What do you think?
Rate this book
Rafe Ryder #1
Rafe Ryder and the Well of Wisdom
Strange things happen when the place you call “home” is no longer your address.
Twelve-year-old Rafe Ryder’s year couldn’t get worse. His parents have shipped him off to live with his grandmother and he doesn’t know if he’ll ever see his sick father again. Arriving in Maine, Rafe plots his return to England, but the possibility of a homecoming slips further from his grasp when an adventure in a corn maze at his new school goes wrong, and he and twelve of his schoolmates are mysteriously transported to Mystfira—a realm of angels, leprechauns, gargoyles and fairies—and home to an elite angelic training school. Forced to co-exist with student angels and surrounded by more danger than he ever could have imagined, Rafe searches for a way home only to stumble upon a scheme to destroy the heavens. Can he find a way to save himself and his friends…or will they be lost forever?
Twelve-year-old Rafe Ryder’s year couldn’t get worse. His parents have shipped him off to live with his grandmother and he doesn’t know if he’ll ever see his sick father again. Arriving in Maine, Rafe plots his return to England, but the possibility of a homecoming slips further from his grasp when an adventure in a corn maze at his new school goes wrong, and he and twelve of his schoolmates are mysteriously transported to Mystfira—a realm of angels, leprechauns, gargoyles and fairies—and home to an elite angelic training school. Forced to co-exist with student angels and surrounded by more danger than he ever could have imagined, Rafe searches for a way home only to stumble upon a scheme to destroy the heavens. Can he find a way to save himself and his friends…or will they be lost forever?
314 pages, Hardcover
First published November 20, 2015
7 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
L.L. Reynolds
2 books108 followersL. L. Reynolds writes whimsical, heart-stirring fantasy that blends the mystery of Narnia, the magic of Hogwarts, and the wild charm of Percy Jackson. She is the author of the Rafe Ryder series, an imaginative middle grade/YA fantasy saga where angels train, guardians forget their missions, and fairies might be listening.
Reynolds writes with humor, warmth, and wonder, crafting stories for young readers—and nostalgic grownups—who believe that magic often hides in the moments we least expect. When she's not writing or conjuring new worlds, she can be found connecting with readers on BookTok or dreaming up new adventures over endless cups of tea.
If you’ve ever felt like the ordinary world isn’t quite all there is… her books are for you.
Author of the Rafe Ryder series, L. L. Reynolds is a registered nurse turned middle grade/young adult fantasy writer from Maine. A labor and delivery nurse for nearly twenty years, L. L. has a unique insight into human nature, as well as two shattered eardrums and a permanently deformed right hand attributed to vociferous laboring patients unaware of their own strength.
She once had dinner with E.B. White, the author of Charlotte’s Web, and it remains one of the highlights of her life thus far. She is passionate about children, dogs, creative writing, and tea. Depending on the day, her husband sometimes makes the aforementioned list.
Reynolds writes with humor, warmth, and wonder, crafting stories for young readers—and nostalgic grownups—who believe that magic often hides in the moments we least expect. When she's not writing or conjuring new worlds, she can be found connecting with readers on BookTok or dreaming up new adventures over endless cups of tea.
If you’ve ever felt like the ordinary world isn’t quite all there is… her books are for you.
Author of the Rafe Ryder series, L. L. Reynolds is a registered nurse turned middle grade/young adult fantasy writer from Maine. A labor and delivery nurse for nearly twenty years, L. L. has a unique insight into human nature, as well as two shattered eardrums and a permanently deformed right hand attributed to vociferous laboring patients unaware of their own strength.
She once had dinner with E.B. White, the author of Charlotte’s Web, and it remains one of the highlights of her life thus far. She is passionate about children, dogs, creative writing, and tea. Depending on the day, her husband sometimes makes the aforementioned list.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 9, 2016
L. L. Reynolds's "Rafe Ryder and the Well of Wisdom" reminds me a bit of "Alice in Wonderland", where twelve-year-old Rafe is transported to Mystfira, a world of leprechauns, fairies and other fantasy creatures, and must search for his way home, which isn't going to be easy. It is well-written, the characters are interesting, and I enjoyed the author's use of humour, suspense, etc.
I like the cover for this book, it fits the story well and is quite eye-catching. It also appears to be the first in a series, so I am looking forward to the release of further volumes by the author. Though it is geared towards middle-graders, I believe this series would appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages.
I received my copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
I like the cover for this book, it fits the story well and is quite eye-catching. It also appears to be the first in a series, so I am looking forward to the release of further volumes by the author. Though it is geared towards middle-graders, I believe this series would appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages.
I received my copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
December 1, 2015
The stunning descriptions and action packed storyline drew me in from the first page!
Ryder, a twelve year old boy from England, moves to Maine to live with his grandmother, the headmistress of the elite school he will be attending, after his father becomes quite ill. Soon after being moved across the world, Ryder joins a team of classmates in trying to solve a corn maze challenge at a school event. While solving the many riddles throughout the maze, Ryder and his teammates are transported to another planet - a world of magic and fairies!
While I was drawn in from the beginning, the transportation to Mystfira made me feel a bit like Dorthy in Wizard of Oz and how she goes from living in black and white to a wonderful world of vibrant color. The descriptions of the landscape and all the children are seeing for the first time are magnificent. The characters are also colorful. From the fairies to the ongoing banter of the twins and the silly little leprechaun, each character has a separate and distinct personality that brought them to life.
Much like the Percy Jackson and Harry Potter series, this novel had me quickly turning pages, eager to read how Ryder and his friends would survive in this new world. I eagerly await the next novel so I can continue on this wonderful and magical adventure.
February 28, 2016
3/5 stars
I won this book from a giveaway held by L. L Reynolds. So, I felt have an obligation to write a review for this book. Before you continue reading this review, I apologize for any grammar mistakes you'll find. I'm not an english speaker and I hated my english teacher when I'm in high school so once again sorry.
For me, in general this is an okay book but I think this is a perfect fantasy book for middle grade readers who want to read fantasy book. The cover is beautiful with bright purple and red colour, the writing is not complicated, the words are not hard to understand, and this is about kids and angels, and fairies and dark spirits so...I'll recommend this book for a beginner reader.
An adventure of human kids in a magical lands that filled with magical creatures such as angels, fairies, and a leprechaun is a major selling points for this book. This book have something that fantasy book for kids should have such as adventure, magics, mysterious villains, cute creatures, heroic creatures, exotic places, tasty foods etc. Any kids would be thrilled to read this book, and I as a child would love this book...in one condition, they shouldn't read Harry Potter first.
As an adult who have read some fantasy book, I felt at some points in this book bothering me. The fact that Rafe and his friends stranded in a school for angels and fairies, I can not help to compare this book with Harry Potter. Some elements in this book reminds me of Hogwarts, the school subjects, the Truvian similar with Hogsmeade, the restricted section in library of Hogwarts, Vexxon is a Voldemort, and Deidre is a girl version of Draco, Pots and Poppe are hybrids of winged elf and Peeves, and read the sentences below.
"The only one that can harm her now is the one who marked her. She is safe from all other dark spirits." -page 236. What do you think?. The similarity is prevent me to fully enjoy this book.
Another thing that make me dropped a star for this book is I didn't feel connection with any characters in this book. I'm flying through this book without any emotional bond with Rafe, Blake, and Baylor. The author wasted a lot of potential characters like Oliver, Ebon, and Tahj, suddenly in the middle of the book they're disappeared, no mention of them any more until the end. My favorite character is Seamus the leprechaun, he is funny and cute hehehe. Potts and Poppe were cute too.
The pace, sometimes too fast for my liking and I hope the writer give more details in the world building.
The twist near the ending make me want to read the next book, I didn't see that coming. But oh my gosh the way LL Reynolds end the book leaving me like "that's it? No, dramatic ending?." What an anti-climax.
So 3 out of 5 stars from me, this is a good book and there's space for improvements.
I won this book from a giveaway held by L. L Reynolds. So, I felt have an obligation to write a review for this book. Before you continue reading this review, I apologize for any grammar mistakes you'll find. I'm not an english speaker and I hated my english teacher when I'm in high school so once again sorry.
For me, in general this is an okay book but I think this is a perfect fantasy book for middle grade readers who want to read fantasy book. The cover is beautiful with bright purple and red colour, the writing is not complicated, the words are not hard to understand, and this is about kids and angels, and fairies and dark spirits so...I'll recommend this book for a beginner reader.
An adventure of human kids in a magical lands that filled with magical creatures such as angels, fairies, and a leprechaun is a major selling points for this book. This book have something that fantasy book for kids should have such as adventure, magics, mysterious villains, cute creatures, heroic creatures, exotic places, tasty foods etc. Any kids would be thrilled to read this book, and I as a child would love this book...in one condition, they shouldn't read Harry Potter first.
As an adult who have read some fantasy book, I felt at some points in this book bothering me. The fact that Rafe and his friends stranded in a school for angels and fairies, I can not help to compare this book with Harry Potter. Some elements in this book reminds me of Hogwarts, the school subjects, the Truvian similar with Hogsmeade, the restricted section in library of Hogwarts, Vexxon is a Voldemort, and Deidre is a girl version of Draco, Pots and Poppe are hybrids of winged elf and Peeves, and read the sentences below.
"The only one that can harm her now is the one who marked her. She is safe from all other dark spirits." -page 236. What do you think?. The similarity is prevent me to fully enjoy this book.
Another thing that make me dropped a star for this book is I didn't feel connection with any characters in this book. I'm flying through this book without any emotional bond with Rafe, Blake, and Baylor. The author wasted a lot of potential characters like Oliver, Ebon, and Tahj, suddenly in the middle of the book they're disappeared, no mention of them any more until the end. My favorite character is Seamus the leprechaun, he is funny and cute hehehe. Potts and Poppe were cute too.
The pace, sometimes too fast for my liking and I hope the writer give more details in the world building.
The twist near the ending make me want to read the next book, I didn't see that coming. But oh my gosh the way LL Reynolds end the book leaving me like "that's it? No, dramatic ending?." What an anti-climax.
So 3 out of 5 stars from me, this is a good book and there's space for improvements.
November 27, 2015
This book, the first of an intended series, follows Rafe Ryder, a twelve year old British boy sent to live in coastal Maine with his paternal grandmother after his father is diagnosed with ALS. Rafe, by all accounts, is a normal kid, reeling from his father's illness and wishing he understood why they don't want him to be at home to witness his Dad's deterioration. It quickly becomes obvious that Rafe is anything but normal after a crazy encounter on the beach with a little girl, a hawk and a mysterious ball of fire.
Rafe is enrolled at Ryder Knight Academy, a school founded by his family and run by his Grandma, Lady Jane. Rafe thinks it's a normal school, but soon begins to realize that what he's experiencing is far from the norm. He meets an old childhood friend, Baylor, one who he remembers spending summers with, and they quickly begin to bond again. Just as Rafe is beginning to settle into his new life in Maine, the Academy's annual Halloween tradition goes haywire after the children lose their way in a corn maze...but they don't just get lost...they get transported to a mystical land called Mystfira - a place where all the mythical creatures of folklore and legend ACTUALLY exist. Not only that, but Mystfira is home to an elite angelic training school and until the powers-that-be can figure out how to get Rafe and his schoolmates back to Ryder Knight Academy safely...they are stuck trying to co-exist with angels, leprechauns, fairies and more.
The author provides beautifully detailed descriptions which really bring to life the characters, places and situations. By far, my favorite chapter was the Corn Maze, filled with riddles, chaos and a charmingly brash leprechaun named Seamus who had me chuckling out loud. I loved how the author included a handy guide to places and characters in the print version as well. It helped me to keep the characters straight and understand better how the land of Mystfira worked.
I would highly recommend this to parents and teachers of pre-teens and young adults. A fun story to read to yourself, to your kids or to a classroom!
Rafe is enrolled at Ryder Knight Academy, a school founded by his family and run by his Grandma, Lady Jane. Rafe thinks it's a normal school, but soon begins to realize that what he's experiencing is far from the norm. He meets an old childhood friend, Baylor, one who he remembers spending summers with, and they quickly begin to bond again. Just as Rafe is beginning to settle into his new life in Maine, the Academy's annual Halloween tradition goes haywire after the children lose their way in a corn maze...but they don't just get lost...they get transported to a mystical land called Mystfira - a place where all the mythical creatures of folklore and legend ACTUALLY exist. Not only that, but Mystfira is home to an elite angelic training school and until the powers-that-be can figure out how to get Rafe and his schoolmates back to Ryder Knight Academy safely...they are stuck trying to co-exist with angels, leprechauns, fairies and more.
The author provides beautifully detailed descriptions which really bring to life the characters, places and situations. By far, my favorite chapter was the Corn Maze, filled with riddles, chaos and a charmingly brash leprechaun named Seamus who had me chuckling out loud. I loved how the author included a handy guide to places and characters in the print version as well. It helped me to keep the characters straight and understand better how the land of Mystfira worked.
I would highly recommend this to parents and teachers of pre-teens and young adults. A fun story to read to yourself, to your kids or to a classroom!
December 17, 2018
I haven't finished this book, I was very much bored and couldn't care for any of the numerous characters, so gave up reading rather soon, I'm afraid...
The writing is very precise and conscientious, but also very bland. Nothing really bad but a feeling of wrongness. Sometimes it's easy for me to pinpoint the reasons for me for not liking a book, but sometimes there are much more elusive.
Objectively: the characters are supposed to be twelve years old but sounded quite artificial, thinking and speaking like much older persons. Gifted children are still children, but some writers seem to forget that! Another point irked me: the beginning of the book is nowadays, in our world; but when fantastic or incredible things happen, the characters are just vaguely surprised - as if they knew that the story will soon be a fantasy one!
Yes, quite vague impressions. It's why, even this book was so wrong for me as to prevent me to read it on, I chose to note it a "maybe" on Netgalley. Its atmosphere sometimes reminded me of "The famous five"'s books; maybe that will help some readers to read it or not?
(I thank Netgalley and Ananiah Press for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
The writing is very precise and conscientious, but also very bland. Nothing really bad but a feeling of wrongness. Sometimes it's easy for me to pinpoint the reasons for me for not liking a book, but sometimes there are much more elusive.
Objectively: the characters are supposed to be twelve years old but sounded quite artificial, thinking and speaking like much older persons. Gifted children are still children, but some writers seem to forget that! Another point irked me: the beginning of the book is nowadays, in our world; but when fantastic or incredible things happen, the characters are just vaguely surprised - as if they knew that the story will soon be a fantasy one!
Yes, quite vague impressions. It's why, even this book was so wrong for me as to prevent me to read it on, I chose to note it a "maybe" on Netgalley. Its atmosphere sometimes reminded me of "The famous five"'s books; maybe that will help some readers to read it or not?
(I thank Netgalley and Ananiah Press for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest review)
February 13, 2016
~I've got this book through Goodreads giveaway~
И беше страхотно преживяване, спечелването имам предвид :)
Мразя да пиша на английски, за моя радост не съм задължена.
Книжката беше приятна и предполагам, че ако я бях получила във времето на "форумните магически училища", щях да й се накефя още по-максимално.
Накратко: http://knigoqdec.blogspot.bg/2016/02/...
И беше страхотно преживяване, спечелването имам предвид :)
Мразя да пиша на английски, за моя радост не съм задължена.
Книжката беше приятна и предполагам, че ако я бях получила във времето на "форумните магически училища", щях да й се накефя още по-максимално.
Накратко: http://knigoqdec.blogspot.bg/2016/02/...
January 10, 2016
I don't normally read middle grade literature, but a few things really gripped me with this novel. First, the attention to detail in the beautiful cover design, graphics, and layout (disclosure: my husband did the print typesetting). I love books as art, and this one delivers. Second, the characters are so lovable. I love good characters, and L.L. Reynolds' characters are relatable in themselves, and also in their relationships with each other, in a way that is perfect for this age group. I was drawn to them emotionally. Third, the magical world in this story is really fun. While it's been appropriately compared to other famous fantasy settings, it is truly unique on its own. There is also delightful humor and wit throughout. The pacing picks up throughout the story, and by the end I didn't want to put it down. The book is very well-written and flows well. I really enjoyed it!
Especially given that this is the author's first novel, I am very excited to see the series develop. I will definitely follow future volumes.
Especially given that this is the author's first novel, I am very excited to see the series develop. I will definitely follow future volumes.
February 22, 2016
If I could describe this book in three words they would be: pleasant, enjoyable and delightful. Okay, I know they all sort of mean the same thing, but this is what this book was to me. It was super nice to read, it became my go-to comforter for the sixteen day I've been reading it. I thorougly enjoyed the plot, the characters and the places of the story. The world-building was a little intricate for me (as a non-native English speaker) and i feel like a native English speaker could appreciate a lot more than I did, but overall I really liked it. It was one of those books that really keeps you company, Rafe and Blake and Baylor could easily be your little brother or your little sister, although I have to say they are quite a bit too knowledgeable for their age (if I'm not wrong they should all be twelve years old).
I had a nice reading experience with this book and I recommend it to anyone who just wants a nice story to spend some good time with.
I'll definitely look out for any following book.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I had a nice reading experience with this book and I recommend it to anyone who just wants a nice story to spend some good time with.
I'll definitely look out for any following book.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
February 15, 2016
This book was so much fun to read. I loved all the characters, especially the strong female lead, Baylor and the leprechaun, Seamus. The descriptions are all breathtaking whether it's the Maine coastline where the Ryder Knight Academy is or the angelica realm of Mystfira. The ending is was so creative and unexpected; it was very clever! I like how intelligent the characters were - the brightest children have been gathered to enter a corn maze to win a trip to Paris and these same children are transported to Mystfira. It is also so unique, that way it reiterates the theme of concentric circles. I also loved all the mythical characters, including new ones that drink lava and walk in the wind! This book was a page turner and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
May 26, 2016
It was a really hard time for me now but, hopefully, I'm a Bachelor tomorrow, therefore no time to read at all was worth it :D.
The 1st book of Rafe Ryder series was epic. It was lovable, sweet and funny, I truly loved it. There's actually none to dislike and the angelic world is awesome! So please, just do whatever you want but get the 2nd book somehow and hand it to me. I need it O:).
The 1st book of Rafe Ryder series was epic. It was lovable, sweet and funny, I truly loved it. There's actually none to dislike and the angelic world is awesome! So please, just do whatever you want but get the 2nd book somehow and hand it to me. I need it O:).
February 3, 2016
This book was wonderful! I have recommend this book to many of my friends.
The story has many interesting twists and turns and the Author is very funny.
This is a must read.
The story has many interesting twists and turns and the Author is very funny.
This is a must read.
September 29, 2016
Fun and creative! Reynolds has developed a complex fantasy world with good vs. evil. The characters are well developed with a wide range of strengths and interests. I loved the Corn Maze!
January 24, 2019
Really enjoyed this book and for me, it was refreshing to read something that doesn't infantilize young people and insist that they have to fit some myopic definition of what it means to be a kid. Let's be honest here: this is a middle-grade fantasy. Leprechauns, fairies, and angels ... great!!! ... but an intelligent kid is so far outside the realm of possibility that we can't get past it? Get real.
I LOVE that these kids are written in such a way that encourages intellectual curiosity of pursuits of passion that don't involve an app or a video game console. They are smart, they are clever, they are courageous and they are (well, most are) kind. The book not only showcases plenty of beautiful backdrops and landscapes that must have taken some serious imagination on the part of the author, but it also offers teachable moments and lessons that will be eaten up if read aloud as a family or in a classroom.
Seamus the leprechaun is the highlight for me. His wisecracks and quippy comebacks offer levity and lightness and kept me smiling to the end!
I LOVE that these kids are written in such a way that encourages intellectual curiosity of pursuits of passion that don't involve an app or a video game console. They are smart, they are clever, they are courageous and they are (well, most are) kind. The book not only showcases plenty of beautiful backdrops and landscapes that must have taken some serious imagination on the part of the author, but it also offers teachable moments and lessons that will be eaten up if read aloud as a family or in a classroom.
Seamus the leprechaun is the highlight for me. His wisecracks and quippy comebacks offer levity and lightness and kept me smiling to the end!
April 28, 2025
If you love magical worlds, heroic quests, and a little bit of humor — you’ll want to grab this one!
Rafe Ryder, a 12-year-old kid, ends up in a secret academy… and BAM — gets pulled into Mystfira, a world full of angels, leprechauns, and fairies.
It’s giving major Harry Potter vibes but with a fresh twist!
Highlights:
• Amazing world-building (the landscapes? chef’s kiss)
• Seamus the leprechaun steals the show — seriously, he’s hilarious.
• Perfect for middle graders and adults who love a good fantasy escape.
Overall:
Whimsical, adventurous, and heartwarming.
5/5— would totally recommend if you love magical realms!
Rafe Ryder, a 12-year-old kid, ends up in a secret academy… and BAM — gets pulled into Mystfira, a world full of angels, leprechauns, and fairies.
It’s giving major Harry Potter vibes but with a fresh twist!
Highlights:
• Amazing world-building (the landscapes? chef’s kiss)
• Seamus the leprechaun steals the show — seriously, he’s hilarious.
• Perfect for middle graders and adults who love a good fantasy escape.
Overall:
Whimsical, adventurous, and heartwarming.
5/5— would totally recommend if you love magical realms!
February 1, 2016
*I've got this book through Goodreads giveaway*
The correct rating is 2.5 stars. I have very mixed feelings about this book.
Firstly I will start with a things, that I liked. One of them is this book is stunning, I mean, the design and the cover is wonderful. Secondly I never read something so unique about angel world. Thirdly the ending was quite unexpected.
Now to not so great things. Firstly, it reminded me too much of Harry Potter.. I mean, really ? Deidre so much similar to Draco, magical castle in both worlds, even Adomis arena reminded me of quidditch, and I can go on and on with the similarities. Secondly, I think, author was to concentrated in world building, that she almost forgot the main character. Honestly I feel like I know more about side characters, than the main one. So in the end I even didn't care what will happen to him. Thirdly, sometimes children in this book acted like they were much older than they were actually (seriously how many 12 year old reads "Pride and Prejudice" ?). The same goes about their dialogues, they felt to grown up and unchildlike. And last thing that bothered me, was that it was too much information cramped in one book, that it was confusing to catch what was what between angels, so it feels, that if a child would try to read this book, he would be lost.
In conclusion I will say that I didn't like first 200 pages of it, but the last part of this book was quite good, so maybe i will try to read the next one someday.
The correct rating is 2.5 stars. I have very mixed feelings about this book.
Firstly I will start with a things, that I liked. One of them is this book is stunning, I mean, the design and the cover is wonderful. Secondly I never read something so unique about angel world. Thirdly the ending was quite unexpected.
Now to not so great things. Firstly, it reminded me too much of Harry Potter.. I mean, really ? Deidre so much similar to Draco, magical castle in both worlds, even Adomis arena reminded me of quidditch, and I can go on and on with the similarities. Secondly, I think, author was to concentrated in world building, that she almost forgot the main character. Honestly I feel like I know more about side characters, than the main one. So in the end I even didn't care what will happen to him. Thirdly, sometimes children in this book acted like they were much older than they were actually (seriously how many 12 year old reads "Pride and Prejudice" ?). The same goes about their dialogues, they felt to grown up and unchildlike. And last thing that bothered me, was that it was too much information cramped in one book, that it was confusing to catch what was what between angels, so it feels, that if a child would try to read this book, he would be lost.
In conclusion I will say that I didn't like first 200 pages of it, but the last part of this book was quite good, so maybe i will try to read the next one someday.
July 2, 2016
---> I received this book in a GoodReads Giveaway <---
3.5 for me, at least 4 for the younger reader
My kids will definitely read this book. For the moment I started reading this book I loved the tone of it and the way every character had its own voice. Though this book was slower paced than my regular reads (which makes sense since it's aimed at a younger audience), I still really enjoyed this book. The creativity and imagination that went into this book were huge. From the different creatures and characters down to the freaking weather conditions, Mrs. Reynolds imagination is very clever and creative (and I feel it's also one without borders). Even though the book isn't suspenseful throughout (it rather has bursts of action), it was an enjoyable read and still had me gripped at the ending ***minor spoiler ahead*** leaving me slightly frustrated at the semi-open ending. Can't wait for part two.
All in all a very enjoyable and extremely imaginative read. I can recommend this book to a younger audience as well as people past middle-school-age who are looking for a light read filled to the brim with magic.
3.5 for me, at least 4 for the younger reader
My kids will definitely read this book. For the moment I started reading this book I loved the tone of it and the way every character had its own voice. Though this book was slower paced than my regular reads (which makes sense since it's aimed at a younger audience), I still really enjoyed this book. The creativity and imagination that went into this book were huge. From the different creatures and characters down to the freaking weather conditions, Mrs. Reynolds imagination is very clever and creative (and I feel it's also one without borders). Even though the book isn't suspenseful throughout (it rather has bursts of action), it was an enjoyable read and still had me gripped at the ending ***minor spoiler ahead*** leaving me slightly frustrated at the semi-open ending. Can't wait for part two.
All in all a very enjoyable and extremely imaginative read. I can recommend this book to a younger audience as well as people past middle-school-age who are looking for a light read filled to the brim with magic.
April 17, 2016
Its interesting and fun. You will love the Characters. Once you started reading, you cant stop. Keep it up. If you like fantasy Book, you should read this book. Its good with any age to read.
I won this book thru Goodreads Giveaway.
I won this book thru Goodreads Giveaway.
March 21, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a fascinating read that was very hard to put down, would recommend it for young children who love to read fantasy stories.
February 26, 2016
I won this book threw Goodreads for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. Loved the story.
December 1, 2017
Wonderful book, really enjoyed reading it.
September 8, 2025
Ryder is a twelve-year-old boy from England who moves to Maine to live with his grandmother, the headmistress of the elite school he will attend, after his father becomes ill. Shortly after relocating, Ryder joins a team of classmates to solve a corn maze challenge during a school event. While navigating the maze and its many riddles, Ryder and his teammates are unexpectedly transported to another planet—a magical world filled with fairies!
From the beginning, I was drawn into the story. The transition to Mystfira reminds me of Harry Potter’s journey to Hogwarts. The descriptions of the landscape and the children’s first experiences in this new world are breathtaking. The characters are vibrant and memorable. From the fairies to the playful banter of the twins and the amusing little leprechaun, each character has a distinct personality that brings the story to life.
This is a perfect, fun middle school book. I also loved it as an adult and will send a copy to my nephews for Christmas. LL. Reynolds is a brilliant author!
From the beginning, I was drawn into the story. The transition to Mystfira reminds me of Harry Potter’s journey to Hogwarts. The descriptions of the landscape and the children’s first experiences in this new world are breathtaking. The characters are vibrant and memorable. From the fairies to the playful banter of the twins and the amusing little leprechaun, each character has a distinct personality that brings the story to life.
This is a perfect, fun middle school book. I also loved it as an adult and will send a copy to my nephews for Christmas. LL. Reynolds is a brilliant author!
June 8, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. While reading I was thinking going on an adventure like this would be incredibly weird. The concept of being far from home and not sure if you are going to see you family again. The thought of making friends with other beings and in a world that is unknown couple be a bit overwhelming. That is what happens it Rafe Ryder when he is shipped off with his grandmother to go to a school in Maine and something happens while he is there setting him off on a journey is like nothing he could have imagined.
June 24, 2025
What a ride! At first my son and I thought the magic in this book was going to be figurative but boy were we wrong. This book had action, adventure, heartache, tested morals, bravery, and so much more! It was highly enjoyable for my 9 year old and myself alike and was a perfect story to read together.
May 8, 2025
This book was soooo good! The plot was so original and overall, it was a great book!
February 27, 2016
First off, I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I did enjoy the book overall. As others have mentioned the descriptions are vivid and, especially in the latter half of the book, the story keeps moving. The problem that I had with it is that so many characters are introduced that I felt overwhelmed. While the author paints vivid snapshots of each, I'm not sure each character needs the introduction at the time.
Would I buy the next book? Probably not, but then again I don't buy many. Will I look for the next at the library? I'll keep my eyes open for it but I probably won't hunt it down. A good read, but not a must read.
Would I buy the next book? Probably not, but then again I don't buy many. Will I look for the next at the library? I'll keep my eyes open for it but I probably won't hunt it down. A good read, but not a must read.
June 25, 2016
I received this book for free in a goodreads giveaway. i didn't really enjoy the book. sorry.
the cover is really pretty though!
the cover is really pretty though!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews