By Millie Florence
Book Review by Jubilee Anderson
BALTER (Verb) – To dance artlessly, without particular grace or skill, but usually with enjoyment.
Ashton Edward Harper had three problems, and two of them were his sisters. Unfortunately, the worst problem, the one that is not a sister, might determine the next few years of Ashton’s future.
Through a balter of events, Ashton finds himself on a carriage headed for his dream school, Overmorrow Academy. However, Ashton’s stomach is dancing with anxiety. Because if he can’t win the scholarship, his dreams might be dashed.
Then, mysterious magic wreaks havoc on the travelers. Alone in the woods and separated from his sisters, Ashton tries to make sense of a magic he thought only existed in fairytales. Much more is at stake than attending the school of his dreams.
Middle grade fantasy The Balter of Ashton Harper includes themes of forgiveness, siblinghood, responsibility, and chasing dreams.
After reading Millie Florence’s first book, Honey Butter, for free, I knew I wanted to read The Balter of Ashton Harper as well. This year (2025), I had the privilege of meeting Millie at a writer’s conference. Of course, I also bought a signed copy of her book.
It went beyond my expectations. She wrote unique characters into a unique world with exceptional style, and delivered a deep theme. And honestly, who can beat that snappy first line of the first chapter? 👌 (It’s up at the top, at the beginning of the blurb)
I definitely related the most to Ashton, but I also related a lot to Drusilla, the older sister. Millie kept the story whimsical and fun, while still making me yearn for Ashton to go to Overmorrow like he’d always wanted. Very sweet story, and an awesome sibling book!
4 and a half stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Absolutely no content labels.
As usual with Millie’s books, I came away inspired to love and cherish my siblings. This theme in particular resonated with me because I have a passion for writing that I sometimes put before my family on the priority list. Ashton’s story reminded me that my family is always more important than my dreams.
I highly recommend The Balter of Ashton Harper! If you’ve read it and want someone to fangirl about it with, just balter over here and shoot me a message. I await your reply…
(Hey, look! I learned a new word!)