A review by purplepenning
Illuminations by T. Kingfisher

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

T. Kingfisher's middle grade-ish fantasies give me the same inventive, cozy fantasy feels as Diana Wynn Jones. And this one, with its eccentric family of artists and one young member's emerging talents, has Encanto vibes as well! Add in drawings of fanged radishes, an easily distracted corvid, a very cool magical system, and family and friend issues that avoid some of the typical fantasy cliches (no cut-throat rivalries, no chosen-one sacrifices) and you have a delightful story that is perfect for kids, classic fantasy lovers, and families who read together. 
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