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Park Row Magic Academy #2
A Whisper of Curses
New York Times bestselling author J. Elle continues her magical middle grade series with our favorite witches from Park Row Magick Academy!
While the new Magick Academy is under construction, an invitation to Retreat Week arrives! Before the students leave Park Row, Kyana is grabbed by an Available and, even after she slips from the spirit's grasp, can't stop either laughing or crying. Ashley thinks whatever it is, Dr. Minzy, a famous teacher at the retreat, will know what to do. But when the portal to the retreat suddenly dissolves, trapping everyone, Ash Availables are involved. With Kyana acting weird and Russ live-casting everything to the MagickWorld, Ash must say something to the directors (even though she isn't sure she's right) or mind her business and trust that Dr. Minzy will fix it?
In this adventurous sequel to A Taste of Magic, can Ashely, Kyana, and Russ figure out what the spirits are up to and save the day?
While the new Magick Academy is under construction, an invitation to Retreat Week arrives! Before the students leave Park Row, Kyana is grabbed by an Available and, even after she slips from the spirit's grasp, can't stop either laughing or crying. Ashley thinks whatever it is, Dr. Minzy, a famous teacher at the retreat, will know what to do. But when the portal to the retreat suddenly dissolves, trapping everyone, Ash Availables are involved. With Kyana acting weird and Russ live-casting everything to the MagickWorld, Ash must say something to the directors (even though she isn't sure she's right) or mind her business and trust that Dr. Minzy will fix it?
In this adventurous sequel to A Taste of Magic, can Ashely, Kyana, and Russ figure out what the spirits are up to and save the day?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2024
9 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
J. Elle
18 books1,487 followersJ. ELLE is the New York Times bestselling author of young adult and middle-grade fantasy fiction and a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens. Her work has been translated into three languages. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for new desserts sans Chocolat, looking for literally any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her two dogs in tow.
Follow me on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-elle
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 28, 2024
After enjoying A Taste of Magic by J. Elle back in 2022, I was really excited to get more of Kyana Turner and her magical adventures, especially since we're diving into an aspect that was only surface level in the previous book. However, despite some interesting settings and sequences and growth from the protagonists, I found some issues in pacing that sadly grew into an underwhelming experience, and I really hate it too since this is the second book in a row by this author I've had similar experiences with.
First the good. The protagonists were interesting to follow for the most part, as Kyana is trying to keep her group together her magician friends have no place to train for the time being. I also found it interesting to how she dealt with the curse of emotions inside her. Ashley, the other POV character introduced in the book, drags Kyana over so she can have a familiar face during camp. I did enjoy where they ended up and some points of their development. The setting of an island camp was rather interesting and I like that the magic and lore was expanded from the first book. I enjoyed some of the sequences in this story, especially as it comes to discovering more about the magical Availables which were introduced in the first book, and I really enjoyed most of the climax with the plot twists that got thrown in.
Now the not so good. It took me nearly 5 months to finish the book, and yes, part of it was that other books and life did get into the way, but I struggled to get myself into the book. I think a big chunk of it was the pacing was sluggish. It felt like something interesting would happen and then it would take a few chapters to get back to it. The way everything came together made sense, but it felt like critical pieces were missing to figure out what was fully going on. The ending was slightly rushed and I felt like it needed one more chapter. While Kyana's character development from the previous book would lead to her being a group leader, it felt like it wasn’t something that developed on page as much as it could have been. Some of the other characters felt a bit flat, to the point that I almost missed a huge aspect of the twist.
Even though I was disappointed, I'm sure this book will find its fans from others that also liked the first book.
*I received an ARC from Bloomsbury Children's Books and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.*
First the good. The protagonists were interesting to follow for the most part, as Kyana is trying to keep her group together her magician friends have no place to train for the time being. I also found it interesting to how she dealt with the curse of emotions inside her. Ashley, the other POV character introduced in the book, drags Kyana over so she can have a familiar face during camp. I did enjoy where they ended up and some points of their development. The setting of an island camp was rather interesting and I like that the magic and lore was expanded from the first book. I enjoyed some of the sequences in this story, especially as it comes to discovering more about the magical Availables which were introduced in the first book, and I really enjoyed most of the climax with the plot twists that got thrown in.
