Charming Academy by Jessica L. Elliott #Review

We were without internet for about two weeks. It was really nice! I took the opportunity to do some reading with the children. #1 on my list? The  Charming Academy series by Jessica L. Elliott. I couldn't possibly read to the children without sharing with you all! First of all, go get this first book on Kindle now.  It's free at the moment and I'm not sure how long that will last. It's worth at least $20 as far as I'm concerned, so take advantage of this time. This is 500 pages of wonderful story, characters, and life lessons. I love books that concentrate on building character in children. This series definitely does that very thing. There were so many applications to real life in these pages. I love that!

Growing up is a difficult process for anyone, but for a boy destined to be the Prince Charming of a fairy tale it's an absolute nightmare. Not only must Lucian learn the things normal boys are taught at school, he must also learn the particulars of quests at Charming Academy for Boys. It's not going to be easy! There are sarcastic dragons, vindictive witches, and to top it all off Lucian's princess hates him. Will he survive school to become the Prince Charming his parents believe him to be?

This is not a fluffy, unrealistic, lovey-dovey faerie tale. Our children (even the teen boys) were asking for more each time I closed the book for the night. My favorite thing about this series is the tactful realism. Jessica Elliott isn't afraid to tackle the difficult topics the old faerie tales of the Grimm brothers, Aesop, and Hans Christian Andersen. If you've ever read the original stories, you know they are brutal. If you have a child who is obsessed with the idea of magic, definitely have them read or listen to some of the originals. It will cure them or at least temper the fascination. Of course, if you compare and contrast them with some of the amazing things in the Bible, you can help your children understand where true power comes from and how God uses His to help and protect us and how, sometimes He will even bestow gifts on His people.

Yes, everything I do with my children is in conjunction with the Bible, EVERYTHING. I usually stay clear of anything with faeries or witches for that very reason. The weirder the world around us gets though, the more I feel the LORD calling me to search these things out with our family. I'd rather our children be armed with as much knowledge and history as possible than to be afraid of or just ignoring the "powers and principalities" the Bible clearly warns us about.

There are six books in this series so if you'd like to see reviews on the rest and an author interview, make sure tosubscribe so you don't miss any.

** Spoiler Alert **

Charming Academy is run and taught by faeries who can only do 'good magic' but typically refrain except in certain circumstances. They are presented as magical beings. The disciplinarians are a group of five witches called Sisters. They aren't 'bad' but more ornery. Again they are presented as magical beings, not humans who study witchcraft. The discipline fits the crime and is usually temporary. Occasionally they also bestow a secret blessing on a student which always has interesting consequences causing special challenges for the students. The main purpose for the Academy is to grow Biblical character qualities in the students and prepare them for a faerie tale and happily ever after.

Brand new covers! These are beautiful just like the stories inside!

For as long as she can remember,Jessica L. Elliott has been telling stories.  As soon as she could grasp a pencil she began writing those stories down.  Reading fueled her imagination, as did spending time with her five younger brothers and sisters.  Everything was an adventure, something to be treasured and stories were her first love.  Jessica began seriously writing in high school and continued into college while attending Emporia State University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  She wrote and released her first novel, Charming Academy, in August of 2011.  Jessica currently lives in southwest Kansas with her husband and children.

Our family received this series as a gift from the author after the devastating wildfires of March 2017. They served to uplift and encourage our family through a very difficult time. I'm thrilled to review them on my blog and recommend them to all my readers and friends. Jessica Elliott has done a masterful job. See our disclosure policy for more details and information about my review policy .

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