A fantasy tale in verse that is both heartwarming and magical. I always prefer the traditional way of story telling, but this story is perfect in its’ lyrical format.

On the cover are the giant boy, Brob, along with Lyriana and her 6-year-old brother Zave. sadly orphaned. They are in an arctic world but survival will only happen by getting to the Orphan’s Garden, a safe place from the icy winter and deadly spirits. The evil Giant king also does not rule this place.

These three do not arrive at the garden together since humans and giants don’t get along. Brob accidentally created the garden with his ancient magic when he was a much younger boy. He is returning here to save himself and parents from the deadly winter after the Giant king punishes them to a cold existence. Brob will not let any humans inside Orphan’s Garden for they are not trustworthy and will promptly destroy the magic.

When Lyriana arrives with her brother it becomes clear that she is needed to save this special place. Lyriana is a special Songsummoner and her musical magic brings forth Fermatta, a necessary element to keep the garden alive. But first they will have to find a way to end the battle between Humans and Giants.

The verse format is mostly voiced by Lyriana and Brob in separate pieces. Their names are at the top of each verse they narrate. This dual format works to perfection as readers get the full emotional impact for each character. How they begin to see each other as friends instead of enemies is a special part of THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN. A page turning story that comes together in a beautiful format.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 21, 2025. Pages: 352

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SONG OF ORPHAN”S GARDEN by Nicole M. Hewitt

1. In many passages the words in verse also demonstrate the action or emotion of a scene. In this format they don’t have to be a continuous straight line of worlds and it works to perfection.
2. Poor Zave seems like just a tag along character but he soon rises to heroic status.
3. Great world building as you feel yourself present in every location.
4. The plot had me thinking of parallels to our present world. If only magic could heal our feuds between nations.
5. Memorable characters are a must in any story. Lyriana, Zave, and Brob fill this need in an outstanding way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole M. Hewitt is a middle grade author living in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, three grown kids, and two overly-enthusiastic pups. She hates to run, but she succeeded in finishing a marathon. (It was for a good cause!) She enjoys nature but doesn’t see nearly enough of it in Illinois, so her family travels as often as possible. She also loves to sing and can often be heard spontaneously composing incredibly profound songs about the fluffiest members of her family (the dogs, in case you weren’t sure). Her debut middle grade fantasy novel-in-verse, THE SONG OF ORPHAN’S GARDEN released in January of 2025 and was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. (Author Website)

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