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desertdwellingbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
This middle-grade fantasy offers relatable bits for just about every young reader still trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in this world. While this story includes con-artists, psychics, and ghosts, those faint-of-heart need not be wary. Maria's gift of communicating with a ghost is something that comes natural to her, but she feels the need to hide her ability out of different levels of fear and dread. Ford maneuvers around various discomforts that pre-teens reading this story may identify with, such as living up to adult and peer expectations, behaving morally versus being obedient, voicing concerns about self or others, forming unpopular opinions, and venturing into the new and unknown.
However, there are a few references to writers, music, and art that may be a bit above the heads of most young readers. While these references were popular in the past, some of today's children may not have the exposure and understanding of such references and could easily become disinterested in aspects of the story.
The art by Gilbert Ford scattered within the pages is simple yet beautiful, and helps to add just the right amount of detail to the story and the imagination of the readers.
I would recommend this book to readers that are intrigued by a touch magic, a bit of mystery, friendships that are not always perfect, and young characters that are finding their voice and fighting for what they feel is right...even if they are not always certain.
However, there are a few references to writers, music, and art that may be a bit above the heads of most young readers. While these references were popular in the past, some of today's children may not have the exposure and understanding of such references and could easily become disinterested in aspects of the story.
The art by Gilbert Ford scattered within the pages is simple yet beautiful, and helps to add just the right amount of detail to the story and the imagination of the readers.
I would recommend this book to readers that are intrigued by a touch magic, a bit of mystery, friendships that are not always perfect, and young characters that are finding their voice and fighting for what they feel is right...even if they are not always certain.
moonlightreading1865's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun and refreshing read, especially after reading some heavier books. However, as I had just read about some very complex characters, the ones in this book felt particularly one-dimensional and very black and white, especially Madame Destine and Mr. Fox. I understand that this is common in middle grade novels, but there are many that have more complex characters while also retaining a fun and light feel (The Mysterious Benedict Society, etc.). I found the history of the Beat Poets quite interesting, and I have never read about them before. However, I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, although it felt very Matilda-esque. The circumstances also reminded me of [b:Born of Illusion|13000748|Born of Illusion (Born of Illusion, #1)|Teri Brown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351059808l/13000748._SY75_.jpg|18161645] (psychic mother who is actually a con, but the daughter has otherworldly powers).
audreylee's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.0
katiemack's review against another edition
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5, rounded up. This book had a Matilda-esque feel--Maria Russo is mistreated by her mother Madame Destine and her mother's partner Mr. Fox, both of whom run a con in the form of psychic readings, and Maria has a special gift that she's hiding from both of them. Maria is able to talk with spirits; in particular, one ghost she knows only as "Edward." Edward leads her to Madame Destine's latest victim, Mrs. Fisher, ostensibly so Maria can help her--thus begins Maria's grand adventure.
It's an incredibly sad book with flat characters (Madame Destine and Mr. Fox were particularly one-dimensional and terrible), and it's less compelling than I would have liked, but I enjoyed the background of contemporary New York and the history of the Beat poets.
2.5, rounded up. This book had a Matilda-esque feel--Maria Russo is mistreated by her mother Madame Destine and her mother's partner Mr. Fox, both of whom run a con in the form of psychic readings, and Maria has a special gift that she's hiding from both of them. Maria is able to talk with spirits; in particular, one ghost she knows only as "Edward." Edward leads her to Madame Destine's latest victim, Mrs. Fisher, ostensibly so Maria can help her--thus begins Maria's grand adventure.
It's an incredibly sad book with flat characters (Madame Destine and Mr. Fox were particularly one-dimensional and terrible), and it's less compelling than I would have liked, but I enjoyed the background of contemporary New York and the history of the Beat poets.
mellis's review against another edition
4.0
One review mentioned that this book contains content that feels like "dabbling in the black arts" and if I didn't want to read it already that would have really sold me. Did this book turn me into a witch? Did it damn my soul to hell? No, but it did delight me with it's well written plot and pitch perfect pacing for the intended audience. This book is different and just a little bit weird. It's sure to delight readers who love mystery, ghosts, and the "black arts".
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