The Water and the Wild

Lottie Fiske lives as an outsider in the town of New Kemble, with only her best friend Eliot for companionship. When Eliot falls ill with a mysterious sickness that no doctor can cure, Lottie discovers a hidden letter that leads her through a portal in an apple tree to a magical realm. In this parallel world called Limn, Lottie meets a group of peculiar children who possess supernatural abilities. She learns that this realm holds both dangers and potential answers about her own past, as well as hope for saving Eliot. The journey takes Lottie through landscapes filled with sprites, talking crows, and ancient magic as she searches for a cure. Along the way, she must face challenges that test her courage and loyalty while uncovering long-buried secrets. At its core, The Water and the Wild explores themes of belonging and sacrifice, asking what defines a true home and how far one will go to protect those they love. The story weaves together elements of classic portal fantasy with fresh perspectives on friendship and identity.

Most readers draw comparisons between The Water and the Wild and classic portal fantasies like Narnia and Alice in Wonderland, while noting its unique take on the genre. Readers appreciated: - The whimsical, lyrical writing style - Complex characters, especially the protagonist Lottie - Creative world-building and magical elements - Themes of friendship and loyalty - The autumn atmosphere and descriptions Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in the first third of the book - Some plot points feel unresolved - Younger readers may struggle with sophisticated vocabulary Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (50+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "The prose reads like classic children's literature but with modern sensibilities" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes a while to get going but rewards patient readers" - Amazon review "Perfect for fans of mysterious doors and magical worlds, but stands on its own" - Barnes & Noble review

The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs A recently orphaned boy moves to his uncle's mysterious house and discovers a world of magic, evil wizards, and a clock that could end the world.

Wildwood by Colin Meloy A girl ventures into a dense forest to rescue her baby brother from crows, leading her into a hidden world of talking animals and magic at war.

The Real Boy by Anne Ursu An apprentice to a magic shop keeper uncovers dark secrets about his town's magic while protecting it from a mysterious illness that threatens everyone.

The Night Garden by Polly Horvath Three children discover a garden that grants wishes during wartime, but must learn the price and responsibility of such magic.

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann A half-fairy outcast investigates disappearing children in a steampunk world where fairies and humans maintain an uneasy coexistence.

🌿 The story follows 12-year-old Lottie Fiske, who lives in a world where magic exists in the roots of apple trees - a creative twist on traditional portal fantasy elements. 🍎 Author K.E. Ormsbee wrote the first draft of this book when she was just 13 years old, though it underwent significant revisions before publication in 2015. 🌳 The book draws inspiration from traditional Celtic folklore, particularly the concept of fairy rings and passages to magical realms through natural elements. 💫 The novel's central themes of friendship and belonging were influenced by the author's own experiences moving frequently as a child and having to adapt to new environments. 🎨 The book's original cover art features intricate botanical illustrations that mirror the detailed descriptions of magical plants and herbs found throughout the story.