Scan barcode
timinbc's review
3.0
Three stars, because I suspect it achieved what it was meant to achieve: a lightweight book with magic for a reader who's between child and adult (I don't want to say "teenager" because it adds a whole 'nother set of issues). People who are too young for Stephanie Plum, maybe?
If we add up Sebastian and Lily and divide by two, you might have two interesting characters. As we start out, Lily just isn't very interesting, and Sebastian is trying too hard to be interesting.
I was intrigued by the way each part of the story required a 2-3 hour drive out and back same day. There seemed to be no reason for that, and the trips weren't described.
The magic system is OK, the plot works, and I like the gentle reminders that bad choices in life can lead to bad outcomes.
Not sure about the part where Lily gets the chronosynclastic infundibulator (call it something else if you like but *I* know what it is) and just punches the buttons that looked like the right ones. But I guess no one wants to write the magic book where, 200 pages in, the heroine's last word is "oops!"
Or even the one where they finally get the McGuffin and it doesn't do anything and the bad guy wins.
Worth reading, but I doubt I'll look for #2. I'm not the target audience.
If we add up Sebastian and Lily and divide by two, you might have two interesting characters. As we start out, Lily just isn't very interesting, and Sebastian is trying too hard to be interesting.
I was intrigued by the way each part of the story required a 2-3 hour drive out and back same day. There seemed to be no reason for that, and the trips weren't described.
The magic system is OK, the plot works, and I like the gentle reminders that bad choices in life can lead to bad outcomes.
Not sure about the part where Lily gets the chronosynclastic infundibulator (call it something else if you like but *I* know what it is) and just punches the buttons that looked like the right ones. But I guess no one wants to write the magic book where, 200 pages in, the heroine's last word is "oops!"
Or even the one where they finally get the McGuffin and it doesn't do anything and the bad guy wins.
Worth reading, but I doubt I'll look for #2. I'm not the target audience.
kdavis20's review against another edition
5.0
How to describe this book? In a word, inventive. Lydia Sherrer takes this seemingly overdone genre of fantasy and turns it into something fresh and new. The characters are amazingly well written and believable, even from the very beginning. A sarcastic wizard and her wise-cracking witch best friend make for an amazingly entertaining duo in this modern fantasy novel by Lydia Sherrer. Magic, snark, wit and cats: what more can you ask for in a book?
I received and Advance Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received and Advance Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
priya_amrev's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting but too short and jumpy. Episodes should be reserved for shows, not books. Still interesting enough that I’d consider reading the next book
gato_lector's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was a cute, cozy, mystery/adventure book. I really liked that it was divided into three stories. It reminded me of the show Psych but with magic. Lily and Sebastian are such a funny couple of friends, one studious and serious and the other mischievous and charming. I really enjoyed the different antics they got up to.
fmcfranny's review
5.0
Love love love this! The characters are so different and unique. The proper Lily, the go with the flow Sebastian. I love their chemistry, you can feel it while reading. Their friendship is unlikely but somehow, just somehow, it works. Together they make comedy, intrigue, and plenty of trouble...which seems mostly his fault and her tagging along to save him. Which was another thing I loved! The girl is often the knight in shining armor. It's very interesting I cannot wait to read number two!
judith_mora's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0