I loved the ending of this part of the story, Rosie and Germ are awesome together, I love that their relationship grew with them and Rosie was able to make space for new people. Looking forward to reading book #2 right away, can't wait to see what they get into next. ( )

The Memory Thief is a 2022 Lone Star selection

On a dark night, ghosts float about their lives outside a hospital next to the dark forest when one ghost witnesses what no one else does. Two witches enter the hospital bringing a baby out to drop into the ocean to drown--after erasing the mother's memories. As the years pass, Rosie raises herself because her mother seems to forget Rosie's existence. Rosie makes both of them dinner, makes sure her mom makes it through the day, and has her mom sign papers and drive her to school when needed. Rosie feels left out that she doesn't have a mom who loves her and talks to her about being a special and good girl. Rosie does have a best friend, Germ. Germ is growing up, but Rosie hasn't become boy-crazy or social-crazy, wanting to be in the "social" scene. They are growing apart, but Germ understands Rosie better than anyone and doesn't intend on abandoning her. Everything changes when Rosie burns her stories because Germ says they're part of their childhood and they need to grow up.

One night, Rosie awakes to voices. She's sure it's a ghost. Germ believes her and spends the night, also seeing the ghosts. Unfortunately, no one else sees them. The ghosts generally don't mean harm and start explaining why she can see ghosts although no one really knows why Germ can. Come to find out--there are witches who are cruel and keep chaos rampant in the world. Rosie learns that her mother's memories were removed by the Memory Thief, a witch. Rosie is determined to find the witch and get her mother's memories back. Problem is--no one can kill a witch; no one can find the witches; and, no one returns with memories in tact.

I started listening to this novel and discovered I didn't get pulled into the novel. I found the voice difficult to hear and wasn't interested. I then started reading the novel and really enjoyed it. It's a first novel, as Rosie and Germ have many adventures awaiting them. ( )

While weaving a world of evil and good with magic and a girl, who's determined to save the mother she never had, this is more than just a book to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Sixth-grade Rosie hears her best friend, Germ, when she explains that they must slowly let go of childish things, but with a mother, who doesn't remember anything and barely notices her, Rosie's imaginative stories are more than just words. They've been a part of her emotional support. When she agrees to get rid of them, a real and more dangerous world moves in. A witch has caught Rosie in her sights and is determined to destroy her as she's been doing with her mother. While Rosie does have a few clues thanks to a generation-old book, it's not enough to stop the witch. In fact, according to everyone she talks to, stopping a witch is an impossible task. But Rosie isn't about to go into hiding and leave her mother behind. She's determined to discover the secret no one else has.

I love the descriptions in this read. The author has a whimsical way of wording some things and that with an original twist. The tale flows extremely smoothly and knows how to keep the tension high from beginning to end. While the book does start with a very grabbing scene, it then, allows the reader to get to know Rosie and her situation. I did appreciate this, especially since it's done in an intriguing way. Rosie comes across as a quiet but strong girl, who is pretty normal and has her own problems, too. It shows a close friendship between the two girls, but not one without its strains. Both come across naturally because of this and are easy to sympathize with...which makes it no problem to root for them when the action really kicks-in.

This is not a sweet story but carries a layer of darkness. The witches are not good in any way and wear the atmosphere of nightmares. It's clear that Rosie is taking on an impossible task, and one that the author doesn't allow to be solved easily. Add the wonderment of magic and fantastical beings, which only the imagination can bring to life, and this was a read I didn't want to put down.

The second book is coming out in the next months, and I'm really looking forward to see where Rosie and Germ go next because the adventure isn't over yet. ( )

The first in a magical adventure series did not disappoint! Amid all of the magic the author skillfully inserts many life lessons and themes for children including friendship, growing up, facing your fears, and embracing change.

I can't wait for the next book in the series! ( )