have here, just like Alice. Now, if I know that I were from a story book where I was supposed to die, I didn’t even want to know about my story. I just have enough to know that I was safe and sound and have to care for myself in the real world. Imagine if you can do that, I would want to go to reality too, to see how it’s different from Wonderland, but then, would I want to? Hmm.

Maybe, that’s why Gracie can’t stop her curiosity, especially at that age, when she wants to think that she’s special, that there’s something different about her. Don’t look at me, I already know that I’m different, I’m MAD remember? Now, maybe little Gracie doesn’t know about that, maybe that’s why she just has to meet the author.

This story kinds of creeping me, somehow, you see, I may not a real author, but sometimes I love to write. And, as I am mad, I love to make my character suffer in my own way. Would they also be mad at me for that? Would they get out from my story if that could happen? Or would they drag me there to punish me for what I’ve done?

Crazy is it not?

By they way, don’t you worry, there are also other characters, like Gracie’s mom, dad, and Gracie’s friend, and the villain, of course. I would not tell you much so you could dig in, but since it revolves mostly around Gracie, it doesn’t say much about the other’s characters. However, judging that this is a middle-grade, it’s quite enough of glimpse of their story!

Plot

I would start with saying that I believe that there are some parts need more explanation because it looks a bit like plot hole for me. But, even so, it’s still fine and you still enjoy the story.

You would be amazed by the author’s explanation of the story, you have to be careful otherwise you could go mad! And since I’m mad, it’s not that much for me anymore. Haha.

There is a plot twist the author prepares for us, so it is not what it always look like and yes, since it’s a middle grade, I think the pace is quite too fast, everything happen in just in split second. Hyperbole, by the way, please note that. But it’s quite an enjoyable ride, I mean, reading for me! One I would definitely recommend if you enjoy a supposed to be fairytale story revolves around the villain <span class="emoji-outer emoji-sizer"><span class="emoji-inner" style="background: url(chrome-extension://immhpnclomdloikkpcefncmfgjbkojmh/emoji-data/sheet_apple_32.png);background-position:59.9882491186839% 75.96944770857814%;background-size:5418.75% 5418.75%" data-codepoints="1f609"></span></span>

Psst, the ending just makes you want to crave more from this book actually!

I thought this would be the usual, somewhat overdone storyline - regular kids go into a storybook, and yadda, yadda, yadda. I've read some in that genre, but never really liked them. Truth is, it is the same idea, but the writing is way better, and the characters and conflicts are way more complex than the ones I've read before. It grabbed my attention from the first sentence, and didn't let me go until the end. I finished it in one sitting.

First off, the characters felt so real. Their emotions and reactions were fantastically developed. I loved how complex the conflicts were, how Gracie had to fight her fear of becoming her written character, while trying to distinguish reality from false memories. It was very complex, and way better than I expected for a children's book. Of course, the writing is still geared towards children, but this offers a lot to think about, hidden in a beautifully written story.

I highly recommend this book for everyone.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Honestly, this was a great book!

ARC Copy...I did like the themes of fictional vs real world and how each world effects the other (ex. the real world inspiring the concepts of the fictional world) plus nice twist on the heroine's actual role within the "original" narrative of the fictional world, and how she eventually discovers it.

I love the idea of having different dimension waiting to told/written in a book or a story literally coming to life.. Isnt that what every book reader wish for? This book is it.. The adventures the kids had during the quest were thrilling.. Being a middle grade book, the only thing that bothered me was that the main character is so stubborn. We can clearly see that her stubborness brings her to a lot of trouble, a good example to let children know that sometimes courage and stubborness has a very thin line that separate them, that listening to THOSE WHO CARES for them is important, that sometimes it will save their life and the life of people around them. It's important to let children read. It's also important for the adults to ask their children what they learned from what they read.. And I think this book will teach every child a very good important lesson so long as the adults will guide them..

Gracie knows that she was rescued from a story by her mom. She had to tell her after she started having incredibly realistic dreams and visions of a beautiful woman and a fire. But all that her mom will tell her is that she saved her because she died in the story. She knows the authors name and that her mom doesn't like the author, but her mom refuses to tell her anything more than that and changes the subject whenever she brings it up. She also knows that her best friend Walter was also saved. But he doesn't know. Now Gracie has a chance to meet the author in person and ask her what really happened in the story. Should she go against her mom's wishes and try to find out the truth or trust that her mom is only keeping her safe?


This one was adorable. I love the idea of the main character being rescued from a story. The two plot lines worked out really well together and I never felt like it was too far fetched of an idea to pull off. I think my only issue is how dark one of the main plot points was. For a middle grade I thought it was a little graphic but I guess if you look at all of the stuff that happens in books like the Harry Potter series that it wasn't too bad. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I read it in one sitting. I really hope we get more books about Gracie!