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caitlin_lore's review
4.0
A collection of lovely, magical middle grade stories! By far, “The Snow Dragon” was my favorite of the bunch and a beautiful way to end the collection.
A warm-hearted read perfect for snow days, and a reminder to always be on the lookout for magic.
A warm-hearted read perfect for snow days, and a reminder to always be on the lookout for magic.
hafsa's review
3.0
My thoughts on the stories varied a lot, but overall the stories ranged from the bad side to the good side of average - not perfect, but not terrible either.
milly_in_the_library's review against another edition
4.0
A really lovely collection of short stories! A couple in particular were just so good!
hillersg7's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What a wonderful collection of stories. Real magic - sometimes dark and scary, though with great elements of wonder and hope and joy.
mariethelibrarian's review
5.0
This book is just pure magic. Pure winter magic. The title really doesn't lie, and I gotta admit this was a cover buy. Plus it sounded intriguing and I was in the mood for novellas. AND MAN I AM SO GLAD I BOUGHT IT. ITS SO MAGICAL AND THESE AUTHORS ARE GREAT AND JUST YAY! There's magic, snow, cold, winter, friendship and warmth in these stories.
ruthie_the_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Read & reviewed for the bookbag: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Winter_Magic_by_Abi_Elphinstone_(Editor)
thisisgabe's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
gen_wolfhailstorm's review
3.0
A night at the frost fair by Emma Carroll | 3 stars
This is my second dive into Carroll's works since I read her collection of short stories, Into the Woods, of which I liked but didnt woo me. This short story was a sweet one (literally.. cough cough "gingerbread" ) but still not enough to entice me much to pick up more of her work.
The magic of midwinter by Amy Alward | 4 stars
This was very enchanting. The goal was simple but unique enough for me to enjoy. I did find it had a strange blend of modern and fairy tale magic that didn't quite work and also felt a bit confusing in tone. To me it felt like it wasn't sure if it wanted to me middle grade or YA, but regardless it was enjoyable. I'm not sure I'd personally be interested in checking out the rest of the books that this mini story is inspired from though (the potion diaries). I'm rather content with just this snippet of the world and the characters. I don't feel like it would spoil anything, but would give you a taste to see if you're interested in carrying on with that world.
The voice in the snow by Michelle Harrison | 5 stars
I recently read A pinch of magic by this author and absolutely adored it, so when I recognised her name, I was very excited to dive into this world. I love the way this was told, sort of past, present, past, present but it gives you a chance to work out how it connects, rather that thrusting all the information and names at you at once.
I had intended to check out more from her anyway, so I would definitely check out The Other Alice, which is the world this short story is set in. Another unique story I fully enjoyed. It was very creative!
The cold-hearted by Geraldine McCaughrean | 3 stars
I'm not really sure what to think of this one. Once we got going I was enjoying it more, but I felt I was left with a strange, lack lustred feeling after it.
Casse-Noisette by Katherine Woodfine | 3 stars
It gave me Angelina Ballerina nostalgia. It was such a lovely story. At first I thought the ballet theme may be tedious for me as I have no interest in it, but the story alongside it went beautifully well and I felt like I understood our main character bargaining and making promises to herself in the ways she did.
Someone like the snow queen by Berlie Doherty | 3.5 stars
I adore the original story of the snow queen. It's haunting, eery and creepy and this one brought those feelings to life again. I felt like how our main character would feel, like this was such a surreal experience. The story beneath was lovely, and although I imagine it would have delivered more depth had it been a longer story, it managed to get the main themes across and didn't feel too rushed.
The room with the mountain view by Lauren St John | 3 stars
It all seemed a bit far fetched when adults got involved. It felt like it was supposed to make it believable that wouldn't happen. I only pick on this because this was one of the most "real life" winter stories in this collection and so the inconsistency of that made it stick out. Besides this, it was a fun story of mystery and adventure!
Snow by Michelle Magorian | 3 stars
I didn't realise this would be a poem. It was sweet, but very short. I don't have much to say on this one.
Into the mountain by Jamila Gavin | 4 stars
The Pied Piper has always been a story that fills me with unease, but intrigue. This inspired story was fantastic, and was interesting that it took it from the perspective of children left behind and expanded on that. It was a great read.
The wishing book by Piers Torday | 3.5 stars
Kind go gave me Gwendy's Box vibes. This was such a weird story. I didn't really like our main character and then end I wasn't keen on either, but the story itself was so unique and I really enjoyed it.
The snow dragon by Abi Elphinstone | 3 stars
I was a little disappointed by this one cause I really wanted to read more from Abi Elphinstone, since reading her world book day book. But this one felt a little... pathetic for me. I feel so bad saying that as it's such a harsh word but it's the only way I can describe it. The story was sweet enough but it was a bit irritating. I will still continue my interest in the series I'm interested by her though.
This is perhaps a bit of a weird point to make, but I feel an itch to say that I couldn't help but notice quite a few of the stories had a child who's parent had passed away. I totally get that it's too include children who have suffered loss and I'm all for but I guess I felt like it was a bit too raw, having lost my mum last summer. It's one of those odd things I'm finding so much of late, movies, books, etc... when I'm not searching for that. Whenever I hear what sounds like it, it makes me catch my breath and feel ill and I guess I just wanted to mention thay because right now, it's going to be something that alters my thoughts on such things.
Overall, this was a lovely wintery read and has got me excited about some other authors. I wish I read it just before Christmas as that seemed to be the central theme, rather than winter in general, but it was a lovely collection of stories, for the most part, regardless.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
This is my second dive into Carroll's works since I read her collection of short stories, Into the Woods, of which I liked but didnt woo me. This short story was a sweet one (literally.. cough cough "gingerbread" ) but still not enough to entice me much to pick up more of her work.
The magic of midwinter by Amy Alward | 4 stars
This was very enchanting. The goal was simple but unique enough for me to enjoy. I did find it had a strange blend of modern and fairy tale magic that didn't quite work and also felt a bit confusing in tone. To me it felt like it wasn't sure if it wanted to me middle grade or YA, but regardless it was enjoyable. I'm not sure I'd personally be interested in checking out the rest of the books that this mini story is inspired from though (the potion diaries). I'm rather content with just this snippet of the world and the characters. I don't feel like it would spoil anything, but would give you a taste to see if you're interested in carrying on with that world.
The voice in the snow by Michelle Harrison | 5 stars
I recently read A pinch of magic by this author and absolutely adored it, so when I recognised her name, I was very excited to dive into this world. I love the way this was told, sort of past, present, past, present but it gives you a chance to work out how it connects, rather that thrusting all the information and names at you at once.
I had intended to check out more from her anyway, so I would definitely check out The Other Alice, which is the world this short story is set in. Another unique story I fully enjoyed. It was very creative!
The cold-hearted by Geraldine McCaughrean | 3 stars
I'm not really sure what to think of this one. Once we got going I was enjoying it more, but I felt I was left with a strange, lack lustred feeling after it.
Casse-Noisette by Katherine Woodfine | 3 stars
It gave me Angelina Ballerina nostalgia. It was such a lovely story. At first I thought the ballet theme may be tedious for me as I have no interest in it, but the story alongside it went beautifully well and I felt like I understood our main character bargaining and making promises to herself in the ways she did.
Someone like the snow queen by Berlie Doherty | 3.5 stars
I adore the original story of the snow queen. It's haunting, eery and creepy and this one brought those feelings to life again. I felt like how our main character would feel, like this was such a surreal experience. The story beneath was lovely, and although I imagine it would have delivered more depth had it been a longer story, it managed to get the main themes across and didn't feel too rushed.
The room with the mountain view by Lauren St John | 3 stars
It all seemed a bit far fetched when adults got involved. It felt like it was supposed to make it believable that wouldn't happen. I only pick on this because this was one of the most "real life" winter stories in this collection and so the inconsistency of that made it stick out. Besides this, it was a fun story of mystery and adventure!
Snow by Michelle Magorian | 3 stars
I didn't realise this would be a poem. It was sweet, but very short. I don't have much to say on this one.
Into the mountain by Jamila Gavin | 4 stars
The Pied Piper has always been a story that fills me with unease, but intrigue. This inspired story was fantastic, and was interesting that it took it from the perspective of children left behind and expanded on that. It was a great read.
The wishing book by Piers Torday | 3.5 stars
Kind go gave me Gwendy's Box vibes. This was such a weird story. I didn't really like our main character and then end I wasn't keen on either, but the story itself was so unique and I really enjoyed it.
The snow dragon by Abi Elphinstone | 3 stars
I was a little disappointed by this one cause I really wanted to read more from Abi Elphinstone, since reading her world book day book. But this one felt a little... pathetic for me. I feel so bad saying that as it's such a harsh word but it's the only way I can describe it. The story was sweet enough but it was a bit irritating. I will still continue my interest in the series I'm interested by her though.
This is perhaps a bit of a weird point to make, but I feel an itch to say that I couldn't help but notice quite a few of the stories had a child who's parent had passed away. I totally get that it's too include children who have suffered loss and I'm all for but I guess I felt like it was a bit too raw, having lost my mum last summer. It's one of those odd things I'm finding so much of late, movies, books, etc... when I'm not searching for that. Whenever I hear what sounds like it, it makes me catch my breath and feel ill and I guess I just wanted to mention thay because right now, it's going to be something that alters my thoughts on such things.
Overall, this was a lovely wintery read and has got me excited about some other authors. I wish I read it just before Christmas as that seemed to be the central theme, rather than winter in general, but it was a lovely collection of stories, for the most part, regardless.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
mostwonderfulstory's review
4.0
A Night at the Frost Fair by Emma Carroll - 4/5 Stars
The Magic of Midwinter by Amy Alward - 4/5 Stars
The Voice in the Snow by Michelle Harrison - 5/5 Stars
The Cold-Hearted by Geraldine McCaughrean - 2/5 Stars
Casse-Noisette by Katherine Woodfine - 4/5 Stars
Someone Like the Snow Queen by Berlin Doherty - 3/5 Stars
The Room With the Mountain View by Lauren St John - 4.5/5 Stars
Snow by Michelle Magorian - 3/5 Stars
Into the Mountain by Jamila Gavin - 3/5 Stars
The Wishing Book by Piers Torday - 3/5 Stars
The Snow Dragon by Abi Elphinstone - 3.5/5 Stars
The Magic of Midwinter by Amy Alward - 4/5 Stars
The Voice in the Snow by Michelle Harrison - 5/5 Stars
The Cold-Hearted by Geraldine McCaughrean - 2/5 Stars
Casse-Noisette by Katherine Woodfine - 4/5 Stars
Someone Like the Snow Queen by Berlin Doherty - 3/5 Stars
The Room With the Mountain View by Lauren St John - 4.5/5 Stars
Snow by Michelle Magorian - 3/5 Stars
Into the Mountain by Jamila Gavin - 3/5 Stars
The Wishing Book by Piers Torday - 3/5 Stars
The Snow Dragon by Abi Elphinstone - 3.5/5 Stars