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sumayyaha's review against another edition
3.0
Rating - 3.25 Stars
____________________________________
POSITIVES -
* The author does a very nice job of describing how magic affects people.
*Nice dialogue.
*The world-building is a bit slow but it's not dislikable.
NEGATIVES -
* It feels like the author just put things in the book too conveniently and unbelievable.
* The chapter called Mother and Daughter was quite unbelievable. I don't know how I'm supposed to interpret what happened there but I guess it was meant to interpret differently.
I really liked this, but it didn't wow me and there were a few things that lowered my rating. I don't think it could've been executed better (except for that one chapter) but it just left me feeling "Okay, now on to the next book."
____________________________________
POSITIVES -
* The author does a very nice job of describing how magic affects people.
*Nice dialogue.
*The world-building is a bit slow but it's not dislikable.
NEGATIVES -
* It feels like the author just put things in the book too conveniently and unbelievable.
* The chapter called Mother and Daughter was quite unbelievable. I don't know how I'm supposed to interpret what happened there but I guess it was meant to interpret differently.
I really liked this, but it didn't wow me and there were a few things that lowered my rating. I don't think it could've been executed better (except for that one chapter) but it just left me feeling "Okay, now on to the next book."
hanzy's review against another edition
4.0
My (8-year old) nephew and I listened to the audiobook narrated by David Tennant and absolutely loved this cute and fun tale
angelastaples's review against another edition
5.0
I'd like to share my ten year old's thoughts on The Wizards of Once, “I like magic books. This book’s got magic. I really liked Wish, the Warrior Princess because of the power she didn’t know she had.” I loved it too! Here's our full review
novelette's review against another edition
2.0
Really, really hard to follow. Too many confusing characters
itaby's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.0
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
"The feathers fly on, and we have to follow, I told you that these woods were dangerous..."
This beautiful, stunning book was bought during my London trip. I was so happy when I was able to visit Foyles, and then I spotted this book. Signed, with a special illustration included. Of course, I just couldn't leave it, especially when I saw/read some sample pages. I was in love.
And that love stayed with me throughout this magical, beautiful, wonderful, sweet, mysterious book. If anything my love grew with each page that I read. <3
We have two characters, Xar and Wish. Wish was my favourite, and I very much disliked Xar. So I first want to talk about Xar to get the bad feelings away. Xar is a lying, mean, sexist, rude type of guy who should just consider telling the truth for once. But no, throughout this book he acts like he is the destined one. Whatever happens he keeps this act up. Stealing a sword? Kidnapping people? Being a dick? Embellishing the truth? I can imagine his dad is disappointed in him. I think any dad wouldn't be too amused having such a son as Xar.
And yes, at times I felt sorry for him. In a wizard world he is magicless. Yep, his magic hasn't set in yet. Of course Xar being Xar he will be trying to find a way to gain magic.
There were also a few moments were he did seem to realise that maybe he shouldn't act so conceited all the time. And moments were he showed some real emotion and feelings. He should do that more often.
There, we got that away, now back to Wish, the warrior girl. She was my favourite character from the moment we saw her. She is a bit like Xar, her mom is disappointed in her and her warrior talent is not really showing yet. But unlike Xar she stays kind, friendly, normal. From the start I knew this girl was special and I was delighted with the route the author took for her. I love how she wasn't afraid to speak up, and how she was curious about all the stuff around her. From spellbooks to what lives in the forest.
If this world isn't scary enough with all sorts of creatures inhabiting the forest, there are witches. Not the kind of witches you generally see in books, knobbly and old ladies. Oh no, these beings are much more like the witches as you would see them in Madoka Magica. Creepy, dark, deadly monsters that you don't want to encounter as they will kill you in a very painful way. The witches were perfect, especially that one witch we meet later. I thought it couldn't get any creepier, but then we meet that guy. Brrrrr. *shivers*
I loved how everyone thought they were extinct. How they thought everything was all right. I can't wait for the next book and to see what will happen there.
The worldbuilding is pretty great, the author really paints a wonderful (and creepy) image of the forest. Though I have to say I am kind of curious about the world outside of the forest. There must be so much more, and I wonder if it is just as magical as the forest. Also are there witches or not outside of the forest?
The book will pull you in from the first page and won't let you go until the very last page, and even then you will have this book on your mind. Yep, you won't be leaving the world the book creates so soon.
The book is also covered with illustrations. While I didn't always like the style, in the end I have to say I quite loved them. They fitted so well with the magical story. <3
Oh, and bonus points to the narrator and the fact we saw some pages from Xar's spellbook!
All in all, I just want book 2 now. I need it actually. I need to know what is going to happen with Wish, is she going to be able to hide THAT? Will Xar go to x side? What about the witches? What about all the sprites are they doing fine? What about the magicless creatures did they find a cure?
And I would highly recommend this book to everyone looking for a magical, exciting, dark, awesome book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This beautiful, stunning book was bought during my London trip. I was so happy when I was able to visit Foyles, and then I spotted this book. Signed, with a special illustration included. Of course, I just couldn't leave it, especially when I saw/read some sample pages. I was in love.
And that love stayed with me throughout this magical, beautiful, wonderful, sweet, mysterious book. If anything my love grew with each page that I read. <3
We have two characters, Xar and Wish. Wish was my favourite, and I very much disliked Xar. So I first want to talk about Xar to get the bad feelings away. Xar is a lying, mean, sexist, rude type of guy who should just consider telling the truth for once. But no, throughout this book he acts like he is the destined one. Whatever happens he keeps this act up. Stealing a sword? Kidnapping people? Being a dick? Embellishing the truth? I can imagine his dad is disappointed in him. I think any dad wouldn't be too amused having such a son as Xar.
And yes, at times I felt sorry for him. In a wizard world he is magicless. Yep, his magic hasn't set in yet. Of course Xar being Xar he will be trying to find a way to gain magic.
There were also a few moments were he did seem to realise that maybe he shouldn't act so conceited all the time. And moments were he showed some real emotion and feelings. He should do that more often.
There, we got that away, now back to Wish, the warrior girl. She was my favourite character from the moment we saw her. She is a bit like Xar, her mom is disappointed in her and her warrior talent is not really showing yet. But unlike Xar she stays kind, friendly, normal. From the start I knew this girl was special and I was delighted with the route the author took for her. I love how she wasn't afraid to speak up, and how she was curious about all the stuff around her. From spellbooks to what lives in the forest.
If this world isn't scary enough with all sorts of creatures inhabiting the forest, there are witches. Not the kind of witches you generally see in books, knobbly and old ladies. Oh no, these beings are much more like the witches as you would see them in Madoka Magica. Creepy, dark, deadly monsters that you don't want to encounter as they will kill you in a very painful way. The witches were perfect, especially that one witch we meet later. I thought it couldn't get any creepier, but then we meet that guy. Brrrrr. *shivers*
I loved how everyone thought they were extinct. How they thought everything was all right. I can't wait for the next book and to see what will happen there.
The worldbuilding is pretty great, the author really paints a wonderful (and creepy) image of the forest. Though I have to say I am kind of curious about the world outside of the forest. There must be so much more, and I wonder if it is just as magical as the forest. Also are there witches or not outside of the forest?
The book will pull you in from the first page and won't let you go until the very last page, and even then you will have this book on your mind. Yep, you won't be leaving the world the book creates so soon.
The book is also covered with illustrations. While I didn't always like the style, in the end I have to say I quite loved them. They fitted so well with the magical story. <3
Oh, and bonus points to the narrator and the fact we saw some pages from Xar's spellbook!
All in all, I just want book 2 now. I need it actually. I need to know what is going to happen with Wish, is she going to be able to hide THAT? Will Xar go to x side? What about the witches? What about all the sprites are they doing fine? What about the magicless creatures did they find a cure?
And I would highly recommend this book to everyone looking for a magical, exciting, dark, awesome book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
felixthesmexyfox's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? No
3.0
When i saw that this book was written by the same author who wrote How To Train Your Dragon i screamed and knew it was going to be a good book.
First things first it def is a little young for me so i read it in about 3 hours.
And lets have a moment of silence for the amazing illustrations, i am seriously in love with them, even though they are a bit creepy i loved the concept. It kinda reminds me of Coraline.
The characters are something, they are very condescending and mean.
I would've enjoyed it vetter if i was in the age group it was written for, so ill give it a 3.
First things first it def is a little young for me so i read it in about 3 hours.
And lets have a moment of silence for the amazing illustrations, i am seriously in love with them, even though they are a bit creepy i loved the concept. It kinda reminds me of Coraline.
The characters are something, they are very condescending and mean.
I would've enjoyed it vetter if i was in the age group it was written for, so ill give it a 3.
chasethefictionfanatic's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and honestly wish I had picked it up sooner. I think the characters are lovable, unique, and hilarious. This book does get a whole lot darker than I anticipated. I honestly don't think I've ever been more terrified of Witches. The illustrations in this book are both whimsical and haunting and remind me of Shel Silverstein's work. I highly recommend picking this up along with the audiobook. Cressida Cowell's writing is fantastic and David Tennant as the narrator is absolute perfection. I also love that we don't know who the narrator is in the story, but I am so intrigued to find out. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next one.
Happy Reading my Friends.
Happy Reading my Friends.
abergland7's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
4.0