Titles by Jon Etter

Readers, beware: what you hold in your hands is a dreadful fairy book.

I wish I were narrating almost any other fairy story, but alas, this is my lot. Whatever expectations you have of delightful and whimsical fairies are sure to be disappointed. There are certainly fairies, but most are not proper fairies. Some who are supposed to be nasty are disappointingly nice, while some who should be kind and helpful are disconcertingly surly, dishonest, and generally unpleasant company.

Our heroine is, perhaps, the worst offender—a sprite more interested in books than carefree games, who insists on being called Shade. She is on a quest, albeit with rather questionable companions, to find a place her outré self can call home. A place of companionship, comfort, and, most importantly, positively filled with books.

The uneasy truce between the Seelie Court and the Sluagh Horde is in peril as greedy nobles on both sides threaten to destroy the fragile peace. Meanwhile, amongst the common fairy folk, the Brother/Sisterhood of Afflicted and Repressed Fairies (B.A.R.F.) is calling for revolution. The one chance Elfame may have to maintain the peace is a fairy rade organized by Prince Beow of the Sluagh and Princess Viola of the Seelie.

But when the two are kidnapped, can Shade, Ginch, and the Professor save them and prevent the fairy lands from descending into chaos? This humorous fantasy is perfect for middle grade readers (ages 9+) who enjoy adventure, quirky characters, and a touch of political satire.