Reviews

Il Ritorno dell'Incantatrice, by Chris Colfer

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british2197's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last one. Character development was substantial (especially Connor') and it was nice to know more about Charlotte (who appeared very briefly in The Wishing Spell). The similes were (thankfully) toned down in this novel, but there were still too many. However, this quote was very inspiring and resonated with me long after I finished the book: “Having something worth telling and a passion to tell it are what make you a good writer.” I felt like the book dragged on a bit and could have done with 100 fewer pages. As a reader, the fantasy is what I look forward to and to have to wait 120 pages for the children to enter the Land of Stories is far too long. The cover is beautifully illustrated and the purple is very striking, but (as with the previous book) it is the chapter illustrations that are the real winners. I kept turning to the illustration page mid-read to admire the artist's skill.

The narrative was immersive (especially considering the plot was recycled from the prequel) and the love-triangle between Jack, Goldilocks and Red Riding Hood was enjoyable. I understand how a similar storyline is useful in a children's book, but for older readers' it is tedious. I like how, unlike Evly, Ezmia is evil for the sake of being evil. There was no good-girl-gone-bad trope here, which I enjoyed because not everyone is inherently good, and Colfer did the Enchantress' character justice and made it come to life. I just wish he had shortened the long-winded speech between Ezmia and Alex that precludes the final showdown. The sequel was set up nicely and the end was very moving. I look forward to reading the next book.

jennimckay's review against another edition

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5.0

Love these sweet books and the audio by the author is spectacular with a different voice for each of the many characters (Harper though, please stop singing).

planetarypan's review against another edition

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4.0

I really like these characters, but these books are hard for me to judge since they are aimed at a younger market. The writing is definitely not an adult level, and Colfer is still finding his voice it seems. However, I liked a few of the twists and turns. I don't think this book needed to be 500 pages, but the pace is quick so you don't really notice.

I'm pretty pleased that I saw the ending coming. ;-)