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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
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
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This Cinderella inspired story was a fun retelling from the point of view of one of the stepsisters, Theodosia. Taking place after the Happily Ever After for Beatrice and her prince, we get so see another side of the story about what happened with the fairy godmother Cecily. I liked how Theo grew through the story; she started as the stereotypical stepsister and quickly displayed a witty and wily nature while still maintaining her truths. Each task she performs gives more insight to how she ended up portrayed as an evil stepsister. The side characters are interesting as well.
The narration was well done and voice inflections for each character helped keep the dialogue clear during conversations.
I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!) and all opinions are my own.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!
"How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" is a Cinderella retelling from the stepsister's point of view. And the book did a great job fleshing out the characters and handling them with care, without idealizing them, but bringing out their flaws.
Also, the story was funny and entertaining, with loads of magic and whimsical characters. It was, in addition, well-paced and kept things interesting until the final chapter.
The romance, on the other hand, could have been handled better, but I enjoyed the ending and how the main character, now having gone through the character development, learned that she deserves better.
Finally, the narrator was amazing and the whole audiobook production was excellent.
"How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" is a Cinderella retelling from the stepsister's point of view. And the book did a great job fleshing out the characters and handling them with care, without idealizing them, but bringing out their flaws.
Also, the story was funny and entertaining, with loads of magic and whimsical characters. It was, in addition, well-paced and kept things interesting until the final chapter.
The romance, on the other hand, could have been handled better, but I enjoyed the ending and how the main character, now having gone through the character development, learned that she deserves better.
Finally, the narrator was amazing and the whole audiobook production was excellent.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This story is told from the perspective of one of those infamous evil stepsisters. The stepsister in question, Theo, haaaates her stepsister who somehow managed to make herself the victim in all situations and somehow soaked up all the affection available for little girls.
Now a new adult at 18 Theo is ghastly to others. When she’s trapped in an engagement she wants no part of she uses the trick her stepsister did and summons a fairy godmother for help.
Theo is given three tasks to prove her goodness, but isn’t sure what’s she’s doing is actually good.
I loved this take on a classic. It ultimately spins this story into one of redemption and the healing breaking of generational pain.
Don’t expect a happily ever after, but the ending is still right for the story.
Now a new adult at 18 Theo is ghastly to others. When she’s trapped in an engagement she wants no part of she uses the trick her stepsister did and summons a fairy godmother for help.
Theo is given three tasks to prove her goodness, but isn’t sure what’s she’s doing is actually good.
I loved this take on a classic. It ultimately spins this story into one of redemption and the healing breaking of generational pain.
Don’t expect a happily ever after, but the ending is still right for the story.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My rating; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a delightful and refreshing twist on the Cinderella story, where the supposed "villain," Theo, finally gets a chance to reclaim her narrative. Laura J. Mayo takes familiar fairytale tropes and spins them in fascinating ways, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking look at what it truly means to be good or evil.
Theo is a wonderfully complex protagonist. Though flawed and plagued by rumors of being wicked, she’s still a worthy heroine to root for. Mayo does an excellent job at making readers root for Theo as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to break free from the labels others have imposed on her. Watching Theo navigate her tasks, alongside the mischievous and intriguing fairy Cecily, is both heartwarming and empowering.
The story’s charm lies in its clever reworking of fairytale clichés. While there is a major twist that may seem obvious from the clues, it’s fitting for the genre. Rather than focusing on shock value, the book centers on Theo’s emotional growth, her relationships with magical creatures, and her understanding of herself. Themes like family, loss, revenge, and forgiveness are woven beautifully throughout, making this more than just a fairytale—it’s a story about overcoming hardship and finding one’s place in the world.
The narration by Josie Charles is superb, perfectly capturing the characters and making the listening experience even more engaging. Her voice brings Theo’s story to life with clarity and charm, making it a joy from start to finish.
In the end, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is what fairytales were always meant to be: a magical, heartfelt journey of growth and redemption with a moral takeaway at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale retellings with a deeper, more thoughtful spin. Bravo!
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a delightful and refreshing twist on the Cinderella story, where the supposed "villain," Theo, finally gets a chance to reclaim her narrative. Laura J. Mayo takes familiar fairytale tropes and spins them in fascinating ways, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking look at what it truly means to be good or evil.
Theo is a wonderfully complex protagonist. Though flawed and plagued by rumors of being wicked, she’s still a worthy heroine to root for. Mayo does an excellent job at making readers root for Theo as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to break free from the labels others have imposed on her. Watching Theo navigate her tasks, alongside the mischievous and intriguing fairy Cecily, is both heartwarming and empowering.
The story’s charm lies in its clever reworking of fairytale clichés. While there is a major twist that may seem obvious from the clues, it’s fitting for the genre. Rather than focusing on shock value, the book centers on Theo’s emotional growth, her relationships with magical creatures, and her understanding of herself. Themes like family, loss, revenge, and forgiveness are woven beautifully throughout, making this more than just a fairytale—it’s a story about overcoming hardship and finding one’s place in the world.
The narration by Josie Charles is superb, perfectly capturing the characters and making the listening experience even more engaging. Her voice brings Theo’s story to life with clarity and charm, making it a joy from start to finish.
In the end, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is what fairytales were always meant to be: a magical, heartfelt journey of growth and redemption with a moral takeaway at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale retellings with a deeper, more thoughtful spin. Bravo!
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rated 4.5 Stars
I'm always a little nervous when reading an author for the first time be it a debut or new to me author, wondering whether I'll like it or not but from the get I was utterly charmed by this book. I loved the writing style and the narration was on point. Josie Charles killed it with her characterization, deliverance of the wit and sarcasm of Theo and the varied nuances and intonations of all the characters. The entire production team did a great job of bringing this book to vivid life.
I loved the main character, Theo I know some will find her unlikeable but to me she was loveable and awesome.
How To Summon a Fairy Godmother was funny it filled me with mirth except for those heartfelt and emotional moments. It made me laugh out loud and amused me to no end. I tried to savor it but was way too eager to see what happened next so I ended up devouring it in big gulps. I loved it and highly recommend it. I think it was superbly done and I most definitely can't wait to read more by this author.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
I'm always a little nervous when reading an author for the first time be it a debut or new to me author, wondering whether I'll like it or not but from the get I was utterly charmed by this book. I loved the writing style and the narration was on point. Josie Charles killed it with her characterization, deliverance of the wit and sarcasm of Theo and the varied nuances and intonations of all the characters. The entire production team did a great job of bringing this book to vivid life.
I loved the main character, Theo I know some will find her unlikeable but to me she was loveable and awesome.
How To Summon a Fairy Godmother was funny it filled me with mirth except for those heartfelt and emotional moments. It made me laugh out loud and amused me to no end. I tried to savor it but was way too eager to see what happened next so I ended up devouring it in big gulps. I loved it and highly recommend it. I think it was superbly done and I most definitely can't wait to read more by this author.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley