Scan barcode
bookish_withsky's review against another edition
4.0
I had a great time reading this to my little girl. So sweet, cute, funny, and wholesome. A little heart breaking at times. I can't wait to read the second.
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Story of sisters coming to terms with their heritage, an exhilarating period piece of magic.
4.5 stars.
With a fast-moving story, this novel about three young sisters living under a curse had me keen to continue listening. Trying to escape their drab medieval town existence, Betty and her sisters discover that their grandmother has been hiding the truth about a family curse from them.
This curse is set to ruin all their lives if they don't do something about it, and Betty is not the sort who will give in without a fight.
The story takes the three on an exciting ride that tests their sisterly bond and their mettle, as they use three magical artefacts to help them break the curse. Will a potential ally really be their friend? Can they use their wits to overcome their family heritage before it is too late?
Each sister is given her own personality, qualities and failings, and their Middle Age world is rendered dirty and real enough.
The book took us to places I wasn't expecting, but it all came together nicely. I would hope male readers also take to the Widdershins sisters and their story.
The audio version is read with an authentically teenage-sounding voice for Betty, and was not a problem to follow as an audiobook.
For ages 10-14.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
4.5 stars.
With a fast-moving story, this novel about three young sisters living under a curse had me keen to continue listening. Trying to escape their drab medieval town existence, Betty and her sisters discover that their grandmother has been hiding the truth about a family curse from them.
This curse is set to ruin all their lives if they don't do something about it, and Betty is not the sort who will give in without a fight.
The story takes the three on an exciting ride that tests their sisterly bond and their mettle, as they use three magical artefacts to help them break the curse. Will a potential ally really be their friend? Can they use their wits to overcome their family heritage before it is too late?
Each sister is given her own personality, qualities and failings, and their Middle Age world is rendered dirty and real enough.
The book took us to places I wasn't expecting, but it all came together nicely. I would hope male readers also take to the Widdershins sisters and their story.
The audio version is read with an authentically teenage-sounding voice for Betty, and was not a problem to follow as an audiobook.
For ages 10-14.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
hannahhbic's review against another edition
4.0
Fun kinda spooky fantasy adventure. The magic is in objects, not people.
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
4.0
This book was whimsical, magical and a perfect read to cleanse my pallet from reading adult fantasy. If you like audiobooks, I recommend this one because the narrator has an awesome British accent and the voices she makes are perfect.
Quick warning: this is on the younger side of YA. I even wonder if it isn't considered middle grade.
What is it about?
Betty Widdershins dreams of leaving her home town and go on adventures, but her Granny keeps her and her 2 other sisters under high surveillance. The Widdershins' mother is dead and their father is in jail, thus Granny is their guardian and she takes her role very seriously. One day, Betty decides to take her younger sister on an adventure and her Granny shows up and takes them home. There she explains to them that the reason they cannot leave the town is because the women in their family have been cursed over a century ago. In fact, as soon as a Widdershins girl tries to leave, she dies.
On a more positive note, Granny tells the girls that there are 3 magical family heirlooms that they can each inherit: 1) a magical mirror that allows you to see anything you want (perfect for spying) 2) a turning bag that allows you to travel to any place you want to and 3) a set of stacking dolls that allow you to become invisible and to turn others invisible as well.
The three Widdershins girls learn more about the curse that was cast on their family by breaking someone out of jail (no not their father) and hearing the ancient stories. They decide to take matters into their own hands and to use the 3 magical artifacts to break this century-old curse...
What I thought:
Listen, even though this was a little bit juvenile for my age, I loved it. This combined so many elements of things that I like that I could not not love it. I listened to 63% of this book in one go. It had me captured from the beginning and I must say that it did not disappoint. The whimsy and magical atmosphere that Harrison creates in this novel is simply what I needed to escape the tons of grim dark I read.
Now here's the other thing: 4 stars is a high rating. I am giving it that high a rating because I know that I am not the intended audience for it, and even s it captivated me. Of course, you might see some high epic fantasy that I read 4 stars, but both books do not compare. This book accomplished what it set out to do, and for me it worked. If i ever have kids or nephews/nieces, this is one that I will keep on my radar to keep their creativity and imagination going.
Quick warning: this is on the younger side of YA. I even wonder if it isn't considered middle grade.
What is it about?
Betty Widdershins dreams of leaving her home town and go on adventures, but her Granny keeps her and her 2 other sisters under high surveillance. The Widdershins' mother is dead and their father is in jail, thus Granny is their guardian and she takes her role very seriously. One day, Betty decides to take her younger sister on an adventure and her Granny shows up and takes them home. There she explains to them that the reason they cannot leave the town is because the women in their family have been cursed over a century ago. In fact, as soon as a Widdershins girl tries to leave, she dies.
On a more positive note, Granny tells the girls that there are 3 magical family heirlooms that they can each inherit: 1) a magical mirror that allows you to see anything you want (perfect for spying) 2) a turning bag that allows you to travel to any place you want to and 3) a set of stacking dolls that allow you to become invisible and to turn others invisible as well.
The three Widdershins girls learn more about the curse that was cast on their family by breaking someone out of jail (no not their father) and hearing the ancient stories. They decide to take matters into their own hands and to use the 3 magical artifacts to break this century-old curse...
What I thought:
Listen, even though this was a little bit juvenile for my age, I loved it. This combined so many elements of things that I like that I could not not love it. I listened to 63% of this book in one go. It had me captured from the beginning and I must say that it did not disappoint. The whimsy and magical atmosphere that Harrison creates in this novel is simply what I needed to escape the tons of grim dark I read.
Now here's the other thing: 4 stars is a high rating. I am giving it that high a rating because I know that I am not the intended audience for it, and even s it captivated me. Of course, you might see some high epic fantasy that I read 4 stars, but both books do not compare. This book accomplished what it set out to do, and for me it worked. If i ever have kids or nephews/nieces, this is one that I will keep on my radar to keep their creativity and imagination going.
natkstensberg's review against another edition
4.0
It’s quick and easy to read. I like the world building and the map in the beginning of the book. It is incredibly well written and the story is great. Reminds me of other children's stories, but it wasn’t entirely childish, which made me want to continue to read it.
Not surprised that they broke the curse, it is very clearly for someone younger, there is a slight lack of action, but that would have made it more mature.
It is a predictable story, it didn’t make it bad, it is a kids book.
I’m not sure what the 3 other books in the series are about, when the curse was broken in this on, I might get them, just out of curiosity and because they are such an easy.
Not surprised that they broke the curse, it is very clearly for someone younger, there is a slight lack of action, but that would have made it more mature.
It is a predictable story, it didn’t make it bad, it is a kids book.
I’m not sure what the 3 other books in the series are about, when the curse was broken in this on, I might get them, just out of curiosity and because they are such an easy.
rjdenney's review against another edition
3.0
***3.5 STARS***
The last three books I've read, including this one have all read and ended like standalones, but end up having more books as a series for no damn reason lol As much as I consider Michelle's 13 Treasures trilogy to be one of my favorites, I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in this one. It dragged at the beginning which makes sense why this book is 400 pages, it could've easily been cut down to 300. They hype for this was intense and of course it didn't measure up to it as usual lol
Also after building up a story with three sisters, they end up separated? I didn't get that, I didn't care for these two other characters who were included and aided Betty throughout the book, I wanted all three sisters on this adventure together. My peeves aside it was still a fun read, but I won't be picking up the rest in the series. If you're looking for whimsical fun I'd actually recommend this one. - R.
The last three books I've read, including this one have all read and ended like standalones, but end up having more books as a series for no damn reason lol As much as I consider Michelle's 13 Treasures trilogy to be one of my favorites, I couldn't help but be a little disappointed in this one. It dragged at the beginning which makes sense why this book is 400 pages, it could've easily been cut down to 300. They hype for this was intense and of course it didn't measure up to it as usual lol
Also after building up a story with three sisters, they end up separated? I didn't get that, I didn't care for these two other characters who were included and aided Betty throughout the book, I wanted all three sisters on this adventure together. My peeves aside it was still a fun read, but I won't be picking up the rest in the series. If you're looking for whimsical fun I'd actually recommend this one. - R.
shorty_320's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
fantasypal's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
ruth_ilieiva's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Историята много ми хареса, проклятието беше готино и героите бяха развити добре (до някъде🤣)
Единствено не ми хареса, че края беше много… лесен. Логичен, но избраха най-лесния начин, по който да разрешат конфликта в сюжета. Но, все пак, книгата е за деца и ако бях на 12 щях да съм запленена отвсякъде!
Единствено не ми хареса, че края беше много… лесен. Логичен, но избраха най-лесния начин, по който да разрешат конфликта в сюжета. Но, все пак, книгата е за деца и ако бях на 12 щях да съм запленена отвсякъде!