The Acadian Secret
By Tammy Lowe
Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Youth
Published April 2013
Pages: 183
Published April 2013
Pages: 183
Publisher: MusilItUp Publishing
View on Goodreads
Summary: "Elisabeth London is
keeping her new friends a secret from her parents. Not only do they live
on the other side of the world in the Scottish Highlands, they lived
more than three hundred and fifty years ago. Her mom and dad would never
allow her to go gallivanting about seventeenth century Scotland. They
won’t even let her go to the mall by herself yet.
Twelve-year-old Elisabeth is old enough to know there is no such thing as magic, but when her quartz crystal necklace has the power to transport her back and forth in time, she no longer knows what to think. The only thing she is certain of is that she loves spending carefree days with Quinton, the mischievous nephew of a highland warrior, and sassy little Fiona, a farmer’s daughter.
However, Elisabeth’s adventures take a deadly turn when she is charged with witchcraft. At a time and place in history when witch-hunts were common, those found guilty were executed, children included. Elisabeth must race to find her way back home, while trying to stay one step ahead of the witch-hunter determined to see her burned at the stake."
Twelve-year-old Elisabeth is old enough to know there is no such thing as magic, but when her quartz crystal necklace has the power to transport her back and forth in time, she no longer knows what to think. The only thing she is certain of is that she loves spending carefree days with Quinton, the mischievous nephew of a highland warrior, and sassy little Fiona, a farmer’s daughter.
However, Elisabeth’s adventures take a deadly turn when she is charged with witchcraft. At a time and place in history when witch-hunts were common, those found guilty were executed, children included. Elisabeth must race to find her way back home, while trying to stay one step ahead of the witch-hunter determined to see her burned at the stake."
Review:
Overall, I liked this
book. It was a good mix of adventure, magic, fun, friendship and traces
of potential romance. A time-travelling adventure layered with plots
and sub-plots.
The main character is a girl named Elisabeth who is of current time and soon finds herself in Scotland, back in the 1600's! Yikes! What a change that must be. She soon learns it is connected to a necklace she bought. She meets makes some new friends and she teaches them about the future a bit by introducing them to 'modern' music, video games, chocolate, etc. Her problem is not everyone likes what she seems capable of doing ans think she is a witch.
Amongst this theme was another story, taking place in the late 1700's with young John who is determined to find and prove there is treasure on Oak island. This story-line kept alternating with Elisebeth's story. While I liked the history lesson here about the early excavations, we do not see how this ties in until the end. Where a certain man crosses both stories. Frankly, I do not think this line was needed. Just seemed like an odd filler. The only way I could fuller appreciate this is if the author does a sequel bringing this man to light more. We see him periodically but never seem to really learn much about him.
Some odd things I also noticed in the story is when Elisebeth beings a game from Quinton to play at first is sounds like a handheld game (DS, PSP, etc) but then it is referred to as a computer game a couple times. So I want to know what she brought. A laptop? Also, at one point she helps Fiona dye her hair using her mother's home dye kit. Now, Fiona's hair is black. But after just one dye and a quick jump in the local Lock, and she comes up from the water with golden blonde hair. Now, I have dyed my hair blonde from both auburn and brown. Never once did it go blond after just 1 home kit use. I want to know what brand that was. I want it!
The Scotland setting was well done, the voices, the clothing, the food, etc. Also the witch hunts and how those suspected of witchcraft were tested, Nicely done. The author did her homework. From the setting, to Oak Island. I was very impressed with that.. If I see a second book come of this explaining Elisebeth and the 'mystery man' I will likely bump this up in rating a bit.
Special thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book. The book was given in return for a fair and honest review.
I like the building of the romance which sounds like it was well done in this one
ReplyDeleteThe romance in this one is just hinted toward really. It is suppose to be explained more in the next book, which I hope Tammy is able to finish soon.
DeleteI have never read a time travel book but i love paranomal books and this sounds good, i love series so this may be one i have to get thanks for the review!!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I actually went to respond to this a long time ago, but when checking these posts I see I just added a general comment and not a reply. Anyways my original reply is still there and here is what it is:
Delete'I love the idea of time travel so these are often fun for me."
I love the idea of time travel so these are often fun for me.
ReplyDelete