Blog Tour- Review + Giveaway: The Summer of Shambles (Ondine #1) by Ebony McKenna

Title: The Summer of Shambles

Series: Ondine #1

Author: Ebony McKenna

Genre: YA, fantasy

Publication date: June 21, 2013

Published by: Egmont, Hardie Grant, Bookbaby

Source: For review from author via Xpresso Book Tours

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Blurb:

Dive into this wonderfully witty young adult series from author Ebony McKenna, set in the far off European country of Brugel.

15-year-old Ondine is struggling to fit in at Psychic Summercamp and doubts she possesses any of her family’s magical abilities. She resolves to leave, determined to follow her own path and be a normal teenager. Whatever normal is in a place like Brugel.

On the way home Ondine is shocked when her pet ferret Shambles starts talking – in a cheeky Scottish accent no less! He is in fact a young man trapped in a witch’s curse. When he briefly transforms into his human self, Ondine is smitten. If only she can break the spell for good, Shambles can be handsomely human on a full-time basis.

During the summer, these two misfits uncover a plot to assassinate a member of the royal family and discover a secret treasure that has remained hidden for decades. This attracts the attention of the arrogant Lord Vincent, and Ondine can’t help being drawn in by his bad-boy charm.

With so many demands on Ondine’s attentions – and affections – normal has never seemed so far away.

The Summer of Shambles is the first in the four-part ONDINE series. Fans of The Princess Bride or the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series will love this delightfully quirky fairytale.

My rating: ★★★☆☆
This was a really fun story. When I first heard about it, reminded me about a short story by Michelle Rowen called "Familiar," which is actually what caught my attention. I loved that short story about a young witch with a familiar who actually turns out to be a swoon-worthy boy, and this story was very similar! That concept is just very intriguing to me and a lot of fun, too!

The story starts off with Ondine sneaking out of Psychic Camp because she is just bored with it. I didn't really get this. Why are you leaving, exactly? I was very curious to learn about the camp, what it was like, what they did, what sort of things they were taught... but no such luck. We weren't given much detail besides the fact that Ondine slept through one of her tests and that she didn't tell the head of the camp or whatever that she was leaving because they were psychic and probably already knew... Uhh, what? There was a lot of "tell" and not enough "show" for my liking.

The setting also kind of threw me off. It is described as taking place in the present, but the way it was told and described almost made it seemed like the story was taking place way in the old day, if you know what I mean.

The main character Ondine I liked well enough, but she didn't wow me. Overall, I thought she was likable, but rather bland at the same time. Shambles/Hamish on the other hand, totally and completely loved! He was just a lot of fun (particularly as a ferret and on his transitions), very outspoken and rather swoon-worthy when in human form. The romance between these two was very cute! I understand the instant attraction, but they were talking about "love" much too fast for my liking, and you know how I feel about insta-love.

Overall, it was a very fun and magical read with some wacky characters and a very interesting concept. If you are looking for a light, cute read, with some very funny moments, definitely consider checking this one out!

Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)
-Cute swag pack including a ferret pin, a tree ornament, some cute note cards and envelopes
-Ebooks of the Ondine series
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! :) And make sure to check out the rest of the tour for more awesome content!