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While a series starter, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a fun, contained, YA fantasy.
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin. Enclave Escape, 2025. 416 pages.
- Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18
- Recommended For: ages 15 and up
THE UNRAVELING OF EMLYN DULAINE
Emlyn’s sister disappeared when she was 8 years old. But no one believes Emlyn that she literally disappeared. Now, 7 years later, Emlyn has a chance to find out what happened to her sister when she is drawn into a fantasy world. But how can this be happening? And why are some of the characters just like the people Emlyn invented in her make-believe stories years ago?
While Emlyn might find answers and friends, she is troubled by the way stories interact within this world. And why does something seem to be breaking the plot of classic stories in our world? Will Emlyn and her new friends be able to succeed on their first mission and fix the land of 0z? Can Emlyn find the answers to her own questions, and why are people avoiding answering some of them?
THE RIVENLEA SPHERE: A PROMISING SERIES
While a series starter, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine does stand well on its own. The ending concludes one adventure while leaving room for another with continued unanswered questions and some unresolved story elements. The idea of fixing stories is a fascinating idea, and thoughtfully engages with the concept of story as well as individual agency and responsibility. Franklin does a great job incorporating both classic and pop culture references into the novel. Overall, a fun a promising start to a new YA fantasy series.
Considerations: None
Bottom Line: While a series starter, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a fun, contained YA fantasy: great for literary-loving teen girls.
Related Reading From Redeemed Reader
- A Review: Check out The Wonderland Trials and The Looking-Glass Illusion, both by Sara Ella and published by Enclave.
- A Review: Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson is a great companion read; Readers may also be interested in The Selkie’s Daughter, particularly if they are on the younger end of the age group above.
- A Review: Three more fantasy worlds to explore (all in one review post).
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