Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Kei Acedera

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Source: Inkpop challenge
Publisher: HarperCollins

Format: Hardcover, 307 pages

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

If you have not yet read one of Lauren Oliver's books, you are doing yourself a disservice. I am not exaggerating one bit when I say that they are exceptional and mind-blowing and that my heart hurts a little every time I have to put them down.

Liesl & Po starts off with Liesl, a little girl all alone in the attic of her late father's house. Right from the beginning, Liesl's strong, compassionate personality shines through and you'll be charmed by her attitude towards life. Soon after, Po and Bundle (both ghosts -- one human, one animal) appear and the adventure begins.

Lauren Oliver effortlessly weaves together the different storylines, all of which feature endearing heroes and horrible villains. This is a story of love and friendship, magic and hope. The illustrations by Kei Acedera add to the whimsical tone of the novel, making it feel like a real fairy tale.

So, yeah. Lauren Oliver = must-read author. If you're still not convinced, maybe this quote will change your mind?

“And this, really, is the story-within-the-story, because if you do not believe that hearts can bloom suddenly bigger, and that love can open like a flower out of even the hardest places, then I am afraid that for you the world will be long and brown and barren, and you will have trouble finding the light.

But if you do believe, then you already know all about magic.”

YEAH.

Prepare to be amazed.

Cover Comments: Perfect! If you haven't already and get the chance, take off the dust jacket! It's soooo pretty underneath with all the bright colours and such.

ALL THE STARS.