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vicky_booksandpoppies's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
Just finished listening to the audiobook.
Gave me A Series of Unfortunate Events gothic vibe with ghosts.
The story was well told, which kept me always wondering what would happen next.
The music at the beginning and end was creepy and unsettling, almost made me wonder if I wanted to keep listening
Just finished listening to the audiobook.
Gave me A Series of Unfortunate Events gothic vibe with ghosts.
The story was well told, which kept me always wondering what would happen next.
The music at the beginning and end was creepy and unsettling, almost made me wonder if I wanted to keep listening
lisakimmence3's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the Victorian London 1870's era in this. I truly like books that give me all the Dickensian vibes.
lmn9812's review against another edition
4.0
This was creepy in the best possible way. The lore of magic and folktales was so intricately weaved, our villain, Pinchbeck, complex and dangerous and horrible, and our heroes clever, determined and resourceful. Set in Victorian England, THE VANISHING TRICK immediately captured the essence of the time period–and I think it was this skilful world building that helped make the magic seem real.
I thought the whole concept of using Spiritualism (a VERY trendy religious movement at the time) as a cover for Pinchbeck’s real-life magic was HIGHLY original. The use of herbs, tarots and other witch-y elements added to the eerie-ness of the whole book, and made Pinchbeck a formidable villain.
Our heroes, Leander, Charlotte and Felix each had POV sections throughout the book, and I really enjoyed getting to know all their inner thoughts as Pinchbeck’s scheme’s got progressively more danger-filled. I thought the development of their friendship was done brilliantly, and I have a serious soft spot for Charlotte–she initially lashed out because she was so furious with her lot in life, but this anger was only a mechanism to protect herself.
The plot was fast moving and unpredictable, and the lurking sense of danger throughout the story made ME terrified about the fate of our heroes–there was a constant feeling that anything could happen. This debut is an OUTSTANDING historical fantasy, and I can’t wait to read what Jenni writes next.
I thought the whole concept of using Spiritualism (a VERY trendy religious movement at the time) as a cover for Pinchbeck’s real-life magic was HIGHLY original. The use of herbs, tarots and other witch-y elements added to the eerie-ness of the whole book, and made Pinchbeck a formidable villain.
Our heroes, Leander, Charlotte and Felix each had POV sections throughout the book, and I really enjoyed getting to know all their inner thoughts as Pinchbeck’s scheme’s got progressively more danger-filled. I thought the development of their friendship was done brilliantly, and I have a serious soft spot for Charlotte–she initially lashed out because she was so furious with her lot in life, but this anger was only a mechanism to protect herself.
The plot was fast moving and unpredictable, and the lurking sense of danger throughout the story made ME terrified about the fate of our heroes–there was a constant feeling that anything could happen. This debut is an OUTSTANDING historical fantasy, and I can’t wait to read what Jenni writes next.
vickylovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
What a deliciously dark and twisting story! This is one that will remain with me for a while. I raced through this because I just absolutely had to know what was going to happen next. Leander, who falls under Pinchbeck’s spell, is so trusting to begin with and I felt for him with his mother. I caught on reasonably quickly about Charlotte and it was interesting to see how the others interacted with her, knowing who she was. However, it was Felix that really caught me. He was so torn throughout the story and it was truly devastating for him. Pinchbeck was a completely creepy and twisted villain who fascinated and intrigued me. I wanted to know more and to understand the nature of her magic and she was what made this book truly unputdownable.
terapsina's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sunflowers_sunsets's review against another edition
5.0
The Vanishing Trick took me completely by surprise, and as you can see from me five star review, it was a very good surprise. i really, really enjoyed The Vanishing Trick. It had absolutely everything: ghosts, magic, spells, strange trinkets, a (sort-of) zombie, and plenty of rats! It’s dark, creepy, suspenseful, and full of complex, three dimensional characters. The idea is so original, and Jenni Spangler has done an amazing job writing this.
What else can I say? This is, in every possible definition of the, brilliant.
What else can I say? This is, in every possible definition of the, brilliant.
caitlinwhetten's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. It has that Victorian Gothic mixed with whimsical fantasy that I love in a middle-grade. I love the magic and the set-up of the children being tied to their cabinets and being stolen by a Madame Pinchbeck. I liked the friendships that grew out of it and felt like the book had a good emotional center. Really fun, my favorite kind of middle-grade.
makexbelieve's review against another edition
4.0
The Vanishing Trick is a dark, twisted fairytale which kept me on the edge of my seat. This creepy MG novel will be a huge hit. Here are three things are really loved about it:
1. The relationship between Leander, Charlotte and Felix was lovely. This is a story about found family, the importance of bonds and intimacy, and learning to love and trust after you've been abandoned and mistreated.
2. The atmosphere was also brilliant - The Vanishing Trick was so dark and creepy, with ghosts, magic and danger at every turn. The magical elements were woven into the story well, with clear limitations and plenty of fun details that led to interesting plot points.
3. Pinchbeck was a superb villain! She was nasty, twisted and unpredictable, a perfect antagonist for such a creepy children's story. Throughout The Vanishing Trick, she was able to manipulate the protagonists and trick them into thinking that she cared - leaving the reader screaming at the children not to trust her!
1. The relationship between Leander, Charlotte and Felix was lovely. This is a story about found family, the importance of bonds and intimacy, and learning to love and trust after you've been abandoned and mistreated.
2. The atmosphere was also brilliant - The Vanishing Trick was so dark and creepy, with ghosts, magic and danger at every turn. The magical elements were woven into the story well, with clear limitations and plenty of fun details that led to interesting plot points.
3. Pinchbeck was a superb villain! She was nasty, twisted and unpredictable, a perfect antagonist for such a creepy children's story. Throughout The Vanishing Trick, she was able to manipulate the protagonists and trick them into thinking that she cared - leaving the reader screaming at the children not to trust her!
kirstycarson1's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bibliophilogy's review against another edition
3.0
3.25
Full review on my blog here!
Another middle grade I thoroughly enjoyed! This one has such a unique premise and spin on magic, it is basically children tricked into giving a prized possession (which act as a Cabinet) to this witch will be stuck in it and they are enslaved and bounded to the Cabinet, which is how we meet three of our main protagonists, Leander, Felix and Charlotte. The magic system was interesting and unlike anything I’ve read before so it immediately hooked me in.
Full review on my blog here!
Another middle grade I thoroughly enjoyed! This one has such a unique premise and spin on magic, it is basically children tricked into giving a prized possession (which act as a Cabinet) to this witch will be stuck in it and they are enslaved and bounded to the Cabinet, which is how we meet three of our main protagonists, Leander, Felix and Charlotte. The magic system was interesting and unlike anything I’ve read before so it immediately hooked me in.