emma_reading_love's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
This was the selection in my book club for October. We follow Twig as she tries to hide a magical family secret, make friends, and uncover a historical mystery. If you’ve read Practical Magic, then the vibe of this one will feel familiar. It takes place in Massachusetts and has ties to a witch from the 1600’s. I grew up north of Boston, so it was fun to be back in the New England setting. I would have LOVED this book when I was ten. I would have fallen right into the secret, the mystery, and the little side romance story. But it wasn’t exactly my taste as an adult reader. For most of the book, things moved slowly and thoughtfully, but then there was a hurried and overly-tidy ending. There were also some plot holes I couldn’t let go. I would, however, recommend it to any kid in middle grade or to any Alice Hoffman fan.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up this ARC at ALA Midwinter.
This is a middle grade book with a taste of fantasy and mystery. There's someone leaving messages all around town about owls, a monster in the woods, And a spell cast by a witch. All of this is combined deliciously in a story with friendship and family. I'll be happy to share it students.
This is a middle grade book with a taste of fantasy and mystery. There's someone leaving messages all around town about owls, a monster in the woods, And a spell cast by a witch. All of this is combined deliciously in a story with friendship and family. I'll be happy to share it students.
gabyelle97's review against another edition
4.0
Like all of Alice Hoffmans books this was so easy to read. The characters are beautifully written and flawed in a way which makes them likeable. This book is definitely aimed at younger years, it’s very simple in its writing style yet beautifully captivating. Would definitely appeal to anyone who wishes for a little love and magic in their lives.
owloutstanding's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
I enjoyed the first half of the book and then it read to me like a good fist draft of a novel—like it was rushing to get in all the plot points from an outline. I think more drafts would be helpful to add more description and create emotional connection to the characters.
everthereader's review against another edition
5.0
This was so much fun to read! I liked the characters and enjoyed the mystery aspect of it. 5 out of 5 stars!
hager87's review against another edition
2.0
When I started reading the book I was excited then my excitement flattened and I was dead set to give it a star and at moments to not finish it all. But I hate having books unfinished. I pushed through the book and somehow managed to finish it.
The only character I initially loved was James and it made me so happy that he had his happy custom made ending
The only character I initially loved was James and it made me so happy that he had his happy custom made ending
sydatroom's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty simple writing, even for a middle reader. This could have been a great adult novel had Hoffman filled out the characters and story. It was a fast read though, so not unenjoyable.
croixmiel's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sjj169's review against another edition
2.0
Alice Hoffman wrote one of my favorite stories.
I was hoping that magic would strike again.
This is not a bad book though. Just an okay read for me. Maybe I'm too old for the target audience. It is a mid-grade book so that could explain the choppy short sentences and the jumping around in the story line.
I just got bored, but then I'm fully aware that I'm a jaded reader.
The town of Sidwell believes in magic. Flying monster men that steal little things from the townspeople.
Legends abound in the small town and when "the monster" starts leaving graffiti around the town the townspeople decide to go monster hunting.
Twig and her next door neighbor friend try and get to the bottom of the mystery and just failed at entertaining. By the end of the book..I just didn't care.
I was hoping that magic would strike again.
This is not a bad book though. Just an okay read for me. Maybe I'm too old for the target audience. It is a mid-grade book so that could explain the choppy short sentences and the jumping around in the story line.
I just got bored, but then I'm fully aware that I'm a jaded reader.
The town of Sidwell believes in magic. Flying monster men that steal little things from the townspeople.
Legends abound in the small town and when "the monster" starts leaving graffiti around the town the townspeople decide to go monster hunting.
Twig and her next door neighbor friend try and get to the bottom of the mystery and just failed at entertaining. By the end of the book..I just didn't care.