Apparently there’s a whole world of faerie culture and lore out there. I had not heard a thing about it until I read The Iron King. I was glad I had that thorough background when I read Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin. It’s all there — glamour, truth, good versus evil, decay.
This story feels different from other fantasy books I’ve read. Werlin does not spend a lot of time explaining the faerie culture, and so it just seems to be a different setting — like New York or Regency England or a private boarding school.
When you are a teenage girl, there’s nothing that affects you more than your friendships. Well, maybe boys. . . .
Extraordinary follows two girls, Phoebe and Mallory, from the time that Phoebe first reaches out to Mallory the new girl when they are in middle school. We quickly fast-forward to their senior year in high school. Things have changed. The balance of their friendship is different, their relationship is different, and when Mallory’s older brother suddenly shows up, things become even more complicated.
I love stories of friendship and choices, and when I heard that Werlin was inspired to write this story by the musical Wicked, and specifically the song “For Good,” I knew I had to read it.
Extraordinary also features a Jewish protagonist, which I don’t come across that often in literature (and the theme becomes relevant to the rest of the story as well).
Content Note: This is a fairly tame YA offering. There was no profanity that I remembered or drinking or drugs. There was a mention of sexual activity, but it was in the context of someone who couldn’t go through with it.
We have a copy to give away to one of you! Please leave a comment if you’d like to win this for yourself or your favorite teen. The giveaway is closed.
We’ll announce the winner on October 13.
- The winner of the book E is for Ethics is #2, Cheryl. Congrats!
Check out our current giveaways, subscribe to our feed, and/or follow us @5M4B on Twitter.
Jennifer Donovan isn’t sure if she’d classify herself (or her blog Snapshot) as Extraordinary, but Ordinary doesn’t quite fit either.
ibeeeg says
ooo…this looks like a good read; one that I would like, and one that my girls would like.
You did not know there was faerie lore? Where have you been Jennifer? 😀 My 11 year old loves fantasy reads, and faerie lore is a favorite which is featured in Artemis Fowl books, and The Rebel Hunter series…favorites of hers. It is a nice change to all the paranormal stuff that is out there.
Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks.
Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says
I know! Like I said, all the info in The Iron King seemed new and original to me — glamour and the like — but it’s consistent across the genre apparently!
Donna S says
Sounds good. Thanks for the chance!
Kristina Barnes says
Oh my gosh, I’ve wanted this one since I’ve seen good reviews popping up like candy everywhere! I’d love to be entered to win! 🙂
angelmistress[at]hotmail[dot]com
Jessi E. says
I’d love to win this for myself and my students! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jessi
jlelliott08 AT gmail DOT com
Amy says
I would love to win this book – I’m really interested in giving it a read. amy.mckie[at]gmail.com
Katie Schroeder says
Sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity!
Eva SB says
This sounds like a great film for a mother/daughter read.
Eva SB says
Film???? Sorry I’m too tired. Obviously I meant book :0)
Inspired Kathy says
I’d love to win this! It’s on my to read list.
Jen E says
This sounds like a good one!
Moridin says
This sounds like a book I’d like to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ladytink_534 says
I just adore faeries! Please enter me!!
Barb says
Hm…the last book I was was fantastic for my son. Maybe this one for my daughter? LOL. Sounds great.
Benita says
I’d love to read this. Please count me in.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
katklaw777 says
Fairie lore is fascinating and we’d luv to read this one, thanks.
Christina says
This would be great for my middle niece – it has all her favorite elements. Thanks for the giveaway–
Jessica T says
This sounds great! Thanks!
Marj M. says
I would like to read this and pass it on.
Carolyn says
Love this! Thanks for the chance!
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog says
Inspired by Wicked?? I have to read it too!! Thanks for the chance to win!
tennille says
looks like a good won(I mean one!)
Tori says
Would love to win this!!!
riTa says
I would love to win this for my favorite teen granddaughter!
Wanda says
I would very much like to be included in your draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
Anita Yancey says
Sounds like an interesting book, one I would enjoy reading. Please enter me. Thanks!
Beth C says
I would like to read this book myself. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Stephanie says
I love fantasy books! This sounds like a great one! Thanks 🙂
aimymichelle says
sounds good
Jody says
This sounds like a great book and one my niece would enjoy as well.
Connie Black says
Even though my daughter is only 11 (going on 15) I would love to win this book for her.
Upstatemomof3 says
Oh this sounds very intriguing. I love friendship and other relationship based stories.
Natalia D says
Nice giveaway!
Page Turner (Heather) says
I read Werlin’s Impossible and really liked it for a YA fantasy novel. I’d love to see what this one is all about!
Susan says
The cover alone makes me want to read this one. Plus, I’ve been wanting to read a book with fairies. Thanks for the chance to win it!
safoga at gmail dot com
Jan says
This looks so good!!!
edj says
Ooh! ooh! Ilsa LOVED Iron King and this would be right up her alley! I’d read it too!
Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says
You won!
Iron King really did help with the faery background.
Respond to this email with your address.
Jennifer
edj says
Ilsa will be THRILLED! And I can’t wait to read it too. RIght now we’re reading Terry Pratchett’s series about Tiffany Aching, beginning with “The Wee Free Men.” They’re so funny! Have you read them? I love the mac nac feegle or whatever they are. They crack me up!
Sarah Horwitz says
I’m looking for a new fantasy author to read!
Stephanie Smith says
I would love to win this! It sounds very interesting!
Carol Wong says
I would love to win this book. I remember the beautiful cover and this sounds like an interesting book to try.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Angie says
This might be a good book for my 16 yo daughter to read!
Thanks!
Natalia D says
Would like to win for my daughter.
John says
Would be nice book for my teen daughter, thanks!
Melissa R. says
I would love to win this for both myself and my stepdaughter
giveawaymommy at yahoo.com
CherylS22 says
I’d love to win this book for my niece. Thanks for the chance!