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Spell Check
"It’s a little known fact that witches are alive and well in Salem, Massachusetts . . .
They call themselves cheerleaders."
Allyson Peterson believes that being hanged by the Salem High Witches is the absolute worst thing that can happen. But when her powers, wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, manifest themselves, she realizes that a prank hanging by vindictive cheerleaders is the least of her worries.
Ally accidentally sends her parents to the jungle to fight anacondas, turns her brother into a mute, and curses the entire cheerleading team with an illness that has no cure, proving that her spells need a little checking. Her Swedish grandmother shows up to help her through the worst part of all—surviving the Troll Trials and saving the guy of her dreams from a vengeance that has festered through-out generations.
The power is in her, if she can just get the magic right.
They call themselves cheerleaders."
Allyson Peterson believes that being hanged by the Salem High Witches is the absolute worst thing that can happen. But when her powers, wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, manifest themselves, she realizes that a prank hanging by vindictive cheerleaders is the least of her worries.
Ally accidentally sends her parents to the jungle to fight anacondas, turns her brother into a mute, and curses the entire cheerleading team with an illness that has no cure, proving that her spells need a little checking. Her Swedish grandmother shows up to help her through the worst part of all—surviving the Troll Trials and saving the guy of her dreams from a vengeance that has festered through-out generations.
The power is in her, if she can just get the magic right.
218 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2014
About the author
Julie Wright
63 books759 followers\Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, Julie Wright books have received several starred reviews, have been chosen as Teen Readers’ Choice Award Nominees, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections, Tome Society Book Award winners, Whitney Award winners, and have been listed in the American Library Association’s top ten romances.
She’s a sucker for almost all things nerdy: Doctor Who, Disneyland, the Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, fairytales, and Jane Austen. She believes in second chances, getting up and trying again, and in the power of generosity and compassion.
She has one husband, six kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying number of houseplants (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, snorkeling, hiking, playing with her family, and watching her husband make dinner.
She’s a sucker for almost all things nerdy: Doctor Who, Disneyland, the Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, fairytales, and Jane Austen. She believes in second chances, getting up and trying again, and in the power of generosity and compassion.
She has one husband, six kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying number of houseplants (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, snorkeling, hiking, playing with her family, and watching her husband make dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 2, 2014
Spell Check is a fun book appropriate for almost any age. I enjoyed it reading it as an adult, it would work as a read aloud to my 8 year old or I could give it to my 12 year old to read on his own.
Set is Salem, Spell Check weaves a tale with a new spin on witches based on Scandinavian folklore. While somewhat predictable this story has lot of unique elements that made it an enjoyable ready.
If you enjoy fantasy and are looking for an original, entertaining story that is squeaky clean give Spell Check a try. It's a story with a good blend of fantasy, friendship, family and fun with a little romance mixed in.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend
Content: Squeaky Clean
Source: Amazon
Set is Salem, Spell Check weaves a tale with a new spin on witches based on Scandinavian folklore. While somewhat predictable this story has lot of unique elements that made it an enjoyable ready.
If you enjoy fantasy and are looking for an original, entertaining story that is squeaky clean give Spell Check a try. It's a story with a good blend of fantasy, friendship, family and fun with a little romance mixed in.
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend
Content: Squeaky Clean
Source: Amazon
October 26, 2014
Oh, man, such a great book! Wish I'd read it on Halloween, oh, well! So good! Kinda wish it was a series, but it ended in a good place!
Full Review from Blog:
I really enjoyed this book, so much! It was a nice, cute, sweet book, with a thread of seriousness,i n the magic, and the responsibilities there, between the trolls and the treaty made, but yeah, there were just a lot of hilarious comments!
I really enjoyed the notes to self, they were hilarious, like one was a repeat of a previous one, and then a sub note, was to remember to look at and heed the self notes, they were just hilarious! And they told a bit about what would happen in that chapter!
Lisa, as an antagonist, is strange. Well, she's the leader of the popular people, and she's just pretty much had a hate on, on Ally, calling her Ally Cat, and yeah, pranking Ally. And then she says she's nice, and actually believed it. So yeah, liked when Ally stood up for herself!
That the whole bad guy thing was because of how the male trolls took the magic from the females, and then some human hunter ladies found it, and it became absorbed into their bloodlines? And that the female trolls wanted it back? And so she lied about the oaths? Yeah, that was a some nice twisty-ness, not for Ally, though!
Really enjoyed this book, it was really funny and great, and yeah, it was just really, really good!
Full Review from Blog:
I really enjoyed this book, so much! It was a nice, cute, sweet book, with a thread of seriousness,i n the magic, and the responsibilities there, between the trolls and the treaty made, but yeah, there were just a lot of hilarious comments!
I really enjoyed the notes to self, they were hilarious, like one was a repeat of a previous one, and then a sub note, was to remember to look at and heed the self notes, they were just hilarious! And they told a bit about what would happen in that chapter!
Lisa, as an antagonist, is strange. Well, she's the leader of the popular people, and she's just pretty much had a hate on, on Ally, calling her Ally Cat, and yeah, pranking Ally. And then she says she's nice, and actually believed it. So yeah, liked when Ally stood up for herself!
That the whole bad guy thing was because of how the male trolls took the magic from the females, and then some human hunter ladies found it, and it became absorbed into their bloodlines? And that the female trolls wanted it back? And so she lied about the oaths? Yeah, that was a some nice twisty-ness, not for Ally, though!
Really enjoyed this book, it was really funny and great, and yeah, it was just really, really good!
November 5, 2014
After finding out that the women in her family inherit powers that were wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, Allyson Peterson did not expect the amount of responsibility or troubles they can cause. Suddenly the saying, 'be careful of what you wish for' holds a whole new meaning. Especially after accidentally sending her parents off to the jungle to fight anacondas, cursing the cheer-leading team and turning her own little brother mute. Now her Swedish grandmother is involved in fixing her mess and preparing her for the Troll Trials, if she could survive them first.
Not at all what I expected, but it was a pleasant surprise anyway. This story felt quiet a bit juvenile to me. I was actually surprised by the main characters age of 16, since I felt she acted way younger. With the theme and the characters actions and the elements, this story probably would have done a lot better if it was for the way younger audience. Allyson's actions baffled me sometimes, but it was nice to see a bit of character growth in this book, especially for a stand-alone. The thing that seemed to have confused me the most was the odd love interest. I didn't really feel it. It was kind of awkward and I have to admit I did not expected it to turn out the way it did in the end, it almost felt kind of forced, especially since the one big scene between Allyson and her love interest was odd, short lived, and looked like it might actually head in a completely different direction.
The plot line was cute. I thought the author had a great imagination, but once again - I felt it could have done better if it was for younger audience. Somethings did leave me feeling a bit confused. Like... Why was there a death penalty if Allyson refused to take the Vow? That was really never explained. Second, the trials felt a little silly to me. I did not understand how on earth they would benefit her in the real world. Her magic suddenly went from being simple wishes to something much more, it felt unexpected and unprepared. Third, I just could not wrap around my head why on earth Allyson's archenemy Lisa hated her so much and had caused her so much trouble. I felt that it should have been addressed a bit more in the story.
Overall, I liked the magic. The concept was cute and original. The story was fun and It did draw me in. Aside from a few things that left me confused and unsure of, this was a pleasant read.
I got a copy of this book for free in exchange of an honest review.
Not at all what I expected, but it was a pleasant surprise anyway. This story felt quiet a bit juvenile to me. I was actually surprised by the main characters age of 16, since I felt she acted way younger. With the theme and the characters actions and the elements, this story probably would have done a lot better if it was for the way younger audience. Allyson's actions baffled me sometimes, but it was nice to see a bit of character growth in this book, especially for a stand-alone. The thing that seemed to have confused me the most was the odd love interest. I didn't really feel it. It was kind of awkward and I have to admit I did not expected it to turn out the way it did in the end, it almost felt kind of forced, especially since the one big scene between Allyson and her love interest was odd, short lived, and looked like it might actually head in a completely different direction.
The plot line was cute. I thought the author had a great imagination, but once again - I felt it could have done better if it was for younger audience. Somethings did leave me feeling a bit confused. Like... Why was there a death penalty if Allyson refused to take the Vow? That was really never explained. Second, the trials felt a little silly to me. I did not understand how on earth they would benefit her in the real world. Her magic suddenly went from being simple wishes to something much more, it felt unexpected and unprepared. Third, I just could not wrap around my head why on earth Allyson's archenemy Lisa hated her so much and had caused her so much trouble. I felt that it should have been addressed a bit more in the story.
Overall, I liked the magic. The concept was cute and original. The story was fun and It did draw me in. Aside from a few things that left me confused and unsure of, this was a pleasant read.
I got a copy of this book for free in exchange of an honest review.
July 2, 2014
What a fun story from Julie Wright. I've read her romances as well as her Middle Grade novels (Hazzardous Universe), and this was a fun surprise. I wasn't surprised at the humor and the fabulous characters, which are Wright's specialty. Set in Salem, with just a little magic, this is the perfect summer read for adults and teens alike.
July 5, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself laughing out loud quite often. When I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.
October 14, 2015
As an aging adult, I enjoyed reading this book! It wasn't exactly a mature YA book - sort of more on the juvenile side of YA; but most any teenage girl would really love it, I think. And it is clean and has a good moral code between the lines.
At first, I was afraid this was going to be too juvenile (for my book group) when it opened with a cruel, immature prank the "popular" girls played on Ally; but it moved on from that, and Wright was able to put in a lot of underlying things that many of us go/went through as teenagers, like trying to get your parents back together; wishing you had magical powers; teenage romance; and other subtleties woven in.
Little things, like "Note to self" made it very fun and likable. It was interesting to see how Wright was able to neatly pull all the loose ends together. Being a quick-read is another plus for me! :)
[Julie - please come to our book group Thursday. I know you live 4-5 hours away, but you'll make Deleen soooo "in" with the popular girls if you do!! (No worries, there, though; she already is popular!)] ;)
At first, I was afraid this was going to be too juvenile (for my book group) when it opened with a cruel, immature prank the "popular" girls played on Ally; but it moved on from that, and Wright was able to put in a lot of underlying things that many of us go/went through as teenagers, like trying to get your parents back together; wishing you had magical powers; teenage romance; and other subtleties woven in.
Little things, like "Note to self" made it very fun and likable. It was interesting to see how Wright was able to neatly pull all the loose ends together. Being a quick-read is another plus for me! :)
[Julie - please come to our book group Thursday. I know you live 4-5 hours away, but you'll make Deleen soooo "in" with the popular girls if you do!! (No worries, there, though; she already is popular!)] ;)
July 3, 2014
I was introduced to Julie Wright's stories through her Newport Ladies Book Club series, and her books have been one of my "go-to" choices ever since.
I opened up Spell Check with the intention of reading a couple chapters before getting things done for the day. Spell Check had me hooked from the first page. Julie's characters leap to life, and quickly become likeable and relatable. Julie can see straight into the soul of an awkward teenage girl and help her find her power. I could not stop reading even though I kept telling myself, "just one more chapter."
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes magical stories. Just make sure you don't have to do anything else until you finish the last page.
I opened up Spell Check with the intention of reading a couple chapters before getting things done for the day. Spell Check had me hooked from the first page. Julie's characters leap to life, and quickly become likeable and relatable. Julie can see straight into the soul of an awkward teenage girl and help her find her power. I could not stop reading even though I kept telling myself, "just one more chapter."
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes magical stories. Just make sure you don't have to do anything else until you finish the last page.
July 2, 2014
I just finished reading Julie Wright's new fantasy book Spell Check. It was a complete delight and a fun read. I peviously have read her other books, including the Hazzardous Universe series book one and two. I hope book three will be coming out soon. This book is as interesting as it is imaginative and well written. I generally read military, spy, and thrillers, but enjoy a good fantasy every now again.
July 2, 2014
Spell Check was a super fun read taking some old ideas (witches, girl finding out she has powers) and making them new and fresh (trolls and witch trials that are totally unlike anything that happened in Salem). The story had great humor with some laugh-out-loud moments. I loved the notes to self and the reindeer at the doorstep. Fast read. Good heart.
July 2, 2014
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Julie ties in the struggle of high school matched with magical powers so well, I didn't want to put the book down. This book really makes people think about those strange "accidents" that tend to happen in high school. The characters are easy to relate to. Can't wait for more books from Julie Wright!!
July 2, 2014
This is such a fun read. As usual Julie has created wonderful characters that you will connect with. Her ability to infuse humor while creating the story, is one of the things I most like about this author. An absolute must read.
October 15, 2019
Great book, fun story!
This book got right into the action and never stopped. It was fast-paced, light, and fun in a way that is missing from a lot of Halloween stories.
This book got right into the action and never stopped. It was fast-paced, light, and fun in a way that is missing from a lot of Halloween stories.
November 11, 2014
Be careful what you wish for because wishes can come true! It's Ally Peterson's sixteenth birthday, and as she dangles from a tree -- the victim of a cruel prank -- maybe Ally wishes a little nastiness on bully Lisa and the rest of the cheerleaders, and maybe those wishes come true. Ally soon finds out that it is not coincidence but her family lineage that is making her wishes come true, and that even the most innocent of wishes can have dire consequences. Already Ally's life is complicated with divorced parents, bullying that's lasted for years, an annoying little brother, and a crush on a boy who seems beyond her reach. But careless wishing creates even more complications, and now the stakes are high, Ally's mistakes are many, and time is running out for Ally to master the magic. Can Ally balance her life with her new powers?
Wright tells a great story with a unique premise (trolls!!) that manages to hit on a variety of elements that readers will recognize: imperfect families, friendship, finding your strengths, figuring out who you are, falling in love. There was one line I really liked, which could be taken literally within the context of the story but also at a more basic level about humanity:
People speak of dark magic and light magic, but there is no such thing on either side — there are only people who practice in darkness and people who practice in the light.
Humor really helped carry the story along and when things got intense, the funny chapter titles served as much needed comic relief. Excellent secondary characters, like Ally's fabulous, feisty Swedish grandmother Farmor, further enhanced the story and their descriptions and actions made them easily imagined.
There were so many good messages in the book, and it was refreshingly clean -- Ally had plenty of circumstances where no one would have blamed her for dropping an Fbomb or two, but how wonderfully surprising that there was no profanity, and the romance was sweet and thoughtful (but not at all dull).
Despite the main character being sixteen years old, this book would be great for middle grade readers or older reluctant readers. The storyline doesn't get bogged down with too many details and the writing is pretty simplistic, yet highly interesting. By the end of the story, I did feel there were too many people who were supposedly "in the know" and sworn to secrecy, and yeah, I think readers know how that probably would turn-out. And though I was happy that Ally ultimately handled being bullied, the scene itself was somewhat vague and anticlimactic.
I do have a gripe about the cover (but it didn't affect my review) -- it just doesn't fit. There are no spell books or fancy form fitting dresses for Ally, and if anything, Farmor mocks the preconceived notions of witches and spells.
I received this book from Ebooks For Review in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.
Wright tells a great story with a unique premise (trolls!!) that manages to hit on a variety of elements that readers will recognize: imperfect families, friendship, finding your strengths, figuring out who you are, falling in love. There was one line I really liked, which could be taken literally within the context of the story but also at a more basic level about humanity:
People speak of dark magic and light magic, but there is no such thing on either side — there are only people who practice in darkness and people who practice in the light.
Humor really helped carry the story along and when things got intense, the funny chapter titles served as much needed comic relief. Excellent secondary characters, like Ally's fabulous, feisty Swedish grandmother Farmor, further enhanced the story and their descriptions and actions made them easily imagined.
There were so many good messages in the book, and it was refreshingly clean -- Ally had plenty of circumstances where no one would have blamed her for dropping an Fbomb or two, but how wonderfully surprising that there was no profanity, and the romance was sweet and thoughtful (but not at all dull).
Despite the main character being sixteen years old, this book would be great for middle grade readers or older reluctant readers. The storyline doesn't get bogged down with too many details and the writing is pretty simplistic, yet highly interesting. By the end of the story, I did feel there were too many people who were supposedly "in the know" and sworn to secrecy, and yeah, I think readers know how that probably would turn-out. And though I was happy that Ally ultimately handled being bullied, the scene itself was somewhat vague and anticlimactic.
I do have a gripe about the cover (but it didn't affect my review) -- it just doesn't fit. There are no spell books or fancy form fitting dresses for Ally, and if anything, Farmor mocks the preconceived notions of witches and spells.
I received this book from Ebooks For Review in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.
October 27, 2014
Spell Check is a fun story of a young woman, Ally from Salem Massachusetts, whose life is turned upside down in just a few days. Not only does she find out that her thoughtless wishes are coming true, but also that she is a witch. Turning 16 is the key that unlocks her powers and boy does this cause havoc in her and her family's life, her friends and her "frenemies" lives. I really liked how her magical powers came from the four elements of earth, air, water and fire. The best part of the book is the humor and the dialogue that will keep you laughing page after page; even when Ally is in very scary predicaments like trying to save her parents in the Amazon and during the Troll Trials.
Julie has written some of the best side characters, in Ally's 10 year old brother Robison, and her Swedish Grandmother, Farmor, who is also a witch or a Troll Kvinna. The banter between Ally and her brother and Ally and her grandmother is sarcastic and funny. There is the sweetness and uncertainty of first young love between Ally and Jake, which is all clean, but so realistic for what teens go through.
This YA Paranormal novel has so much to offer readers: mean girls that are chastised after they've bullied Ally for years, magical trolls with trials that can kill, and a rouge troll whose deception puts Jake's life at risk. This story is one of coming of age where Ally finally learns to love herself and be proud of who she truly is. This was a great message for anyone, especially teens to read.
I'm ending the review by listing some of the clever chapter titles that kept me smiling. If you like books about magic combined with great humor, you and your tweens and teens will love Spell Check.
-Note to Self: A Troll is a Lame Birthday Gift.
-Note to Self: Sleep is awesome. I should try it sometime.
-Note to Self: Just because a tiny man shows up at your door with an elk in tow doesn't prove anything about Santa Claus.
-Note to Self: Dragon Boats are sarcastic, unhelpful, and deserve to sink.
-Note to Self: No matter what happens...it can be worse. At least I'm not married to a troll.
Julie has written some of the best side characters, in Ally's 10 year old brother Robison, and her Swedish Grandmother, Farmor, who is also a witch or a Troll Kvinna. The banter between Ally and her brother and Ally and her grandmother is sarcastic and funny. There is the sweetness and uncertainty of first young love between Ally and Jake, which is all clean, but so realistic for what teens go through.
This YA Paranormal novel has so much to offer readers: mean girls that are chastised after they've bullied Ally for years, magical trolls with trials that can kill, and a rouge troll whose deception puts Jake's life at risk. This story is one of coming of age where Ally finally learns to love herself and be proud of who she truly is. This was a great message for anyone, especially teens to read.
I'm ending the review by listing some of the clever chapter titles that kept me smiling. If you like books about magic combined with great humor, you and your tweens and teens will love Spell Check.
-Note to Self: A Troll is a Lame Birthday Gift.
-Note to Self: Sleep is awesome. I should try it sometime.
-Note to Self: Just because a tiny man shows up at your door with an elk in tow doesn't prove anything about Santa Claus.
-Note to Self: Dragon Boats are sarcastic, unhelpful, and deserve to sink.
-Note to Self: No matter what happens...it can be worse. At least I'm not married to a troll.
August 1, 2014
Everyone knows that witches are myths, and are very well known in childhood fairytales, and people once believed that they used to exists before the 1600s. Well, if they did exist today, we would really use the term "witches" another word for female dog, which is what we like to call to cheerleaders.
Well, in this story witches are real (no not what we call the really mean people that treat others who are lower than them kind of witches, REAL witches!!!)
We have a girl named Allyson; Who believes that being hanged by the Salem High Witches is the absolute worst thing that can happen. But when her powers, wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, manifest themselves, she realizes that a prank hanging by vindictive cheerleaders is the least of her worries.
I know right? I mean one minute she's normal, and thinks that that is the worst thing that could've happened to her, but then she finds out she is this paranormal witch figurine, and now embarrassing herself in highschool isn't so bad after all!!!
So of course, when Ally finds out she has these "mythical powers now" she starts panicking and freaking out, she accidentally sends her parents to the jungle to fight anacondas, turns her brother into a mute, and curses the entire cheerleading team with an illness that has no cure, proving that her spells need a little checking.
So, to help her with her "issues" her Swedish grandmother shows up to help her out of nowhere!!!
Her grandmother helps her survive the Troll Trials, with controlling her powers, and save the guy of her dreams from a vengeance that has festered throughout generations.
What she doesn't know is, that she may just be the only witch living in the planet, which leaves "the" power in her; but that's if she can just get the magic right.
So this book was a light, and funny read. I enjoyed it :) this book was at first hard to get into because I've never read stuff about witches, so I gave it a shot to "expand my horizons", and I ended up liking it :) so I'll definitely read more about witches and from this author in the future.
Well, in this story witches are real (no not what we call the really mean people that treat others who are lower than them kind of witches, REAL witches!!!)
We have a girl named Allyson; Who believes that being hanged by the Salem High Witches is the absolute worst thing that can happen. But when her powers, wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, manifest themselves, she realizes that a prank hanging by vindictive cheerleaders is the least of her worries.
I know right? I mean one minute she's normal, and thinks that that is the worst thing that could've happened to her, but then she finds out she is this paranormal witch figurine, and now embarrassing herself in highschool isn't so bad after all!!!
So of course, when Ally finds out she has these "mythical powers now" she starts panicking and freaking out, she accidentally sends her parents to the jungle to fight anacondas, turns her brother into a mute, and curses the entire cheerleading team with an illness that has no cure, proving that her spells need a little checking.
So, to help her with her "issues" her Swedish grandmother shows up to help her out of nowhere!!!
Her grandmother helps her survive the Troll Trials, with controlling her powers, and save the guy of her dreams from a vengeance that has festered throughout generations.
What she doesn't know is, that she may just be the only witch living in the planet, which leaves "the" power in her; but that's if she can just get the magic right.
So this book was a light, and funny read. I enjoyed it :) this book was at first hard to get into because I've never read stuff about witches, so I gave it a shot to "expand my horizons", and I ended up liking it :) so I'll definitely read more about witches and from this author in the future.
December 19, 2014
4.5/5
I wish to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.
Honestly, this has to be the best coming of age witch book I've read in ages. Perfect for the teen reader, it also draws in to the imagination of those older. Who doesn't think it would be cool to find out that they are actually a witch? Unfortunately for Ally, she didn't read the letter her grandmother had sent, so she haphazardly realized, after the fact, that she was casting spells on people.
A fun and easy read, this book flows pretty smoothly from start to finish. There are a few small bumps in the road that makes the story a bit jumpy, but all in all, it takes you for a ride that you just don't want to end. Witches and trolls have their places. A "ghost" from the past is on the prowl to get to Ally. You have your classic high school bully who gets a taste of her own medicine but than doesn't seem to know when enough is enough. A love interest that may either grow into something more or run for the hills.
The rules on what can and can't be influenced by magic are smart choices by the author. It gives the magic depth, clarity and a control. Too many times we read about witches and magic and there just doesn't seem to be a start and stopping point to them, which makes for a chaotic story line. I don't know if the author will be writing more about Ally, her magic and her family but if she did, I will read it.
Some of the book reminded me of the bumblings of Samantha in the series Bewitched and of the series,Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Both trying to do what is right but sometimes things getting in the way and setting off a chain of events that made you giggle but also warmed you at the same time. This is a book that even though it's about witches and magic, will also warm you because of other messages that come through.
I wish to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.
Honestly, this has to be the best coming of age witch book I've read in ages. Perfect for the teen reader, it also draws in to the imagination of those older. Who doesn't think it would be cool to find out that they are actually a witch? Unfortunately for Ally, she didn't read the letter her grandmother had sent, so she haphazardly realized, after the fact, that she was casting spells on people.
A fun and easy read, this book flows pretty smoothly from start to finish. There are a few small bumps in the road that makes the story a bit jumpy, but all in all, it takes you for a ride that you just don't want to end. Witches and trolls have their places. A "ghost" from the past is on the prowl to get to Ally. You have your classic high school bully who gets a taste of her own medicine but than doesn't seem to know when enough is enough. A love interest that may either grow into something more or run for the hills.
The rules on what can and can't be influenced by magic are smart choices by the author. It gives the magic depth, clarity and a control. Too many times we read about witches and magic and there just doesn't seem to be a start and stopping point to them, which makes for a chaotic story line. I don't know if the author will be writing more about Ally, her magic and her family but if she did, I will read it.
Some of the book reminded me of the bumblings of Samantha in the series Bewitched and of the series,Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Both trying to do what is right but sometimes things getting in the way and setting off a chain of events that made you giggle but also warmed you at the same time. This is a book that even though it's about witches and magic, will also warm you because of other messages that come through.
October 23, 2014
4 STARS
Spell Check is full of drama, action, teenage drama, magic gone wild, humor and characters that you like. Also it is a clean read. it grabs your attention right off.
It is almost Halloween and Ally has agreed to help the cheerleaders film a skit. She is going to be hanged as a witch. When Ally is hanging from a tree things go wrong fast. Ally starts wishing bad things to happen to them. It comes true.
Ally has just turned 16. Her parents are divorced for two years now. They still fight when ever they get together. So when Ally realizes her wishes are coming true. She tries to wish her parents to stop fighting with each other and get back together. They then disappear.
How many times do you say you wish something to happen when your mad or frustrated? Ally says it a lot but her wishes are coming true. She tells her brother she wished he would stop talking and he goes mute. She really did not want that to happen.
Her grandmother from Sweden comes to help Ally to find her parents and undo the trouble she caused from her wishes. She also needs to be prepared to be tested by the Troll King on Halloween. Time is running out.
I did not put the book down last night till I had finished the book.
The suspense of what was happening to Ally and why was good. Ally's crush and first date was cute. The action when she ended up rescuing her parents from the Amazon was good and funny. It was fun to read.
I would say that any age could enjoy this story. Probably start in middle school.
I was given Spell Check to read by Author so I could honestly review it.
Spell Check is full of drama, action, teenage drama, magic gone wild, humor and characters that you like. Also it is a clean read. it grabs your attention right off.
It is almost Halloween and Ally has agreed to help the cheerleaders film a skit. She is going to be hanged as a witch. When Ally is hanging from a tree things go wrong fast. Ally starts wishing bad things to happen to them. It comes true.
Ally has just turned 16. Her parents are divorced for two years now. They still fight when ever they get together. So when Ally realizes her wishes are coming true. She tries to wish her parents to stop fighting with each other and get back together. They then disappear.
How many times do you say you wish something to happen when your mad or frustrated? Ally says it a lot but her wishes are coming true. She tells her brother she wished he would stop talking and he goes mute. She really did not want that to happen.
Her grandmother from Sweden comes to help Ally to find her parents and undo the trouble she caused from her wishes. She also needs to be prepared to be tested by the Troll King on Halloween. Time is running out.
I did not put the book down last night till I had finished the book.
The suspense of what was happening to Ally and why was good. Ally's crush and first date was cute. The action when she ended up rescuing her parents from the Amazon was good and funny. It was fun to read.
I would say that any age could enjoy this story. Probably start in middle school.
I was given Spell Check to read by Author so I could honestly review it.
December 27, 2014
I was drawn to this book based completely on the cover and when I read the blurb, I got so excited when I seen
"ancient Sweden". I love Sweden and the idea of having some cool, old time magic was a really great idea to me.
However, I didn't really get as hooked on this book as I thought I would.
The beginning was good. I liked how the chapters started with "Note to self". It added something original to an otherwise not so original plot.
I tend to roll my eyes at any YA book what has Salem and witches in the same sentence in it's synopsis. It's not original and extremely overused, in my opinion. I could go the rest of my life without reading another Salem/witch book.
So that was a big down fall for me in Spell Check.
I was okay with the characters. I didn't hate them but I didn't gush over them. Ally was slow at times and that was a little annoying. I wanted to hit her over the head a few times.
One thing that I noticed and thought was kinda cool was how Spell Check it a really clean, fun book. You could give it to a 13 year old just getting into reading and it'd be fine.
Overall, Spell Check is okay for me. I might want to go back in a year or two and give it another try but as of the end of 2014, I wasn't really feeling it. But I think Spell Check is a great starter YA or if you're just looking for something short and easy to read, you might really like this book.
"ancient Sweden". I love Sweden and the idea of having some cool, old time magic was a really great idea to me.
However, I didn't really get as hooked on this book as I thought I would.
The beginning was good. I liked how the chapters started with "Note to self". It added something original to an otherwise not so original plot.
I tend to roll my eyes at any YA book what has Salem and witches in the same sentence in it's synopsis. It's not original and extremely overused, in my opinion. I could go the rest of my life without reading another Salem/witch book.
So that was a big down fall for me in Spell Check.
I was okay with the characters. I didn't hate them but I didn't gush over them. Ally was slow at times and that was a little annoying. I wanted to hit her over the head a few times.
One thing that I noticed and thought was kinda cool was how Spell Check it a really clean, fun book. You could give it to a 13 year old just getting into reading and it'd be fine.
Overall, Spell Check is okay for me. I might want to go back in a year or two and give it another try but as of the end of 2014, I wasn't really feeling it. But I think Spell Check is a great starter YA or if you're just looking for something short and easy to read, you might really like this book.
November 6, 2014
This was a fun, clean fantasy read. It was so creative, humorous, and descriptive. The author has a fascinating imagination. I wondered if it would be about magic before I started reading and then the beginning made me rethink that until the magic started to happen. I became bored about half way through the book, but a younger audience wouldn't be bored. This book would suit the pre-teen/early teen age very well. It will help them remember that they are loved even if they aren't the most popular in school or their home life isn't ideal, or they aren't the absolute best in a sport or activity. There are lies society or people tell us about ourselves, but through hard work, they can find something they are good at and can be loved no matter what. I especially liked that Ally had to take responsibility for her actions even though it was unintentional and undo all the damage she had done. The scene toward the end with the large mirror in the cave was exceptionally well written in that the mc had to really look at herself and like her for who she really was. We go through life hopefully doing our best and just because we get dirty along the way, doesn't make us less of a person. It attests to the hard work we have put in and shows our true character. Possible sequel? I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2014
Well done, Julie!
I have met Julie several times at science fiction symposia in Utah. I have sat in on her panel discussions and enjoy her insightful and articulated responses. I own many of her books although they were written for a younger generation. I can always trust her to write something wholesome even though at times less than savory situations are involved.
This story is of a young girl who finds out she is a troll witch, thanks to her father' s mother. She is plagued with troubles and makes wishes that start to come true. Her farmor jumps in to teach her the right way. With the responsibility to do these things also comes the need to undo some of them. Our protagonist is one who has the moral rectitude to fix her problems although it is often easier to let them slide.
Then comes the witch trials, the testing phase of getting her full powers. Yikes!
That is all I will say about the story. Read it, it is a good one. I relish how Julie can still put us in the head of a sixteen year old and help us feel the same emotions she does.
Thanks for this story, Julie. Well written.
I have met Julie several times at science fiction symposia in Utah. I have sat in on her panel discussions and enjoy her insightful and articulated responses. I own many of her books although they were written for a younger generation. I can always trust her to write something wholesome even though at times less than savory situations are involved.
This story is of a young girl who finds out she is a troll witch, thanks to her father' s mother. She is plagued with troubles and makes wishes that start to come true. Her farmor jumps in to teach her the right way. With the responsibility to do these things also comes the need to undo some of them. Our protagonist is one who has the moral rectitude to fix her problems although it is often easier to let them slide.
Then comes the witch trials, the testing phase of getting her full powers. Yikes!
That is all I will say about the story. Read it, it is a good one. I relish how Julie can still put us in the head of a sixteen year old and help us feel the same emotions she does.
Thanks for this story, Julie. Well written.
October 22, 2014
*I received a free eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Spell Check is a story about witches and trolls, set in Salem. It tells the story of Allyson Peterson, who comes into her witching powers on her sixteenth birthday. That’s when all her wishes begin to come true. Her parents are divorced, which she doesn’t like at all and therefore wishes them to be together. Her parents disappear, she makes the whole cheerleading team sick and her Farmor from Sweden comes to help her with all her problems. Ally discovers that she is a Troll Kvinna and needs to be prepared for the trials on Halloween.
I give this book 3.5 stars. This was a fun, not too heavy, fantasy read based on folklore. The story had a fast pace and was well written. The characters were easy to relate to and the setting was appropriate.
However the story itself was a bit predictable and I found it somewhat childish. Some parts were too prosy, so they should be shortened. Spell check was not all fantasy, but it’s also about friendship, family, and a bit of bullying as well.
PS: Jake was so cute!
Spell Check is a story about witches and trolls, set in Salem. It tells the story of Allyson Peterson, who comes into her witching powers on her sixteenth birthday. That’s when all her wishes begin to come true. Her parents are divorced, which she doesn’t like at all and therefore wishes them to be together. Her parents disappear, she makes the whole cheerleading team sick and her Farmor from Sweden comes to help her with all her problems. Ally discovers that she is a Troll Kvinna and needs to be prepared for the trials on Halloween.
I give this book 3.5 stars. This was a fun, not too heavy, fantasy read based on folklore. The story had a fast pace and was well written. The characters were easy to relate to and the setting was appropriate.
However the story itself was a bit predictable and I found it somewhat childish. Some parts were too prosy, so they should be shortened. Spell check was not all fantasy, but it’s also about friendship, family, and a bit of bullying as well.
PS: Jake was so cute!
November 2, 2015
It's always a relief to read a YA book with loving, supportive parents. You don't realize how rare it is until you run into one that has them, and this book not only has great parents, but it also has a truly wonderful grandmother. The approach to magic was unique and fun and the story moved quickly and was engaging with great characters who maybe tried a little too hard not to be cliches. I've read a lot of light YA lately so maybe I'm over-saturated, but I'm a bit tired of the outsider girl secretly in love with the head cheerleader's boyfriend trope. I'd rather see her go for someone less obvious - or how about no love interest at all? Wouldn't that be a nice switch. All in all, though, a fun book.
July 21, 2014
This is an enchanting young adult novel about the coming of age of Allyson. The catch is that with her 16th birthday also comes a mysterious wish fulfillment ability. And before Allyson can get a handle on how this wish thing works, she makes the whole cheerleading team sick, turns her arch enemy's hair and fingernails green and slimy, and sends her parents off to fight giant snakes in the jungle. Can her Swedish grandmother help her with this strange ability? A fun read with intriguing characters.
July 21, 2014
I've read loads of different novels based on witches and witchcraft but this one felt fresh and original. I loved Ally's character! She is spunky, witty, and quick-thinking. She is a social underdog thanks to a jealous nemesis but manages to stay positive (and eventually stands up for herself in a truly profound way--using honesty!). I hope that Mrs. Wright decides to keep going with this type of book! :)
October 31, 2014
This is the charming coming of age story of Ally who has a very unique 16th birthday. And the days following are even more interesting! Ally, along with her family and friends experience a suspenseful adventure that left me chuckling to myself, cheering on our heroine and compelling me to turn my pages a little faster. I love stories that are timeless and can be shared by multiple generations. That's just what this story is! A rare find in my opinion.
July 7, 2014
I loved this book. It was fun and entertaining. The characters were great and I enjoyed every minute of the book. It is a book about a 16 year old girl finding out she has powers. Her coming to terms with them and finding her strength along the way. It is humorous in parts and overall enjoyable.
It is refreshingly clean and a good choice for pre-teens and older.
It is refreshingly clean and a good choice for pre-teens and older.
November 6, 2014
Spell Check
Julie Wright
I loved this story. I've read loads of different novels based on witches and witchcraft but this one felt fresh and original. Spell Check was a super fun read taking some old ideas. Awesome book! Great characters, great story line, great writing!
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend
Julie Wright
I loved this story. I've read loads of different novels based on witches and witchcraft but this one felt fresh and original. Spell Check was a super fun read taking some old ideas. Awesome book! Great characters, great story line, great writing!
Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend
December 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but that in no way effects my opinion. I absolutely adore this book! It's unique to the magic genre. She's not your typical "witch" and that in itself is nice. Plus, it's worded appropriately for young readers, but I am 25 and can say it's still something that can be read by an older crowd and still widely enjoyed. :-)
July 17, 2014
Very cute ya novel. I enjoyed the whole thing. Hopefully there will be a sequel. There wasn't a cliffhanger, but it did leave me wondering what would happen next...
Moral Note: Very clean. Some mild bullying in high school.
(Some minor editing errors)
Moral Note: Very clean. Some mild bullying in high school.
(Some minor editing errors)
July 18, 2014
Spell Check
Spell Check
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy!! The characters were very real to me, like I was there watching it all happen.
Spell Check
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy!! The characters were very real to me, like I was there watching it all happen.
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