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Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded: A Spellbinding Fantasy Adventure for Children
Chantel would much rather focus on her magic than on curtsying, which is why she often finds herself in trouble at Miss Ellicott’s School for Magical Maidens. But when Miss Ellicott mysteriously disappears along with all the other sorceresses in the city, Chantel’s behavior becomes the least of her problems.
Without any magic protecting the city, it is up to Chantel and her friends to save the Kingdom. On a dangerous mission, Chantel will discover a crossbow-wielding boy, a dragon, and a new, fiery magic that burns inside her—but can she find the sorceresses and transform Lightning Pass into the city it was meant to be?
Without any magic protecting the city, it is up to Chantel and her friends to save the Kingdom. On a dangerous mission, Chantel will discover a crossbow-wielding boy, a dragon, and a new, fiery magic that burns inside her—but can she find the sorceresses and transform Lightning Pass into the city it was meant to be?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2017
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About the author
Sage Blackwood
5 books238 followersSage Blackwood is the pseudonym of Karen Schwabach
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August 22, 2017
Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood (Awesome name, by the way. Super jealous.) is a middle grade fantasy standalone about a magical school in a magical city that is walled off from the rest of the world. In this city, some females are trained to be sorceresses to protect the city and strengthen the wall against the dangers outside. But as Chantel, a student at the school, soon learns, the real dangers may in fact rest inside the walls of the city she once believed to be safe.
This is a fun page-turner with plenty of action and mystery, as well as likable characters. The only thing I'd say against it is that it relies pretty heavily on politics for a story aimed at such young kids, and there were times where it bordered on pandering. Fortunately, it took a few steps back from that before it got too bad. Also, I wish the story had just a bit more whimsy to balance out its serious nature. Otherwise, I enjoyed it.
Overall: 3.5 stars
This is a fun page-turner with plenty of action and mystery, as well as likable characters. The only thing I'd say against it is that it relies pretty heavily on politics for a story aimed at such young kids, and there were times where it bordered on pandering. Fortunately, it took a few steps back from that before it got too bad. Also, I wish the story had just a bit more whimsy to balance out its serious nature. Otherwise, I enjoyed it.
Overall: 3.5 stars
February 19, 2017
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Miss Ellicott's for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood is one of my most anticipated 2017 releases. Blackwood's previous trilogy beginning with Jinx is one of my favorites so I wanted to read this new book as soon as I could. I was immediately pulled into the story here and delighted to find a book about sticking it to the patriarchy with magic and a dragon while fighting for what is right.
Chantel is an orphan who attends Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded. Girls who show proficiency in magic and have no other place in the world go there to learn to use their magic. They also have lessons in deportment and are taught to be "shamefast and biddable". Chantel has more trouble with that part. She is prodigiously talented in the area of magic, but when it comes to holding her tongue and deporting, she has to work extra hard. When Miss Ellicott and all the other enchantresses who do the magic (the buttoning) that holds up the city's walls and keeps it safe go missing, Chantel and her two best friends must find a way to help save their city. But first they have to figure out exactly what it is that needs saving and what is the best way to do that.
Chantel is special. She summons her familiar, a tiny green snake, to her at an incredibly early age. Yet she is not your typical "special" heroine. She is a prodigy of magic, but she has been immersed in it almost her entire life and she works hard. She has a practical no-nonsense approach to life that leads her to impatience with people and can cause her to be snappy. When her snake familiar crawls inside her head, it becomes harder for her to control this. She is also told by Miss Ellicott that she is "the chosen one". I loved how Blackwood used this trope and flipped it on its head in ways that both amuse and make a point about free will and choice. Chantel is joined by her best friend Anna. Together they make a perfect team because they balance each other well. Anna is better at being outwardly shamefast and biddable, but, like Chantel, she knows her own mind and uses it to the optimal advantage. She is better at corralling the younger girls at the school and often talks Chantel into finding her patience when she needs it. The girls have always been friends with Bowser, who works in the kitchens and is the only boy resident of the school. He too helps balance Chantel and is a needed part of the team as the elder males who run the city don't want to deal with girls. This team is eventually joined by Franklin, a Marauder boy from outside the city who brings street smarts, knowledge of the outside world, and a mean ability with a crossbow to help out. The four work well together and tend to stick to what they do best. The story mostly belongs to Chantel though, who set off an important series of events by allowing her snake into her head.
The plot is full of mystery and adventure. The kids live in a walled city. The wall has been there for hundreds of years, but now it is in risk of collapse. Marauders (those who live on the outside) with to break the hold the city has on trade. The ruling parties of the city are engaged in an internal power struggle. In classic MG fashion, the kids are the ones who have to save the day. They see things in different ways and are better able to reassess long held prejudices and beliefs. I don't want to say too much because the book is so much fun to experience, but I was truly impressed with the blend of magic, adventure, politics, and ethics. The main theme of the book is "think bigger". Chantel is told this several times, and it is only through this that she is able to figure out a course to take that will help the most people. The existence of the walled city, which was walled to keep out threats but also kept its inhabitants enslaved to their rulers who controlled their food supply, is a timely thematic element all on its own. I really liked how this was threaded through the book, particularly the quote: "a wall becomes a wall in the mind".
Also there is an absentminded dragon with a massive library.
Fans of adventure, fantasy, and girls using all the tools at their disposal to kick butt and take names should read this book.
I read an ARC received at ALA Midwinter from the publisher, Katherine Tegen Books. Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded is on sale March 21st.
Miss Ellicott's for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood is one of my most anticipated 2017 releases. Blackwood's previous trilogy beginning with Jinx is one of my favorites so I wanted to read this new book as soon as I could. I was immediately pulled into the story here and delighted to find a book about sticking it to the patriarchy with magic and a dragon while fighting for what is right.
Chantel is an orphan who attends Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded. Girls who show proficiency in magic and have no other place in the world go there to learn to use their magic. They also have lessons in deportment and are taught to be "shamefast and biddable". Chantel has more trouble with that part. She is prodigiously talented in the area of magic, but when it comes to holding her tongue and deporting, she has to work extra hard. When Miss Ellicott and all the other enchantresses who do the magic (the buttoning) that holds up the city's walls and keeps it safe go missing, Chantel and her two best friends must find a way to help save their city. But first they have to figure out exactly what it is that needs saving and what is the best way to do that.
Chantel is special. She summons her familiar, a tiny green snake, to her at an incredibly early age. Yet she is not your typical "special" heroine. She is a prodigy of magic, but she has been immersed in it almost her entire life and she works hard. She has a practical no-nonsense approach to life that leads her to impatience with people and can cause her to be snappy. When her snake familiar crawls inside her head, it becomes harder for her to control this. She is also told by Miss Ellicott that she is "the chosen one". I loved how Blackwood used this trope and flipped it on its head in ways that both amuse and make a point about free will and choice. Chantel is joined by her best friend Anna. Together they make a perfect team because they balance each other well. Anna is better at being outwardly shamefast and biddable, but, like Chantel, she knows her own mind and uses it to the optimal advantage. She is better at corralling the younger girls at the school and often talks Chantel into finding her patience when she needs it. The girls have always been friends with Bowser, who works in the kitchens and is the only boy resident of the school. He too helps balance Chantel and is a needed part of the team as the elder males who run the city don't want to deal with girls. This team is eventually joined by Franklin, a Marauder boy from outside the city who brings street smarts, knowledge of the outside world, and a mean ability with a crossbow to help out. The four work well together and tend to stick to what they do best. The story mostly belongs to Chantel though, who set off an important series of events by allowing her snake into her head.
The plot is full of mystery and adventure. The kids live in a walled city. The wall has been there for hundreds of years, but now it is in risk of collapse. Marauders (those who live on the outside) with to break the hold the city has on trade. The ruling parties of the city are engaged in an internal power struggle. In classic MG fashion, the kids are the ones who have to save the day. They see things in different ways and are better able to reassess long held prejudices and beliefs. I don't want to say too much because the book is so much fun to experience, but I was truly impressed with the blend of magic, adventure, politics, and ethics. The main theme of the book is "think bigger". Chantel is told this several times, and it is only through this that she is able to figure out a course to take that will help the most people. The existence of the walled city, which was walled to keep out threats but also kept its inhabitants enslaved to their rulers who controlled their food supply, is a timely thematic element all on its own. I really liked how this was threaded through the book, particularly the quote: "a wall becomes a wall in the mind".
Also there is an absentminded dragon with a massive library.
Fans of adventure, fantasy, and girls using all the tools at their disposal to kick butt and take names should read this book.
I read an ARC received at ALA Midwinter from the publisher, Katherine Tegen Books. Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded is on sale March 21st.
May 28, 2017
I'm torn about this one. I liked the voice a lot initially: it's very literal and direct and funny. And then it crosses the line to overly self-aware and stops working for me.
So I was the victim of my own expectations (warranted though I feel they were); also, I kept bumping up against the impression that I was reading a sort of Floating Islands 2.0. It made for a wistful reading experience.
