Pocket Review: Serafina and the Black Cloak

“Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul.”

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate. There’s plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate’s maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore’s corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore’s owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak’s true identity . . . before all of the children vanish one by one.

Serafina’s hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Author: Robert Beatty

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: July 14th, 2016

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

I came across this book on YouTube actually, in a skit by Jesse The Reader. The video was about him freaking out and needing the sequel to this book. It was so funny and so relatable, that when I went to the bookstore the next day I knew I had to purchase it. I began reading the day after I got it, and decided that my first review on this blog would be for Serafina and The Black Cloak. This will be a no spoilers review.

The Readathon Process

As many of you may know, last weekend was the Dewey 24 Hour Readthon. The last one of this year, sadly. If any of you participated, then you know what joy (and frustration and exhaustion) they can bring.

So I have decided to bring to you the process and emotions I go through every readathon.

1. Excitement

Oh, heck yeah! Time to get some reading done, let's wreck this book! Not literally, of course. Books are to be cherished. Do not harm their precious pages.

This is the first emotion; you are fresh-eyed and innocent, usually this is when you're doing your first readathon and have no idea of what's to come. You have books ready, food stocked, playlists made, and your notifications turned off. It is time to get reading, my friend!

2. Contentment

Everything is going amazingly. You're reading, doing some challenges, making new friends on social media, everything is fine and dandy! You grab a snack from the kitchen, smile at the sun, life is good. You are ignorant to the strife that lies ahead.

3. Weariness

Oof. You've been reading for a while and people have begun to notice. Suddenly, your phone is blowing up with texts and emails and even calls from people you haven't talked to in years...as soon as you pick up your book. Everything is silent on that little device until you set a finger on that book, then people are blowing you up. Your mom comes into the room asking you to do stuff, your dog is sick, your favorite movie is on tv.,.The whole world is conspiring to get you away form that book.

4. Anger

Grr! Why won't people just let you read! Something so simple as sitting and opening a book should not come with so many interruptions! That was not in the fine print when you signed the bookworm contract!

5. Acceptance

Okay, no one will let you read. That's okay, you needed to take a break and rest your eyes anyway. Just lay your head on your pillow to calm your burning eyes...zzzz.....zz..

6. Panic

You wake up, nice and refreshed, only to realize that OH NO! You missed 4 whole hours of the readathon! You hop on your social media, wincing and cringing at all the amazing challenges you missed out on. Oh, what a world, what a world! A bookworm is even betrayed by their own body, who demands sleep over book pages.

7. Meh.

It's a challenge yes, but it's for fun! No need to stress over it and make yourself feel down if you don't complete it! A lot of people slept during it, and it's okay! All that matters is that you had fun!...

...And repeat for every readathon ever.

The Readathon Process

As many of you may know, last weekend was the Dewey 24 Hour Readthon. The last one of this year, sadly. If any of you participated, then you know what joy (and frustration and exhaustion) they can bring.

So I have decided to bring to you the process and emotions I go through every readathon.

1. Excitement

Oh, heck yeah! Time to get some reading done, let's wreck this book! Not literally, of course. Books are to be cherished. Do not harm their precious pages.

This is the first emotion; you are fresh-eyed and innocent, usually this is when you're doing your first readathon and have no idea of what's to come. You have books ready, food stocked, playlists made, and your notifications turned off. It is time to get reading, my friend!

2. Contentment

Everything is going amazingly. You're reading, doing some challenges, making new friends on social media, everything is fine and dandy! You grab a snack from the kitchen, smile at the sun, life is good. You are ignorant to the strife that lies ahead.

3. Weariness

Oof. You've been reading for a while and people have begun to notice. Suddenly, your phone is blowing up with texts and emails and even calls from people you haven't talked to in years...as soon as you pick up your book. Everything is silent on that little device until you set a finger on that book, then people are blowing you up. Your mom comes into the room asking you to do stuff, your dog is sick, your favorite movie is on tv.,.The whole world is conspiring to get you away form that book.

4. Anger

Grr! Why won't people just let you read! Something so simple as sitting and opening a book should not come with so many interruptions! That was not in the fine print when you signed the bookworm contract!

5. Acceptance

Okay, no one will let you read. That's okay, you needed to take a break and rest your eyes anyway. Just lay your head on your pillow to calm your burning eyes...zzzz.....zz..

6. Panic

You wake up, nice and refreshed, only to realize that OH NO! You missed 4 whole hours of the readathon! You hop on your social media, wincing and cringing at all the amazing challenges you missed out on. Oh, what a world, what a world! A bookworm is even betrayed by their own body, who demands sleep over book pages.

7. Meh.

It's a challenge yes, but it's for fun! No need to stress over it and make yourself feel down if you don't complete it! A lot of people slept during it, and it's okay! All that matters is that you had fun!...

...And repeat for every readathon ever.