Title: The Age of Larkspur
Author: Aleighsha Parke
Genre: Young adult fantasy
Book Blurb:
Flora has spent her entire life hiding in the trees and ignoring the cursed, poisonous larkspur growing from her ankle and eating away at her life. She lets her anxiety and fear control her, but fate forces her hand when her adopted mother is kidnapped by a cruel witch. The only way to save her is to find the magic shards of her family’s amulet scattered throughout her land. With no time to waste, Flora sets out with her best friend, and along the way they meet a darkly intriguing stranger. But Flora is running out of time and can’t succumb to distractions. If she trusts the wrong person or lets her anxiety win, Flora risks losing more than just her mother …
My Review:
The Age of Larkspur by Aleighsha Parke is a captivating fantasy adventure that weaves together elements of Icelandic folklore with a richly descriptive narrative. The story follows Flora, a young woman who has spent her life hiding in the trees, avoiding the cursed, poisonous larkspur growing from her ankle—a constant reminder of the magic that is slowly draining her life away. But when her adopted mother is kidnapped by a cruel witch, Flora is thrust into a perilous quest to save her, forcing her to confront her fears and the curse that haunts her.
Parke’s writing vividly brings the natural world to life, immersing readers in the lush landscapes and the mystical elements of Flora’s journey. Fans of fantasy and adventure will find themselves enchanted by the story’s blend of magic, danger, and self-discovery. Flora is a strong female lead who, like Elsa from Frozen, must learn to harness her unique nature-based powers. However, Parke’s story stands out on its own, offering a fresh and imaginative take on the classic hero’s journey.
One of the standout characters is Kaanan, the darkly intriguing stranger Flora encounters on her quest. His presence adds depth to the story, and I found myself eagerly following his interactions with Flora. The tension between them adds an extra layer of excitement, making their relationship one of the highlights of the book.
The story builds to a fabulous ending that leaves readers satisfied, yet eager for more. There are subtle hints that a sequel might be in the works, and if that’s the case, I can’t wait to see where Flora’s journey takes her next.
Overall, The Age of Larkspur is a highly enjoyable read that will appeal to young adults and anyone who loves a good fantasy tale with strong characters and an immersive setting. Aleighsha Parke has crafted a world that is both magical and perilous, and Flora’s story is one that readers won’t soon forget.
My Rating: 5 stars
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Author Biography:
Aleighsha Parke is an avid reader who first fell in love with storytelling as a young child. Young Adult Fantasy and Sci-Fi are her first loves and the two genres she enjoys reading and writing in the most, however, she is interested in dabbling in other genres. When she's not writing, reading, or crocheting/knitting, she is working in a library, so she’s always surrounded by books. She lives in British Columbia with her adorable cat and family.
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Reviewed by: Lana