Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

Usually, I like a fantasy where travelling the world is part of the plot. This book has the element of travel...a bit of magic. But still the story fell short.

Even in a fantasy setting I like the stories I read to make sense. There were several times in this story that I felt confused or lost. As if pieces were missing. Maybe once the series is finished and I can read all the books at once it will fill in the blanks. For now I give a tentative rating of 2.5 stars.

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley, and based on the description, I was super excited to read it. A "coming of age" story, involving a search for a long lost mother and magic. What's not to love, right? Overall, I liked the concept of the story. I feel like the mystical elements were there, and I loved the descriptions of the scenery. But a lot of the story felt really rushed, and the scenes felt jumpy. Also, the main character, Mckenna, didn't feel at all realistic - quickly making friends and traveling across the world, trusting in complete strangers for travel and sleeping arrangements. I didn't hate the book, but I definitely think some of the characters weren't realistic, and the book as a whole could use a lot more exposition and description - more description in the scenes, smoother transitions, etc. I want a little more from the book than what it delivered.

A fast-paced, fun story about McKenna’s search for who she is as she comes of age, against the beautiful and vivid backdrop of Ireland and the Isle of Man. She’s accompanied on this journey by Nissa, also searching for who she is and their personal journeys intersect in a surprising way. Very much looking forward to seeing more from these two characters in Book 2!

The Wise One is an interesting book. I did enjoy it, although it took a little while for me to understand when it was set (recent history, during the Irish Troubles). The book follows the path of a young lady who, on her 17th birthday, begins to discover she has magic. Along with a new friend she travels to Ireland in search of her mother, meeting a cast of strange and wonderful people along the way.

I had a few issues reading this. Around two thirds of the way in I fought a bit of a slog, but from there to the end was a race that left me wanting to know what happens next. Characters in The Wise One are well developed - it makes sense that they react the way they do to the situations they're placed in. As always, motivations are not entirely clear, people are not always honest (with themselves or others), and it can be hard at times to work out who is the 'good' side.

Well worth a read if you are into lighter fantasy with a solid real world base. The descriptions of countryside are beautiful, if you don't want to visit Ireland after this then there is no hope.

Feeling out of place, McKenna discovers that she has a pretty interesting family secret. On her 17th birthday, she has a vivid dream that leads her to finding out the truth of her birth mother her fathers have tried to keep hidden. Joining her on her journey is a new mysterious girl in school named Nissa. They find their way to Ireland and with the help of Irishman Cillian, will McKenna discover her history? Will she find out what a Wise One is?

This book is the perfect representation of the phrase, magical mystery tour. Giving it a solid 4/5 stars.

Pros: Fast Read, Magical themes, friendship

Cons: Leaves you wanting more


I was given the chance to read this advanced class opus via the website NetGalley.

This was a fun read with, I felt, a creative take on modern mysticism and a relevant backdrop of radical environmentalism. The author does a lovely job of taking you along for Mckenna's journey, with a page-turning international road-trip amidst beautifully described scenery and adventure.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
A very fun and magical read, for the most part. The Wise One combines many elements spanning time and space, myth and reality. At times it feels a little disjointed, with some sometimes jarring and unnecessary POV changes, and other times rambling back stories. That being said, I really enjoyed the way it wove together old magic with modern story telling, with a relatable teen heroine and a well-paced plot. I give it a solid 3.5/5
Side note: If you are not a cliffhanger person, do not bother. This has the feel of the beginning of a long series.

The Wise One is a fantastic YA fantasy book about a young girl named McKenna and how she comes to terms with not only who she is, but also what she is. The storyline is great with lots of magic and a bit of mystery. I loved the settings and the characters. It was just a really well-written book all around with a major cliffhanger for an ending. I can't wait to read the next book!

Okay, so a lot to unpack here. The story is about a girl named Mckenna. She does not know who her mother is, until one day something strange happens which makes her question if she is experiencing all these strange and odd things because of her mother. She wants to learn the truth about who her mother is and most importantly who she herself is. Mckenna along with Nissa, a strange girl she meets at her school, embarks on a journey to Ireland to find out the truth. Now let's see how I felt about it.
Okay I immediately picked up this book because I saw mention of Scotland and I am obsessed with Scotland, but sadly that wasn't enough.. The synopsis really grabbed my attention and made me want to pick up the book. The plot is really good but the execution is poor. By that I mean that the series of events that occur are all rather weak.. Everything is awfully convenient and it makes the book monotonous.

On the other hand, even as I actively get annoyed by the convenience of the plot, the writing is such that it keeps me hooked. It made me want to read more and find out the secrets about Mckenna's mother. The pacing in the beginning is a bit too fast as if the author just wants to rush to the adventure part without establishing enough intent to justify it. That doesn't let the reader form an attachment with the characters and the story starts feeling vague.

Regardless, it was still an enjoyable enough read because I went on an adventure to Ireland! It's interesting enough to read but I'd caution you to go in without any expectations.
Happy Reading!

The Wise One needs to be on all of the must read lists for 2020. I’m so moved by the storytelling, the setting and the characters K.T. created. I consumed this in a day, I couldn’t tear myself away. Not only did the author suck me into this breathtakingly visual book about magic, witches and faeries, but they stuck in so many life lessons that humans of all ages need to be reminded of. Don’t be a bully, love is love, protect our beautiful planet, accept your faults, family comes first and love your friends unconditionally. In a time where we can’t travel, this books takes you from Boston in the Fall to the inviting landscapes of Ireland and I felt like I was there with the characters. Every McKenna needs a Nissa in their life and I can’t wait to read where they adventure to next.