Now the not so good. It took me nearly 5 months to finish the book, and yes, part of it was that other books and life did get into the way, but I struggled to get myself into the book. I think a big chunk of it was the pacing was sluggish. It felt like something interesting would happen and then it would take a few chapters to get back to it. The way everything came together made sense, but it felt like critical pieces were missing to figure out what was fully going on. The ending was slightly rushed and I felt like it needed one more chapter. While Kyana's character development from the previous book would lead to her being a group leader, it felt like it wasn’t something that developed on page as much as it could have been. Some of the other characters felt a bit flat, to the point that I almost missed a huge aspect of the twist.
Even though I was disappointed, I'm sure this book will find its fans from others that also liked the first book.
*I received an ARC from Bloomsbury Children's Books and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.*
January 30, 2025
4.5 rounded to 5 out of 5⭐
This one was a little more dark and scary with higher stakes. I enjoyed the different POVs between Kyana and Ashley, with more growth from both characters as well as Russ. I look forward to reading more Park Row Academy books in the future.
This one was a little more dark and scary with higher stakes. I enjoyed the different POVs between Kyana and Ashley, with more growth from both characters as well as Russ. I look forward to reading more Park Row Academy books in the future.
July 10, 2024
*4.25 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really good time reading this one. It was a great sequel. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters more. Seeing them in another setting was really interesting and the intrigue kept me on my toes.
Basically, this is a great read for any and every magic fan, no matter their ages. I hope we'll get more books in this series and I need to start reading J. Elle's other books!
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really good time reading this one. It was a great sequel. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters more. Seeing them in another setting was really interesting and the intrigue kept me on my toes.
Basically, this is a great read for any and every magic fan, no matter their ages. I hope we'll get more books in this series and I need to start reading J. Elle's other books!
May 7, 2024
rtc
Thank you to Edelweiss for my earc.
Thank you to Edelweiss for my earc.
May 19, 2024
What worked:
The story is told through the eyes of Kyana and Ashley, two students at the Park Row Magic Academy, or PRMA. They each specialize in different types of magic with Kyana being better with potions and Ashley having a great deal of experience with Availables. Alternating chapters put readers inside the girls’ minds as Kyana surprisingly finds herself cursed by an Available. Uncontrollable laughing and crying are hard to explain and Kyana pleads with Ashley to keep it secret. Kyana’s chapters show her frustrations and fears with the curse and her self-image while Ashley’s focus is on using her knowledge of Availables to discover what’s actually happening.
The plot evolves into a mystery as Kyana and Ashley try to understand what’s happening with the Availables. They’re behaving unusually and the girls begin to suspect the actions are not random. Kyana specializes in potions, Ashley’s knowledge is with Availables, and Russ has a talent for charms and social media. Ashley hopes to discuss the Available situation with a world expert named Dr. Minzy but she begins to wonder if he’ll be any help. His new invention seems to be promising but it’s kept beyond Ashley’s reach and understanding. Readers will wonder about the machine’s full capabilities and why Dr. Minzy isn’t using it to help rescue the campers.
The magical elements of the story are creative which makes the story feel fresh. The first example is a friendly Available called Lucy who is confined to a door inside the school. It talks to Kyana and bending and stretching allow the door to display “facial” expressions. Plants in front of Ashley’s home have sharp teeth so trimming them can be a painful experience. Other tiny creatures feed on eyelashes. Ashley decides her investigation leads to the original world of Availables so portals to other worlds are part of the story. Readers are introduced to the rules governing human and Available interaction but Ashley also overhears some game-changing information about Kyana’s attack.
What didn’t work as well:
This book is the second in the series and previous events are a little vague. It’s unclear why the headmistress deems Kyana a great student leader but self-doubt haunts Kyana throughout most of the book. She comes to some interesting realizations about leadership that are shared later in the story.
The final verdict:
New readers to the series, like me, will take some time to understand the characters and backstory. However, the plot is engaging with each main character contributing a unique ability to solve the Available mystery. Overall, the unusual conflict and characters result in a charming tale and I recommend you give it a shot.
The story is told through the eyes of Kyana and Ashley, two students at the Park Row Magic Academy, or PRMA. They each specialize in different types of magic with Kyana being better with potions and Ashley having a great deal of experience with Availables. Alternating chapters put readers inside the girls’ minds as Kyana surprisingly finds herself cursed by an Available. Uncontrollable laughing and crying are hard to explain and Kyana pleads with Ashley to keep it secret. Kyana’s chapters show her frustrations and fears with the curse and her self-image while Ashley’s focus is on using her knowledge of Availables to discover what’s actually happening.
