Swift (Volume 1) (The Flight and Flame Trilogy) Paperback – May 11, 2021

I’m looking forward to continuing Ivy’s story. I love the search for answers and discovering truth throughout this story but there’s so much left to uncover! This book awakened my imagination and left me eager to learn more about Ivy and the Cornish faerie folk.A clean and wholesome read for young adults: no swearing or sensual content, mild violence.

I have purchased this book for my granddaughter's birthday and read parts of it today before passing it on. I can see why she is so enthralled by this series by RJ Anderson. I really enjoyed what I read and would recommend it for young readers. I intend to get more by this author if she requests them.

R.J. Anderson has written a compelling, twisty novel with “Swift”, the first in The Flight and Flame trilogy. Although marketed for young adults, I think that it is just as suitable for adults; I enjoyed it! Furthermore, I am thrilled that it did not contain a romantic thread, as do almost all young adult books, and I felt the same way when I did fit into the target age group, so it’s nice to know that there are books coming out for those who can do without a lot of romance. Instead, this story focuses on adventure and fantasy, providing enough thrill and distress to keep readers glued to the page, but without inducing horror. There is a strong psychological element that takes root quietly at first but grows more steadily as the novel progresses.Pondering the folkloric identity of the creatures mentioned in “Swift” and the tense relations between them is a reflection of the rampant issues of race relations in today’s society, where blind hate and a thirst for vengeance overtake common sense and compassion. This misguided sense of justice leads inevitably to betrayal, as well as to some startling revelations about several characters’ identities. It reminds me of what has happened throughout history, and how someone can be judged for their assumed identity when they may actually belong to another group entirely.As for the characters themselves, I have to admit that I did not feel a deep connection with any of them. Each seems to be motivated by self-centered goals without taking into consideration how their actions will affect anyone else. This does add to the suspense, however, as I could not guess what the next scene would bring, which is always a boon. While I did not come across anything overtly Christian in this novel aside from one instance of a character offering a short, desperate prayer, it is a clean read. I am eager to find out what happens next in books two and three and intend to read both when they have been released.I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

very good

Great deal.

What an exciting adventure awaits readers in this story. I loved reading about Ivy and what a piskey was. Losing her mom had been hard for Ivy. Not knowing what really happened to her has caused Ivy to wonder if perhaps she was kidnapped. I don’t think I would have trusted Richard at all when I first met him. The promises he makes to Ivy sounded good but did he have an agenda that would endanger Ivy?The author gives us a place where strange creatures abound and a theme of good vs evil. I like when Ivy tries to pass off as human in order to go look for her mother. Her friend Molly seemed eager to help her and I couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead for them. There is so much detail in the book that I felt like I had slipped into the book and was right beside Ivy. The story delivers a fantasy story that will captivate readers and keep them entertained throughout the book. There is a bit of blood in the story that may trigger some, so be cautious when reading it to younger children. I didn’t find the story scary but it does deal with magic and power.The story has a theme of trusting that puts several characters in danger. I was surprised at some of the twists in the story and it kept me turning pages as quickly as I could. I can’t wait to read the next in this series to find out if my questions have been answered.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

What an interesting book. You have fairies and piskeys and all kinds of creatures I’ve never heard of, but you also have food I’m familiar with because my Gran was English and carried many of her favorite recipes over here with her.The book is well written and kept me interested the whole time. It’s a Christian fantasy title but I would let my teenagers read it. I’ve found that it is the first in a series and I’m excited to find the rest of the series to see where the story goes.Within the book, you’re in a fantasy world, but you’re dealing with issues that we face here every day. Things like prejudice, gender roles, abuse, disability, friendships, and so much more.I don’t think I would let my middle school kids read this book as it does have lots of issues within it that are going to challenge you and work on your thinking. But I think a lot of that would confuse or go over the heads of younger kids.Highly recommend this book. Please grab a copy and then find the rest of the series and grab copies of those as well. Because you’re going to want to finish the story!I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

May well be the best in the series. I'm ordering multiple copies for friends and relatives.

I liked the fairy books (Knife, Rebel, Arrow) from RJ Anderson but Swift is so much better yet! It is definitely one of my very favorite books! I must have read it at least four times by now. One thing I like about her books is that they are so unpredictable. You never know what is going to happen next. Swift is the story of an adolescent pixie girl who was born without wings and lost her Mom at a young age not knowing what really happened to her. She feels quite insecure about herself not realizing how brave and strong she really is. Her adventures are so captivating, it is hard to put the book down. I also love that there is a connection to the fairy books, although the reader doesn't find out how the books are connected until later in the book. I would recommend this book for teenage girls but also for adult women. Be warned: You will want to buy her next book "Nomad" after you read this one ;)

Just finished reading it for the second time and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the last time!!!

Lovely story and the way it's all bought together was brilliant. A great end to a lovely fairy tale collection.

Love this whole series, look forward to reading more. Would love for them to be picked up for a movie or series. The characters are fantastic as are the stories. I get totally lost and can't put them down. before I know it have finished the book.