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dblue236's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I actually read and enjoy a fair amount of middle grade books, and often find a lot to think about within them that I wouldn't necessarily have thought about when I was a child. That was not the case here by a long shot, but the book was still cute and fun and I can see how it would have massive appeal for someone of its target age bracket. I honestly didn't get much out of it reading it now, but I likely would have loved it when I was in elementary school and I appreciated the cuteness of it. I look forward to passing this on to a child who will likely love it.
wombat_88's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
missprint_'s review
4.0
Even and Odd are sisters who share magic on alternating days. On her even days twelve-year-old Emma "Even" Berry tries to pack in as much magic use as she can while she prepares for her next exam from the Academy of Magic. With her level five exam looming, Even needs all the practice time she can get to make sure she stays on schedule with her plans to become a hero. As a hero Even will be able to accept quests and travel throughout the neighboring magical kingdom of Firoth helping people.
Eleven-year-old Olivia "Odd" Berry would be just as happy skipping her magic days altogether. Except for turning her sister into a skunk when she's annoying, Odd rarely has control of her magic. Odd's magic might improve with practice, but she'd much rather focus on spending time volunteering at the animal shelter in their sleepy town in Connecticut where the Berrys run a border shop helping visitors from Firoth navigate the mundane world.
When the hidden portal behind Fratelli’s Express Bagels suddenly closes, no one can access their magic. Worse, a lot of magical Firoth residents are stranded far from home and cut off from their families. Even is eagerto help investigate as hero practice and Odd is excited to get to know the unicorn Jeremy who also offers assistance if it means getting home before his parents ground him.
When they find themselves trapped on the wrong side of the border, both sisters will have to rely on all of their skills--magical and otherwise--to figure out who is stealing the border magic and how to fix it in Even and Odd (2021) by Sarah Beth Durst.
Even and Odd is a magical adventure filled with humor and timely commentary on the harms of closed borders. Narrated in close third person following Even, the story explores magic from both sides as Even embraces all things magical and Odd is readier to find magic in the mundane world (like new kittens!).
With help from Jeremy, a unicorn with a surprising fondness for soda, Even and Odd explore their birthland Firoth for the first time while trying to fix the border. The magic system here is logical and has several parallels to climate change as magical energy is treated as a limited resource--a fact that leads to dangerous consequences for the border and all of Firoth.
Whimsical magical elements and humor help temper these weightier topics as the sisters realize that sometimes being a hero has a lot less to do with proper training and a lot more to do with offering to help. Even and Odd is a fast-paced, magical adventure perfect for readers who like their fantasy with a bit of humor and a lot of sisterhood.
Possible Pairings: The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis, The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer, Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connelly, Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
Eleven-year-old Olivia "Odd" Berry would be just as happy skipping her magic days altogether. Except for turning her sister into a skunk when she's annoying, Odd rarely has control of her magic. Odd's magic might improve with practice, but she'd much rather focus on spending time volunteering at the animal shelter in their sleepy town in Connecticut where the Berrys run a border shop helping visitors from Firoth navigate the mundane world.
When the hidden portal behind Fratelli’s Express Bagels suddenly closes, no one can access their magic. Worse, a lot of magical Firoth residents are stranded far from home and cut off from their families. Even is eagerto help investigate as hero practice and Odd is excited to get to know the unicorn Jeremy who also offers assistance if it means getting home before his parents ground him.
When they find themselves trapped on the wrong side of the border, both sisters will have to rely on all of their skills--magical and otherwise--to figure out who is stealing the border magic and how to fix it in Even and Odd (2021) by Sarah Beth Durst.
Even and Odd is a magical adventure filled with humor and timely commentary on the harms of closed borders. Narrated in close third person following Even, the story explores magic from both sides as Even embraces all things magical and Odd is readier to find magic in the mundane world (like new kittens!).
With help from Jeremy, a unicorn with a surprising fondness for soda, Even and Odd explore their birthland Firoth for the first time while trying to fix the border. The magic system here is logical and has several parallels to climate change as magical energy is treated as a limited resource--a fact that leads to dangerous consequences for the border and all of Firoth.
Whimsical magical elements and humor help temper these weightier topics as the sisters realize that sometimes being a hero has a lot less to do with proper training and a lot more to do with offering to help. Even and Odd is a fast-paced, magical adventure perfect for readers who like their fantasy with a bit of humor and a lot of sisterhood.
Possible Pairings: The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis, The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer, Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connelly, Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
rhodesee's review
3.0
This is a fun middle grades fantasy about two magical sisters who are each only able to use their magic every other day. The concept of shared magic is unique and interesting and I enjoyed the idea of tying up magic use and sibling rivalry. One sister is very into magic and the other not so much, but of course they will need to work together to help save themselves and their world as they know it. The supporting cast of characters and creatures really adds to the story. I think this is perfect for fans of fast paced and humorous fantasy.
yapha's review
3.0
This was a fun fantasy adventure. Recommended for grades 3 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
stephaniewhitson's review
4.0
I chose to read this book because of the cover and that it has magic in it. I especially like the names of the sisters in the story. I felt their names Even and Odd were an important part of the plaot, too. Add in a wizard and I thought this was a great book and would definitely recommend.
nessas_lair's review
3.0
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC! First of all I like the dedication of this book lol. Another part of the book I really enjoyed was all the magical elements and world-building. I love how imaginative Firoth was and it made me want to have a secret magical gateway in my city, preferably in my backyard. I'm also happy that Even went through some character growth throughout the book because in the beginning and middle, I felt like she was a bit stuck-up and self-centered because she couldn't fathom that other beings might have different opinions about magic than herself. She ends up being more likable by the end of the story. Odd was a sweet character throughout and I loved her love for animals. Also speaking of animals, Jeremy was such a cute bumbling unicorn. I also thought the villain character was well done because they were very morally grey and were doing the evil thing because they thought it was the good thing to do. Overall this is a very imaginative book and has some great action bits that kids will definitely enjoy!
elevetha's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
Two sisters split their magic, but they each only get magic every other day. This can be problematic, and also just plain annoying as one girls LIVES for magic and the other couldn't care less if she had it, in fact, she'd rather not. The girls find themselves trapped in the magical world, with no apparent way home. Magical shenanigans ensue with talking unicorns, shifting locations, a grumpy leprechaun, hoverboards, skunk spray, and what I assume was a veiled dig at the political sphere going on in, say, 2020.
I think the target audience age (and probably girls) would enjoy this one, but for me at this point in my life, it was just okay. It didn't stand out as being overly funny, unique, or memorable. It was very predictable as well, which didn't add to my enjoyment. I will say I don't think the description given on the flap jacket was very good, as it focused a lot on Even and her needing to be/being a hero, which I didn't get that particular vibe from the book at all.
I think the target audience age (and probably girls) would enjoy this one, but for me at this point in my life, it was just okay. It didn't stand out as being overly funny, unique, or memorable. It was very predictable as well, which didn't add to my enjoyment. I will say I don't think the description given on the flap jacket was very good, as it focused a lot on Even and her needing to be/being a hero, which I didn't get that particular vibe from the book at all.