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iluvbooks13's review against another edition
5.0
Brandon Mull (the author of this book) is the same one who wrote the Fablehaven series, which i think are amazing books! The book has a good begining, which really pulled me in. The Candy Shop War is about 4 friends who find an old lady who can make magic candy (like Moon Rocks, which make you feel like you're on the moon with weight and jumping), but then all the innocence that the candy and the lady seemed to have had starts to look not so innocent... Good read! Thank you, Mrs. "Dad's patient" for lending me this book.
sbnich's review against another edition
3.0
Read with my kids. Not as big a Brandon Mull fan as everyone else, but I enjoyed this more than Fablehaven as it was more realistic magic and less pure fantasy.
Some odd stereotypes and descriptors when the kids shape shift kept this from a higher rating. Cute adventure story otherwise.
Some odd stereotypes and descriptors when the kids shape shift kept this from a higher rating. Cute adventure story otherwise.
k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
3.0
I desperately want to love Brandon Mull's books, and I just don't. They have a promising premise. But they are just exasperating to read.
The adults/parents have to be absent in a fantasy book, it is a given, and he half does that. In this one they are drugged out on white fudge. The grownup characters he writes who aren't consuming candy are evil or are friends to the kids. Friends not wiser adults. I just get irritated. If he is going to have an adult they should be an adult, especially if they are magicians who are ancient!
Then the writing; this book should be interesting. I should want to read it. Unfortunately, I again got half through and had to drag myself the rest of the way.
I think he has a great book in him. The grand plot ideas are there, but the writing needs trimming and the dialog needs help.
Still I think kids would enjoy it. I probably would give it a 2 or 2.5, if not for that.
The adults/parents have to be absent in a fantasy book, it is a given, and he half does that. In this one they are drugged out on white fudge. The grownup characters he writes who aren't consuming candy are evil or are friends to the kids. Friends not wiser adults. I just get irritated. If he is going to have an adult they should be an adult, especially if they are magicians who are ancient!
Then the writing; this book should be interesting. I should want to read it. Unfortunately, I again got half through and had to drag myself the rest of the way.
I think he has a great book in him. The grand plot ideas are there, but the writing needs trimming and the dialog needs help.
Still I think kids would enjoy it. I probably would give it a 2 or 2.5, if not for that.
majka___'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I am a huge fan of Brandon Mull and read most of his books - this one remains one of my favorites. I read it 5 times at least - the condition of my copy of this book is REALLY bad. It is funny (in a way every Brandon Mull book is). I feel like everyone could enjoy this book, but it is obviously directed to kids and young teens. The main characters are in 5th grade but act more adultish - it is a characteristic of Brandon's books. I quite like this, but it depends on what person you are. In general I can strongly recommend it to you.
imzadirose's review against another edition
4.0
Quite enjoyable book. Good characters with a good story. Was quite surprised by how much I liked it. A Willy Wonka meets something, not sure what really, but well done. Recommend for MG fans.
sabrinaxlim's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
Candy that makes you able to do cool stuff! Like fly and have powers!
embingham's review against another edition
5.0
What a great book! I read this one with my kids, and it was written in such a way that my 5 year old, 7 year old, and myself all really liked it. It is well written, and the plot is interesting and entertaining. It also had an unexpected twist at the end. Lots of fun!
sallyluvs2read's review against another edition
3.0
I can't say that this is the best book that I ever read. I had a really hard time getting into the story line. It just reads differently from Fablehaven.
In this story, a group of friends are find a new candy shop in their town and are hired to do work for the keeper with free candy and treats in turn. They find their jobs become more and more dangerous and risky. However, they are given magic candy to help them with tasks. They find out they are in over their heads and seek help from another "candy magician" as well as a "candy magician policeman". They realize they are in danger and that the person they are working for is not who she pretends to be.
I just had a really hard time with getting through this book and unfortunately, can not give a really great review.
In this story, a group of friends are find a new candy shop in their town and are hired to do work for the keeper with free candy and treats in turn. They find their jobs become more and more dangerous and risky. However, they are given magic candy to help them with tasks. They find out they are in over their heads and seek help from another "candy magician" as well as a "candy magician policeman". They realize they are in danger and that the person they are working for is not who she pretends to be.
I just had a really hard time with getting through this book and unfortunately, can not give a really great review.