Wondrous Strange    by Lesley Livingston Order:  USA  Can Harper, 2008 (2008) Hardcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Lindsey Freitas Kelley is an aspiring actress, an understudy who has suddenly landed the prized role of Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream. She's constantly surrounded by the magic of the stage and actors in faerie costumes, so when peculiar things start happening to her in real life ... well, who wouldn't wonder if the play is going to her head? Sonny is a changeling Janus, a mortal stolen as a child and trained to become a magically gifted guard of the Samhain Gate, the gate that separates the Faerie realm from the mortal realm. When Sonny comes across Kelley practicing her lines in Central Park, he immediately sees that she is not like other mortals. But how? What is it that makes this strange, beautiful girl different? This book has a gorgeous cover! I love the design and the dark, ethereal beauty in it. The girl on the cover is just how I picture Kelley, especially when she encounters Faerie. Speaking of Kelley, I loved her character. She's quirky and fun, and isn't about to be pushed around by anyone - Faerie or not. I think the author did an excellent job with character development, making me want to know more about each one. And the Faerie lore intertwined was fascinating - especially the roan horse. What a cool concept! Mortals stolen by Faeries, kelpie horses, carousels that come to life, powerful Faerie kings and dark and terrifying Faerie queens - Wondrous Strange has it all and it's the perfect title for this fantastic tale. I did find it a little too crazy at times (a kelpie horse climbing up a fire escape and getting in her shower?), but overall this exciting Faerie tale is worth the read. I thought Wondrous Strange to be wildly creative. If you love fairies and fantasy worlds, you won't want to miss this vivid debut novel from Leslie Livingston. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews