jbronderbookreviews

Natalie the Not-So-Nasty (Upon A. Time – 2) by Falcon Storm

Evolved Publishing presents “Natalie the Not-So-Nasty,” the second book in the “Tales from Upon A. Time” series by Falcon Storm. This lower grade adventure is perfect for kids 6-9 years old, though kids a little older are sure to like it too. In the quaint little village of Austerville, people live in fear of the local Wicked Witch. Luckily for the Witch, though, they have many a squabble and always seem to be in need of a custom-ordered hex or curse. Neighbor painted his mailbox a color you don’t like? ‘Optico Cadorn!’ His house is flooded with kumquats. Someone forgot to say “Good morning!” as she passed you on the street? ‘Levinta Bam!’ She won’t be able to sleep for a week. Such a thriving business would be a dream come true for any Wicked Witch, but there’s just one problem: Natalie may be a little clumsy, but she isn’t even the slightest bit wicked. Alas, no matter how often she tries to explain her true character, the townspeople refuse to listen. It certainly doesn’t help that every time someone requests a curse, something terrible befalls the object of their malcontent. They chalk this manufactured malfeasance up to the Wicked Witch, strengthening her reputation and the demand for her services. When a young Alchemist accidentally fills the town with the noxious fumes of his newest potion, they turn to Natalie for her greatest curse yet. Can she convince him of her pure intentions, or will he, too, run away in fear? Will Natalie find herself questioning whether she really might be wicked, after all? Find out in this comedic tale of witches, rumors, and the magic of finding yourself.

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Author’s Bio

I was born in the frozen wasteland of Alaska with the unfortunate stigma of being both a daydreamer and left-handed. Starting from an early age, I’ve filled my life with stories of every sort from my father’s hunting trips to the Holy Trilogy (read: Star Wars). In the fourth grade, I became more interested in telling stories of my own than listening to those of others. Doctors—being doctors—attempted to medicate them out of me, but the best cure has always been a pen, a notebook, and my crazy, unrestrained imagination.
I continue to whittle away at these stories in my endless search for the one that will finally bring me back to reality. All the while, I secretly hope such a story will never come along. I hear “reality” is far too boring.
After escaping the North, I moved to Michigan where I fell in love with (and married) author Emlyn Chand. Together we manage our menagerie of birds and dogs in our lakeside house in suburban Detroit. When I’m not writing or chasing after disobedient curs, I play video games, develop apps and try my hand at any exciting hobby to come my way.
Come follow the madness at the various social media thingys or simply check out my website. And, oh yeah, The Persnickety Princess is my very first book—of presumably many more.

Website

My Review

5 stars

Bard Upon A. Time is in trouble once again. This time villagers think he is a wizard and are planning on burning him at the stake. To distract them, Upon tells the story of Natalie the Not So Nice.

Lavender has decided that it is good to have a Wicked Witch around, even if Natalie is anything but wicked and once Lavender learns this she fires her. Natalie finds herself in Austerville. But the town is not very friendly and she finds that they think of her as a Wicked Witch too no matter how she tries to protest. The only one that believes her is Nik who finds himself in a similar position. Will Natalie come to embrace the title of Wicked Witch or will it forever be hanging over her head.

This is a great follow up to The Persnickety Princess although Natalie the Not So Nice could easily be a stand-alone book. Natalie is anything but wicked but she just cannot get people to listen to her. I love how Nik helps Natalie embrace the label.

If you are looking for a great story for mid-grade readers, or even for yourself, look no further. This is a great series by Falcon Storm for all ages. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I received Natalie the Not So Nice from Candid Book Reviews for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.