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mjenae's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Such a fun ride. The only thing that wasn't to my taste was the prose—it was distractingly bland—but I doubt most middle-grade readers would notice. Otherwise, I love what Colfer did with the fairy tales, telling them as they really were and giving redemption to the villains. I'm definitely going to finish the series when/if I'm able to.
tialdalw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
4.5
cybeleflame's review against another edition
I don’t mind middle grade books, but the expository writing was too much.
avavoors02's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the book was alright. It wasn't the best book, and on the back of the book it compares the magic in the book compared to Disney, and I disagree with that statment, since I think that Disney's movies are MUCH better than this book. I don't even think you can bring this book in a conversation with Disney.
shaylizcoop's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sami_stark's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is like my fifth reread of the series and I told every single person I knew that was literate that this series was incredible in elementary and middle school. If you’re below the age of 13, this book is a 10/10. I literally have a tattoo for this book. It changed me, it shaped me. I adore it and all of its sequels. Growing up is thinking you’re like Alex Bailey as a kid but slowly becoming Connor. Or maybe that’s just my neurodivergent gifted kid burnout speaking.
laureenreads's review against another edition
4.0
All right, let me first be honest and forthright with admitting to being a fangirl when it comes to Chris Colfer. He amazes me with everything he does, so I'm trying my best to not be biased when it comes to this book.
The Wishing Spell tells the story of twins, Alex and Conner, who fall through a book of fairy tales into The Land of Stories. The only way they can get home is by following an old journal and tracing the author's footsteps in a scavenger hunt to collect the items they need in order to cast the wishing spell and wish themselves home. The story is light-hearted and entertaining with small bits where it was heartbreaking as well.
There were a few things I had issues with, such as students learning about fairy tales in grade six (really? Isn't that a bit old?), and how the twins didn't grow as they progressed through their journey. A Hero's Journey should have brought about a change in the twins, maybe a deeper understanding of each other, maybe growing up, overcoming their grief... Yes, the book was intended for children but so was Harry Potter and we can all agree that Harry changed from the first page of The Philosopher's Stone to the last page of that same book. I wasn't too sure about the references to finances and foreclosure on the house, etc. It didn't really serve much of a purpose, and it didn't impact on the story. For the age (which I believe is for ages 8 and up) it seemed out of place.
On the other hand, the other characters were entertaining. Goldilocks is a definite favourite, and I respect that she never took anything lying down--she fought. Red Riding Hood changed from the start where she was a simpering young queen who only cared about herself to, well, still a simpering young queen who at least tried to do the right thing even when it hurt. I actually liked the story of Evly and Mira, and the idea that even though the Evil Queen had done so many terrible things she did have a reason behind it, and she wasn't as evil as she seemed.
For the target audience, though, it's a fantastic book. I think it was fun to see a lot of the fairy tales told in a different light. I read the book pretty quickly, for all that it's a fairly lengthy book (really? For kids that age?), and I liked it. There may have been a few tears shed at the end when Alex revealed that the princesses were all her friends, and thanked them for always being there for her. Because in a lot of ways, that's what books and stories are to me (and, I'm sure, to many other people). It was touching and sweet. I look forward to seeing what Chris Colfer has planned for the next book in this series.
The Wishing Spell tells the story of twins, Alex and Conner, who fall through a book of fairy tales into The Land of Stories. The only way they can get home is by following an old journal and tracing the author's footsteps in a scavenger hunt to collect the items they need in order to cast the wishing spell and wish themselves home. The story is light-hearted and entertaining with small bits where it was heartbreaking as well.
There were a few things I had issues with, such as students learning about fairy tales in grade six (really? Isn't that a bit old?), and how the twins didn't grow as they progressed through their journey. A Hero's Journey should have brought about a change in the twins, maybe a deeper understanding of each other, maybe growing up, overcoming their grief... Yes, the book was intended for children but so was Harry Potter and we can all agree that Harry changed from the first page of The Philosopher's Stone to the last page of that same book. I wasn't too sure about the references to finances and foreclosure on the house, etc. It didn't really serve much of a purpose, and it didn't impact on the story. For the age (which I believe is for ages 8 and up) it seemed out of place.
On the other hand, the other characters were entertaining. Goldilocks is a definite favourite, and I respect that she never took anything lying down--she fought. Red Riding Hood changed from the start where she was a simpering young queen who only cared about herself to, well, still a simpering young queen who at least tried to do the right thing even when it hurt. I actually liked the story of Evly and Mira, and the idea that even though the Evil Queen had done so many terrible things she did have a reason behind it, and she wasn't as evil as she seemed.
For the target audience, though, it's a fantastic book. I think it was fun to see a lot of the fairy tales told in a different light. I read the book pretty quickly, for all that it's a fairly lengthy book (really? For kids that age?), and I liked it. There may have been a few tears shed at the end when Alex revealed that the princesses were all her friends, and thanked them for always being there for her. Because in a lot of ways, that's what books and stories are to me (and, I'm sure, to many other people). It was touching and sweet. I look forward to seeing what Chris Colfer has planned for the next book in this series.