I... Just wow. When I downloaded the first free book, Madly, I remember thinking "Okay, it is about mermaids... We'll give it a go. Iffy subject, but hey, can't judge a book without reading a good deal of pages." So of course, I read it, and I was pleasantly surprised. When I come across books about mermaids, I automatically thinking of a half hearted attempt at a novel chock full of bad grammar, horrible punctuation, underdeveloped characters... You know, the general problems in a bad novel. But Madly was... Well, amazing to say the least.Leighton did an EXCELLENT job with grammar, punctuation and spelling. I was in love with the amount of detail put into it. I automatically felt connected to Madly in a way that can be hard to achieve with protagonists in some books. The author did an amazing job at reaching deep into Madly's life - not just the issues with Atlas and her future as Queen, but her life as a teenager on land. I learned about and connected with her best friends, Jersey and Aidan. I loved experiencing the fun normality of certain parts of Madly's life, like hanging out with her friends. Having the novel in 1st person POV was great. I really love novels like so because I feel like I can further connect and relate to the protagonist, and that was definitely accomplished with this novel. I instantly felt like I took the place of Madly, like I was her, experiencing her life and feelings, the twists and turns, ups and downs. It was stunning. I especially loved the relationship between Jackson and Madly. I automatically fell in love with Jackson from the very start - he was at the top of my fictional boyfriend list in SECONDS. The way Leighton describes their relationship - how Madly felt about Jackson, how Jackson made her feel, the unique connection between them, the destiny they shared - was absolutely breathtaking and made me want to keep reading and reading and never stop. I'm being completely honest when I say that parts between Jackson and Madly gave me butterflies in my stomach and had me squirming in my seat with a huge smile. And trust me, as much as I get into any book I read, that doesn't happen often at all. It was just so perfect.This is why it is going directly onto my Favourites shelf. :)Can't wait to buy the third one! The only experience I’ve had with mermaids was Disney, until this story. I didn’t really realize it’d be a story about mermaids until reading Madly which grabbed my interest so completely that I immediately got this book so I could keep reading. I think it’s such a unique world built with a cool twist to fairy tales. The concept alone is incredibly intriguing.The characters feel so realistic that you could turn around meet them in person, and the magic surrounding everything is consistent in its abilities and limitations that you never really have any trouble with believability. The plot is well paced sucks you in so you can’t put the book down. The romance is swoon worthy and keeps you emotionally invested from start to finish.The age is set at 17/18-ish, and at no point do you ever really feel that she’s too young or old to behave the way she does, other than what her royal status forces her into. Really, just an utterly gripping novel that makes you ache for more and more of her story. My only wish is that we’d gotten more of Madly in the water, but with how this story ended, I’m hoping that we’ll see more of that in the next. Thankfully, book 3, Madly and the Jackal, has been released, so you can bet I jumped on that!Madly and Wolfhardt is a compelling story that can stand on its own, even if you haven’t read the novella, Madly. With lovable characters and an edge of your seat experience, you will enjoy every minute of this book, so go get it!
What do You think about Madly & Wolfhardt (2011)?
Great, short, quick read but interesting and definitely captures and keeps your attention!!
—klbw
