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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Full disclaimer - this book is an absolute joy. It took 5 months because I have a crappy brain that doesn’t let me enjoy things sometimes and that’s ok❤️ we don’t need to read everything all at once
Another fantastic middle grade fantasy novel featuring Ramya, a Scottish, neurodivergent girl who has dyspraxia (a condition I hadn't heard of before this book) who lives in Edinburgh and can see creatures others can't.
I loved that this story was all about embracing our differences and that different doesn't automatically equal bad (whether you're neurodivergent, a vampire or some other supernatural creature in this case).
Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine books. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
I loved that this story was all about embracing our differences and that different doesn't automatically equal bad (whether you're neurodivergent, a vampire or some other supernatural creature in this case).
Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine books. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An action packed fantasy/ fairytale adventure for 8+ readers. Ramya is the lonely child of two high-achieving news anchor parents. She has gotten used to being a source of disappointment for her parents and teachers. As someone with dyspraxia (a neurological condition that affects motor control / co-ordination and neurological processing) Ramya has gotten used to being deemed a failure at school and constantly being placed in remedial classes - no one seems to care about what she CAN do, only what she CAN'T.
When her parent's new jobs have them moving to Edinburgh Ramya is suddenly closer to her extended family she has not seen for many years. With the sudden death of her Grandfather, the only person who every looked at her as perfect just the way she is, Ramya discovers there is far more to her family and the ancient city she now calls home.
An unexpected bequest from her grandfather, magical powers, fairy-tale creatures, and a threat to everyone that seems impossible to overcome has Ramya re-connecting with her family and discovering more than she imagined possible.
I love that this was written by someone with dyspraxia and illuminates Ramya's experiences and frustrations of trying to fit into a neuro-typical world that measures everyone against a standard that not everyone can fit. I would highly recommend this one as a classroom read: Not only is it a cracking read but it would help students build empathy and respect for their neuro-divergent peers.
When her parent's new jobs have them moving to Edinburgh Ramya is suddenly closer to her extended family she has not seen for many years. With the sudden death of her Grandfather, the only person who every looked at her as perfect just the way she is, Ramya discovers there is far more to her family and the ancient city she now calls home.
An unexpected bequest from her grandfather, magical powers, fairy-tale creatures, and a threat to everyone that seems impossible to overcome has Ramya re-connecting with her family and discovering more than she imagined possible.
I love that this was written by someone with dyspraxia and illuminates Ramya's experiences and frustrations of trying to fit into a neuro-typical world that measures everyone against a standard that not everyone can fit. I would highly recommend this one as a classroom read: Not only is it a cracking read but it would help students build empathy and respect for their neuro-divergent peers.
[b:Like A Charm|60133202|Like A Charm|Elle McNicoll|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1642286264l/60133202._SY75_.jpg|94830256] by [a:Elle McNicoll|20018484|Elle McNicoll|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is another stunning and extraordinary book from an author who shines at writing MG fiction with the most resilient, thought-provoking and fully realised neurodiverse characters. When Ramya Knox moves from London to Edinburgh, she is plunged into her family's hidden secrets and spells. She has always known she is different, but now she can learn more about herself and the invisible world around her. Apart from Ramya, Edinburgh is a city full of magical creatures that no one can see. She sets out to discover their secrets with just three words of warning from her Grandfather, beware the sirens.
The progression of the plot was a lot more complex than I thought it would be, and McNicoll tackles a lot of heavier themes along the way, such as fractured families, isolation, and discrimination. I love Elle's writing because she doesn't shy away from tackling hard-hitting issues and does the most fantastic job of making them more accessible and understandable for younger readers. No one writes an emotional core like Elle McNicoll. That honesty and care for her character and the depth of feeling have taken us through contemporary, near-future sci-fi and a new urban fantasy adventure. Like the other two McNicoll books, there's so much colour, brilliance, and heart. I'm so glad we've got another experience with Ramya next year.
The city of Edinburgh is filled with magical and mystical creatures and usually no one can see them…apart from Ramya Knox. After the death of her grandfather, Ramya is given three words of warning by him: Beware the Sirens. She must navigate the hidden world of the Hidden Folk and learn about her powers whilst heeding his warning.
Elle McNicoll has done it again and it’s even better and bigger than the first two! I adore A Kind of Spark and Show Us Who You Are, but Like a Charm is my favourite yet – mostly because it is filled with magic and fantasy novels are my favourite. The world of the Hidden Folk in Edinburgh feels so real and I desperately want to visit and see if I can also find the mysterious people that hide away from humans. I absolutely adored every second of reading this book and practically devoured it in one sitting – completely delighted that there is more to come!
As with Elle’s previous books, she has created magically compelling characters within Like a Charm and heroine Ramya is no exception. She is fierce, bold, likeable and many readers will identify with her struggle against authority as they try to fit her into a neat and tidy box. The villainous sirens are insipid in the way that they have encroached upon society and there were so many gasp out loud moments as I realised just how evil they were! Fantastic villains. But my favourite character has to be…Murrey, the vampire who works in the library. His view on books is absolutely my view on books and if that means I am a vampire, well then so be it.
A diverse and relatable heroine, hidden magical species and a glorious plot. When’s the next one out? 5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to Knights Of for this review copy.
Elle McNicoll has done it again and it’s even better and bigger than the first two! I adore A Kind of Spark and Show Us Who You Are, but Like a Charm is my favourite yet – mostly because it is filled with magic and fantasy novels are my favourite. The world of the Hidden Folk in Edinburgh feels so real and I desperately want to visit and see if I can also find the mysterious people that hide away from humans. I absolutely adored every second of reading this book and practically devoured it in one sitting – completely delighted that there is more to come!
As with Elle’s previous books, she has created magically compelling characters within Like a Charm and heroine Ramya is no exception. She is fierce, bold, likeable and many readers will identify with her struggle against authority as they try to fit her into a neat and tidy box. The villainous sirens are insipid in the way that they have encroached upon society and there were so many gasp out loud moments as I realised just how evil they were! Fantastic villains. But my favourite character has to be…Murrey, the vampire who works in the library. His view on books is absolutely my view on books and if that means I am a vampire, well then so be it.
A diverse and relatable heroine, hidden magical species and a glorious plot. When’s the next one out? 5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to Knights Of for this review copy.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A decent story with an inspirational ending. Though i must confess it did felt lacking , the story did not felt complete, i felt like it started many things while not finishing any. But still a good book.
The rating may change when i read the 2nd book.
The rating may change when i read the 2nd book.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One I’ve been reading with Small, from her favourite author.
Ramya has been lonely all her life. Her parents work big important jobs in London and she often feels like a burden to them. When they land new jobs in Edinburgh she returns to the family she has long left behind. Striking up a friendship with her cousin and Grey Friar’s Bobby is just the beginning of this fantastical adventure full of mythical creatures and the quest for equality. A great story with a strong message and some truly teachable moments. This is my favourite of Elle McNicoll’s books so far and it’s going to forever change the way I look at the Grass Market
Ramya has been lonely all her life. Her parents work big important jobs in London and she often feels like a burden to them. When they land new jobs in Edinburgh she returns to the family she has long left behind. Striking up a friendship with her cousin and Grey Friar’s Bobby is just the beginning of this fantastical adventure full of mythical creatures and the quest for equality. A great story with a strong message and some truly teachable moments. This is my favourite of Elle McNicoll’s books so far and it’s going to forever change the way I look at the Grass Market