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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
3.5 stars
Right up to the last fifth of the book I would've given it 4 stars, but the last bit just jarred a bit for me. I like how he's developing the story and weaving things in. His trademark humour is as per normal and while it's kid-friendly, adults will smile too. Am looking forward to seeing where he takes the misfits next. I really want to know more about Ridley though as she's such a spunky character.
Right up to the last fifth of the book I would've given it 4 stars, but the last bit just jarred a bit for me. I like how he's developing the story and weaving things in. His trademark humour is as per normal and while it's kid-friendly, adults will smile too. Am looking forward to seeing where he takes the misfits next. I really want to know more about Ridley though as she's such a spunky character.
I loved learning more about Leila and Dante's past. I also loved seeing how much the Misfits have grown together as a group and individually. This book was not without conflict as the Frown Clowns are back and creating mischief. This book was wicked cute and I can't wait to read the next book!
I'm really getting to like this series. There are just so many clever aspects to love, starting with just the cover. First, the center character on each cover is the narrative focus of the story. Second, each upsidedown image is one of the members of the previous secret magic club, and serves as a major player in this book's story - though not always the antagonist (after all, the first book had Mr. Vernon on the cover, not Bosso). (view spoiler) Plus, the character designs are always dynamic and expressive, and this cover especially draws the eye with its fabulous colors.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a great continuation of what looks to be turning into a great series. Dynamic characters, compelling plots, a cozy setting halfway between modern (still no cell phones?) and fantasy, and magic that encompasses more than just parlor tricks. No doubt there are those who will assume that the books sell just because of the actor's name on the cover, or that it's just a quick cash-grab to push out a kid's book, but I can't believe anyone would claim that if they'd actually read these books. The messages of inclusivity, kindness, forgiveness, and love all wrapped up in a story of fun and magic should be proof enough of the quality of the writing (nevermind the illustrations). And I, for one, can't wait to continue the Misfits' story!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a great continuation of what looks to be turning into a great series. Dynamic characters, compelling plots, a cozy setting halfway between modern (still no cell phones?) and fantasy, and magic that encompasses more than just parlor tricks. No doubt there are those who will assume that the books sell just because of the actor's name on the cover, or that it's just a quick cash-grab to push out a kid's book, but I can't believe anyone would claim that if they'd actually read these books. The messages of inclusivity, kindness, forgiveness, and love all wrapped up in a story of fun and magic should be proof enough of the quality of the writing (nevermind the illustrations). And I, for one, can't wait to continue the Misfits' story!
A fun read but I didn't get into it as much as the first. But, having said that, I am so looking forward to the third.
The six kids in the magic club deal with another dangerous mystery rooted in the criminals that used to be in the same childhood gang as their magician mentor. The non-viewpoint characters appear to have actual magical powers, although at other times they just have good sleight of hand. The characters do not seem to distinguish between these. I was too lazy to decode the morse code, so I may have missed some plot points.
Leila's concerns about her origins and her fear of revealing her vulnerabilities rang true, as did her determination to keep up her facade of cheerfulness and optimism, a facade that both she and her friends rely on. The bad guys themselves were sufficiently bizarre to not be truly frightening, and I can see kids enjoying the magic trick instructions scattered about.
Leila's concerns about her origins and her fear of revealing her vulnerabilities rang true, as did her determination to keep up her facade of cheerfulness and optimism, a facade that both she and her friends rely on. The bad guys themselves were sufficiently bizarre to not be truly frightening, and I can see kids enjoying the magic trick instructions scattered about.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes