BY BETH BRACKEN & KAY FRASER
GOODREADS | AMAZON
Publisher: Capstone for Young Readers (2/1/13)
Length: 304 pages (with LOTS of illustrations)
Format: Paperback
Source: Capstone
Genre: Middle Grade
Series: Book 1 of ?
Completed: January 2013
Challenges: 2013 Outdo Yourself Challenge, 2013 YA/MG Fantasy Challenge
SUMMARY
Soli and Lucy have been best friends ever since they were very young. They walk through a haunted woods many times together, on their way home, even though they were rumored to be dangerous. One day, alone with each other in the woods Lucy confesses to kissing the boy Soli has been crushing on. On a whim, Soli wishes Lucy would just disappear - and bam - she does? Immediately realizing the consequences her knee-jerk reaction, Soli vows to go on a quest to get her best friend back and will stop at nothing until Lucy is safely returned to her family.
BACKGROUND
From what I've been able to dig up, it appears to me that the Faerieground Series is being republished. I think it looks like its a trilogy. When the publisher decided to reproduce these short stories, the new versions are printed on glossy paper with gorgeous artwork. I recommend just checking out the books for the Kay's artwork alone.
SETTING PACE AND STYLE
Wish is a simple story, an extremely fast read. Pacing is brisk, everything happens quickly - maybe just a little too fast because it lacked in both character development and world building. Written in fairly short sentences, flowing almost like lyrical prose, Wish proved to be an engaging read with both magical and dark tones. Told from alternating first person viewpoints of the two friends: Lucy and Solidad (Soli).
CHARACTERS AND PLOT
This is a book where characters aren't developed very deeply. Probably due to the target age group, this one decided to just scratched the surface on characters. They were simple, but remained personable, relatable and with believable problems. Soli is quiet, shy and reserved. She's not very popular and has always rode on Lucy's coat tails. Lucy is an outgoing, popular girl. She's friendly, beautiful and everyone wants to be her friend.
RECOMMENDATION
I would recommend this story to the younger reader who are up for a challenge and enjoy reading fantasy books. Boys as well as girls will find something to appreciate about this story as it does have equal amounts of action and contemporary issues.
PERSONAL NOTE
A beautifully written and brilliantly illustrated book for middle grade audiences. This is a VERY quick read. It can easily be finished up in one sitting, possibly even in a few hours or less for accomplished readers. Its a unique book written on heavy, glossy paper with the most AMAZING illustrations. I only took a little longer to read the book because I spent extra time admiring the gorgeous illustrations, they really kept me lingering on the pages, making the book extra special! This is one of those books where holding a hard copy in hand will provide the full effects of the story
Wish is entertaining, written in fairly short sentences and lyrical prose. It tells of about a friendship scorned, a lost magical kingdom, a haunted woods and fairies! All the combination of elements to entice even reluctant readers to surge to the finish.
RATING
I'd give this one a solid 3 out of 5 rings. Two rings taken off for simplistic story and characters who lacked substance. I do believe though that the target audience will find nothing wrong with the characters, but adult readers will be left wanting something more.
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| 3.5 out of 5 Rings (GOOD ~ KEPT ME FLIPPING PAGES) |
Great honest review. I haven't heard of this one before.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read for younger fantasy fans. I love that they're getting republished with new artwork, that's a very good sign. Wonderful review, thanks for your thoughtful honesty!
ReplyDeleteThe artwork makes the book in my opinion.
DeleteOoh, I'm such a sucker for pretty illustrations and glossy paper in books! It's too bad about the lack of depth, though I find that's often the case with books targeted specifically to younger readers. This is one that I would borrow from the library so that I could still get to see the prettiness in person without buying it.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, what is WITH all the spam comments being posted on your blog lately?! And how do you get rid of them?
I thought the book was so pretty with the glossy pages and all. It really is geared for younger readers. Check it out at the library then you can oogle the illustrations. As for the stupid spam, I guess for a while I guess I'm forced to add that ridiculously annoying captcha thingy. Sad day.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I guess so. Don't worry, I don't mind doing it for you! Hopefully it blows over.
Delete@ Juju it's just a beautifully illustrated book, I loved the glossy pages. The story is meant for young readers though. Perfect for target age group a little skeletal for others.
ReplyDelete