I have read a lot of fantasy books and series that have so many magical and mythical creatures at the forefront but this was the first book I have read that gives the Fairy Godmothers their chance to shine.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and it started strong but the slowed down until about 60% of the way through. I would have liked a quicker pace or more details on the history of the fairy godmothers. Where this book did really well was the demonstration of friendships between Lexie, Harriet and Oliver. This book is written for a young YA audience and I think it hit thaw mark although Lexie felt much younger than 19 and would have worked better if she was aged younger in the book.

Thanks you NetGalley, Corrie Hathaway and Green Elk Publishing for a copy of this book.

I went into this book not knowing what to except and let me tell you it was the best adventure! I loved the fairy god mother aspect and all the fun characters. Fantasy is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres and this book put it over the edge!

Disclaimer: This honest review is based off of my experience reading a free review copy thanks to the generosity of NetGalley, Corrie Hathaway, and Tabitha Reynolds with Green Elk Publishing. My review was not altered by this in any way.

In Through Smoke and Sand: The Folly of Wishes by Corrie Hathaway, we meet Lexi, a 19 year old who has a knack for solving other’s problems and speaking before thinking. Her problem solving skills soon are explained when she is approached by a member of an aging group of fairy godmothers, offering Lexi training and a place among them. When Lexi accepts, she is thrust into a world of magic that has hints of something evil approaching. Lexi must navigate her life of training mishaps and a budding relationship with a guy with strange magic.

Alright, I am going to start this review off with what my first opinion was on the plot when I read the blurb: “Fairy godmothers? This is probably a super cheesy and boring book.”

I am happy to report, however, that I was definitely wrong! Hathaway manages to make the world of Fairy Godmothers in this book magical and loving, while also showing the folly and potential outdatedness of it through Lexi’s eyes. Lexi was a wonderful character. She had so much to learn at the beginning of the book, and I enjoyed watching her growth throughout it. I also enjoyed all of the side characters and the MMC. While this book is not spicy at all (I’d say it’s probably safe to consider it YA?), I absolutely loved the slow burn and how natural the relationship developed.

I am hoping for a sequel, as with how the book ended there is definitely room for more story. I think that I would love to go back and see how Lexi and the Fairy Godmothers continue to grow and learn in the face of their challenges.

This book definitely surprised me with how much I liked it! I would recommend it to anyone who loves YA fantasy, especially those who like fantasy books with uncommon magic.

I requested this book but then reread the synopsis and thought it may be too childish and silly for my taste. Not so, I absolutely loved it. I have a bit of a love / hate relationship with fantasy books but this was all love. I will be passing on the book to my grandaughter to read (we usually read together in a mini book club) because she will love this too.

Through Smoke And Sand was such a fun and fast paced YA fantasy!
This would be a really great beginner fantasy novel. It was fast paced and so engaging. The writing was so enjoyable and so descriptive. and never got bored with the story. There was always something going on and the plot really flowed well together! This is also an extremely light fantasy. There was not a lot of world building reagrding the Fairy Godmothers and their origin story and how all the magic worked, but it made everything very easy to understand.
The characters in this book were absolutely exceptional. I loved ALL the Fairy Godmothers. The way Lexi struggled with trusting herself and coming into her own power was so relatable and felt so real. We love that neurodivergent rep! And, can we just take a moment to appreciate Oliver as the most precious character ever?!
Such a fun read and the cliffhanger in the end is so captivated and i cannot wait for book 2 to come out!

Favorite Quote: What if we could handle the hard things better if we soaked up magic and wonder the rest of the time?

Through Smoke and Sand introduces us to Lexi. Lexi has a near-pathological need to help people. People seem to simply blurt out problems to Lexi so she can fix them. On her birthday, however, Lexi is nearly mobbed by people asking for help. Suddenly, she’s approached by a Fairy Godmother who shares that Lexi is destined to become a Fairy Godmother. In her practicality, Lexi dismisses this notion. It’s not until she’s chased out of her own home that she makes the journey to Spindle Peak to claim her birthright. There, Lexi is awkward, quick-witted, and practical as the other Godmothers try and teach her the ways of blessing. When Lexi blesses the wrong child with the wrong words, she must determine how she’ll deal with the consequences.

I was pleasantly delighted by Through Smoke and Sand. Corrie Hathaway did a great job of infusing real-world pragmatism into a fairy tale concept most of us know. My bar for this book was low when I read the synopsis, but I couldn’t put this book down! Through Smoke and Sand is fun, irreverent, fun, and wholesome. To the best of my recollection, there aren’t any adult themes or language, so it’s a great book for the whole family. I also loved how it ended well, but if there’s a sequel, I’d read it!

Disregard this review! I was unable to open this book. It said some sort of authorization error. However, it’s not a big deal because I realized this book is too young for me anyways. Somehow I keep misjudging the audience of books I see on here! Happy reading! Just gonna give it an even three stars to hopefully not mess up the ratings!

I am usually a lover of all things thriller and suspense, so this type of novel is out of my wheelhouse. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but whatever it was, this book surpassed it! This magical, other-worldly, story was just the break from reality I needed. Lexi is charismatic and impulsive but you can't help but fall in love with her. I relate so much to her need to help others, and what better way to do that than as a fairy godmother! I enjoyed this story greatly and will look for more works by this author.

A decent middle grade book. I enjoyed it but I think the world building was lacking. It left too many holes in the story. I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in that regard. I hope the second book covers it better.
My main issue was the main character, she is suppose to be 19 but behaves like a 13 year old girl and she comes out as childish and annoying. Of course she is good and all but overall she is not the most likeable main character I’ve read.
A good point is Oliver, Harriet and Gusy, I loved them dearly, great characters, funny, cute and endearing.
It was an enjoyable if inconsistent experience.

Through Smoke And Sand was such a fun and extremely fast paced YA fantasy!

Lexi has always found herself drawn to helping others. It is more than just a desire, but a complete need to help those that request it of her. When this power of helping others increases and grows completely out of control, Lexi is visited by her Fairy Godmother and invited to join her in a magical sisterhood. There is an evil power growing, and the wishes that the Fairy Godmothers grant are the only forces that can fight against the evil.

This would be a really great beginner fantasy novel. It was fast paced and so engaging. I never once found myself bored with the story and instead found it so hard to put down! There was always something going on and the plot really flowed well together! This is also an extremely light fantasy. There was not a lot of world building – something that I actually really missed because I wanted MORE in regards to the Fairy Godmothers and their origin story and how all the magic worked, but it made everything very easy to understand.

The characters in this book were absolutely exceptional. I loved ALL the Fairy Godmothers. The way Lexi struggled with trusting herself and coming into her own power was so relatable and felt so real. We love that neurodivergent rep! And, can we just take a moment to appreciate Oliver as the most precious character ever? Omg. I love him endlessly.

Such a fun read, I can’t wait to continue the story with the next one! Thanks so much to Corrie Hathaway, Netgalley, and Green Elk Publishing for the eARC and to Tabitha Reynolds for reaching out to me to read this one in exchange for an honest review!

Through Smoke and Sand
By Corrie Hathaway


This was a 4 Star read for me 🤩!

I was able to read this low fantasy book in just a few days. It held my attention due to the plot and my ability to relate to the main character🤍


While reading this book I kept telling myself man this FMC acts just how I would in these situations. Then later I find out that Corrie made her neurodivergent I said okay this makes sense 🤣😂! As someone who is neurodivergent I immediately related to Lexi.


Read this book of you like:

- [ ] Low Fantasy 🪄
- [ ] Spice Free Side Plot Romance 🤍
- [ ] Found Family 👭🏻
- [ ] Strong Women Characters 💁🏻‍♀️
- [ ] Reimagining of Fairy Godmothers 🧚🏼‍♀️
- [ ] Sandman ⏳
- [ ] Quick Reads ✨

I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to read Fantasy without the crazy world building and info dumps that we sometimes get . (Even tho I still love those types as well)

Oh man. This book started out really strong for me and was so unique. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a story of how one becomes/get called to be a Fairy Godmother. And when I say I am sad that this didn’t work out for me, I truly mean it. It took me sooo long to get through this book - a little over 2 weeks and that is unheard of. I was so close to DNF’ing this book but I figured I should give it a fair chance by reading the book in it’s entirety. This book is nicely written. I think the direction that the story was headed was not for me and it was too young adult fiction for my liking. This is not the fault of the book. Just personal preference.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun and vivacious Lexi isn't an ordinary teen, but the unknown-heroine-who-must-save-the-world kind of gal. She was unknowingly born into the flock of witches and it's not until the striking of her 19th bday, does she realize her purpose. Read as she slowly realizes she not only has super abilities, but learns how to harness them and use them for good. Excellent for most ages from YA and beyond. Can't wait for a second book in what I hope is a series.
Goodreads description is as follows: "Between learning what they use their powers for and demonstrating her own lack of skill with that power, she wonders if the fairy godmothers picked the wrong girl, especially when compared to her fellow trainee. With nighttime visits from a guy with mysterious magic, increasingly creepy mishaps in her new home, and a less-than-benevolent fairy godmother expecting her to fail, her new reality may not be an improvement over the life she left behind."
Thank you to Netgalley, Corrie Hathaway, and Green Elk Publishing for this great read.
#netgalley #corriehathaway #greenelkpublishing #4stars #yafiction #fantasyreads #scifireads

Through Smoke and Sand had me at the synopsis but through the story I really had a hard time believing Lexi was 19 yrs old. This is a middle grade book and maybe they should have aged her down to better fit with her thoughts and actions. I enjoyed the magic and the supporting characters and will want to continue to read this series. 3.5 stars


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5

I thought the premise was pretty cute! I can see how someone who likes Narnia or Harry Potter could also enjoy this book. It came across a little young, but I could definitely imagine someone in junior high loving this! In fact, I’m certain if I had read this between the ages of 12-16 I would’ve rated it higher. I thought the characters were cute and loved all their different personalities. The fairy godmother in training aspect was also pretty different than most fantasy books I’ve read, so props to the author for coming up with such a unique concept!

