Book Review ~ 13 Treasures

13 Treasures (Thirteen Treasures #1)
by Michelle Harrison
published by Little, Brown books for young readers
genre: Middle Grade

Summary (Goodreads): Tanya is no ordinary girl. She can see fairies. But not the fairies we imagine. Evil fairies who cast spells on her, rousing her from her sleep and propelling her out of bed. At wit's end with her daughter's inexplicable behavior, Tanya's mother sends her away to live with her grandmother at Elvesden Manor, a secluded countryside mansion on the outskirts of a peculiar Essex town.

There is plenty to explore, as long as Tanya stays away from Hangman's Wood- a vast stretch of forest, full of catacombs and notorious for people losing their lives. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods, a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. As Tanya learns more about this girl, she finds herself dangerously close to vanishing into the fairy realm forever.

My Thoughts: There was plenty to enjoy in this story.  From the fairies (all kinds) to characters that could stand up on their own against whatever was going on. Some were more memorable than others. My favorite in this story was Red (main character from book 2) she seemed to be everything Tanya wanted to be. While Tanya was on her way, she wasn't quite there yet. Tanya's defining moment, for me, was when she took the time to bury the fairy that was killed on her gramdmother's windshield. Even with all the mischief and trouble the fairie's had done to  and caused her, she still felt it was important enough to do.
This story delves into the dark side of fairy tales. From changelings, blood pacts gone wrong, to the Seelie and Unseelie we get a glimpse  of it all. The sacrifices made not only by Tanya's grandmother but also by Red to protect Tanya made the story what it is.
Overall, the only thing missing for me was the 13 treasures. While we find out what they are and what they are for, I kept waiting for them to play a part in the story. The story stood on its own and was an enjoyable read but based on the title I kept waiting for more.

Rating: 4