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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This had such a great start - I was reminded of the magic of this world, and of the awesomeness that is Jax and Gillian (what IS it with cool and nice blond boys meeting sassy brunettes who can put them in their place?!)...but then came the plot. Again, it was great at first. I was worried about Anna Cobbler, and I was excited for Gillian to come in and help her. Then came Anna being all...Anna, and that was bad, but I knew that Gillian would somehow find a way to save her sister and fix her school. Turns out, that's not what happened. Everything from there felt too easy, as well as too predictable. I'll still read the next one, but I'm not holding out for any amazing twists.
This was such a fun addition to a marvelous series for middle graders who love fractured fairy tales. I like that this one focused on the main character's relationship with her sister and her thoughts about her own future. I plan to catch up on the last book in the series very soon! I think this would be a great addition to school or classroom libraries in addition to public libraries.
This book really did surprise me. I didn't think it would be that great since the series has been dragging on a bit, (Gillian gets thrown into FTRS, gets out, get thrown back in etc.) It definitely started out shaky, she was going to throw herself back in to save Anna. The middle/end of the book did not disappoint. I really liked how the characters moved to a different setting on their quest instead of staying at FTRS.
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
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
Tricked is everything you want in a middle grade title--EVERYTHING!
"Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.
At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She's been released from FTRS and is now suffering through attending Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff.
But when Gilly's little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her troublemaking new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she's got to get Anna out of there. There's only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS.
It's time to out-trick a trickster."
If you've ever heard me talk about Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go, you know I'm passionate about middle grade books that imitate and re-tell other stories (Go pick up Heck if you haven't already.) So it should be no surprise when I tell you that this series needs a place on your shelves.
Because I requested, and was approved for Book #3, I needed to run through books #1 and #2. Lucky for me, they were easy to listen to. Because the FTRS is fantasy, there is a lot of world building, but we are never just told about it all. We learn so much about the world just by being it. I felt like I'd already been in Enchantasia, and that everything in this world was plausible.
From gargoyles to evil fairies, everything in this world is plausible. And everything is a pun that children and adults are sure to enjoy.
Jen's quirk keeps up in all three installments. And we watch Gilly toggle back and forth between a likable quirky little thief-and an obnoxious little brat.
Tricked brings us back to FTRS to once again watch Gilly, Jax, Maxine, Ollie, and Kayla save the day. Flora, Cinderella's formerly wicked ex-stepmother, is no longer the headmistress at Fairy Tale Reform School. She has been replaced by Mr. Stiltskin, and he is cracking down on the rules so hard that more children are being sent to FTRS than ever!
I guarantee this is a series you, your kids, your younger siblings, your classmates, and basically anybody with a pulse will enjoy. I definitely recommend you run out to your nearest bookstore to pick up a copy. Right now.
Jen Calonita's Website
Amazon . B&N . IndieBound
"Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.
At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She's been released from FTRS and is now suffering through attending Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff.
But when Gilly's little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her troublemaking new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she's got to get Anna out of there. There's only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS.
It's time to out-trick a trickster."
If you've ever heard me talk about Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go, you know I'm passionate about middle grade books that imitate and re-tell other stories (Go pick up Heck if you haven't already.) So it should be no surprise when I tell you that this series needs a place on your shelves.
Because I requested, and was approved for Book #3, I needed to run through books #1 and #2. Lucky for me, they were easy to listen to. Because the FTRS is fantasy, there is a lot of world building, but we are never just told about it all. We learn so much about the world just by being it. I felt like I'd already been in Enchantasia, and that everything in this world was plausible.
From gargoyles to evil fairies, everything in this world is plausible. And everything is a pun that children and adults are sure to enjoy.
Jen's quirk keeps up in all three installments. And we watch Gilly toggle back and forth between a likable quirky little thief-and an obnoxious little brat.
Tricked brings us back to FTRS to once again watch Gilly, Jax, Maxine, Ollie, and Kayla save the day. Flora, Cinderella's formerly wicked ex-stepmother, is no longer the headmistress at Fairy Tale Reform School. She has been replaced by Mr. Stiltskin, and he is cracking down on the rules so hard that more children are being sent to FTRS than ever!
I guarantee this is a series you, your kids, your younger siblings, your classmates, and basically anybody with a pulse will enjoy. I definitely recommend you run out to your nearest bookstore to pick up a copy. Right now.
Jen Calonita's Website
Amazon . B&N . IndieBound
If you are ever looking for a good book this is the right one for you! Jen Calonita get's you sitting on the edge of your seat!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really love this series, and Calonita kills it yet again. The fresh take on old fairy tale favorites is so fun. There are so many subtle jokes spread throughout as well. My favorite in this book was Rumpelstiltskin attempting to make Enchantasia great again...HA! If you're in the mood for a quick, easy, fun read based on fairy tales, I would highly recommend this series. I am excited to read book four!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes