Reviews

A Hidden Magic by Vivian Vande Velde, Trina Schart Hyman

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katiechu's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bookishblond's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is so simple and sweet. At barely over 100 pages, it's the perfect size to curl up with in bed to read the stress away.

And, we love a love interest with red hair!

duriangray's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

swissmunicipal's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a cute, quick read. Essentially an average princess meets a narcissistic prince, the two of them go for a walk, and events unfold. The story isn't overly complicated, or even overly deep, but the points that you come away from the story with are nice.

clairetrellahill's review against another edition

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2.0

I think I was too old for this book. Definitely the best part was Trina Schart Hyman’s illustrations.

maiakobabe's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

2.75

I've had this book on my shelf for ages, picked up at a used bookstore because of fond memories of other Velde books (Dragon's Bait and Heir Apparent made a big impression on me as a pre-teen). Unfortunately, I think I waited too long to read this, as it's a bit too simplistic for my tastes as an adult reader. It's a very short fairy-tale like story about a princess, Jennifer, who is fairly average in every way, who has to rescue a handsome but stupid prince from a curse. Jennifer and a sorcerer named Norman talk their way out of trouble with a witch, a giant, a dragon, an evil fairy and a jinni. The somewhat predicable story is enlivened by gorgeous line art illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman.