Tag Archives: Magic

YA – These Infinite Threads

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Mafi, Tahereh. These Infinite Threads. HarperCollins, 2023. 978-0-062-97247-7. $19.99. 416 p. Grades 9-12.

In the fantastic world of Ardunia, humans and Jinn are allowed to live among each other, according to the Fire Accords set in place by the current king, as long as they don’t use their powers and lie low. Despite the accords, Alizeh keeps her Jinn identity a secret from everyone around her. Although Alizeh is a powerful Jinn with ice in her veins, she lives a lonely life as a servant cleaning the home of a duchess and working as a seamstress on the side for extra money. When she accidentally crosses paths with Prince Kamran, both her world and his are turned upside down. After a disastrous ball honoring Prince Kamran, King Cyrus of Tulan whisks Alizeh away on a dragon after murdering the King of Ardunia. As Alizeh attempts to understand Cyrus’s actions in a strange, new place, Kamran, badly injured, must keep his hold on his crown in a time of chaos and turmoil within his kingdom. Both Alizeh and Kamran have to decide who they can trust and what their futures now hold. 

THOUGHTS: This book was not what I expected at all. The entire novel takes place in a 24 hour time frame, and although a lot of information is provided about the characters, it doesn’t advance the plot in a major way. It does, however, establish a group of characters that will be either working together or against each other and introduces a potential love triangle. As a reader, I was at times frustrated with the novel, but I also couldn’t stop reading! Mafi doesn’t always follow the rules when it comes to what a reader may expect from a sequel, and I think that’s what makes this series, as well as her others, so appealing and unique. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy with a touch of romance.

Fantasy

Elem. – Cinderella – with Dogs!

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Bailey, Linda. Cinderella – with Dogs! Freya Harris. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2023.  978-1-984-81382-4, 32 p. $18.99. Grades K-2.

What if your fairy Godmother appears, and she is a fairy dogmother? This story spins the tale of Cinderella and her fairy dogmother. She learns to take in the moment and enjoy the little things, like chasing squirrels. Her dogmother creates her ball gown out of a cozy blanket that any dog would love to lay on. Her hair ensemble resembles a poodle. When she shows up to the ball, she runs in like a dog chasing a toy not caring what the other people are thinking. All the royal dogs join in with her, as well as catching the eye of the royal prince who is a dog lover as well.  

THOUGHTS: With colorful, vibrant illustrations, this picture book would make a great read aloud. Most students know the story of Cinderella and will get a kick out of the dog version. Students will enjoy seeing the various dogs throughout the story. Any dog lover will enjoy reading this modern twist on a fairy tale classic.

Picture Book

MG/YA – When You Wish Upon a Star

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Lim, Elizabeth. When You Wish Upon a Star. Disney Hyperion, 2023. 978-1-368-07754-5. $18.99. 380 p. Grades 7-12.

“What if the Blue Fairy wasn’t supposed to help Pinnochio?” Before becoming the Blue Fairy, Chiara was a young woman who loved helping others. In her village, she was known for her kindness, and Chiara was adored by her younger sister Ilaria. Although Chiara was always thinking of others, Ilaria was always thinking of herself. Her dream was to become the world’s most famous opera singer, and her passion for singing landed her an audition at a prestigious opera school. If she’s accepted, she’ll be able to leave their village of Periva and achieve her dreams. Everything changes for the sisters and their family when Chiara is given the opportunity to train with the fairies on the wishing star. In her absence, Ilaria befriends the quiet and caring Gephetto, but when her audition goes poorly and the time comes for Chiara to leave for good, Ilaria joins the heartless fairies in their pursuit for power. Years later, when Chiara and Ilaria meet again as the Blue and Red Fairy in the home of a much older Gephetto, they strike a bargain: If Pinnochio can be kind, good, and true, together they will make him a real boy. If not, Ilaria will take Chiara’s heart instead. Can the sisters who were once so close find their way back to one another, or will Chiara lose her heart and sister forever?

THOUGHTS: This is one of the best Twisted Tales that I’ve read, and I have read them all! My favorite thing about this tale is that the original story of Pinnochio stays exactly the same. The story of Chiara and her sister has been added, and I loved learning more about the fairies, the wishing star, and the magic present in Periva. I’d recommend this one to any reader, and you certainly don’t have to be a fan of Pinnochio to love this story. The Twisted Tales are a perfect addition to any middle or high school collection, especially When You Wish Upon a Star. 

Fantasy

MG/YA – Almost There

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Rochon, Farrah. Almost There. Disney Hyperion, 2022. 978-1-368-07756-9. $18.99. 464 p. Grades 7-12.

“What if Tiana made a deal that changed everything?” This story begins where the movie comes to an end, and against Tiana’s better judgment, she decides to make a deal with Dr. Facilier, also known as The Shadow Man. He not only promises that Tiana will have her restaurant but that she’ll have it with her father who died when she was young. In return, she must give up a future with Prince Naveen and add a special potion into her gumbo each night at the restaurant. When she agrees to the terms, she wakes up to a seemingly perfect life. Although she misses Naveen, she now has her father and the restaurant of their dreams. As time goes on, strange things start to happen in New Orleans, and Tiana may need the help of closest friends to set things right.

THOUGHTS: I’ve been a big fan of the Twisted Tales since I started reading them a few years ago but as a lifelong Disney fan, I was skeptical of the idea; however, each one has exceeded my expectations, including Almost There, a twist on The Princess and the Frog. Although this series has two main authors, Disney chose an African American author from Louisiana to bring Tiana’s story from the screen to the page. Set in 1920s New Orleans, the book is able to touch on subjects, such as racism, that the movie did not explore. Readers will enjoy this tale even if they haven’t seen the movie and will be inspired to explore the others as well. The Twisted Tales are a must have series for any middle and high school library.

Fantasy          Emily Hoffman, Conestoga Valley SD

YA – Breaking Time

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Alsberg, Sasha. Breaking Time. Inkyard Press, 2022. 978-1-335-28489-1. $18.99. 352 p. Grades 9-12.

After witnessing the murder of his best friend by a mysterious man with supernatural strength, Callum, a Scotsman living in 1568, is transported through time. In the present day, after Klara almost hits him with her car, she brings Callum back to her family’s inn and doesn’t believe his strange story until the mysterious man shows up and tries to kill her too. Eventually, Klara learns that she is the final pillar of time, and that is why, like Callum’s friend Thomas, she is being hunted. Callum is determined to protect Klara, especially since he could not save his friend, and together, they plan to defeat the man and beast who will stop at nothing to claim the power that resides within her. 

THOUGHTS: I’d recommend Breaking Time to any readers asking to read Outlander. It’s the perfect addition to a high school collection as a similar, YA version of the popular adult series and show. It’s perfect for any reader looking for time travel, magic, and romance, and readers will be impatiently waiting for the next book in this action packed series.

Fantasy          Emily Hoffman, Conestoga Valley SD

YA – The Luminaries

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Dennard, Susan. The Luminaries. Tor Teen, 2022. 978-1-250-19404-6. $18.99. 304 p. Grades 9-12.

Hemlock Falls is not your average town. It’s surrounded by a forest inhabited by nightmares and monsters. The town is kept safe by The Luminaries, an ancient order of hunters who protect the residents each night. Families that make up the Luminaries take turns hunting throughout the days of the week. Winnie Wednesday, of the Wednesday clan, is preparing to participate in the hunter trials. Although she is turning 16 and is eligible to participate, her family has been shunned by the Luminaries ever since her father was accused of being a witch and betraying them all. This is the only way that Winnie can restore her family back to the order, so Winnie must try, no matter how great the danger. Reluctantly, she accepts help from her former best friend, Jay Friday, one of the best hunters in the Luminaries. As Winnie trains for her hunter trials, she continues to learn about the nightmares lurking outside of her town, and when she encounters a new kind of monster, she’ll have to convince the order that exiled her family that this new danger may be a threat to them all.

THOUGHTS: The Luminaries, the first of a new series, has a little bit of everything for readers. In this fantasy world, teenage hunters typically choose their roles rather than have it forced upon them but although they live in a town surrounded by monsters, their lives are quite ordinary. Action, adventure, and mystery await in this new, contemporary fantasy, and it’s the perfect choice for readers looking to try something new.

Fantasy          Emily Hoffman, Conestoga Valley SD

YA – Blade Breaker

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Aveyard, Victoria. Blade Breaker. HarperTeen, 2022. 978-0-062-87266-1. $19.99. 560 p. Grades 7-12.

Corayne an-Amarat, the last of an ancient line, continues her journey to destroy spindle magic along with Domacridhan of Iona, an immortal sworn to protect her, the assassin Sorasa Sarn, squire Andry Trelland, the forger Charlon Armont, bounty hunter Sigil of the Temurijon, and a witch named Valtik. However, Erida of Galland, the queen who chose to ally with villainous Taristan of Old Cor, Corayne’s uncle, will stop at nothing until they’ve conquered every kingdom in their path. As they unleash monsters and armies of corpses, Corayne must find allies if they wish to defeat evil once and for all.

THOUGHTS: Blade Breaker is Aveyard’s follow up to Realm Breaker, and because this is a high fantasy series, it’s important to read the books in order. This series is a perfect recommendation for any reader interested in A Game of Thrones. There are many similarities between the two series including a large cast of characters and several points of view but without the adult content. I personally enjoyed Blade Breaker more than Realm Breaker and cannot wait to see how this series ends.

Fantasy          Emily Hoffman, Conestoga Valley SD

MG – The Edge of In Between

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Savaryn, Lorelei. The Edge of In Between. Viking Books for Young Readers, 2022. ISBN 9780593202098. 304 p. $17.99 Grades 4-8.

Lottie enjoys an idyllic life with her parents in a city where almost everyone she knows has magical abilities. The Living Gray somehow exist without magic, but Lottie is sure that she will never suffer that depressing and magic-less fate. Then Lottie experiences a tremendous tragedy, and her magic slips away, leaving her feeling lost and hopeless. When Lottie’s uncle offers her a chance to live in the In Between and regain her magic and her family, she jumps at the chance, but the magic she is searching for seems permanently out of reach. Eventually, Lottie befriends a family who lives and works on her uncle’s estate and discovers that she can learn to coexist with loss, not as one of the Living Gray, but as a vivid character in a rich and rewarding life of her own.

THOUGHTS: Reminiscent of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, this book strikes all the right notes of tragic orphan storytelling and dreamy magical realism. Discussions about life, grief, letting go of lost family, and moving forward with joy are all part of this haunting story. The way Lottie and her new friends intertwine and support each other leaves the reader with a satisfyingly hopeful ending.

Fantasy Fiction          Erin Faulkner, Cumberland Valley SD

MG/YA – Bravely

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Stiefvater, Maggie. Bravely. Disney Press, 2022. 978-1368071345. $19.99. 384. Grades 7-12.

Merida of DunBroch is feeling a little bored with her life, but when two deities show up on her doorstep on Christmas Eve night, she learns that if she cannot bring change and progress back to DunBroch, her family and realm will be destroyed by Feradach, a god of destruction. In order to save her family, Merida embarks on three journeys and hopes to move her family away from stagnation. They need motivation in order to change, but Merida only has a year, and while she puts all of her energy into others, she forgets that she must also change herself.

THOUGHTS: Brave is one of my favorite movies, and Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favorite authors. Naturally, when I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it! It wasn’t quite what I expected it to be, but I loved it all the same. Stiefvater adds to the myth and magic already present in the story while focusing on each character in depth, and I especially loved reading about the triplets and their unique personalities. However, I would recommend seeing the movie first before diving into Bravely.

Fantasy          Emily Hoffman, Conestoga Valley SD

Merida of DunBroch, the Scottish princess featured in the Disney film, Brave, is now twenty years old and restless when Christmas Eve brings her an encounter with the god Feradach. Charged with rooting out and destroying entities that are stagnating, Feradoch has his eyes set on DunBroch, Merida’s beloved ancestral home. Only Merida’s quick thinking, and the sly intervention of the wily old goddess, the Cailleach, provide DunBroch a reprieve. Merida is granted a year to bring necessary change to DunBroch. She hounds, nags, and drags her parents and triplet younger brothers to explore opportunities and expand their horizons; to analyze and discover their true callings, to repair and improve the family home. But will a year be enough? Will DunBroch change enough? Fans of Stiefvater, a writer of ethereal fantasy fiction, may be initially disappointed with her prosaic writing, but with her solid grounding in Celtic lore, she crafts an engaging story with delightful character development. Readers with no familiarity with the movie will still be caught up in Merida’s quest and Stiefvater’s evocative world building. Merida is a compelling, sympathetic character who needs to learn at least as much as the rest of her family, but may not realize, until too late, that the biggest change is risking her heart. 

THOUGHTS: A Young Adult Disney princess tale, this a charming story with a limited audience. Stiefvater’s writing is aimed at a more inclusive age range than her Raven Boys and other series. Purchase where romantic fantasy is in high demand, or readers maintain a fondness for Disney. Hopefully this will lead readers to Stiefvater’s truly genius works. 

Fantasy          Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor SD
Mythology

MG/YA – Long Live the Pumpkin Queen

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Ernshaw, Shea. Long Live the Pumpkin Queen. Disney Press, 2022. 978-1-368-06960-1. $18.99. 320 p. Grades 7-12.

“At the crisp, inky hour of midnight, Jack and I are married atop Spiral Hill in the Death Door’s Cemetery. Wind stirs the bone-dry leaves, and Jack takes my soft rag doll hands in his–the coolness of his fingers calming the flutter rippling across my stitched seams.” After newlyweds Jack and Sally Skellington spend their honeymoon in Valentine’s town, they must return home to prepare for Halloween. However, Sally doesn’t feel much like a queen, and when the pressure becomes too much, she escapes to the woods where she discovers an overgrown door to a forgotten realm. The next morning, Sally discovers the residents of Halloween town have all been put to sleep by a mysterious Sandman, but when she looks for help within the other holiday realms, she finds them asleep as well. With nowhere else to turn, she enters the forgotten realm of Dreamtown determined to find a way to save the town and the ones she loves. 

THOUGHTS: I’m always wary of sequels to my favorite stories and movies, but when I heard promising reviews about Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, I knew I had to read it, and I’m so glad that I did! There are so many wonderful things about this book: the love between Jack and Sally, the magic within each holiday realm, and Sally’s journey to find her courage and inner strength to embrace her new role as Pumpkin Queen. Readers will wish they were right there with Sally, opening each holiday door and experiencing the sites, smells, and wonders within like the sweet, sugary air of Valentine’s town, the cool, crisp Autumn feel of Thanksgiving town, and the smell of mint and fresh grass of St. Patrick’s town. Although not every aspect of Sally’s journey is enjoyable, she discovers more about herself than she could have ever imagined.

Fantasy          Emily Hoffman, Conestoga Valley SD