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Secrets of the Magic Ring
When nine-year-old Paul explores the hole dug for his backyard swimming pool, he discovers a box containing a ring—a ring that turns out to be magical. Moments later, a mysterious boy shows up demanding the ring; luckily, Paul’s trusty dog Clem scares him away. To keep the ring safe, Paul hides it in his pillow case, where, to his horror, it’s discovered by his mother, who loans it to his Aunt Vicky. Things get even stranger when Vicky, a non-swimmer, falls into the now-finished pool and discovers that her greatest secret wish has been granted—she can swim! As the ring gets passed around and wishes are made, a wild series of talents and circumstances threaten to turn their lives upside down…forever. But Jasmine, a fairy of the woods, has an idea, and if everyone cooperates, she just might be able to put an end to the shenanigans and return their lives to normal. Wildly original and full of vibrant, chaotic imagination, Secrets of the Magic Ring is proof of the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for.”
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2011
87 people are currently reading
2674 people want to read
About the author
Karen McQuestion
52 books2,637 followersKaren McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author whose books have sold over three million copies. Some of her titles include The Moonlight Child, Dovetail, and A Limited Run.
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 18, 2017
This is a tale of two reviews - me and a 7th grader: I thought this book was good while the 7th grader absolutely loved it, hence the "star" rating on the book as the 7th grader is the target audience vs. a middle-aged Dad.
The author has a nice writing style that is engaging and full of rich and believable characters, complete with some nice life lessons and a tale you can have a conversation with your child about when they are done vs. a short "I liked it" or "didn't like it" discussion.
Overall, a good job that had my 7th grader wanting to read moire - as a parent, what more could you ask for in this day and age of electronic stimulation?
The author has a nice writing style that is engaging and full of rich and believable characters, complete with some nice life lessons and a tale you can have a conversation with your child about when they are done vs. a short "I liked it" or "didn't like it" discussion.
Overall, a good job that had my 7th grader wanting to read moire - as a parent, what more could you ask for in this day and age of electronic stimulation?
June 13, 2017
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It would be appropriate for a reader about 9 years and over.
The story is about Paul, who finds a magic ring when workmen are building a pool in his back yard.
The ring grants the wearer one wish, but unless the wish is selfless, it will eventually go wrong. Be careful what you wish for, Henry wished to remain young forever and now 65 years later he is still about 10 years old and not enjoying it anymore. He wants to get the ring back to try to undo his wish, but can he? What wishes do others make and how do they work out? It's worth reading to find out.
I would recommend this book to others,and it is one I'll share with my family. I also look forward to reading more books by Karen McQuestion.
I really enjoyed this book. It would be appropriate for a reader about 9 years and over.
The story is about Paul, who finds a magic ring when workmen are building a pool in his back yard.
The ring grants the wearer one wish, but unless the wish is selfless, it will eventually go wrong. Be careful what you wish for, Henry wished to remain young forever and now 65 years later he is still about 10 years old and not enjoying it anymore. He wants to get the ring back to try to undo his wish, but can he? What wishes do others make and how do they work out? It's worth reading to find out.
I would recommend this book to others,and it is one I'll share with my family. I also look forward to reading more books by Karen McQuestion.
February 25, 2019
Language - G, Sexual Content - G; Violence - G
Paul is finally getting the pool he's always wanted, and while it's being dug he finds a magic ring in the dirt. It's all fun and games at first, but soon Paul learns that wishes can be dangerous.
The book was cute, but it wasn't one I'll remember. The moral, though, is one that we could learn from: you can be happy with what you've got. You don't need wishes to make life better. (And faries are always there to help.)
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Paul is finally getting the pool he's always wanted, and while it's being dug he finds a magic ring in the dirt. It's all fun and games at first, but soon Paul learns that wishes can be dangerous.
The book was cute, but it wasn't one I'll remember. The moral, though, is one that we could learn from: you can be happy with what you've got. You don't need wishes to make life better. (And faries are always there to help.)
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
October 18, 2023
A delightful book of whimsy and wonder, readers follow nine year old rambunctious Paul on an adventure he shouldn't soon forget. With the excitement of a pool being installed in his backyard, the adventures roll in faster than the hose could fill the pool.
With a theme of friendship and trust, honesty and acceptance, finding a ring in the ground began the summer of a life time, or times, you'll need to read it to find out!
With a theme of friendship and trust, honesty and acceptance, finding a ring in the ground began the summer of a life time, or times, you'll need to read it to find out!
October 28, 2017
Be careful what you wish for...
This is a fun fantasy adventure for young readers with interesting characters, and several twists and turns, concerning a magic ring a young man finds when his backyard is being excavated to put in a pool. I don't want to spoil the surprises, but wishes don't always turn out as expected!
This is a fun fantasy adventure for young readers with interesting characters, and several twists and turns, concerning a magic ring a young man finds when his backyard is being excavated to put in a pool. I don't want to spoil the surprises, but wishes don't always turn out as expected!
August 20, 2018
My 5 year old daughter and I listened to Secrets of the Magic Ring while in the car doing our normal day to day activities. We both loved it. My daughter said it was even better than Celia and the Fairies. I agree! There was so much action and adventure. This book shows great examples of be careful what you wish for.
January 23, 2020
A perfect book
This sequel to Celia And The Faries is a wonderful book, both for young adults and people in my age bracket!! It makes you think that magic really exists! The characters are so real and fully fleshed out. Even the dog is a character!!!! So funny! I highly recommend this book and it’s companion. Just FUN!!!!!
This sequel to Celia And The Faries is a wonderful book, both for young adults and people in my age bracket!! It makes you think that magic really exists! The characters are so real and fully fleshed out. Even the dog is a character!!!! So funny! I highly recommend this book and it’s companion. Just FUN!!!!!
August 9, 2017
Unexpectedly Lovely!
The premise sounds fun but the execution is even better! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will highly recommend it to anyone, young and old!
The premise sounds fun but the execution is even better! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will highly recommend it to anyone, young and old!
October 1, 2017
Too short
Well the story line is great and it's a good read, just too short. I guess this is a book just for kids
Well the story line is great and it's a good read, just too short. I guess this is a book just for kids
January 8, 2018
Quick, fun read.
It was a fun read for the Christmas break. And I wondered how they would solve the problem. Interesting ending.
It was a fun read for the Christmas break. And I wondered how they would solve the problem. Interesting ending.
April 3, 2019
A very good book. I loved it.
May 19, 2021
Great book
My grandkids absolutely loved this book. Karen McQuestion has become on of my favorite authors. I have read all the books I can find from her.
My grandkids absolutely loved this book. Karen McQuestion has become on of my favorite authors. I have read all the books I can find from her.
March 19, 2017
I read this when I was younger and I re-read it the other day... I was confused, but I think this is the second book so...
November 18, 2011
I got a copy of this book for review form the publisher. This is a companion novel to Celia and the Fairies, this novel is told from Paul's viewpoint and takes place some time after the first book. I didn't like it quite as much as the first book, but it was still a magical and engaging story for younger readers.
Nine year old Paul discovers a strange box with a ring inside of it in a hole that is being dug for a pool behind his house. Paul finds that the ring seems to grant the deepest wish of anyone who touches it. This seems great until the granted wishes start going sour. Paul finds out that the saying "be careful what you wish for" definitely applies in this case.
This book is intended for younger readers, middle grade or younger. While I enjoyed Celia and the Fairies, I didn't enjoy this one as much mainly because I just didn't click with Paul as a character. Paul is nicknamed Spaz, and there's a reason for that. Paul is just kind of annoying. I know I was supposed to empathize with his problems fitting in with the other kids, but I had trouble doing that. I just couldn't relate to him and found him to be a shelfish, immature, and obnoxious character.
Celia is only in the story for a tiny amount of time, so you don't get to see much of her. The story mainly revolves around Paul, his dog Clem, and some of Paul's "friends". The fairy watching over Paul's family is in the story a small amount, and while she does play a major role in the story's resolution, you don't see a ton of her throughout the book.
I did enjoy the idea of fairies watching over specified families. I also enjoyed that the book teaches some good lessons about not being selfish and trying to care for others and be happy about who you are.
I had some trouble with the Magic ring itself because the way the magic worked wasn't consistent throughout the book. Initially it sounds like the ring will grant your most desperate wish at the time you pick it up; this is how it works for Paul's aunt and for Paul's dog. For some reason Paul was able to handle the ring a lot before he made a wish and then actually has to make an effort to think his wish loudly to get it to happen. Then all the wishes were supposed to go wrong, later this was modified that they were going to go wrong if you made a selfish wish. This was some circular logic because if the ring grants your dearest wish when you touch it how can you control whether or not that is a selfish wish or not? That's basically saying you can't ever think anything selfish just in case; anyway I thought about the whole thing for awhile and the way the ring worked was just inconsistent throughout the story.
The book is very short and ends well enough. It is a story I think young boys might enjoy reading. I think the original audience that was drawn to Celia and the Fairies (mainly younger girls) will find Paul a lot harder to relate to in this book. The dialogue throughout the story is pretty simple and at times a bit corny, but again it should be fine for very young readers.
Overall this was an okay story. The story teaches some good lessons around selflessness, it is easy to read, and has some fun ideas about fairies protecting families. It is a pretty simple story though, so I think older kids might be bored. I had a hard time really engaging with the main character Paul because I thought he was obnoxious. I also had some trouble with the inconsistencies in how the magic ring worked (I know, fantasy buff here, but I like my magic systems detailed and solid). This would be a great light read for young boys who are interested in the magical and fantastic, also possibly a good read for older boys who don't like getting into long stories. For middle grade and older boys I would recommend Harry Potter, Percy and the Olympians, or Fablehaven as excellent fantasy for middle grade reads.
Nine year old Paul discovers a strange box with a ring inside of it in a hole that is being dug for a pool behind his house. Paul finds that the ring seems to grant the deepest wish of anyone who touches it. This seems great until the granted wishes start going sour. Paul finds out that the saying "be careful what you wish for" definitely applies in this case.
This book is intended for younger readers, middle grade or younger. While I enjoyed Celia and the Fairies, I didn't enjoy this one as much mainly because I just didn't click with Paul as a character. Paul is nicknamed Spaz, and there's a reason for that. Paul is just kind of annoying. I know I was supposed to empathize with his problems fitting in with the other kids, but I had trouble doing that. I just couldn't relate to him and found him to be a shelfish, immature, and obnoxious character.
Celia is only in the story for a tiny amount of time, so you don't get to see much of her. The story mainly revolves around Paul, his dog Clem, and some of Paul's "friends". The fairy watching over Paul's family is in the story a small amount, and while she does play a major role in the story's resolution, you don't see a ton of her throughout the book.
I did enjoy the idea of fairies watching over specified families. I also enjoyed that the book teaches some good lessons about not being selfish and trying to care for others and be happy about who you are.
I had some trouble with the Magic ring itself because the way the magic worked wasn't consistent throughout the book. Initially it sounds like the ring will grant your most desperate wish at the time you pick it up; this is how it works for Paul's aunt and for Paul's dog. For some reason Paul was able to handle the ring a lot before he made a wish and then actually has to make an effort to think his wish loudly to get it to happen. Then all the wishes were supposed to go wrong, later this was modified that they were going to go wrong if you made a selfish wish. This was some circular logic because if the ring grants your dearest wish when you touch it how can you control whether or not that is a selfish wish or not? That's basically saying you can't ever think anything selfish just in case; anyway I thought about the whole thing for awhile and the way the ring worked was just inconsistent throughout the story.
The book is very short and ends well enough. It is a story I think young boys might enjoy reading. I think the original audience that was drawn to Celia and the Fairies (mainly younger girls) will find Paul a lot harder to relate to in this book. The dialogue throughout the story is pretty simple and at times a bit corny, but again it should be fine for very young readers.
Overall this was an okay story. The story teaches some good lessons around selflessness, it is easy to read, and has some fun ideas about fairies protecting families. It is a pretty simple story though, so I think older kids might be bored. I had a hard time really engaging with the main character Paul because I thought he was obnoxious. I also had some trouble with the inconsistencies in how the magic ring worked (I know, fantasy buff here, but I like my magic systems detailed and solid). This would be a great light read for young boys who are interested in the magical and fantastic, also possibly a good read for older boys who don't like getting into long stories. For middle grade and older boys I would recommend Harry Potter, Percy and the Olympians, or Fablehaven as excellent fantasy for middle grade reads.
December 2, 2011
Article first published as Book Review:Secrets of the Magic Ring by Karen McQuestion on Blogcritics.
In a heartfelt time of year when the magic of Christmas is upon us, a dose of fun and fairies seems just the thing to add to a child’s holiday list.
In Secrets of the Magic Ring by Karen McQuestion, we are drawn into the mysteries of fairies along with their abilities and reason for being–at least in this part of the woods. When Paul’s rich Aunt Vicky decides to renew her relationship with her sister, she used her wealth to have a new pool built in their yard. Paul is overcome with joy. His friends Celia and Alex will be able to spend more time with him in the summer and after school. Watching the work on the site is almost exciting as the pool itself. One day after the workers have gone, Paul sees something in the hole. Knowing he shouldn’t, he nonetheless decides to use a ladder and retrieve it. Getting the item out of the dirt is difficult but Paul perseveres. As he pulls it loose, he falls to the bottom of the hole.
Scurrying back up the ladder with his prize, he is surprised to find a stranger, a boy waiting at the top of the ladder. Reaching out, he demands that Paul turn the treasure over to him. Paul refuses, and while somewhat startled he feels better when his dog chases the intruder away.
Having to find a place to inspect his treasure in secret is a challenge, but when he finally opens the box, he is mesmerized. Inside he finds a ring. Trying it on, he finds it fits perfectly. Trying a different finger, he finds it fit perfectly there as well. The note in the box with the ring says he will get one wish. It must be a wise wish, not selfish. Excited, Paul does not realize the scope of the trouble coming his way, but the fairies are very well aware of this ring. Used wrongly in the past the wishes often create a great deal of trouble for those who use it. When the ring makes its way from person to person in his family, they are in for a strange and mysterious set of happenings. Only with the help of the fairies can they begin to set right the wrongs that are even now in place.
This is a charming, well-told story, sure to enchant your young reader. The characters are fun and interesting. The children are like those we all know; they have their joys and concerns, and get into trouble as often as they can. Each fairy is assigned a family they watch over. When the ring shows up again after having been lost for so many years, they try to come up with a plan that will make everything right.
Having an imagination and reaching out to capture the attention of those young at heart everywhere, McQuestion has given us a tale full of creativity and kindness.
If you are looking for that special gift for the young reader in your life, look no further. A follow up to Celia and the Fairies, this work stands on its own. This is a marvelous story to peak the imagination, and offer a few morals.
This would be a great book for your child’s library, a classic fairy tale full of friendship and caring. This tale finds a way to bring families together in a way that is both charming and fun.
This book was rreceived free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the information.
In a heartfelt time of year when the magic of Christmas is upon us, a dose of fun and fairies seems just the thing to add to a child’s holiday list.
In Secrets of the Magic Ring by Karen McQuestion, we are drawn into the mysteries of fairies along with their abilities and reason for being–at least in this part of the woods. When Paul’s rich Aunt Vicky decides to renew her relationship with her sister, she used her wealth to have a new pool built in their yard. Paul is overcome with joy. His friends Celia and Alex will be able to spend more time with him in the summer and after school. Watching the work on the site is almost exciting as the pool itself. One day after the workers have gone, Paul sees something in the hole. Knowing he shouldn’t, he nonetheless decides to use a ladder and retrieve it. Getting the item out of the dirt is difficult but Paul perseveres. As he pulls it loose, he falls to the bottom of the hole.
Scurrying back up the ladder with his prize, he is surprised to find a stranger, a boy waiting at the top of the ladder. Reaching out, he demands that Paul turn the treasure over to him. Paul refuses, and while somewhat startled he feels better when his dog chases the intruder away.
Having to find a place to inspect his treasure in secret is a challenge, but when he finally opens the box, he is mesmerized. Inside he finds a ring. Trying it on, he finds it fits perfectly. Trying a different finger, he finds it fit perfectly there as well. The note in the box with the ring says he will get one wish. It must be a wise wish, not selfish. Excited, Paul does not realize the scope of the trouble coming his way, but the fairies are very well aware of this ring. Used wrongly in the past the wishes often create a great deal of trouble for those who use it. When the ring makes its way from person to person in his family, they are in for a strange and mysterious set of happenings. Only with the help of the fairies can they begin to set right the wrongs that are even now in place.
This is a charming, well-told story, sure to enchant your young reader. The characters are fun and interesting. The children are like those we all know; they have their joys and concerns, and get into trouble as often as they can. Each fairy is assigned a family they watch over. When the ring shows up again after having been lost for so many years, they try to come up with a plan that will make everything right.
Having an imagination and reaching out to capture the attention of those young at heart everywhere, McQuestion has given us a tale full of creativity and kindness.
If you are looking for that special gift for the young reader in your life, look no further. A follow up to Celia and the Fairies, this work stands on its own. This is a marvelous story to peak the imagination, and offer a few morals.
This would be a great book for your child’s library, a classic fairy tale full of friendship and caring. This tale finds a way to bring families together in a way that is both charming and fun.
This book was rreceived free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the information.
December 30, 2011
I was told about this book by my step daughter, she had got the book from her local library and decided to read it and loved it! So, naturally, since we like most of the same type of reads, I decided that I wanted to read this great book as well. So, when the author, Karen McQuestion offered me her book from my wishlist, Easily Amused, we started to talk about this and she had this one sent right over as well.
I'm not going to lie, it took me a little bit to get into this book. I had to put it up a couple of times before I really started to get into the whole story line of the book. The characters were very likeable, the storyline was great, but at first it was missing that little 'oomph' to get me into it. While I loved Paul, he also seemed to be lacking a bit, as to what, I really can't put my finger on it.
As the story progressed, I absolutely loved this book! The fairies in this book were not like most fairies, with exotic names and really special abilities. They were just normal guardian fairies. They were assigned to each house watching over the families to make sure everything went smoothly.
When Paul finds this box buried deep within the ground where his pool is being put in, he can't wait to dig out this treasure box and see what is inside. There, of course, were some mishaps along the way, as all stories have. At one point Paul kind of questioned if his friend was really his friend as well. Which I'm sure we have all been there once or twice in our lives.
When things start to happen with the 'wishes' the wearer is granted things get a little interesting. It changed the lives of 5 people and 1 dog.
Ending Thoughts:
This was a very good story, fun for every age. The story was amazing and the characters unforgettable. I recommend this book for anyone young at heart and ages 10+.
I'm not going to lie, it took me a little bit to get into this book. I had to put it up a couple of times before I really started to get into the whole story line of the book. The characters were very likeable, the storyline was great, but at first it was missing that little 'oomph' to get me into it. While I loved Paul, he also seemed to be lacking a bit, as to what, I really can't put my finger on it.
As the story progressed, I absolutely loved this book! The fairies in this book were not like most fairies, with exotic names and really special abilities. They were just normal guardian fairies. They were assigned to each house watching over the families to make sure everything went smoothly.
When Paul finds this box buried deep within the ground where his pool is being put in, he can't wait to dig out this treasure box and see what is inside. There, of course, were some mishaps along the way, as all stories have. At one point Paul kind of questioned if his friend was really his friend as well. Which I'm sure we have all been there once or twice in our lives.
When things start to happen with the 'wishes' the wearer is granted things get a little interesting. It changed the lives of 5 people and 1 dog.
Ending Thoughts:
This was a very good story, fun for every age. The story was amazing and the characters unforgettable. I recommend this book for anyone young at heart and ages 10+.
March 23, 2012
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
A nice book not just for children but also for young adults, and as one, I enjoyed it a lot..
The words are conversational and the descriptions are vivid….the illustrations also help to guide the readers , especially it would be really attractive for children…
My 12-year-old sister actually finished the book first than me, and I have to read it, since she’s claiming the story is awesome and a must-read… Well, she’s right, I easily find myself engrossed and enjoying the story so well..
I won’t say that the story is unique since I believe that there are wishes and grants that could gone awry..sometimes what you meant for good, would turn out to be bad…and sometimes it’s better to be contented… that said but there’s something in this book that would make you want to consider the former notions…
Maybe the book is quite funny… the events are ever-flowing, and there’s no boring part… the story also kept some mysteries…and it’s good that Ms. McQuestion dropped out hints of these mysteries… it would make you think, be shocked and smile..
I also love the addition of faeries in the story, it makes you see another world of magic although of course their help are hidden from humans and beside the fae world also have their own story to tell…
I enjoyed the friendship, the magic, the dog :)….and the ending…expected but still unbelievable..:)..
A nice book not just for children but also for young adults, and as one, I enjoyed it a lot..
The words are conversational and the descriptions are vivid….the illustrations also help to guide the readers , especially it would be really attractive for children…
My 12-year-old sister actually finished the book first than me, and I have to read it, since she’s claiming the story is awesome and a must-read… Well, she’s right, I easily find myself engrossed and enjoying the story so well..
I won’t say that the story is unique since I believe that there are wishes and grants that could gone awry..sometimes what you meant for good, would turn out to be bad…and sometimes it’s better to be contented… that said but there’s something in this book that would make you want to consider the former notions…
Maybe the book is quite funny… the events are ever-flowing, and there’s no boring part… the story also kept some mysteries…and it’s good that Ms. McQuestion dropped out hints of these mysteries… it would make you think, be shocked and smile..
I also love the addition of faeries in the story, it makes you see another world of magic although of course their help are hidden from humans and beside the fae world also have their own story to tell…
I enjoyed the friendship, the magic, the dog :)….and the ending…expected but still unbelievable..:)..
November 10, 2011
I wanted to read this children's story from author Karen McQuestion because I have loved her adult novels and knew this would be just as wonderful.
Paul is thrilled when his Aunt offers to pay for a pool for his 9th birthday. He is fascinated by the digging and prepping for the pool........and then something magical and mysterious is found, a real buried treasure. Paul believes he has really found something beautiful and valuable, but he also reads the instructions and he soon learns the power behind one's most desired wish. Be careful what you wish for has never been more true.
I love the timelessness of this book. When reading it I realized it could have taken place almost any time in the last 20 or so years. The illustrations by Vincent Desjardins are so well done and also classic in feel. This book is fantasy and lessons to be learned rolled into one. The adventures that Paul has are so appealing to a child boy or girl, and I truly enjoyed each one.
I'm sending this book off to a friend with 2 young boys, because I know they too will love this new book.
Paul is thrilled when his Aunt offers to pay for a pool for his 9th birthday. He is fascinated by the digging and prepping for the pool........and then something magical and mysterious is found, a real buried treasure. Paul believes he has really found something beautiful and valuable, but he also reads the instructions and he soon learns the power behind one's most desired wish. Be careful what you wish for has never been more true.
I love the timelessness of this book. When reading it I realized it could have taken place almost any time in the last 20 or so years. The illustrations by Vincent Desjardins are so well done and also classic in feel. This book is fantasy and lessons to be learned rolled into one. The adventures that Paul has are so appealing to a child boy or girl, and I truly enjoyed each one.
I'm sending this book off to a friend with 2 young boys, because I know they too will love this new book.
December 31, 2011
My 8-year-old and I read this book on our Kindles separately. Much like Celia and the Fairies, we talked about it after we finished. There are very few books that I enjoy as much as my children so it's always a special book when we are able to do that. To watch her little eyes light up while she tells me about her favorite parts of the book and to watch her try (and succeed) to talk her older brother into reading it too just warms this mom's heart.
I will say that we did decide that we enjoyed Celia a little bit more. I think it was perhaps because we felt more connected to the main character a bit more. Having said that, this book can completely hold it's own in that respect and I don't know that it's fair to compare the two (but hard not to!).
The story line is magical, fun and makes you smile. The characters are well-developed and the writing is so beautifully done that you can completely lose yourself in Paul's world.
Highly recommended for children... and for the young at heart that are looking for just a little magic.
I will say that we did decide that we enjoyed Celia a little bit more. I think it was perhaps because we felt more connected to the main character a bit more. Having said that, this book can completely hold it's own in that respect and I don't know that it's fair to compare the two (but hard not to!).
The story line is magical, fun and makes you smile. The characters are well-developed and the writing is so beautifully done that you can completely lose yourself in Paul's world.
Highly recommended for children... and for the young at heart that are looking for just a little magic.
March 6, 2012
Whenever I see a book with a magic ring in it I immediately think of Lord of the Rings. Well this is not Lord of the Rings; it's a lot shorter for a start. In fact there aren't many similarities (this is a tale set in the real world whilst LOTR isn't for example) but the ring does seem to have a pull that makes people want to wear it which has LOTR written all over it.
The story follows only-child Paul who finds a magic ring which allows the wearer one wish and one wish only. Trouble is if the wish is a selfish one then things will go wrong. And things do go wrong.
I think the tale is for younger readers rather than older readers because the language is quite simplistic. It also should appeal to girls as well as boys with fairies making an appearance.
Overall, for me, the pace started slow but picked up and when it did the book was very exciting and drew me in. It is a bit short though, although for the young readers it is designed for this is probably a good thing.
The story follows only-child Paul who finds a magic ring which allows the wearer one wish and one wish only. Trouble is if the wish is a selfish one then things will go wrong. And things do go wrong.
I think the tale is for younger readers rather than older readers because the language is quite simplistic. It also should appeal to girls as well as boys with fairies making an appearance.
Overall, for me, the pace started slow but picked up and when it did the book was very exciting and drew me in. It is a bit short though, although for the young readers it is designed for this is probably a good thing.
May 15, 2016
Secrets of the Magic Ring is an interesting but fun middle grade read. The characters are well developed and the plot captivating.
However, I didn’t love this book. Cute though it was I had several issues. First, I didn’t like that Paul deliberately disobeyed, lied to, and misled his parents. I’m not naive about the truthfulness of this but the lack of remorse is bothersome. Second, and more importantly, Paul is besieged by a bully and refuses to confide in his parents.
More about Secrets of the Magic Ring…
Author: Karen McQuestion
Source: I borrowed this book for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription
Publisher & Date: Karen McQuestion, Nov 2011
Genre: Children’s Fantasy
ISBN: 1612181422 (ISBN13: 9781612181424)
Pages: 120
Grade: C+
Ages: 9+
However, I didn’t love this book. Cute though it was I had several issues. First, I didn’t like that Paul deliberately disobeyed, lied to, and misled his parents. I’m not naive about the truthfulness of this but the lack of remorse is bothersome. Second, and more importantly, Paul is besieged by a bully and refuses to confide in his parents.
More about Secrets of the Magic Ring…
Author: Karen McQuestion
Source: I borrowed this book for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription
Publisher & Date: Karen McQuestion, Nov 2011
Genre: Children’s Fantasy
ISBN: 1612181422 (ISBN13: 9781612181424)
Pages: 120
Grade: C+
Ages: 9+
December 23, 2011
While obviously being a children's book, I definitely enjoyed it and was intrigued. I'd say this book is best suited to an audience of between 5-10, and am certain they'd love it. An interesting story, with likable characters (I quite liked the parents, Celia and Grammy) and a "lesson" to be selfless and giving (among other things).
I am curious to know what Celia's grandmother and Paul's grandfather wished for, and how the last wish would have changed things. I'd also be interested in knowing more about the current relationship between Paul's mother and Aunt Vicky.
All in all, a good read for children with nice and fun illustrations.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I am curious to know what Celia's grandmother and Paul's grandfather wished for, and how the last wish would have changed things. I'd also be interested in knowing more about the current relationship between Paul's mother and Aunt Vicky.
All in all, a good read for children with nice and fun illustrations.
Thanks for the giveaway!
January 7, 2013
I was board and looking for something to read. I liked the title. I read it as and ebook on my kindle. I loved the fact that it was a fantasy that happened now. I knew the ring was going to be a problem. Most people have something they don't tell people they would love to do. The ring gave it to them but most people never really think about having that skill not living with it day in and day out. It was funny and sad. When they finally found someone who had the best dream that helped everyone. That was sweet. I liked the ending.
Want to read
February 21, 2012I don't like it that Paul and his partents communicate poorly with each other. I get frustrated when parents and their children aren't communicative with each other. It's my own personal thing, it doesn't mean the book is bad. So, yeah, give the book a chance. Just because I wasn't that into it doesn't mean you'll have the same opinion as me.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
November 10, 2011
Paul is so excited when his Aunt offers to buy them a pool. After the workers dig out the area for the pool, Paul sees something in the dirt. He waits till his mother and father are watching tv and goes to investigate. What he finds is a magical ring that will give him one super ability. What Paul doesn't know is that unless he makes a selfless wish, the ring will make his wish a curse.
Great book. I am so excited to read it to my nephew. I know he's going to love it too.
Great book. I am so excited to read it to my nephew. I know he's going to love it too.
November 22, 2011
This was a really fun book. I look forward to reading it to my boys when they are a little bit bigger and having them read it on their own. The story is about Paul who's Aunt has a pool built for him. He finds a box with a magic ring. It is a creative story. I love the dog!!! but glad my dog can't talk!
November 24, 2011
Thank you to Ms. McQuestion for the giveaway! I love children's books because they have a simple beauty to them, and fantastic creativity. "Secrets of the Magic Ring" has both elements. It raises moral questions to get young readers thinking, and it is also a fun read. The illustrations in the book are charming as well :).
October 15, 2015
Wonderful
Great story! Writing and grammar were exceptional and the story was perfect for the children's age group it is assigned to, and me, an adult. I would love to read more adventures. This was a very short read, just a few hours. I highly suggest it for your children or yourself for some fun mystery!
Great story! Writing and grammar were exceptional and the story was perfect for the children's age group it is assigned to, and me, an adult. I would love to read more adventures. This was a very short read, just a few hours. I highly suggest it for your children or yourself for some fun mystery!
October 30, 2014
This is the second book in the series. Paul finds a magic ring that will grant you one wish. However, too late, he finds that sometimes your wishes make your life very miserable. It's a cute children's book.
February 3, 2016
Cute little story about a magic ring that grants wishes but be careful what you wish for for not all is as it seems.
Very enjoyable easy read
Very enjoyable easy read
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