What do you think?
Rate this book
Magic #2
Who Needs Magic?
The sequel to DON'T EXPECT MAGIC!
Now that Delaney Collins knows she’s a fairy godmother, she’s ready to make magic happen. But first, she has to find her next client. And it’s not as easy as she thought it would be.
Delaney’s spending the summer working at Treasures, a secondhand store at the mall, surrounded by cool vintage boots—and potential clients. But when she finally feels a connection with Jeni, a girl who needs a life-changing, happily-ever-after wish . . . Jeni doesn’t want her help. And to make matters worse, Delaney finds herself competing with another f.g. Glittery, sparkly Ariella is an uber-f.g., granting wishes with a flick of her lemon candy stick, while Delaney can’t seem to make anything happen. Not even a summer romance with her boyfriend, Flynn.
It takes more than waving a chopstick to make big wishes come true. But what good is being an f.g. if you can’t make the boy you like want to be with you as much as you want to be with him?
Praise for Don't Expect Magic :
“A supernaturally touched rom-com, this is a bright, whimsical romp featuring a suitably sassy heroine with a killer pair of black leather boots . . . excellent comfort reading.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Brilliantly timed moments of situational comedy . . . plenty to like in this debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
“An enjoyable read with sprinklings of magic.” — VOYA
Now that Delaney Collins knows she’s a fairy godmother, she’s ready to make magic happen. But first, she has to find her next client. And it’s not as easy as she thought it would be.
Delaney’s spending the summer working at Treasures, a secondhand store at the mall, surrounded by cool vintage boots—and potential clients. But when she finally feels a connection with Jeni, a girl who needs a life-changing, happily-ever-after wish . . . Jeni doesn’t want her help. And to make matters worse, Delaney finds herself competing with another f.g. Glittery, sparkly Ariella is an uber-f.g., granting wishes with a flick of her lemon candy stick, while Delaney can’t seem to make anything happen. Not even a summer romance with her boyfriend, Flynn.
It takes more than waving a chopstick to make big wishes come true. But what good is being an f.g. if you can’t make the boy you like want to be with you as much as you want to be with him?
Praise for Don't Expect Magic :
“A supernaturally touched rom-com, this is a bright, whimsical romp featuring a suitably sassy heroine with a killer pair of black leather boots . . . excellent comfort reading.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Brilliantly timed moments of situational comedy . . . plenty to like in this debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
“An enjoyable read with sprinklings of magic.” — VOYA
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2013
8 people are currently reading
1428 people want to read
About the author
Kathy McCullough
20 books115 followersI'm a novelist and screenwriter living in L.A., author of Don't Expect Magic and its sequel Who Needs Magic?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 2, 2014
I read "Don't Expect Magic," Kathy McCullough's first book about Delaney Collins, with trepidation; being neither young nor a girl, I'm not exactly the target demographic. Silly me: great stories are universal, and I was hooked. But at least I'm a fast learner. So when "Who Needs Magic" came out, I snapped it up and was not disappointed. The book transported me right back into confused adolescence, when absolutely nothing makes sense, least of all romance. Again, the magic is both fun and then unexpectedly deep, and the book makes for a rewarding and delightful read.
December 4, 2013
This is a fun book for the younger teen reader. Discovering another fairy godmother, Ariella, Delaney finds herself in a socially competitive situation where she is being judged by the amount of wishes granted. This is a problem since she's only granted one big wish. When the opportunity arises to prove her wish-giving prowess, Delaney begins to confuse her "role" as fairy godmother with her own personal identity. Ultimately the lesson is not so much what we think we want (or wish) but what it is we really want when we truly know ourselves.
May 3, 2014
((3.5 stars))
So, it was a last Sunday I was really dreading going back to school the next day, so I basically forced my mother to drive me to the used book store. I needed new books, and my sister also needed study guides for her AP exams. Mom wanted some Steven King novels, too, so it was a win situation for everyone.
I pulled out basically every single book in the tiny young adult section and I couldn't find anything that I wasn't too embarrassed to buy with my sister there (people kissing on the cover) or anything that looked decent. At the last second, I pulled this little gem off the shelf, and ran to my mom who was already on the way to the cash register.
I...
☐ Totally fell IN LOVE with this book.
☐ Really, really, really liked this book.
☑ Was in a strange relationship with this book, because at some points I was totally hooked, but others? Not so much.
☐Didn't like this book.
☐Hated this book.
Now, here is my evaluation of basically every part of this book.
The Beginning: I started this book for the first time RIGHT AFTER I finished another book with a pretty devastating ending. I was almost sobbing at the end of that one, so I don't know why I thought it was appropriate to start a new book! But besides that, I genuinely think the beginning of this novel was particularly slow. Nothing unusual for a book, but it was progressing so little that I only read about 10 pages a day for the first two days reading it. I usually read 100+.
The Middle: The climax of this novel didn't exactly have me on the edge of my seat, but I was definitely interested in the characters and their problems! I was reading constantly, and it might have been because I had nothing else to do, but it was mostly because I wanted to know what would happen next.
The Ending: I was touched. I'm not gonna say it brought tears to my eyes or anything, but I'm really content with the way this book ended. Everything rounded up nicely. There weren't any loose ends. My heart was warm. After that last book I read, I needed this.
The Vibes: I totally loved the way I felt everytime I read/looked at/picked up this book. I just felt so comfortable and relaxed reading this. I could snuggle up in some blankets with some hot tea and classical music playing in the background and be very happy. This is a fairy tale, sure, but it didn't put too much stress on me and my brain. It was relaxing. A rainy-day read.
The characters: Ahh yeah, here's where .5 of a star comes off. I was completely satisfied with the characters, even the antagonist. (I actually loved her.) And my favorite was Jeni. But, honestly? The main girl didn't do much for me. I could read her POV without getting upset. I could think about her without any negative thoughts. But there were times, like when she was on dates with her boyfriend, where I thought: "Wow, that's a really bratty thing to think/say." -.5
The Writing: And this is where the rest of the damage, 1 star, comes off from my rating. I understand this is a young adult novel, I really do, but I feel like the writing was over simplified even for that. Delaney Collins is a unique girl, and her voice fits the character she's portraying. That really rocked. It was just..so simple...and it kind of reminded me of Russell's DORK DIARIES series. But obviously, I still liked it. Just not as much as I'd hoped. ☻
The Cover: I'm pretty alright with the cover of this book, it's extremely pretty. The stars are artistic, and the girl is totally gorgeous. My only complaint is the forest. She was never in the forest. But whatever, you should probably just ignore that last thing because I was just looking for things to complain about.
But, yeah. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars. It was good, and it made me feel content and at ease. I recommend it. (KATHY MCCULLOUGH: Are you in the process of writing more books? I need more!!)
So, it was a last Sunday I was really dreading going back to school the next day, so I basically forced my mother to drive me to the used book store. I needed new books, and my sister also needed study guides for her AP exams. Mom wanted some Steven King novels, too, so it was a win situation for everyone.
I pulled out basically every single book in the tiny young adult section and I couldn't find anything that I wasn't too embarrassed to buy with my sister there (people kissing on the cover) or anything that looked decent. At the last second, I pulled this little gem off the shelf, and ran to my mom who was already on the way to the cash register.
I...
☐ Totally fell IN LOVE with this book.
☐ Really, really, really liked this book.
☑ Was in a strange relationship with this book, because at some points I was totally hooked, but others? Not so much.
☐Didn't like this book.
☐Hated this book.
Now, here is my evaluation of basically every part of this book.
The Beginning: I started this book for the first time RIGHT AFTER I finished another book with a pretty devastating ending. I was almost sobbing at the end of that one, so I don't know why I thought it was appropriate to start a new book! But besides that, I genuinely think the beginning of this novel was particularly slow. Nothing unusual for a book, but it was progressing so little that I only read about 10 pages a day for the first two days reading it. I usually read 100+.
The Middle: The climax of this novel didn't exactly have me on the edge of my seat, but I was definitely interested in the characters and their problems! I was reading constantly, and it might have been because I had nothing else to do, but it was mostly because I wanted to know what would happen next.
The Ending: I was touched. I'm not gonna say it brought tears to my eyes or anything, but I'm really content with the way this book ended. Everything rounded up nicely. There weren't any loose ends. My heart was warm. After that last book I read, I needed this.
The Vibes: I totally loved the way I felt everytime I read/looked at/picked up this book. I just felt so comfortable and relaxed reading this. I could snuggle up in some blankets with some hot tea and classical music playing in the background and be very happy. This is a fairy tale, sure, but it didn't put too much stress on me and my brain. It was relaxing. A rainy-day read.
The characters: Ahh yeah, here's where .5 of a star comes off. I was completely satisfied with the characters, even the antagonist. (I actually loved her.) And my favorite was Jeni. But, honestly? The main girl didn't do much for me. I could read her POV without getting upset. I could think about her without any negative thoughts. But there were times, like when she was on dates with her boyfriend, where I thought: "Wow, that's a really bratty thing to think/say." -.5
The Writing: And this is where the rest of the damage, 1 star, comes off from my rating. I understand this is a young adult novel, I really do, but I feel like the writing was over simplified even for that. Delaney Collins is a unique girl, and her voice fits the character she's portraying. That really rocked. It was just..so simple...and it kind of reminded me of Russell's DORK DIARIES series. But obviously, I still liked it. Just not as much as I'd hoped. ☻
The Cover: I'm pretty alright with the cover of this book, it's extremely pretty. The stars are artistic, and the girl is totally gorgeous. My only complaint is the forest. She was never in the forest. But whatever, you should probably just ignore that last thing because I was just looking for things to complain about.
But, yeah. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars. It was good, and it made me feel content and at ease. I recommend it. (KATHY MCCULLOUGH: Are you in the process of writing more books? I need more!!)
July 15, 2013
Delaney Collins is an f.g. That stands for “Fairy Godmother.” She hasn’t quite embraced the job yet, and she doesn’t quite know if she ever will. She is only fifteen years old herself, and is still trying to figure out a way to fit in, or should I say blend in, in high school. Not only is Delaney an f.g., but her father is one too. Delaney has already had her first client, Flynn, who ended up being her boyfriend after all was said and done. She is working on developing her line of boots and holding down a summer job at Treasures, a local secondhand boutique, when she meets another f.g. The only problem with this is, Delaney thought she and her dad were the only ones. Now Delaney has to deal with “Tinker Bell”, as she calls her, whose real name is Ariella. Ariella proves to be a problem for Delaney because she can grant wishes at the drop of a hat, something that Delaney seems to be having trouble with. Delaney is starting to think that she may not be cut out for this whole f.g. lifestyle, and she may be right!
Delaney is still finding out who is right and what she wants from life. This is one reason that I love her character so much. It really feels like I am talking to a fifteen-year-old hormonal teenager. Delaney is quirky and has her own sense of style. I love reading about her boots and her ventures at the secondhand store where she works. In this book more so than the first one in this series, Delaney is trying to separate her life from the f.g. side and the normal teenager side. She is having trouble distinguishing between the two, and this is a battle that readers will enjoy witnessing firsthand.
Ariella sometimes got on my nerves, just as she did Delaney’s, but I think she was a nice change or addition to Delaney’s story. We have Delaney, who I have described a little bit above, and then we have Ariella, who is the absolute opposite of Delaney. She is motivated, enthusiastic, and completely compelled by her call to be an f.g. Delaney often refers to her as “Tinker Bell” and I think this genuinely reflects her personality. She is an interesting secondary character who is meant to be overly cheerful. I commend McCullough on another f.g. I think the concept is just to die for!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Delacorte Press in exchange for my honest review***
Delaney is still finding out who is right and what she wants from life. This is one reason that I love her character so much. It really feels like I am talking to a fifteen-year-old hormonal teenager. Delaney is quirky and has her own sense of style. I love reading about her boots and her ventures at the secondhand store where she works. In this book more so than the first one in this series, Delaney is trying to separate her life from the f.g. side and the normal teenager side. She is having trouble distinguishing between the two, and this is a battle that readers will enjoy witnessing firsthand.
Ariella sometimes got on my nerves, just as she did Delaney’s, but I think she was a nice change or addition to Delaney’s story. We have Delaney, who I have described a little bit above, and then we have Ariella, who is the absolute opposite of Delaney. She is motivated, enthusiastic, and completely compelled by her call to be an f.g. Delaney often refers to her as “Tinker Bell” and I think this genuinely reflects her personality. She is an interesting secondary character who is meant to be overly cheerful. I commend McCullough on another f.g. I think the concept is just to die for!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Delacorte Press in exchange for my honest review***
Read
May 21, 2019good book
June 27, 2014
I love that Kathy McCullough writes magical clean teen fiction!
Fairy godmother (f.g.) Delaney Collins returns in this sequel to Don't Expect Magic. Delaney tries to stay one step ahead of Ariella Patterson, a pink and glitter adorned super f.g., while navigating the untested waters of a new romantic relationship.
As both girls make one bad decision after the other, it becomes difficult to like either of them. But then McCullough reminds the reader of why Delaney is so insecure, and evidence abounds throughout the book as to Ariella's motivation. The surprise entrance of a new character in Act 3 as well as a poignant reminder of Delaney's motherless status won me over in the end.
Fairy godmother (f.g.) Delaney Collins returns in this sequel to Don't Expect Magic. Delaney tries to stay one step ahead of Ariella Patterson, a pink and glitter adorned super f.g., while navigating the untested waters of a new romantic relationship.
As both girls make one bad decision after the other, it becomes difficult to like either of them. But then McCullough reminds the reader of why Delaney is so insecure, and evidence abounds throughout the book as to Ariella's motivation. The surprise entrance of a new character in Act 3 as well as a poignant reminder of Delaney's motherless status won me over in the end.
March 19, 2015
A cute and quick read.
I didn't read the first book in the series, maybe I would have liked this book better if I did, but it was something different. The idea of having a fairy godmother is a fun one and there were some interesting aspects to the plot. I would have liked to see more of the relationship between father and daughter, though. I found it intriguing that it was the main character's father that handed down the "powers" and not her mother, that was quite unique...
Overall, it was an okay read.
I didn't read the first book in the series, maybe I would have liked this book better if I did, but it was something different. The idea of having a fairy godmother is a fun one and there were some interesting aspects to the plot. I would have liked to see more of the relationship between father and daughter, though. I found it intriguing that it was the main character's father that handed down the "powers" and not her mother, that was quite unique...
Overall, it was an okay read.
sequels-to-read
December 29, 2012This comes out the day before my birthday ! Yay (:
Over & Out, T xx
Over & Out, T xx
November 28, 2015
This was great. I enjoyed it so much more than the first one. It was perfect.
September 20, 2018
[scratch this line and read the end] 2 stars only because I finished it.
I remembered nothing from the first book. After reading my review, I realize that a lot of people mentioned in the first are barely mentioned here, aside from Delaney’s family and boyfriend Flynn.
The book is pretty much about using people for your own ends, and to “win” against “competition.” It’s about weaving lies and egotism in order to get your way.
Oh, and it’s about changing people and forcing them to do what you want them to do, despite their desires/protests.
Frankly, the book pissed me off, and I wanted to punch Delaney.
McCullough has some major issues with New Jersey, because any time the state was brought it, it was to slander it. Oh the summers are TOO HUMID (even though it’s not typically that awful around Independence Day)...any nice day is likely TO BE RUINED by bad weather, so why even enjoy the good?
As with the first book, these kids act older than 15/16, and have responsibilities that make no sense. For example, Flynn has an internship at a paper that pays for him to go to such-and-such a place to photograph a story. At 15 or 16?
I’m all for binary genders, but McCullough is nauseating to me. “...BFFS (male and female)...” Why does the gender matter? Was that necessary?
And that wasn’t the only time a M/F issue was brought up.
What is up with Delaney’s derogatory thoughts towards locals?
Why is she forcing her new client (Jeni) to admit a love for a person, when the fairy godmother stuff is about love in general and not towards only humans.
Why does f.g. have to even be about love? I guess deep wishes are “I would love to have…” but it’s just again too boxed in.
Is it really necessary for Delaney to mentally look down on Jeni’s clothes if they are HER?
WHY DOES “HELP GET IN THE WAY” ALL THE TIME?!
Then Delaney forces Jeni to do karaoke then balks when Jeni drags her up on stage for a duet. It’s a crap feeling, isn’t it *itch?
Delaney meets another f.g.--a 14-year-old named Ariella with an attitude problem that she seems to get from her mother, because even mom scoffs at some of what Delaney says.
Overall, the book shows what is wrong for teenagers. And now I’m just angry after writing this so to spite the book, I’m making it 1 star.
I remembered nothing from the first book. After reading my review, I realize that a lot of people mentioned in the first are barely mentioned here, aside from Delaney’s family and boyfriend Flynn.
The book is pretty much about using people for your own ends, and to “win” against “competition.” It’s about weaving lies and egotism in order to get your way.
Oh, and it’s about changing people and forcing them to do what you want them to do, despite their desires/protests.
Frankly, the book pissed me off, and I wanted to punch Delaney.
McCullough has some major issues with New Jersey, because any time the state was brought it, it was to slander it. Oh the summers are TOO HUMID (even though it’s not typically that awful around Independence Day)...any nice day is likely TO BE RUINED by bad weather, so why even enjoy the good?
As with the first book, these kids act older than 15/16, and have responsibilities that make no sense. For example, Flynn has an internship at a paper that pays for him to go to such-and-such a place to photograph a story. At 15 or 16?
I’m all for binary genders, but McCullough is nauseating to me. “...BFFS (male and female)...” Why does the gender matter? Was that necessary?
And that wasn’t the only time a M/F issue was brought up.
What is up with Delaney’s derogatory thoughts towards locals?
Why is she forcing her new client (Jeni) to admit a love for a person, when the fairy godmother stuff is about love in general and not towards only humans.
Why does f.g. have to even be about love? I guess deep wishes are “I would love to have…” but it’s just again too boxed in.
Is it really necessary for Delaney to mentally look down on Jeni’s clothes if they are HER?
WHY DOES “HELP GET IN THE WAY” ALL THE TIME?!
Then Delaney forces Jeni to do karaoke then balks when Jeni drags her up on stage for a duet. It’s a crap feeling, isn’t it *itch?
Delaney meets another f.g.--a 14-year-old named Ariella with an attitude problem that she seems to get from her mother, because even mom scoffs at some of what Delaney says.
Overall, the book shows what is wrong for teenagers. And now I’m just angry after writing this so to spite the book, I’m making it 1 star.
January 21, 2019
Charming follow up read to McCullough’s first novel Don't Expect Magic. I'll echo as I said of the first novel: This is a witty voice carried forth by a quirky and badass narrator, fifteen-year old Delaney. The continued fascinating magical elements, comedy of errors/identity, and the exploration of growing pains as they relate to romance and life decisions are fun to follow. So, too, particularly interesting is the further development of the father-daughter relationship dynamic and the underlying role that grief plays in everything—teenager Delaney having to also deal with her mother’s death. As well, McCullough introduces a rival/antagonist in this second book that is fun to read. As well, the romance development/complications for Delaney (the protagonist) and character introduced in the first novel is fun to read. Finally, I appreciate the universal, pointed issue: In life and love is what happens to us, including what we deem “fairytale” magical, the result of outside forces? Or is what’s in our heart the real magic?
May 14, 2017
More of a 2.5 star.
The concept wasn't really innovative,and the background story wasn't exactly intriguing. I would give a 2 star for that.
The main character was realistic in some aspects I suppose, but was so dumb in her actions that I couldn't stand her. At first she was tolerable, but then she seemed like a total bitch, which totally pissed me off. I mean, how self-centered and stupid could a person get? As for the other characters, they were all right. So I give this book 1.5 stars character-wise.
The thing that this book had me was the authors metaphors. She's great at weaving beautiful sentences in an effortless manner and her way of description was quirky and fun(though sometimes a little bit over the top), so I give this book 3.5 stars regarding its writing.
Overall, it wasn't a HORRIBLE book, but it wasn't one of my fav reads either. I give it a 2.5 stars in general.
The concept wasn't really innovative,and the background story wasn't exactly intriguing. I would give a 2 star for that.
The main character was realistic in some aspects I suppose, but was so dumb in her actions that I couldn't stand her. At first she was tolerable, but then she seemed like a total bitch, which totally pissed me off. I mean, how self-centered and stupid could a person get? As for the other characters, they were all right. So I give this book 1.5 stars character-wise.
The thing that this book had me was the authors metaphors. She's great at weaving beautiful sentences in an effortless manner and her way of description was quirky and fun(though sometimes a little bit over the top), so I give this book 3.5 stars regarding its writing.
Overall, it wasn't a HORRIBLE book, but it wasn't one of my fav reads either. I give it a 2.5 stars in general.
March 28, 2022
Found this book at Dollar Tree a while back so I wasn’t expecting much. Didn’t realize it was the second in a series but that didn’t matter much! The first part of the book was definitely slow, but it picked up in the last 125 pages or so. Keep in mind this is definitely a bad YA book so if you don’t like those usually, you probably won’t like this. I thought the fairy god’parent’ plot was pretty cute!
December 14, 2020
Cute story. Lots of "Oh my G**", and two other swearwords, but no innuendo
January 10, 2016
Originally posted at City of Books
I really loved the first book in this series, Don't Expect Magic. That being said, I enjoyed reading this one too, but unfortunately not as much as its predecessor. It's definitely got the same tone to it, though - fun and light. Delaney is still as awesome as always, and this book definitely has more of a focus on her and the development of her powers.
Who Needs Magic? is set during the summer after Delaney discovers she's a fairy godmother. She's going out with Flynn, and she's all excited about her next prospective client. But things don't go as planned. Flynn is drifting away, and Delaney finds a rival f.g. - Ariella. Delaney does eventually get a new client, but her job as an f.g. seems to be taking over her life. Flynn is pushed further away, and Delaney is left wondering whether she really is an inferior f.g. like Ariella says.
Delaney's really taking the boot-making thing seriously, and she works on her designs while at her summer job in Treasures. But inspiration is lacking and meeting Ariella complicates things. Soon, it's a competition between the two, since - whadaya know - Ariella's client, Fawn, is after the same guy Delaney's is. I didn't like how Delaney didn't confide in anyone about her new client. She could have told Flynn or her dad instead of letting her pride get in the way. But she's independent, and I admired her determination to get what she wants. It's what I like most about Delaney, in fact. Apart from her awesome sense of style.
One thing I was disappointed about is that we don't get to see much of Flynn. I loved him in the first book, and I thought we'd get to find out more about him in this. Sadly, he's absent most of the time, and his relationship with Delaney is quite rocky sometimes. Nevertheless, whatever we do see of him is great. He's still the same - goofy and adorable. He's been hiding stuff from Delaney too, and if only they'd both trusted each other more, they could have avoided a lot of problems.
There are a few new characters in this book - the primary one being Ariella, whom I of course hated. She's the total opposite of Delaney, and therefore the total opposite of me. Since I'm a lot like Delaney. Ariella is the princess type, pink and glittery and bubbly. But very devious too. She really got on my nerves, and I was astonished at Delaney's self-control. I would have punched this chick in the face pretty soon after meeting her!
I really liked Jeni, though - Delaney's new client. She's really shy at first, but she gains confidence thanks to her f.g., and she has a hidden talent too. Another new character I loved is Lourdes, whom Delaney meets at the mall and befriends because they have the same snarky attitude. She's straightforward and blunt, and definitely makes things fun. She also seems like a really loyal friend to have, so I'm glad Delaney found her.
The entire novel is mostly set in the mall where Delaney works, since that's where she meets Jeni every day. I preferred the high school setting of Don't Expect Magic, since it was unique and definitely interesting, while the setting of this one got a little monotonous after a while.
Overall, I loved reading more about Delaney and her powers, because it's certainly a unique concept. There are more relationships formed, like Delaney's friendship with Jeni and even her dad's relationship with his girlfriend Gina, whom we met in the first book. The pacing is great, and there weren't any dull bits for me. Although I also missed Posh, Delaney's friend form back home. We don't get much of her in this book either. So even though this wasn't an awesome read for me like the previous book was, I think if you like lower YA and fantasy, you should check out this series.
*Thank you to Kathy McCullough for sending a copy for review*
I really loved the first book in this series, Don't Expect Magic. That being said, I enjoyed reading this one too, but unfortunately not as much as its predecessor. It's definitely got the same tone to it, though - fun and light. Delaney is still as awesome as always, and this book definitely has more of a focus on her and the development of her powers.
Who Needs Magic? is set during the summer after Delaney discovers she's a fairy godmother. She's going out with Flynn, and she's all excited about her next prospective client. But things don't go as planned. Flynn is drifting away, and Delaney finds a rival f.g. - Ariella. Delaney does eventually get a new client, but her job as an f.g. seems to be taking over her life. Flynn is pushed further away, and Delaney is left wondering whether she really is an inferior f.g. like Ariella says.
Delaney's really taking the boot-making thing seriously, and she works on her designs while at her summer job in Treasures. But inspiration is lacking and meeting Ariella complicates things. Soon, it's a competition between the two, since - whadaya know - Ariella's client, Fawn, is after the same guy Delaney's is. I didn't like how Delaney didn't confide in anyone about her new client. She could have told Flynn or her dad instead of letting her pride get in the way. But she's independent, and I admired her determination to get what she wants. It's what I like most about Delaney, in fact. Apart from her awesome sense of style.
One thing I was disappointed about is that we don't get to see much of Flynn. I loved him in the first book, and I thought we'd get to find out more about him in this. Sadly, he's absent most of the time, and his relationship with Delaney is quite rocky sometimes. Nevertheless, whatever we do see of him is great. He's still the same - goofy and adorable. He's been hiding stuff from Delaney too, and if only they'd both trusted each other more, they could have avoided a lot of problems.
There are a few new characters in this book - the primary one being Ariella, whom I of course hated. She's the total opposite of Delaney, and therefore the total opposite of me. Since I'm a lot like Delaney. Ariella is the princess type, pink and glittery and bubbly. But very devious too. She really got on my nerves, and I was astonished at Delaney's self-control. I would have punched this chick in the face pretty soon after meeting her!
I really liked Jeni, though - Delaney's new client. She's really shy at first, but she gains confidence thanks to her f.g., and she has a hidden talent too. Another new character I loved is Lourdes, whom Delaney meets at the mall and befriends because they have the same snarky attitude. She's straightforward and blunt, and definitely makes things fun. She also seems like a really loyal friend to have, so I'm glad Delaney found her.
The entire novel is mostly set in the mall where Delaney works, since that's where she meets Jeni every day. I preferred the high school setting of Don't Expect Magic, since it was unique and definitely interesting, while the setting of this one got a little monotonous after a while.
Overall, I loved reading more about Delaney and her powers, because it's certainly a unique concept. There are more relationships formed, like Delaney's friendship with Jeni and even her dad's relationship with his girlfriend Gina, whom we met in the first book. The pacing is great, and there weren't any dull bits for me. Although I also missed Posh, Delaney's friend form back home. We don't get much of her in this book either. So even though this wasn't an awesome read for me like the previous book was, I think if you like lower YA and fantasy, you should check out this series.
*Thank you to Kathy McCullough for sending a copy for review*
July 30, 2016
Delaney Collins is ready to embrace her inner fairy godmother (f. g.) and grant some big wishes. But three months after granting her first big wish, Delaney is no closer to finding her next client.
Aside from the f. g. confusion, Delaney has high hopes for her summer. She'll get to spend more quality (read: alone) time with her boyfriend, Flynn. She's working at a fantastic vintage store with tons of boots she can re-make and re-style. She's even getting along better with her father despite his tendency to shift into self-help speak and his total lack of help in sharing his f. g. magic-wish-granting ways.
Unfortunately, while Delaney knows that wishes do come true, her dreams of a great summer do not. Flynn is distant, her father is distracted, and Delaney's powers remain frustratingly mysterious.
When Delaney meets Ariella--an f. g. with a lot more experience (and power)--Delaney starts to feel even more uncertain about her own magic abilities. Delaney will have to work hard to harness her powers and make sense of her life if she wants to get her summer back on track in Who Needs Magic? (2013) by Kathy McCullough.
Who Needs Magic? is the sequel to McCullough's debut novel Don't Expect Magic.
Delaney is a tough-talking, no-nonsense girl. She is sarcastic and she wears all black. This contrast between Delaney's exterior and her fairy-godmother background continues to provide a lot of humor (and some snark) in this second installment.
Delaney's mother has been dead for longer in this novel, but her grief is sometimes still fresh. McCullough handles Delaney's mixed feelings about her new life thoughtfully and honestly to create an authentic portrayal of a girl who is still trying to find her way.
Who Needs Magic? is introspective as Delaney tries to balance her personal life with her wish-granting. Moments where she tries to figure out what comes next now that she and Flynn are actually dating add another dimension to this story.
While Who Needs Magic? is a lot of fun, it's sadly not quite as endearing as Don't Expect Magic. Delaney loses some of her focus and forward momentum in the face of self-doubt and insecurity forcing her to relearn some important lessons about trusting herself.
Who Needs Magic? is a fun addition to a previously self-contained story. Recommended for fans of the first book. Check out this series if you are fan of fractured and remixed fairy tale tropes.
Possible Pairings: Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti, Donorboy by Brendan Halpin, Friends With Boys by Faith Erin Hicks, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan, The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding
Aside from the f. g. confusion, Delaney has high hopes for her summer. She'll get to spend more quality (read: alone) time with her boyfriend, Flynn. She's working at a fantastic vintage store with tons of boots she can re-make and re-style. She's even getting along better with her father despite his tendency to shift into self-help speak and his total lack of help in sharing his f. g. magic-wish-granting ways.
Unfortunately, while Delaney knows that wishes do come true, her dreams of a great summer do not. Flynn is distant, her father is distracted, and Delaney's powers remain frustratingly mysterious.
When Delaney meets Ariella--an f. g. with a lot more experience (and power)--Delaney starts to feel even more uncertain about her own magic abilities. Delaney will have to work hard to harness her powers and make sense of her life if she wants to get her summer back on track in Who Needs Magic? (2013) by Kathy McCullough.
Who Needs Magic? is the sequel to McCullough's debut novel Don't Expect Magic.
Delaney is a tough-talking, no-nonsense girl. She is sarcastic and she wears all black. This contrast between Delaney's exterior and her fairy-godmother background continues to provide a lot of humor (and some snark) in this second installment.
Delaney's mother has been dead for longer in this novel, but her grief is sometimes still fresh. McCullough handles Delaney's mixed feelings about her new life thoughtfully and honestly to create an authentic portrayal of a girl who is still trying to find her way.
Who Needs Magic? is introspective as Delaney tries to balance her personal life with her wish-granting. Moments where she tries to figure out what comes next now that she and Flynn are actually dating add another dimension to this story.
While Who Needs Magic? is a lot of fun, it's sadly not quite as endearing as Don't Expect Magic. Delaney loses some of her focus and forward momentum in the face of self-doubt and insecurity forcing her to relearn some important lessons about trusting herself.
Who Needs Magic? is a fun addition to a previously self-contained story. Recommended for fans of the first book. Check out this series if you are fan of fractured and remixed fairy tale tropes.
Possible Pairings: Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti, Donorboy by Brendan Halpin, Friends With Boys by Faith Erin Hicks, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan, The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding
July 25, 2013
Full review can be found at:
http://gonepecanla.wordpress.com/2013...
Overall Thoughts:
I reviewed book one Don’t Expect Magic and loved it so I was grateful that I was able to receive an ARC for book two. While you definitely see more of Delaney that’s pretty much the only person you see for the entire book. I would definitely have liked more interaction, whether it was with her family, Flynn (EEP), or her new friends. With that being said I still loved the story and it was super cute with several LOL moments. I’d recommend this to anyone who has read the first book, or someone who likes a more light-hearted, fun, PG story line.
3.5/5
http://gonepecanla.wordpress.com/2013...
Overall Thoughts:
I reviewed book one Don’t Expect Magic and loved it so I was grateful that I was able to receive an ARC for book two. While you definitely see more of Delaney that’s pretty much the only person you see for the entire book. I would definitely have liked more interaction, whether it was with her family, Flynn (EEP), or her new friends. With that being said I still loved the story and it was super cute with several LOL moments. I’d recommend this to anyone who has read the first book, or someone who likes a more light-hearted, fun, PG story line.
3.5/5
October 8, 2013
The characters Delaney, Ariella, Jeni and Flynn make the book really good. Her hometown seems fun and wild. I thought that when Ariella, the uber f.g (fairy godmother) came and took all Delaney's patients (the people that Delaney does wishes for.) But when Ariella comes and wants to take all Delaney's friends and tries to be her friend, I thought that Ariella was basically being two-faced. What really made me mad was when Ariella stabbed Delaney and harmed Delaney's life. She made Delaney and her boyfriend separate, made her friends hate her and her mom mad at her. I thought this book was good and had good details but as I was reading there was some confusing parts. I had to read a lot more to fully understand what was happening.
December 28, 2013
First of all, it was incredibly irritating to realize that this was a sequel. There was no indication anywhere on the cover or introductory pages that this was a sequel (I know, because I always carefully check)... but when I was a few pages in it began to be obvious. It didn't detract from the story at all, but it would have been nice to know. I think, based on what I picked up about the first novel, that I would not have liked it much. This one was mostly "meh" for me, amusing at times, silly at others, and occasionally kind of sweet. Nothing deep or meaningful, but I am pregnant and sick, so... you read what you have.
January 18, 2016
Who Needs Magic? is a good read. This book, like the first book, was fluffy. It was less fluffy than the first, but I still think it’s fluffy. In my opinion, Who Needs Magic? is written better than Don’t Expect Magic. The plot however, in my opinion was not that great.
The basic plot is that two people with the f.g battle in seeing who could grant their client’s wish. I mean, really? I just didn’t like the plot that much. What can I say? This book was interesting enough for me to not abandon it, but still.
Besides the plot, I really liked the story. The characters were interesting enough, and I liked everything else about the book.
The basic plot is that two people with the f.g battle in seeing who could grant their client’s wish. I mean, really? I just didn’t like the plot that much. What can I say? This book was interesting enough for me to not abandon it, but still.
Besides the plot, I really liked the story. The characters were interesting enough, and I liked everything else about the book.
December 30, 2014
Who Needs Magic? is a horribly written novel that lacked important morals and themes. It is about a teenage fairy godmother that has a TERRIBLE problem, because she doesn’t have anyone for her to grant a wish for! Oh no! The HORROR!!! This book has absolutely no point to it, and it has a really weird ending. I honestly think the main character was really unintelligent, selfish, and spoiled. Often times, I find that it is really hard to like a book if you don’t respect the protagonist. Why I actually finished this book is still a mystery to me.
August 2, 2013
Delaney is eager to find her next big client, but is disappointed when no one appears. Meanwhile, she meets an over-zealous f.g. her own age who is far more proficient at wish-granting than she is.
Delaney's quest to become a great f.g. continues, and has many twists. A lot of the plot was perhaps easy to foresee, but it was fairly realistic (magic aside), and gave a good look into Delaney's thoughts. I also was happy to see her finally coming to terms with her mother's death as well.
Delaney's quest to become a great f.g. continues, and has many twists. A lot of the plot was perhaps easy to foresee, but it was fairly realistic (magic aside), and gave a good look into Delaney's thoughts. I also was happy to see her finally coming to terms with her mother's death as well.
April 28, 2015
Starting off I thought many of the characters were extremely self-centered and annoying, but as you get into the story I started seeing more to who they were. I think some chapters were a little drawn out, but others were just right. The story itself was different and fun. The book very good enough to keep my interest, but it also could have used a little more... something to drag me in. Not so amazing you are speechless, but good.
August 14, 2014
Bueno, esto SÍ tuvo un final feliz. Aunque me quedó una duda con respecto a Delaney y sus poderes...
Este libro, así como el anterior, me ha hecho reír a montones, me encogió el corazón, y sobre todo, sacó todos mis instintos asesinos xD
P.D: Sigo amando a Flynn con todo mi corazonzote*-*
P.D2: Ariella te odié prácticamente en todo el libro, pero llegué a tener un poquitiiiiiiito de respeto(?
Este libro, así como el anterior, me ha hecho reír a montones, me encogió el corazón, y sobre todo, sacó todos mis instintos asesinos xD
P.D: Sigo amando a Flynn con todo mi corazonzote*-*
P.D2: Ariella te odié prácticamente en todo el libro, pero llegué a tener un poquitiiiiiiito de respeto(?
August 26, 2013
Two fairy godmothers get into a battle while trying to grant their "beneficiaries" their wishes. However, is it really magic that is going to help these people?
The book couldn't hold my attention and the ending was so picture perfect.........too good to be true.
The book couldn't hold my attention and the ending was so picture perfect.........too good to be true.
December 15, 2013
Another quick and easy read. I liked the story and the characters.
January 21, 2014
I really like this series. It's light-hearted, but smart. While addressing heavy issues, a strong sense of humor is evident throughout.
September 24, 2014
A decent read. I think I enjoyed the first book in the series a little better. The author is a little too free with her comma usage, but otherwise I like her style enough to read other things by her.
August 27, 2013
Fun read but Delaney is not one of my fav teen heroines.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews