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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-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
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
Happy release day to this book full of mischief, magic and evil step sisters.
3.5 stars
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is such a fun read. At first, it seems like a retelling of Cinderella from the point of view of one of her evil step-sisters, Theo. And though the book takes its time painting the sad picture of Theo's life, her family's status and reputation are in the dirt and the only man willing to marry her is an old duke; there's a big twist in the plot, pace and even characterization when the fairy godmother is summoned. From then, the world is open to magical adventures and tasks, faerie parties and attractive familiars.
I had a lot of fun with the story. It's a lighthearted young adult adventure with a fairy tale vibe. My biggest issue with it, it's that the first 80 pages or so are so rooted in reality, painting Theo as the evil step-sister so she's bitter and hateful, and also a victim of the circumstances of a Victorian-esque world, but then as soon as Theo steps into the faery world I feel like her character makes a sudden turn to a modern YA heroine with non-ending sass. Honestly, the character reads so different from the beginning, from a Victorian-inspired world, that I never really got used to how perfectly brave, resourceful and extremely unaffected she ended up being when confronted with magical beings and dangerous scenarios.
Characterization aside, the book is fun. Theo must accomplish three tasks to escape her faith, and that made the book vibrant and dynamic. The romance was a bit rushed, but honestly it fit the vibe of the story.
As for the audiobook, the narrator made such a good job voicing Theo. Theo is an unlikeable character, especially at the beginning, yet she's vulnerable and desperate, and I think Josie Charles gave Theo a lot of depth. I think, for a book like this, the audiobook is such a fun way to experience the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Orbit and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.
3.5 stars
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is such a fun read. At first, it seems like a retelling of Cinderella from the point of view of one of her evil step-sisters, Theo. And though the book takes its time painting the sad picture of Theo's life, her family's status and reputation are in the dirt and the only man willing to marry her is an old duke; there's a big twist in the plot, pace and even characterization when the fairy godmother is summoned. From then, the world is open to magical adventures and tasks, faerie parties and attractive familiars.
I had a lot of fun with the story. It's a lighthearted young adult adventure with a fairy tale vibe. My biggest issue with it, it's that the first 80 pages or so are so rooted in reality, painting Theo as the evil step-sister so she's bitter and hateful, and also a victim of the circumstances of a Victorian-esque world, but then as soon as Theo steps into the faery world I feel like her character makes a sudden turn to a modern YA heroine with non-ending sass. Honestly, the character reads so different from the beginning, from a Victorian-inspired world, that I never really got used to how perfectly brave, resourceful and extremely unaffected she ended up being when confronted with magical beings and dangerous scenarios.
Characterization aside, the book is fun. Theo must accomplish three tasks to escape her faith, and that made the book vibrant and dynamic. The romance was a bit rushed, but honestly it fit the vibe of the story.
As for the audiobook, the narrator made such a good job voicing Theo. Theo is an unlikeable character, especially at the beginning, yet she's vulnerable and desperate, and I think Josie Charles gave Theo a lot of depth. I think, for a book like this, the audiobook is such a fun way to experience the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Orbit and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.
Thanks to Orbit & NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun book! I genuinely had a hard time putting it down--it's very compelling and fun. I love reading a protagonist who's not so wholesome and good, but she's not pure evil too. Theo is a very complex character and her evolution throughout the story was excellent!
I really like the premise too and the idea of breaking the cycle of abuse--the abuse that Theo suffered from her mother and step-father. Theo has inherited a sharp wit and cunning dialogue, which was very entertaining to read.
Now, the fairy stuff, very well done! I liked the fairy worldbuilding, it wasn't...overly complicated which I personally prefer and it felt very grounded. I honestly don't usually like the fae stuff in books because it's so confusing and overly complicated but this book was the opposite, which worked perfect for me!
I think the only thing people may not like about it is how fast-paced it was and the first 15% of the book is recapping the Cinderella story, but I still enjoyed it. Mayo did a great job with her debut!
I can't wait to read more!
What a fun book! I genuinely had a hard time putting it down--it's very compelling and fun. I love reading a protagonist who's not so wholesome and good, but she's not pure evil too. Theo is a very complex character and her evolution throughout the story was excellent!
I really like the premise too and the idea of breaking the cycle of abuse--the abuse that Theo suffered from her mother and step-father. Theo has inherited a sharp wit and cunning dialogue, which was very entertaining to read.
Now, the fairy stuff, very well done! I liked the fairy worldbuilding, it wasn't...overly complicated which I personally prefer and it felt very grounded. I honestly don't usually like the fae stuff in books because it's so confusing and overly complicated but this book was the opposite, which worked perfect for me!
I think the only thing people may not like about it is how fast-paced it was and the first 15% of the book is recapping the Cinderella story, but I still enjoyed it. Mayo did a great job with her debut!
I can't wait to read more!
I love tricksy fae and unlikeable FMCs, and it turns out these are two great tastes that taste great together in How to Summon a Fairy Godmother.
Theo is one of Princess Beatrice's evil stepsisters (yes, this is a Cinderella-inspired tale). Theo is MEAN and I LOVED it. OK yes, she is mean and not ashamed of it, but is she truly "evil"? Mayo slowly but surely gives the reader hints that there may be more to the story than we know.
Theo is betrothed to a horrible old letch. She serendipitously discovers Beatrice's notes on how to summon a fairy. Theo decides "why not get my own fairy tale ending?" Not one where she marries a prince, mind you: just one where she doesn't have to marry her awful fiance. The fairy who shows up to the summoning is the kind that makes bargains: Theo must complete three tasks to get out of her engagement. She'll have to leverage all of her strengths (again, mostly being mean) to complete her end of the deal.
Theo does get a redemption arc, but it's not because she learns a moral lesson. The end of the book had a real twist I didn't expect (although I figured out some of it - it has to do not with why the fairy has these specific tasks for Theo, but what Theo does when she figures it out). While there's not a cliffhanger, there are plenty of unresolved plot threads that mean I can't wait for the next book in the series.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Theo is one of Princess Beatrice's evil stepsisters (yes, this is a Cinderella-inspired tale). Theo is MEAN and I LOVED it. OK yes, she is mean and not ashamed of it, but is she truly "evil"? Mayo slowly but surely gives the reader hints that there may be more to the story than we know.
Theo is betrothed to a horrible old letch. She serendipitously discovers Beatrice's notes on how to summon a fairy. Theo decides "why not get my own fairy tale ending?" Not one where she marries a prince, mind you: just one where she doesn't have to marry her awful fiance. The fairy who shows up to the summoning is the kind that makes bargains: Theo must complete three tasks to get out of her engagement. She'll have to leverage all of her strengths (again, mostly being mean) to complete her end of the deal.
Theo does get a redemption arc, but it's not because she learns a moral lesson. The end of the book had a real twist I didn't expect (although I figured out some of it - it has to do not with why the fairy has these specific tasks for Theo, but what Theo does when she figures it out). While there's not a cliffhanger, there are plenty of unresolved plot threads that mean I can't wait for the next book in the series.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
this is how you write a debut. PHENOMENAL SENSATIONAL SPECTACULAR.
a Cinderella spin-off, with the younger stepsister as the main character. the character names are all different from Cinderella but you can immediately recognize that it is indeed inspired by that famous fairytale. Cinderella->Beatrice, Lady Tremaine->Lady Balfour, Drizella->Florentia, and finally Anastasia->Theodosia or Theo for short.
after Beatrice married to the prince, the state of Merrifall household only went down, because that's one less person to do the chores and Lady Balfour couldn't afford hiring new staff because the lack of income. she's eager to marry off her two daughters to load off some of her financial burden. Flo got an Earl, and Theo got a very rich Duke. the thing is, the Duke in question is apparently very old, even his grandson is older than Theo. and he didn't even pleased with Theo's physical appearance.
that can't be her future, Theo thought. so in her desperation, she tried to summon a fairy godmother who helped Beatrice went to the royal ball. she succeeded alright, but the fairy godmother turned to be a sassy gorgeous woman named Cecily who smoke and demanded 3 tasks before helping Theo to call off her engagement. she has 2 human familiars, Kasra the fox shapeshifter and Phineas the mockingbird.
I really had a great time reading this. the writing is full of witty remarks that slowed my reading pace a bit because i needed time to process them but that's part of this book's charm! not to mention that it's SO funny, God help me!! i got hooked since the beginning and it's being consistently interesting throughout the story. the characters are charming, seemed like everyone is beautiful and stunning (with the exception of some that can be counted with 1 hand's fingers). I loved Theo's character development. she's just a daughter that wasn't loved enough and grew up bitter and lonely. the resolution and the twist were a little bittersweet but really smart! truly a fresh spin of Cinderella. can't wait for the sequel<3
lastly, the audiobook narrator was exceptional, her voice was pleasing to hear and really brought out the character's personas. i have no notes 10 out of 10.
a Cinderella spin-off, with the younger stepsister as the main character. the character names are all different from Cinderella but you can immediately recognize that it is indeed inspired by that famous fairytale. Cinderella->Beatrice, Lady Tremaine->Lady Balfour, Drizella->Florentia, and finally Anastasia->Theodosia or Theo for short.
after Beatrice married to the prince, the state of Merrifall household only went down, because that's one less person to do the chores and Lady Balfour couldn't afford hiring new staff because the lack of income. she's eager to marry off her two daughters to load off some of her financial burden. Flo got an Earl, and Theo got a very rich Duke. the thing is, the Duke in question is apparently very old, even his grandson is older than Theo. and he didn't even pleased with Theo's physical appearance.
that can't be her future, Theo thought. so in her desperation, she tried to summon a fairy godmother who helped Beatrice went to the royal ball. she succeeded alright, but the fairy godmother turned to be a sassy gorgeous woman named Cecily who smoke and demanded 3 tasks before helping Theo to call off her engagement. she has 2 human familiars, Kasra the fox shapeshifter and Phineas the mockingbird.
I really had a great time reading this. the writing is full of witty remarks that slowed my reading pace a bit because i needed time to process them but that's part of this book's charm! not to mention that it's SO funny, God help me!! i got hooked since the beginning and it's being consistently interesting throughout the story. the characters are charming, seemed like everyone is beautiful and stunning (with the exception of some that can be counted with 1 hand's fingers). I loved Theo's character development. she's just a daughter that wasn't loved enough and grew up bitter and lonely. the resolution and the twist were a little bittersweet but really smart! truly a fresh spin of Cinderella. can't wait for the sequel<3
lastly, the audiobook narrator was exceptional, her voice was pleasing to hear and really brought out the character's personas. i have no notes 10 out of 10.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
Currently in tears trying to collect my thoughts about this book.
I picked this book up thinking it would be a cutesy fairytale palate cleanser between heavy fantasy series, but the emotional journey I just went on was more healing than most therapy sessions. I’ve been labeled a “mean girl” most of my life even by my own mother (her words were “mean and hateful”), just like Theodosia.
Theo is the “wicked step sister” to pretty and perfect Beatrice. Beatrice summoned a fairy godmother who helped her marry a prince. Theo simply wants to avoid an unwanted marriage to a cruel, old Duke.
This story is a Cinderella retelling from the perspective of one of the wicked step sisters. It’s unique, refreshing, and emotionally suprising.
If you have ever been labeled “mean”or felt unworthy of love, kindness, and good things, this book is for you. This book is incredible and I hope readers love it as much as I have.
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J Mayo releases TOMORROW October 8th, 2024.
I picked this book up thinking it would be a cutesy fairytale palate cleanser between heavy fantasy series, but the emotional journey I just went on was more healing than most therapy sessions. I’ve been labeled a “mean girl” most of my life even by my own mother (her words were “mean and hateful”), just like Theodosia.
Theo is the “wicked step sister” to pretty and perfect Beatrice. Beatrice summoned a fairy godmother who helped her marry a prince. Theo simply wants to avoid an unwanted marriage to a cruel, old Duke.
This story is a Cinderella retelling from the perspective of one of the wicked step sisters. It’s unique, refreshing, and emotionally suprising.
If you have ever been labeled “mean”or felt unworthy of love, kindness, and good things, this book is for you. This book is incredible and I hope readers love it as much as I have.
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J Mayo releases TOMORROW October 8th, 2024.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
Oh. My. Goodness. I LOVED THIS BOOK. From the very beginning this Cinderella retelling had me hooked. Theo is such a wicked delight, I only wish I was half as clever and sharp.
Lady Theodosia is the (wicked) stepsister to Princess Beatrice, the very same step sister who had the help of a fairy to sneak into a ball, entrance the prince, and get whisked out of their childhood home to a new and glorious life. Or so everyone says. Theo doesn't believe a word until she finds written instructions on how to “Summon a Fairy”. If Beatrice was clever enough to gain the assistance of a fairy in order to fall in love, maybe Theo can do the same to help weedle her out of a betrothal to a loathsome man. It doesn't hurt to try, right?
I am quite enamored with this novel! It's light, fast paced, and truly delightful. The writing made me laugh out loud, and grin from ear to ear. Mayo absolutely understands how to engage a reader (the chapter titles were brilliant), and keep them turning the page. Theodosia is a force to be reckoned with, and nothing and no one will get in her way!
If you're a fan of fairytale retellings from the perspective of other characters, and enjoy women who grab Fate by the… well take matters into their own hands, then you'll adore this debut novel. I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I’m THRILLED this is the first book in a series. Mayo is an author I’m going to keep both eyes on.
Lady Theodosia is the (wicked) stepsister to Princess Beatrice, the very same step sister who had the help of a fairy to sneak into a ball, entrance the prince, and get whisked out of their childhood home to a new and glorious life. Or so everyone says. Theo doesn't believe a word until she finds written instructions on how to “Summon a Fairy”. If Beatrice was clever enough to gain the assistance of a fairy in order to fall in love, maybe Theo can do the same to help weedle her out of a betrothal to a loathsome man. It doesn't hurt to try, right?
I am quite enamored with this novel! It's light, fast paced, and truly delightful. The writing made me laugh out loud, and grin from ear to ear. Mayo absolutely understands how to engage a reader (the chapter titles were brilliant), and keep them turning the page. Theodosia is a force to be reckoned with, and nothing and no one will get in her way!
If you're a fan of fairytale retellings from the perspective of other characters, and enjoy women who grab Fate by the… well take matters into their own hands, then you'll adore this debut novel. I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I’m THRILLED this is the first book in a series. Mayo is an author I’m going to keep both eyes on.
I ended up really loving this story and retelling of what happens after the princess (Bea, aka Cinderella) gets swept to the palace to marry the prince, leaving the stepsisters to forge their own ways, reviled for the treatment of Bea. But love it and Theo with her own fairy bargain and working with cute familiars. That twist was fun too, even if I guessed it before the big reveal.
Theo is a prickly character, always ready to deliver the most cutting insult which actually makes her very entertaining in the fairy courts. It was easy to feel for her and the life she had lead after her mother married Bea's father. She fits right in alongside Cecily's familiars Phineas and Kaz and it makes for a humorous, whimsical, cozy story as Theo completes three tasks in order to avoid having to marry and odious old duke (really quite the piece of work!) Along the way, Theo is also able to bloom into what she was meant to be. There are many chuckle bits and I was very satisfied with the ending which showed the true characters of all those in the fairy tale.
This may be a debut novel, but it was really well written and I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator did an excellent job in bringing the characters to life and making the story feel alive. You can be sure I will be following this author, waiting very impatiently for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book to listen to and review.
Theo is a prickly character, always ready to deliver the most cutting insult which actually makes her very entertaining in the fairy courts. It was easy to feel for her and the life she had lead after her mother married Bea's father. She fits right in alongside Cecily's familiars Phineas and Kaz and it makes for a humorous, whimsical, cozy story as Theo completes three tasks in order to avoid having to marry and odious old duke (really quite the piece of work!) Along the way, Theo is also able to bloom into what she was meant to be. There are many chuckle bits and I was very satisfied with the ending which showed the true characters of all those in the fairy tale.
This may be a debut novel, but it was really well written and I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator did an excellent job in bringing the characters to life and making the story feel alive. You can be sure I will be following this author, waiting very impatiently for the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book to listen to and review.
I love a villain origin story. This book is a Cinderella retelling from one of the evil stepsister's point of view after the royal wedding. She needs help because they are broke and the new queen is telling lies about how evil they are, so she enlists help from the same fairy godmother that her step sister used. Chaos ensues.
Our main lady, Lady Theodosia Balfour, is just as awful as the original fairytale would suggest, but her character arc took me on a ride.
It was entertaining, I was surprised by the twists, and the narrator was fun to listen to. This is the first book in the Fairies and Familiars series, but it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, so it's safe to enjoy before the next one comes out.
Pick this up if you enjoy:
Debut authors
Single POV
Magical worlds and creatures
No spice
Fairytale what ifs?
Unlikeable narrators
Regency mixed with fantasy
Character growth
Faerie bargains
Our main lady, Lady Theodosia Balfour, is just as awful as the original fairytale would suggest, but her character arc took me on a ride.
It was entertaining, I was surprised by the twists, and the narrator was fun to listen to. This is the first book in the Fairies and Familiars series, but it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, so it's safe to enjoy before the next one comes out.
Pick this up if you enjoy:
Debut authors
Single POV
Magical worlds and creatures
No spice
Fairytale what ifs?
Unlikeable narrators
Regency mixed with fantasy
Character growth
Faerie bargains
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes