Reviews

A Gift of Magic by Lois Duncan

katcanwrite's review against another edition

I just remember picking this up at the local library when I was little, back when I just grabbed books because they had pages and words, and I had no idea what kind of a story (or reading level) I was getting myself into. With this one, I remembered not being very challenged but actually being a bit bored, and my mother was surprised to see it in my hands, considering it was on her students' Scholastic orders, and I was several grades younger than they were. Probably a really interesting book for middle school students. (Not great for nerdy third graders)

silveroxide_'s review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I read this for the nostalgia and was not disappointed. It’s still a good 70s YA story, with a vibe somewhere between Nancy Drew and Judy Blume. This is the least creepy of Duncan’s YA books. Just ESP and teen angst, nothing horrific. Some plot points in this book feel trope-y now, but would have felt fresh in the 70s. I didn’t find the protagonist as compelling as I did at age 12, but the supporting characters had way more dimension than expected.

Lois Duncan wrote YA gothic and horror novels long before Christopher Pike, R L Stine, or Buffy were popular. I never expect deep literature in this genre, but Duncan deserves props for being better than most, and for writing strong female protagonists. She drew stylistic inspo from Stephen King and Shirley Jackson, but dialled the scare-factor down to PG13. The result is a delightfully creepy brand of YA that’s aged gracefully.

I enjoyed revisiting this book, and will read Down a Dark Hall whenever I find a copy.

mrsmaryai's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

bookthra's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

3.0

theravenkingx's review against another edition

2.0

I don't know why i bought this book in the first place

mandapanda_booksandplans's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

xeni's review against another edition

5.0

This and Daughters of Eve are my two ultimate favorite Lois Duncan books. Her writing is just so incredible that I come back to them again and again, although they are classed as YA!

This book really touched my heart back when I read it first, and it will probably continue to do so. It's a powerful story that'll move even the hardest of hearts!

dja777's review against another edition

3.0

Not my favorite of Duncan's books, but still a fun read.

doomluz's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I read a couple of Lois Duncan books in high school, but couldn't remember which ones. I thought this was one of them, but wasn't sure until it got to the end,

when she mentions the last child being named Lois Duncan because I remember liking that twist in high school, though it feels a little cheesy now.

This was good for a quick easy read.

diamondolc's review against another edition

4.0

Lois Duncan is able to pack a very 3-dimensional cast of characters into a pretty small book—I’m impressed. Reading this felt like a nostalgic trip back to junior high, despite me not having much in common with the characters other than having been an angry, angsty preteen like Nancy.
Also, I wish kids still said cute stuff like “for rats’ sake!” and “cripes!”