The plot evolves into a mystery as Kyana and Ashley try to understand what’s happening with the Availables. They’re behaving unusually and the girls begin to suspect the actions are not random. Kyana specializes in potions, Ashley’s knowledge is with Availables, and Russ has a talent for charms and social media. Ashley hopes to discuss the Available situation with a world expert named Dr. Minzy but she begins to wonder if he’ll be any help. His new invention seems to be promising but it’s kept beyond Ashley’s reach and understanding. Readers will wonder about the machine’s full capabilities and why Dr. Minzy isn’t using it to help rescue the campers.
The magical elements of the story are creative which makes the story feel fresh. The first example is a friendly Available called Lucy who is confined to a door inside the school. It talks to Kyana and bending and stretching allow the door to display “facial” expressions. Plants in front of Ashley’s home have sharp teeth so trimming them can be a painful experience. Other tiny creatures feed on eyelashes. Ashley decides her investigation leads to the original world of Availables so portals to other worlds are part of the story. Readers are introduced to the rules governing human and Available interaction but Ashley also overhears some game-changing information about Kyana’s attack.
What didn’t work as well:
This book is the second in the series and previous events are a little vague. It’s unclear why the headmistress deems Kyana a great student leader but self-doubt haunts Kyana throughout most of the book. She comes to some interesting realizations about leadership that are shared later in the story.
The final verdict:
New readers to the series, like me, will take some time to understand the characters and backstory. However, the plot is engaging with each main character contributing a unique ability to solve the Available mystery. Overall, the unusual conflict and characters result in a charming tale and I recommend you give it a shot.
September 26, 2025
2.5-3stars
I had such high hopes after the first book, but the majority of this book didn't live up to those expectations. I did like seeing more of Ashley's POV and, ultimately, the messages about speaking the truth, letting your voice be heard despite overwhelming odds, doing the right thing, and the importance of knowing you have the power to create change with a widespread community, are all vital - especially to kids. However, I found the three main characters were very annoying and unlikable during the main chunk of the book. Russ was acting like he was a Hype House like internet kid who was sticking his camera everywhere in his friend's personal business, even after they had explicitly said, multiple times, that they don't want to be on camera and wish he would put it away. Kyana understandably struggles with the pressures of her Park Row fame and the idea of what it means to be a leader. However, her "don't tell the one person who can help us" and then "get super mad at my friend for taking so long to try to find a solution to my problem on her own" dynamic was frustrating. Ashley was likely the least annoying of the crew and managed to keep a rational head while Kyana was very much not. I liked, in the end, that they all solved the problem together with their individual strengths and personal growth. Yet, I wish there was less running in circles, trying to make headway on the same problem for most of the book, and less frustrating character portrayals, and more of the heart that hit at the end of the book (and carried much of the first book).
I will definitely pick up whatever installments come after this, and hope there are many. I genuinely enjoy the setting and cast. I just think this was a miss.
I had such high hopes after the first book, but the majority of this book didn't live up to those expectations. I did like seeing more of Ashley's POV and, ultimately, the messages about speaking the truth, letting your voice be heard despite overwhelming odds, doing the right thing, and the importance of knowing you have the power to create change with a widespread community, are all vital - especially to kids. However, I found the three main characters were very annoying and unlikable during the main chunk of the book. Russ was acting like he was a Hype House like internet kid who was sticking his camera everywhere in his friend's personal business, even after they had explicitly said, multiple times, that they don't want to be on camera and wish he would put it away. Kyana understandably struggles with the pressures of her Park Row fame and the idea of what it means to be a leader. However, her "don't tell the one person who can help us" and then "get super mad at my friend for taking so long to try to find a solution to my problem on her own" dynamic was frustrating. Ashley was likely the least annoying of the crew and managed to keep a rational head while Kyana was very much not. I liked, in the end, that they all solved the problem together with their individual strengths and personal growth. Yet, I wish there was less running in circles, trying to make headway on the same problem for most of the book, and less frustrating character portrayals, and more of the heart that hit at the end of the book (and carried much of the first book).
I will definitely pick up whatever installments come after this, and hope there are many. I genuinely enjoy the setting and cast. I just think this was a miss.
July 21, 2024
J. Elle’s A WHISPER OF CURSES picks up the action after Kyana’s victory in the baking contest in A TOUCH OF MAGIC. Construction of a new Park Row Magic Academy is underway. Kyana and Ashley are excited to participate in a week-long Enrichment Camp to fill the time before classes resume. The timing is perfect because Kyana seems to have been cursed by an Available and is exhibiting some hard to manage symptoms. The girls hope that the famous Dr. Minzy, one of the magic experts at the camp, will be able to help reverse the curse. Their plans change when soon after their arrival at camp, the portals that the campers used to reach camp are mysteriously closed, cutting the campers off from the rest of the world. With the help of their friend Russ, Kyana and Ashley will have to figure out what—or who—is behind the odd occurrences at the camp.
Told from the dual perspectives of Ashley and Kyana, the story’s secluded camp setting serves to heighten the stakes for the campers. Each of the main characters gets a chance to shine as they use their unique skill sets to play an integral role in the quest to unravel the mystery of what is happening at the camp. A WHISPER OF CURSES is an intriguing story featuring a well-developed and creative magical world and engaging characters. Fans of magical stories in school settings will devour this one.
Told from the dual perspectives of Ashley and Kyana, the story’s secluded camp setting serves to heighten the stakes for the campers. Each of the main characters gets a chance to shine as they use their unique skill sets to play an integral role in the quest to unravel the mystery of what is happening at the camp. A WHISPER OF CURSES is an intriguing story featuring a well-developed and creative magical world and engaging characters. Fans of magical stories in school settings will devour this one.
October 27, 2024
This book makes so much more sense when you read it after reading the first in the series. An obvious statement, I know, but I accidentally started reading the books out of order. On top of that, I ended up enjoying this book for more than. the first which could not make up its mind over whether it wanted to be a book about a cooking competition or one about a magical school. This entry leaned entirely into the magical school by sending Kyana, Ashley, and Russ to a magical training camp, a summer cap type situation set during Spring Break. Once there, a mystery, which started with some unusual events back home, unfolds and the three protagonists must solve it. The narrative also took a welcome new tone with the addition of Ashley's perspective, which helped the narrative find balance. This cohesion definitely helped the narrative achieve success as well as incline my desire to pick up any sequel in this series that J. Elle may write.
July 5, 2024
This is such a great book. I think it had a great balance of introducing some new elements and showing more growth for the main trio of characters while also holding onto a lot of what was so fun about the first book. My only complaint is I would have liked to see more baking but it does make sense for the setting. I hope we get to see more baking in the next book and I am so excited to see the schools completed make over. Back to the book at hand though the summer camp setting was so well done. It was great how it added both fun elements and upped the stakes on the danger of the situation with the campers being isolated from more help. The way they worked around the isolation and relied on each other was great character development. I thought the mystery and the pacing of the story were well done and all around it was a fun read.
March 20, 2024
This is a worthy sequel to the first book, A Taste of Magic, which has circulated well in my library with students who like to read about magical schools. (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...)
The Park Row Magick Academy is deep in renovations that were funded by Kyana's winning baking competition, but things go wrong with the Availables, and Kyana manifests some odd symptoms. Will Dr. Minzy, of Minzy Industrial have the answer to the odd occurrneces? I can see one more book in the series to address how everyone settles back into the school when renovations are completed.
The Park Row Magick Academy is deep in renovations that were funded by Kyana's winning baking competition, but things go wrong with the Availables, and Kyana manifests some odd symptoms. Will Dr. Minzy, of Minzy Industrial have the answer to the odd occurrneces? I can see one more book in the series to address how everyone settles back into the school when renovations are completed.
November 6, 2024
It was SO good. Loved how the author introduced new world building details and I especially enjoyed the mystery of it. Very engrossing. The only thing is that I would have liked it to tie more into the first book I think. It felt very separate as a sequel, which isn't always a bad thing but I think it would have been better if it had been more connected. I also found it interesting to explore multiple perspectives in this but I had to wonder why. And I had to wonder: why only Kyana and Ashley? Why is the author slowly adding perspectives? Still it was really well done! I couldn't stop reading it and I can't wait for the next one :)
July 2, 2024
A Whisper of Curses by J. Elle is a fabulous sequel to A Taste of Magic! Once again, we follow young teen Kyana as she explores the magic in the spirit world.
Middle grade will always hold a special place in my heart. It brings back all the feels of going to the local library or bookstore and exploring as a child. Oh, the smells of pages and fresh coffee! Magic will always be enjoyable for children and adults, and I hope Kyana brings you as much joy in the moment as she did me.
Middle grade will always hold a special place in my heart. It brings back all the feels of going to the local library or bookstore and exploring as a child. Oh, the smells of pages and fresh coffee! Magic will always be enjoyable for children and adults, and I hope Kyana brings you as much joy in the moment as she did me.
September 13, 2024
Yaaaas! Now this was more up my alley. Love a good villain lol. The first one was cute and cozy with the nice little baking competition. But part 2! Yea part 2 had the equation that I like…magical kid + side kick(s) + villain = a good time! Now my only gripe is that I think k we could have gotten one or two more chapters playing out the downfall of the villain. But other than that 👍🏾👍🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun middle grade fantasy book with great female main characters. This sequel was great and picked up where book one left off. I love the magic in this series because it is different and unique. I am really loving this series and how fun it is.
This was a fun middle grade fantasy book with great female main characters. This sequel was great and picked up where book one left off. I love the magic in this series because it is different and unique. I am really loving this series and how fun it is.
July 6, 2024
I enjoyed A Whisper of Curses even more than A Taste of Magic. I loved hearing more from multiple characters and finding out so much more about the magical world for these witches/wizards. The mystery element definitely helped keep me hooked and wanting to read more each time I had to put it down.
August 9, 2024
4.5 stars
While I still feel like she has the world on her shoulders, I really enjoyed this one and the fast moving plot. I love Lima beans but lima bean gum made me not want to see them for a week.
While I still feel like she has the world on her shoulders, I really enjoyed this one and the fast moving plot. I love Lima beans but lima bean gum made me not want to see them for a week.
dnf
November 2, 2025DNF at page 117. Hate to do this for a middle grade novel but I just don’t care to keep reading, the story is moving too slow and is falling flat. Which is disappointing because the first book turned out pretty good
July 26, 2024
Kind of frustrating but it ended well
January 2, 2025
3.5 Stars
April 21, 2025
Ok so I had a feeling from the book flap that this Dr Minzy would play a part but this was an excellent sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
1st book meh 🫤 second book meh 🫤 it was unnecessary to add another person’s point of view seriously this book was definitely more boring then the first and if she trying to get readers my age middle grade attention she needs to try harder what i would have liked was ,
(1.) more drama .
(2.) make it spicy 🤭 .
(3.) more main character.
(4.) less add on main character .
(5.) and more interesting with drama 😏 .
(1.) more drama .
(2.) make it spicy 🤭 .
(3.) more main character.
(4.) less add on main character .
(5.) and more interesting with drama 😏 .
October 28, 2024
A great sequel. This time, the main characters leave the city and most of their adventure happens at a camp gone wrong. So much fun!
July 24, 2024
amazing!
This book is amazing! J Elle is a genius writer. From the action to the friendship, this book is a masterpiece. Can’t wait to see more from her!
This book is amazing! J Elle is a genius writer. From the action to the friendship, this book is a masterpiece. Can’t wait to see more from her!
July 9, 2024
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Whisper of Curses picks up where Park Row Magic Academy left off. A new Magick Academy is being built for the students so they get invited to Retreat Week. Things don't go as planned when a student gets grabbed by a spirit and then they are all trapped. Ash and her friends have to figure out what magic is causing the chaos and who's behind but they don't know who to trust. Book two in Park Row Magic Academy continues to open up this delightful world and introduce wonderful characters. I truly love this series and can't wait to see where it goes!
A Whisper of Curses picks up where Park Row Magic Academy left off. A new Magick Academy is being built for the students so they get invited to Retreat Week. Things don't go as planned when a student gets grabbed by a spirit and then they are all trapped. Ash and her friends have to figure out what magic is causing the chaos and who's behind but they don't know who to trust. Book two in Park Row Magic Academy continues to open up this delightful world and introduce wonderful characters. I truly love this series and can't wait to see where it goes!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews