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Charmless
Book 2 in The Misadventures of Mariah Miller
Mariah Miller has always been the unlucky one. In her quiet village, she’s known as a walking bad omen—an ordinary girl surrounded by six extraordinary brothers. All she wants is a summer that’s a little less boring... and a little more magical.
When a harmless dare in the library goes terribly wrong, Mariah and her three unlikely companions—a moody squire, a cheerful dreamer, and a bossy princess—find themselves lost in the mysterious Empty Lands, a realm straight out of legend.
To return home, they must face the legendary Four Trials—each more dangerous (and bizarre) than the last. But the greatest challenge might be learning to trust each other before the cracks in the sky, and the shadow that follows them, tear their world apart.
Full of humor, heart, and a dash of chaos, Charmless is a whimsical middle grade fantasy about finding courage, friendship, and a bit of magic in even the unluckiest of hearts.
Mariah Miller has always been the unlucky one. In her quiet village, she’s known as a walking bad omen—an ordinary girl surrounded by six extraordinary brothers. All she wants is a summer that’s a little less boring... and a little more magical.
When a harmless dare in the library goes terribly wrong, Mariah and her three unlikely companions—a moody squire, a cheerful dreamer, and a bossy princess—find themselves lost in the mysterious Empty Lands, a realm straight out of legend.
To return home, they must face the legendary Four Trials—each more dangerous (and bizarre) than the last. But the greatest challenge might be learning to trust each other before the cracks in the sky, and the shadow that follows them, tear their world apart.
Full of humor, heart, and a dash of chaos, Charmless is a whimsical middle grade fantasy about finding courage, friendship, and a bit of magic in even the unluckiest of hearts.
315 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 19, 2026
This story grabbed me from the very first chapter. The pacing is wonderfully tight with every scene pushing the journey forward. Yet there’s still room for emotional depth and quieter moments that make the stakes feel real. I found myself completely invested in the characters, especially Mariah and a very high-and-mighty princess, whose loyalty and courage shine through even in the darkest moments.
What really impressed me was how the author balanced danger, heart, and hope. The world felt vivid and lived-in, and the challenges the characters face were moral, emotional, and deeply human. Watching them navigate loss, trust, and the meaning of family made the adventure all the more powerful.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about their quest, I was rooting for them as if they were old friends. If you love stories filled with bravery, found family, and the kind of magic that lingers after you close the book, this one is absolutely worth the read.
What really impressed me was how the author balanced danger, heart, and hope. The world felt vivid and lived-in, and the challenges the characters face were moral, emotional, and deeply human. Watching them navigate loss, trust, and the meaning of family made the adventure all the more powerful.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about their quest, I was rooting for them as if they were old friends. If you love stories filled with bravery, found family, and the kind of magic that lingers after you close the book, this one is absolutely worth the read.
January 28, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Misadventures of Mariah Miller series! It is set up well enough that you don't have to have read the first book (although I highly suggest you do!). Poor Mariah can't seem to catch a break, being the only girl with six extraordinary brothers. When she and her oddball group become lost in the Empty Lands, they must work together to complete the ominous Four Trials. It's an adventure filled with mayhem, humor, and heart, and it's great for pre-teens, teens, and adults.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews