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Lily #1
Lily
The first in a fun, frightening series about two magical sisters In a world where magic is outlawed, Lily runs wild and neglected. Once rich and powerful magicians, now Lily's family hide away in their crumbling house, while her older sister, Georgie, is trained secretly in magic. But when Lily discovers her parents' dark plan to use Georgie in a terrible plot to restore the country to its magical glory, she knows she must rescue her sister, and flee.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2011
20 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Holly Webb
299 books405 followersHolly Webb is one of Britain's best-loved children's writers. She has written over a hundred books for children, and her work has been translated into over thirty languages. Holly lives in Tilehurst, just outside of Reading, Berkshire, with her husband, three children and several cats.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 13, 2022
Myślę, że te 4 gwiazdki są z nostalgii do serii Rose.
Ogólnie to spoko rozrywka, ale nic więcej. Nie wypowiadam się głębiej ponieważ nie jestem docelową grupą odbiorców.
Ogólnie to spoko rozrywka, ale nic więcej. Nie wypowiadam się głębiej ponieważ nie jestem docelową grupą odbiorców.
October 18, 2025
Re-reading my favourite series growing up ✨️
December 24, 2021
reread
February 15, 2017
It was...oka-ay. If I could give it 2.5 stars, I would. But I can't, so...
If I was to compare it to the first book in the "Rose" series by the same author, it is a vast improvement, writing-wise. Still waaaay too much telling and hardly any showing. And the characterisation is bland: none of the characters are particularly well-developed--the antagonist is almost pointless for all the threat she imparts--and while Lily is nice, that's about all she is. She's not particularly conflicted, or stubborn, or damaged, or any worse the wear for what is described as an entire childhood to-date of emotional neglect by her supposedly-evil mother, who is utterly absent and who therefore poses absolutely NO threat to the girls at all, aside from a few cast shadows. And once they reach the theatre, Lily almost might as well not BE the main character. In fact, the lack of characterisation ends up rending the main protagonists as sort of one, giant, boring character-blob.
Also, if you're expecting a standalone, this isn't the book for you. (And yes, I realise it's part of a series...but this book has no real ending.)
Anyway, it's not too scary for children aged 7 - 9, and I think would probably be enjoyed by those up to age 12-ish. It's not a terrible book. But it's not a great book. I am hoping the rest of the series fleshes out far more of the story than the first.
If I was to compare it to the first book in the "Rose" series by the same author, it is a vast improvement, writing-wise. Still waaaay too much telling and hardly any showing. And the characterisation is bland: none of the characters are particularly well-developed--the antagonist is almost pointless for all the threat she imparts--and while Lily is nice, that's about all she is. She's not particularly conflicted, or stubborn, or damaged, or any worse the wear for what is described as an entire childhood to-date of emotional neglect by her supposedly-evil mother, who is utterly absent and who therefore poses absolutely NO threat to the girls at all, aside from a few cast shadows. And once they reach the theatre, Lily almost might as well not BE the main character. In fact, the lack of characterisation ends up rending the main protagonists as sort of one, giant, boring character-blob.
Also, if you're expecting a standalone, this isn't the book for you. (And yes, I realise it's part of a series...but this book has no real ending.)
Anyway, it's not too scary for children aged 7 - 9, and I think would probably be enjoyed by those up to age 12-ish. It's not a terrible book. But it's not a great book. I am hoping the rest of the series fleshes out far more of the story than the first.
December 22, 2011
I am currently reading this book, found it slow to start, but once you get further on it is a really good story,and you will want to know how this story finishes, good little book.
September 13, 2018
I loved the Rose series by this same author. I was hoping for something similar here, and while it does share many things, such as the magic and world setting, the characters and plot in Lily just weren't as good. On it's own, I recommend it for young fantasy fans, but they should definitely read Rose first.
August 12, 2023
3.5 stars
Not my favorite Holly Webb book. The plot didn't grab me as quickly as usual, and although I really like some of the supporting characters, I don't love the way the book or some of the other characters act like Georgie just needs to get it together?? Like she has been through a LOT, plus there's the magical element on top of it!
CW: Magical control and child abuse
Not my favorite Holly Webb book. The plot didn't grab me as quickly as usual, and although I really like some of the supporting characters, I don't love the way the book or some of the other characters act like Georgie just needs to get it together?? Like she has been through a LOT, plus there's the magical element on top of it!
CW: Magical control and child abuse
January 11, 2020
rounded to four, because rounding down to three feels mean. It's a pleasant alternate 19th century with magic story of two sisters who escape their island home when they discover their mother's plan to use their magic as a weapon
April 27, 2018
A good child book
November 19, 2018
This felt like a sequel, so maybe better to read the other series first? I liked the voice - very strong - and the writing drew me in totally, even if I am a little older. :D
July 2, 2020
This was a thoroughly enjoyable children's book. I would like to carry on with the series. A definite recommendation.
December 3, 2021
Une histoire extraordinaire j'ai accroché dés le début
October 10, 2016
At first I translated all "Maisie Hitchins" books for the publishing house in Russia.
And then I was given 4 more books. 'Lily' books.
Is Holly Webb really the author?
Comparing to the spry and vivid language and style and plot of 'Maisie', 'Lily' is a complete... Um. I am not allowed to swear, am I?
Such a boring book - nothing happens. At all. Several chapters of 'Lily' tell us how the girls, Lily and Georgi, talk. They talk and talk and talk and it feels like there is no plot at all. Well, maybe because there really is no plot at all.
Extremely boring idea and extremely boring characters. Henrietta was supposed to be the 'spry-character' - but this pug is no more than just a parody of a well-written-and-smart-but-tiny 'protagonist'. I do not understand how can anyone be happy to read a book without a well-written plot. Without a plot at all. Don't you fall asleep? Well, I do.
I loved Maisie Hitchins, but I hate Lily now. Sorry. The most stupid and boring book about magicians. It's hard to understand the WORLD in 'Lily' because we don't have enough details. Seems like Holly Webb didn't know what to write about but wanted to eat and drink so she had to write something.
Plus the idea of a 'bad mum' was borrowed from the 'Golden Compass', wasn't it? So nothing new. Amazing.
Do not waste your time.
And then I was given 4 more books. 'Lily' books.
Is Holly Webb really the author?
Comparing to the spry and vivid language and style and plot of 'Maisie', 'Lily' is a complete... Um. I am not allowed to swear, am I?
Such a boring book - nothing happens. At all. Several chapters of 'Lily' tell us how the girls, Lily and Georgi, talk. They talk and talk and talk and it feels like there is no plot at all. Well, maybe because there really is no plot at all.
Extremely boring idea and extremely boring characters. Henrietta was supposed to be the 'spry-character' - but this pug is no more than just a parody of a well-written-and-smart-but-tiny 'protagonist'. I do not understand how can anyone be happy to read a book without a well-written plot. Without a plot at all. Don't you fall asleep? Well, I do.
I loved Maisie Hitchins, but I hate Lily now. Sorry. The most stupid and boring book about magicians. It's hard to understand the WORLD in 'Lily' because we don't have enough details. Seems like Holly Webb didn't know what to write about but wanted to eat and drink so she had to write something.
Plus the idea of a 'bad mum' was borrowed from the 'Golden Compass', wasn't it? So nothing new. Amazing.
Do not waste your time.
February 10, 2015
Lily is set sometime after the Rose books, probably by a few decades. Magic has been outlawed and the old magical families are under close watch by the Queen's Men. Lily's mother is plotting revenge against the queen, using Lily's sister Georgie as a weapon, so Lily and her sister flee to London in search of their father.
Lily is a pretty standard little girl protagonist. Georgie is annoyingly waif-like. She has good reason to be that way but it still gets annoying. They are also accompanied by a magical talking pug, Henrietta, who's pretty adorable and charming. Henrietta isn't as all-knowing and powerful as Rose's Gustavus, instead being barely more worldly than the sisters. They eventually team up with a clever stage magician and the white rabbit on the back cover becomes relevant.
It's an okay book but if I didn't already know I like the author's work I may not have stuck with it. The ending is unsatisfying and doesn't wrap much up. Hoping to find out what happened between the Rose series and this series and hoping a grown-up Rose turns up are the main things that will push me to read the next book.
Lily is a pretty standard little girl protagonist. Georgie is annoyingly waif-like. She has good reason to be that way but it still gets annoying. They are also accompanied by a magical talking pug, Henrietta, who's pretty adorable and charming. Henrietta isn't as all-knowing and powerful as Rose's Gustavus, instead being barely more worldly than the sisters. They eventually team up with a clever stage magician and the white rabbit on the back cover becomes relevant.
It's an okay book but if I didn't already know I like the author's work I may not have stuck with it. The ending is unsatisfying and doesn't wrap much up. Hoping to find out what happened between the Rose series and this series and hoping a grown-up Rose turns up are the main things that will push me to read the next book.
March 12, 2013
I really enjoyed Lily. It was a sweet little book of two magical sisters living in a time when magic is outlawed. There on the run from there evil mother and her servant (who is very spooky) and that is the beginning of the girls adventures.
The characters are written in a way perfect for a children’s book the good characters are loveable and the bad characters are wicked very black and white making it fun to read.
I think anyone that likes magic, children’s books or adorable talking pugs will love Lily!
The characters are written in a way perfect for a children’s book the good characters are loveable and the bad characters are wicked very black and white making it fun to read.
I think anyone that likes magic, children’s books or adorable talking pugs will love Lily!
May 29, 2014
I loved the Roseseries of books and this is a book from the same world. I just couldn't get into this one - the hook was not strong enough for me but I'm sure this would appeal to plenty of others.
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July 21, 2013hey i loved the rose collection that i why i bought lily and i loved it can u please tell me what other books u have wrote because i love reading your books. i got my first book for my birthday and i have a special plays for you books love u
November 12, 2013
The story itself is quite dark but the narrative style is as fluffy and cutesy as the cover. Henrietta the dog is super adorable. I cheered for our heroes and heroines and would like to continue with their adventure!
April 10, 2014
10 year old magician Lily has to rescue her sister Georgie from their mother who wants to use her in a plot against the queen. They run away and join a theater act that pretends to use magic through trickery. The first Lily book.
January 29, 2014
Cute fantasy tale...
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May 27, 2014Chlupaťoučký přebal skrývá docela temný příběh. Chyběl mi tam nějaký motiv, který by pro mě knihu učinil zajímavou.
September 27, 2014
The Lily and Rose series are so awesome!
I started Rose in grade three and kept waiting and waiting for the library to finally have the last book of lily.
This magical tale is so amazing!
I started Rose in grade three and kept waiting and waiting for the library to finally have the last book of lily.
This magical tale is so amazing!
October 26, 2016
Well done. If you enjoyed the Rose series by Holly Webb...these are along the same lines.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews