thedisquietedpen's review against another edition
4.0
I first read this in fifth or sixth grade, and--after spying a used and heavily discounted copy at Second and Charles--I revisited it recently as a trip down memory lane.
In terms of plot, it isn't quite as good as I thought it was back then. The plotline definitely invokes common tropes.
However, the characters are charming and engaging, and the witty sayings that Fabrizio keeps mentioning are fantastic.
This has a fond place in my heart since it's probably the first mystery I ever read.
In terms of plot, it isn't quite as good as I thought it was back then. The plotline definitely invokes common tropes.
However, the characters are charming and engaging, and the witty sayings that Fabrizio keeps mentioning are fantastic.
This has a fond place in my heart since it's probably the first mystery I ever read.
bldinmt's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
swissmunicipal's review against another edition
4.0
I read this probably about fifteen years ago and forgot most of the plot. It's another middle grade/YA book that is well done.
zenithharpink's review against another edition
3.0
This was entertaining but forgettable. It was a fun mystery, but a little too straight-forward at times. Fabrizio was a charming hero, he was likable, loyal and true to his age. The intrigue was at times bizarre and didn't quite play out for me throughout the story.
The constant sayings were annoying, not clever.
I recommend to readers looking for an easy mystery for younger readers. This would have great appeal for younger readers.
The constant sayings were annoying, not clever.
I recommend to readers looking for an easy mystery for younger readers. This would have great appeal for younger readers.
poachedeggs's review against another edition
1.0
For a book that is structured so much along the lines of superstition vs. reason (the protagonist investigates the report that the Princess has been encountering a ghost in the hallway), Midnight Magic is surprisingly full of illogical loopholes. It doesn't help that Fabrizio, the 'magician's servant' and protagonist, is rather annoying in his show-offiness, and the Princess inexplicably giggles about 'conspiracies' every now and then.
Spoiler
Why did Lorenzo, the dead prince, not reveal himself earlier so that Count Scarazoni could be discredited earlier?acyl's review against another edition
2.0
I think I took this from someone's bookshelf when I was at sixth grade. It is now at my bookshelf. Now I feel bad I took it, not worth it.
bookslesstravelled's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. For a while as I read, I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but then the magic began to happen. I fell in love with this book about half way through, and still love it. It quickly grows on the reader, and will always be remembered as a truly magical read.
verydazedragon's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love the dialogue and diction of this book. It was such a simple, satisfying mystery; definitely one of my new favorite children's books. The whole story felt so nostalgic.