katreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
This is 3.5 stars, but so cute, I'm rounding up to 4. This book was adorable. The castle's magic enchanted me from almost the first moment that the little mice come out. Darling was a great character, and her growth throughout the story kept me engaged. I knew this story had me because I was so sad about Eighteen. I kept hoping magic would bring it back to life.
tishreads's review against another edition
4.0
When we first got this book in and I read the description, I was hesitant. The book ended up being quite enjoyable and we'll written.
combiyu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rebeccadanielle's review against another edition
3.0
This was such a fun book to read. Once I started reading I didn’t want to stop, although, I did feel that parts of the middle section fell away slightly but they definitely picked up again at the end.
lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book. It was cute and middle grade, which is a change from the normal YA/new adult fantasy me. It was a unique enough story, and I liked the little hints at romance for the future. It was paced all right, and I'm curious about the world. If I can find the next book at the library, I will read it. 3.5 stars.
ashleylm's review against another edition
3.0
A nice little rice pudding of a book. The main character lucks into the magic, accomplishes very little, and events would apparently have panned out much the same way without her involvement at all, which suggests a plotting problem (I'm reminded of The Big Bang Theory episode where Amy pointed out that Indiana Jones was superfluous to the events in Raiders of the Lost Arc, ultimately). Still, it's good-natured and calming.
I was probably most annoyed that (a) the author saddled the main character with such a ridiculous name that it no doubt knocked the book back a couple of grades in appeal, and (b) that our hero managed to keep up with her work duties in addition to quite a bit of time skulking around in disguise.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
I was probably most annoyed that (a) the author saddled the main character with such a ridiculous name that it no doubt knocked the book back a couple of grades in appeal, and (b) that our hero managed to keep up with her work duties in addition to quite a bit of time skulking around in disguise.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
sunsess's review against another edition
4.0
I must admit - though I am now a young adult, my heart still years for simpler stories. Ones where creativity is whimsical and silly, where instead of the name Sally you get Sunpie and Jerry Jelly-Belly, and where the characters still believe their dreams are just a wish away. This is that book. A book with the entertainment factor of a kids book, but the writing style of a teen/YA book. The only part I didn't like was the resolution, which wasn't bad, but felt like it could've been better. Of course I'd already had a couple of endings written in my head so that probably influenced things. XD
Overall, great book. I will definitely be reading the second one. 4 cows!
Overall, great book. I will definitely be reading the second one. 4 cows!
snazel's review against another edition
4.0
Charming and fun introduction to magic-palace-intrigue. It would be great to read aloud.
I am a little concerned about the theme of "boys who aren't grown treat you badly because they like you", but they definitely showed that grown ups should mature past that? And the main character messed up and was horrible accidentally too? Anyways I'm watching you, book.
I am a little concerned about the theme of "boys who aren't grown treat you badly because they like you", but they definitely showed that grown ups should mature past that? And the main character messed up and was horrible accidentally too? Anyways I'm watching you, book.
zorasorel's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
2.5