“The Phantom’s Curse” by Shelley Wilson

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars

Let me start off by saying that this is probably not the kind of book I would normally choose to read. I think it was probably intended for a slightly younger audience than myself. However, despite the fact that this book is not a book I would normally read, I still enjoyed it. The author truly did a great job in delivering her story. A young girl, Maz, from the lower towns heads off into the city for the first time in order to celebrate turning sixteen. She is accompanied by her younger brother who she has cared for ever since her parents were taken from her. What she doesn’t expect is that she’ll leave the city alone. A bumpy road full of obstacles has opened up before her. At first she just intends to save herself and her brother, but it soon becomes apparent that everyone’s lives might be in Maz’s hands. Many allies join her in her quest to retrieve her brother and save her people. Many secrets come to light during this journey that will change everything Maz knows to be true.

My only problem with this book is that it seems to be more intended for middle-school to high-school age audiences which I unfortunately am not in. I was still able to enjoy it, but a younger reader would probably enjoy it much more than I could. However, this does not change the fact that the author did a great job with the plot, characters, and writing itself. All in all, this book is a short, fun adventure about the power of friendship and family in a world where darkness is trying to destroy everything.