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ettegoom's review
3.0
This is rather sweet story about a younger child finding friendship, identity and the confidence to live as herself against all odds.
There's a smattering of witchcraft, ghosts and monsters, but nothing too frightening.
I didn't love the illustrations, but overall it was an enjoyable read, my 9 year old niece would probably like it.
There's a smattering of witchcraft, ghosts and monsters, but nothing too frightening.
I didn't love the illustrations, but overall it was an enjoyable read, my 9 year old niece would probably like it.
bettysbiblioteca's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
3.5
hyperbooktivity's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
salreads's review
4.0
My first book by Sarah Driver and I would happily read more.
Spel and Egg, two sisters, have been banished to Mistress Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls because of the bad things that their Mother has done…they don’t know what precisely but when the school is bewitched they are able to start unearthing the secrets of their past. This is the beginning of a journey and adventure which will see the sisters’ loyalty challenged..and their lives plunged into danger..
This is a story of witchcraft, magic..lost souls…which will appeal to middle grade readers who like something with a little bit more danger and aren’t afraid of death! I loved the way the discussion of witchcraft blended in historical details about witchcraft such as the trials…I think that the characters of the two girls will really appeal to readers - brave with a hint of mischief!
The narrator was excellent and perfectly matched to the story, amplifying the danger and suspense…I look forward to the next episode of the adventure!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Audio for my copy of this audiobook.
Spel and Egg, two sisters, have been banished to Mistress Mouldheel’s School for Wicked Girls because of the bad things that their Mother has done…they don’t know what precisely but when the school is bewitched they are able to start unearthing the secrets of their past. This is the beginning of a journey and adventure which will see the sisters’ loyalty challenged..and their lives plunged into danger..
This is a story of witchcraft, magic..lost souls…which will appeal to middle grade readers who like something with a little bit more danger and aren’t afraid of death! I loved the way the discussion of witchcraft blended in historical details about witchcraft such as the trials…I think that the characters of the two girls will really appeal to readers - brave with a hint of mischief!
The narrator was excellent and perfectly matched to the story, amplifying the danger and suspense…I look forward to the next episode of the adventure!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Audio for my copy of this audiobook.
jo81082's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the_comfy_cosy_corner's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
annarella's review
5.0
I loved this well written and entertaining story.
Great character and plot development, an interesting world building.
I would be happy to read another book featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great character and plot development, an interesting world building.
I would be happy to read another book featuring these characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
herials's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
amylwest's review
5.0
If I had a checklist of what I love to read in young fiction this ticked every box! Great friendships, witchcraft, cute dragons, portals to other places, villains, and I could go on. A must read for any young reader! Thanks to netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC in return for an honest review.
luftschlosseule's review
4.0
trigger warning
being orphaned, emotional abuse, gaslighting
Egg and Spel are on the run. Something appeared at their school, something terrible, but they don't know exactly what when a letter reaches them, telling them that Egg has been appointed Assistant to the Undertaker. The letter includes directions.
Don't bother with the official blurp. Just don't, it gives far too much away.
I had loads of fun with this book, it ticked all the right boxes - and I believe this might be the first instance of undertaker's business in middlegrade fiction I've read. Be prepared for cats, dragons, ghosts, spells and curses.
I like how the introduction of new material for the reader was managed without it feeling info-dumpey. The chapters are very short, which suits my current concentration level and makes this perfect for younger readers who are just starting out with bigger books.
I can't say anything about the illustrations, because my copy didn't come with them, but I can't tell if this is the fault of my device or if the e-arc indeed came without.
You could read this either as a standalone or as the entryway to a new series. I know that should there be more plot later on, I'll want a ride.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Egg and Spel are on the run. Something appeared at their school, something terrible, but they don't know exactly what when a letter reaches them, telling them that Egg has been appointed Assistant to the Undertaker. The letter includes directions.
Don't bother with the official blurp. Just don't, it gives far too much away.
I had loads of fun with this book, it ticked all the right boxes - and I believe this might be the first instance of undertaker's business in middlegrade fiction I've read. Be prepared for cats, dragons, ghosts, spells and curses.
I like how the introduction of new material for the reader was managed without it feeling info-dumpey. The chapters are very short, which suits my current concentration level and makes this perfect for younger readers who are just starting out with bigger books.
I can't say anything about the illustrations, because my copy didn't come with them, but I can't tell if this is the fault of my device or if the e-arc indeed came without.
You could read this either as a standalone or as the entryway to a new series. I know that should there be more plot later on, I'll want a ride.
The arc was provided by the publisher.