Review: The Art of Flying by Judy Hoffman

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:'

Fortuna Dalliance is practical. Rational. Clever. But when she finds herself at the doorstep of an adventure, she discovers something that has been inside her all along: the courage to step through.
The old Baldwin sisters are in trouble, and they've asked Fortuna to help them out of a fix. The sisters have accidentally turned a swallow into a boy, and he refuses to be turned back! But if Martin doesn't return to his original form within five days, he'll remain a boy forever . . . and the Baldwin sisters will have a lot to answer for. Fortuna's not sure she believes in magic, and once she's gotten to know Martin, she's not sure she wants him to be changed back. As Fortuna figures out what it truly means to be a friend, she must decide whose side she's on-before it's too late!
Judy Hoffman's debut, with delightful illustrations by Stephanie Graegin, weaves an enchanting tale of loyalty, freedom, and feathers.

MY TAKE:
The novel's premise sounded interesting and new so I decided to give this one a try.

In The Art of Flying, Fortuna finds herself helping out two witches who have unintentionally turned a bird into a human. However, as Fortuna becomes friends with Martin, the bird-boy, she realizes that the strange story she finds herself in is about to get stranger.

The Art of Flying had some high points and low points for me. At first, I didn't like the witches at all. However, once it became clear why they were acting the way they did, it was easier to like them. Most of the characters were likeable enough, as well. I found the progress of the plot to be a little bit slow at first. It took a while before the plot twists came together but once all the pieces fit, I was able to appreciate how the story was written.

However, I found the speaking style of the birds to be quite strange. It was like watching Yoda converse with himself. I also didn't connect with Fortuna at all. For most of the book, I found her okay but not really interesting. Near the end of the book, she seemed very selfish so that pretty much turned me off. It's a good thing that this book has other nice qualities that make up for Fortuna's sometimes irritating attitude.

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the e-ARC. Publication date of The Art of Flying is on October 29, 2013.

THE GOOD:

1. The plot is original.
2. Most of the characters are believable and likeable.
3. The book has interesting plot twists.

THE BAD:

1. Fortuna can be annoying.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

She didn't know what Martin's eating preferences were now, but it seemed like eating fowl would be kind of cannibalistic.

READ IT IF:

1. You like birds.
2. You've always dreamed of flying.
3. You like books similar to the books that inspired Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

RATING:


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