Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a fre eARC of "Mirrage Lake" by N. R. Aharon.
A childre's coming of age cosy tale.
The tone here was not only juvenile, but I felt that it underestimated the children's inteligence. I had to stop reading due to that tone.

This book had such a good premise but I feel it fell short. There were multiple times where I was pulled out of the story while reading because the world building was not done properly and I was left confused. I think this has great potential but needs some work. I felt the readers were left on the surface of an iced over pond trying to follow what was happening rather than being fully immersed themselves.

A blend of magic adventure and fantasy that takes the reader on a journey where things are a bit different. I overall enjoyed the book but did find at times I was somewhat confused. The author does spin a delightful tale filled with lots of twists. Thanks #Netgalley and #Booksgosocial for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Lila and Nina's adventures in a post-apocalyptic paradise blend the charm of 'Anne from Green Gables' with the fantastical allure of 'Narnia' in this captivating tale. As they navigate their world with respect for its diverse inhabitants, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape filled with mystery and intrigue.

With echoes of 'Harry Potter' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' this book offers a satisfying blend of adventure and heart. From the discovery of a forbidden feather to the unraveling of hidden secrets, the sisters' journey is filled with suspense and unexpected twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

As Lila and Nina confront their fears and grapple with the consequences of their actions, they demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of adversity. With its compelling characters and engaging storyline, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

The idea of this book seems interesting. However, to use comparisons such as Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables, and Narnia is way off the mark. I started out reading this with high hopes and an open mind however, I started struggling the first few pages in. The story brings about all these new types of creatures and names without much of a description unless inside the writing. The extra time it would have taken to add in some details and more information about the creatures to start would have been well worth it. I wish I could review this story higher but however 2 stars is all I can give. I see where the author wanted to go with the story but for me, it missed its mark.

As a previous reviewer stated, I very much wanted to like this book. The concept sounded fantastic, Anne of Green Gables meets Narnia is how it is described, and yet while I love both of those series, this books does not meet those expectations.

Fantasy only works if the reader is able to immerse themselves into the world of the story, but in this case, as the reader, I felt taken out as it felt stilted and was difficult to follow. Animals foreign to us not described adequately. The world-building was lax and seemed to rely on the reader knowing the backstory and history already. No explanations or tying up of plot threads and characters. It felt disjointed and rushed, while at the same time feeling slow and badly paced.

Overall, as mentioned, the concept was fantastic but in this instance, it just was not able to save itself.

Nina and Lila live in a post-apocalyptic world where humans (now called yams) live separately, but in harmony with other species. It is taboo to interact with other beings called guzguzes except on special festival days where they share resources and traditions with each other. When Nina, Lila and their friends find a golden feather in the tree above their house, their world changes very quickly.

I wanted to like this book so bad, but I found it to be a confusing mess. Right away a new language was introduced with little to no explanation on what it was referring to. They named creatures with no description of what the creatures looked like. I found myself lost on what was really going on. Even the world they lived in was glossed over and not fully fleshed out. We know the humans were wiped out for trying to control the earth, but beyond that there was no explanation of what the deal was with the magical lakes, why Lila and Nina have celestial markings on their foreheads, or what the heck was up with their mom and dad. None of it felt cohesive. I enjoy books when they don't spell things out for you every step of the way, but this was just too much for me. Maybe I'm just not the target audience for this book.

In 'Mirage Lake,' author N.H. Aharon weaves a captivating tale that combines the charm of 'Anne of Green Gables' with the enchantment of 'Narnia.' Set in a post-apocalyptic paradise, the story revolves around two sisters, Lila and Nina, raised by their father to respect the diverse species coexisting in their world.

The sisters, marked by face scars and facing societal judgment due to their father's status as a Peels Collector, find solace in their tight-knit group of friends, the Group of Six. However, their peaceful existence takes an unexpected turn when they discover a golden feather from a Chuppy, a forbidden species. The revelation sets off a chain of secrets, challenges, and the looming threat of eviction.

As the Group of Six navigates the complexities of their newfound discovery, the narrative unfolds with layers of mystery and suspense. The story not only explores the bonds of friendship and the strength of familial ties but also delves into themes of courage, facing fears, and standing up against adversity.

'Mirage Lake' offers a delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age elements. Fans of series like 'Harry Potter' and 'Chronicles of Narnia' will find this book a satisfying read, filled with magical moments, unexpected twists, and relatable characters. The author's skillful storytelling keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, making 'Feathers of Gold' a must-read for those seeking an imaginative and heartwarming journey.