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calbowen's review
4.0
I enjoyed the book and this series. The only bad thing that I will say about this novel is that it has a definite window for book three. Everything is built up, and while the main throughline is completed, every other thread is still dangling almost forcing the reader to continue to book three. But, I love this series and my nine-year-old loves it, so onto book three we go.
Jinx's Fire, here we come!
Jinx's Fire, here we come!
noapo88's review against another edition
3.0
עבר הרבה זמן מאז שקראתי את הספר הראשון ולכן לקח לי קצת זמן להזכר מי נגד מי ומה הסיפור של כל דמות. ספר מוצלח, קצת מעייף וכמו הספר הראשון, עמוס בפרטים. יש קצת יותר מידי חוקים בספר וקשה לעקוב אחריהם. בעיקר בגלל שנראה כאילו ג'ינקס שובר אותם כל הזמן. אבל אני מחכה לספר הבא, יהיה מעניין.
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
I am really enjoying this series! Jinx is growing into his magic, he is listening to the Urwald and its trees and is working on multiple fronts to save his friends and the place he calls home.
Since Simon, his master, is frozen in a block of ice by the Bonemaster, Jinx must travel to Samara to find Sophie (Simon's wife) and learn more magic.
This book strikes a good balance of information and keeps a perfect amount of action and tension. I am often put off by middle grade fantasy that is too simple or shallow and that is certainly not the case here. I am eager for #3.
Since Simon, his master, is frozen in a block of ice by the Bonemaster, Jinx must travel to Samara to find Sophie (Simon's wife) and learn more magic.
This book strikes a good balance of information and keeps a perfect amount of action and tension. I am often put off by middle grade fantasy that is too simple or shallow and that is certainly not the case here. I am eager for #3.
brandypainter's review
5.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
[b:Jinx|15818254|Jinx|Sage Blackwood|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349997100s/15818254.jpg|19258981] was one of my favorite reads of 2013. I fell in love with the characters and the world they inhabited. It is always a bit scary when you go back to characters and a world you love so much in a sequel. Exciting too though. And lovers of Jinx, Simon, and the Urwald have nothing to fear from Jinx's Magic. Sage Blackwood outdid herself in this one.
If you haven't read Jinx yet, go and do that NOW. Then come back and read this.
In book one Jinx went from being a child to an adolescent. His independent streak is growing, he rolls his eyes a lot at the adults in his life, and he is questioning many things. He is still a boy who is confused by many things in life and needs help. He wants to know the people who care for him are still around. He is exactly everything a thirteen year old boy should be. I enjoyed watching his character grow more and how he interacted with the people around him. The first part of the story involves Jinx getting Reven out of the Urwald as he promised he would. Reven continues to be conniving, manipulative, and obnoxious and I loved when Jinx finally had enough. Elfwyn plays a role in this story as well. I really enjoy what is happening with her character and am eager to see where it will lead.
I continue to adore Simon oh so much, particularly in his relationship with Jinx. Jinx looks up to him so much, but is also annoyed with him. He wants Simon to allow him to do what he needs. Simon has other ideas about what is needed. The push and pull between these two is so utterly genuine that any one who has ever grown up and had to deal with the changing dynamic with their parents will get it completely. Simon is often telling Jinx in various ways to "drop his attitude". Jinx's attitude's not going anywhere. And every conversation between these two is funny and yet filled with emotion too. Sophie also returns in this book and is still lovely and wonderful. I hope we see even more of her in the next book.
Two new characters are introduced as well. Jinx meets both Wendell and Satya in Samara. They are his friends when he desperately needs them even though he doesn't completely trust Satya. Wendell is my favorite of the secondary character in the book now. I enjoyed his outlook on life, his loyalty, and his courage.
The story continues from where the first book left off. The Bonemaster breaks free of his bonds, Reven and his "kingdom" are a threat to the Urwald, and the trees keep telling Jinx things he doesn't understand. Also some troublesome elves make a mysterious appearance that does not bode well for our hero. Half of the story takes place in the Urwald where Jinx is contending with the demands on the Listener, Simon, and the Bonemaster breaking through his wards. The other half takes place in Samara where Jinx is contending with learning as much as he can while also navigating the political intrigue and secretive workings of the Temple. The Urwald and Samara are very different and both are described so well. The imagery Blackwood uses and how well thought out the world-building is makes me feel like I'm actually there. I could not put the book down. Every page had some piece of information, some wonderful piece of dialogue, or some adventure to keep reading on until I was finished far too fast. It was one of those experiences where I turned the last page, sighed because there was no more to read, and then hugged the book.
To say that I'm excited for the third book would be an understatement. Of immense proportions.
I read an ARC won in a giveaway from the author. I also received an e-galley from the publisher, Harper Children's, on Edelweiss. Jinx's Magic comes out on January 7.
[b:Jinx|15818254|Jinx|Sage Blackwood|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349997100s/15818254.jpg|19258981] was one of my favorite reads of 2013. I fell in love with the characters and the world they inhabited. It is always a bit scary when you go back to characters and a world you love so much in a sequel. Exciting too though. And lovers of Jinx, Simon, and the Urwald have nothing to fear from Jinx's Magic. Sage Blackwood outdid herself in this one.
If you haven't read Jinx yet, go and do that NOW. Then come back and read this.
In book one Jinx went from being a child to an adolescent. His independent streak is growing, he rolls his eyes a lot at the adults in his life, and he is questioning many things. He is still a boy who is confused by many things in life and needs help. He wants to know the people who care for him are still around. He is exactly everything a thirteen year old boy should be. I enjoyed watching his character grow more and how he interacted with the people around him. The first part of the story involves Jinx getting Reven out of the Urwald as he promised he would. Reven continues to be conniving, manipulative, and obnoxious and I loved when Jinx finally had enough. Elfwyn plays a role in this story as well. I really enjoy what is happening with her character and am eager to see where it will lead.
I continue to adore Simon oh so much, particularly in his relationship with Jinx. Jinx looks up to him so much, but is also annoyed with him. He wants Simon to allow him to do what he needs. Simon has other ideas about what is needed. The push and pull between these two is so utterly genuine that any one who has ever grown up and had to deal with the changing dynamic with their parents will get it completely. Simon is often telling Jinx in various ways to "drop his attitude". Jinx's attitude's not going anywhere. And every conversation between these two is funny and yet filled with emotion too. Sophie also returns in this book and is still lovely and wonderful. I hope we see even more of her in the next book.
Two new characters are introduced as well. Jinx meets both Wendell and Satya in Samara. They are his friends when he desperately needs them even though he doesn't completely trust Satya. Wendell is my favorite of the secondary character in the book now. I enjoyed his outlook on life, his loyalty, and his courage.
The story continues from where the first book left off. The Bonemaster breaks free of his bonds, Reven and his "kingdom" are a threat to the Urwald, and the trees keep telling Jinx things he doesn't understand. Also some troublesome elves make a mysterious appearance that does not bode well for our hero. Half of the story takes place in the Urwald where Jinx is contending with the demands on the Listener, Simon, and the Bonemaster breaking through his wards. The other half takes place in Samara where Jinx is contending with learning as much as he can while also navigating the political intrigue and secretive workings of the Temple. The Urwald and Samara are very different and both are described so well. The imagery Blackwood uses and how well thought out the world-building is makes me feel like I'm actually there. I could not put the book down. Every page had some piece of information, some wonderful piece of dialogue, or some adventure to keep reading on until I was finished far too fast. It was one of those experiences where I turned the last page, sighed because there was no more to read, and then hugged the book.
To say that I'm excited for the third book would be an understatement. Of immense proportions.
I read an ARC won in a giveaway from the author. I also received an e-galley from the publisher, Harper Children's, on Edelweiss. Jinx's Magic comes out on January 7.
bookgirl4ever's review
4.0
The story takes up with Jinx travel with Reven and Elfwyn. Reven is determined he is the crown prince of; Jinx is determined to drive Reven out of the Urwald since he is a threat to its livelihood. Elfwyn thinks puffy pink thoughts about Reven, which makes Jinx mad, and not just because he believes Reven is using her for his own devices. And then there is the matter of the Bonemaster who flattens the clearing where Simon's father lives. Simon goes off to take care of the Bonemaster, sending Jinx to Samara with the unlikely task of bringing the Eldrich Tome back to the Urwald.
Off to a slow start but I really enjoyed Jinx's time in Samara and his endeavors there and in the Urwald.
Upper elementary/middle school.
Off to a slow start but I really enjoyed Jinx's time in Samara and his endeavors there and in the Urwald.
Upper elementary/middle school.
aylea's review
4.0
This review was originally posted at The Children's Book and Media Review
Jinx can do magic, but that doesn’t mean that he understands it. When he is being stalked by a werewolf with a notebook, learns that the trees of the Urwald are being cut down, and is unable to convince Revan why saving the trees is important (and the Urwald really is its own country), he knows that he has to do something to fix it. Simon sends him to Samara to study at the Temple. Magic is illegal in Samara, but Jinx hopes that he’ll be able to find the answers he needs to defeat the Bonemaster for good and bring the Urwald together. His discoveries lead to a confrontation with the Bonemaster, but Jinx also learns how to use his magic in a way that could change the Urwald forever.
The second book of the Jinx series, Jinx’s Magic continues a delightful series. The world is unique in fantasy, but not so unique that it feels foreign. The political system and challenges of the Urwald being recognized as a country and left alone by its neighbors is intriguing. Jinx is a strong character. His mistakes are believable, and his determination to succeed at what is important to him is admirable. His interaction with Simon will be familiar to growing teens in their relationships with parents when their opinions are different. The new characters are as fun as the characters introduced in the first book. Fans of the series will enjoy the second book and look forward to reading the third book, Jinx’s Fire.
Jinx can do magic, but that doesn’t mean that he understands it. When he is being stalked by a werewolf with a notebook, learns that the trees of the Urwald are being cut down, and is unable to convince Revan why saving the trees is important (and the Urwald really is its own country), he knows that he has to do something to fix it. Simon sends him to Samara to study at the Temple. Magic is illegal in Samara, but Jinx hopes that he’ll be able to find the answers he needs to defeat the Bonemaster for good and bring the Urwald together. His discoveries lead to a confrontation with the Bonemaster, but Jinx also learns how to use his magic in a way that could change the Urwald forever.
The second book of the Jinx series, Jinx’s Magic continues a delightful series. The world is unique in fantasy, but not so unique that it feels foreign. The political system and challenges of the Urwald being recognized as a country and left alone by its neighbors is intriguing. Jinx is a strong character. His mistakes are believable, and his determination to succeed at what is important to him is admirable. His interaction with Simon will be familiar to growing teens in their relationships with parents when their opinions are different. The new characters are as fun as the characters introduced in the first book. Fans of the series will enjoy the second book and look forward to reading the third book, Jinx’s Fire.
teaoles's review
5.0
Oh my goodness - where is the 3rd book?! This will devoured in the 5th grade world!
abigcoffeedragon's review
4.0
I enjoyed the book and this series. The only bad thing that I will say about this novel is that it has a definite window for book three. Everything is built up, and while the main throughline is completed, every other thread is still dangling almost forcing the reader to continue to book three. But, I love this series and my nine-year-old loves it, so onto book three we go.
Jinx's Fire, here we come!
Jinx's Fire, here we come!