First off, I’d like to thank Tabitha Reynolds and Netgalley for the honest review of “Through Smoke and Sand” by Corrie Hathway. This book was advertised for fans of “Harry Potter” and the “Chronicles of Narnia,” and made good on those promises. While the magical system is not as fleshed out or expansive as Harry Potter, it fits the advertisement of “Chronicles of Narnia” quite well. “Through Smoke and Sand” was marketed as YA and I would agree with that assessment. Despite the protagonist being nineteen years old, this book reads as lower YA in my opinion.
Now about the story, writing and characters. The story was quite engaging and fun to read! The twist on Fairy Godmothers was intriguing and if not for the publisher- Tabitha Reynolds, reaching out, I probably would not have read this book. Our main character of Alexanderia, “Lexi” felt immature and a standard YA lead at times. However, I believe this was the author’s first book, and for being a first book, it was written well. This could have been due to my age-mid 20’s, and being more accustomed to older YA and adult fantasy books. For all young readers and their parents, I would definitely recommend this book!

If I said “oh my gosh, what a delightful book!” It would simply be an understatement of the grossest, most negligent variety. This book was an absolute joy to read from page one, and I already can’t wait to read it again.

Lexi has a talent for helping people with their problems. Not just a talent, but a deep-rooted need to help. What seems like a mildly inconvenient quirk is actually the awakening of her gift—the gift of being a Fairy Godmother. In training. Sort of.

I don’t even know where to start with this story; it was so incredible! I found myself laughing out loud at Lexi and her snark. The Fairy Godmothers and their grandmotherly (god-motherly?) charms were thoroughly comforting. And Oliver? Don’t even get me started. All of the characters were so wonderfully unique and enjoyable that, even when there wasn’t a lot of action I enjoyed just being around them. Lexi is, for me, an incredibly relatable FMC in that she has no ability to stop talking even when she should, and she was enjoyable to read about because she recognizes (and tries to learn from) her own failings and flaws. She has *no* filter whatsoever, so there are definite cringe moments, but they didn’t detract from either her or the story.

As far as the actual plot goes, I loved it. It’s not a long book, but there was progress, there were emotions, and it kept me entranced for the entire story. This book was published in September of 2022, but I am so very ready for a sequel. It’s a delightfully whimsical tale, and you can feel the almost child-like wonders woven throughout. I don’t know how to describe it; it just feels like magic.

This is one that will stick around in my heart for a long time. Also, can we appreciate that cover art? Absolutely stunning!

{Review also posted to Goodreads, Insta, and Amazon}

This was such a cute and cozy fantasy book! I loved that this book was so close to home for me in Washington!
The writing was so enjoyable and so descriptive.
I love the unique way Corrie wrote a story about Fairy Godmothers. I adored Lexi and Oliver 😍 such great characters and really good banter between the two! I also really enjoyed the different personalities of the Fairy Godmothers and getting to know them.
The cliffhanger got me and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!

4.5 stars for me!

Thank you to @netgalley for the book! And thank you to Tabitha Engel for reaching out and offering the book to me through NetGalley!

A fun and engaging YA fantasy!

You can expect:
▪️A relatable, sassy FMC
▪️A unique fantasy premise
▪️Fairy-godmothers and fairy-godmothers in training
▪️A classic battle between good and evil
▪️A light sprinkle of romantic potential
▪️Found family

Some of my thoughts:
📍The first couple of chapters in this book were incredibly gripping! They had an almost apocalyptic feel, the writing had me able to vividly picture the town residents rabidly swamping the FMC for ‘help.’

📍Telling a story from the perspective of a fairy godmother in training was a very unique take! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite like this one!

📍I think I would have rated this book higher if I were younger. As a reader in her 30’s, I enjoy more adult themes but I would happily recommend this book to readers 12-16. It’s age appropriate for YA readers, I would have loved it at that age!

📍The book opened with a bang and ended with a bang! I thought the pacing slowed through the middle and my interest waned a couple of times. However, the ending redeemed it! The plot was well thought out.

📍There is a dash of potential for romance present. Oliver was a sweet inclusion. He had a unique magical presence that certainly added interest. For anyone wondering, there is zero spice in this book (keeping it age appropriate for YA readers).

📍Quirky characters, a unique magic system, vivid imagery and a classic good vs evil battle made for a fun read!

Fun clean fantasy and really good debut novel looking forward to more from this author. Will be interesting to see what else comes along for sure