"It seems to me," said Miss Flivvers, who had been in a sour mood, "that once you're up on a pedestal, you can't take a step in any direction without falling."This has such promise! It hasn't yet crossed the line to overly self-aware! I want to see more of this discussion! Instead, this becomes a by-the-numbers fantasy where they're too busy running to and from things, meeting strangers and deciding whom to trust, and learning how to use their powers. Yawn. I love fantasy, but now that I've been teased with this type of discussion, differing perspectives from different women, I want that.
"It is better than the alternative," said Miss Ellicott. "Mark my words."
So I was the victim of my own expectations (warranted though I feel they were); also, I kept bumping up against the impression that I was reading a sort of Floating Islands 2.0. It made for a wistful reading experience.
March 9, 2017
*ARC provided for review by HarperCollins Publishers, thank you very much!*
Considering that the title, summary, and beautiful cover art had me very excited to receive and review this ARC, I can say that I am unfortunately and devastatingly disappointed in this book.
It had potential; the premise of the story was something that intrigued me and made me think that it would be an enjoyable read (and hopefully a future recommendation of mine). However, I was proven wrong by not only the writing style that left for MUCH to be desired, but by the oddly timed pacing of the events in the story.
I had initially hoped to read at least 100 pages before deciding to put the book down, but by the end of Chapter 2, I was ready to call it quits. The story was moving much too fast by the time I reached the 24th page, leaving me with entirely too many questions than I would've liked during this introductory portion.
Additionally, I felt that very little background information was skipped over, with the story jumping into the conflicts and concerns of the main characters without actually setting up the plot at all.
Considering that the title, summary, and beautiful cover art had me very excited to receive and review this ARC, I can say that I am unfortunately and devastatingly disappointed in this book.
It had potential; the premise of the story was something that intrigued me and made me think that it would be an enjoyable read (and hopefully a future recommendation of mine). However, I was proven wrong by not only the writing style that left for MUCH to be desired, but by the oddly timed pacing of the events in the story.
I had initially hoped to read at least 100 pages before deciding to put the book down, but by the end of Chapter 2, I was ready to call it quits. The story was moving much too fast by the time I reached the 24th page, leaving me with entirely too many questions than I would've liked during this introductory portion.
Additionally, I felt that very little background information was skipped over, with the story jumping into the conflicts and concerns of the main characters without actually setting up the plot at all.
April 13, 2018
I was really looking forward to this, but it fell flat. There was zero world building, which made the story incredibly hard to follow. It picked up a little bit in the middle, but then the pacing and timing was weird and I never really knew what was going on. Another review called this "forgettable" and I'd have to agree. I'm disappointed.
Read
October 2, 2024Can't rate - I think I may not have been in the mood because I want to say barely three stars, but can't point to any major flaws. Well, I did find too many tropes and simplified characters for my liking. And I don't particularly like the title as it really doesn't have much to do with the school, or, really, Miss Ellicott either.
Otoh, I did really like some themes and highly recommend it to interested children & families for these:
" she had always assumed that once something happened, it was done and was known.... This was not the case. It all came down to missing information, lost perspectives, and points of view.
"Points of view are funny things."
"Every book she'd ever read that had APPROVED stamped inside it."
"He died covered with honor. But you couldn't see it for the blood."
Otoh, I did really like some themes and highly recommend it to interested children & families for these:
" she had always assumed that once something happened, it was done and was known.... This was not the case. It all came down to missing information, lost perspectives, and points of view.
"Points of view are funny things."
"Every book she'd ever read that had APPROVED stamped inside it."
"He died covered with honor. But you couldn't see it for the blood."
February 12, 2018
What an excellent middle grade work! The worldbuilding is top notch -- even reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, one of my favorite authors -- and has an easy buy in. The adventure is *also* top notch, and the message underneath (forcing girls to be "shamefast and biddable" not only pigeonholes and stifles them, but hurts society as a whole) is artfully interwoven, not preachy, and oh-so-timely. Plus: there's time travel, a really great dragon, and a lot of magic.
November 27, 2016
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Sage Blackwood is definitely an author at the top of her game as she gives us yet another intriguing children's fantasy, this time a stand alone. And although middle grade is likely the target audience, the themes and nuances make this a very interesting read for adults as well. With Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded, we have a modern day Alice in Wonderland poking gleeful fun at Trump America as skillfully as Lewis Carroll skewered Victorian society. Those looking for a good read need not worry about messages getting in the way -this book is a fun adventure story featuring a plucky but diffident 13 year old girl and her somewhat distracted fire breathing dragon.Chantel lives in the walled city of Lightning Pass, learning to be a good summoner sorceress at Miss Ellicott's school. The city is protected by magical wards on the wall called the Seven Buttons. Though Chantel is a bit cheeky for her own good, she has a bright future as a skilled summoner. That is, until the city's sorceresses disappear, marauders besiege the wall, food runs short, and she is forced to seek help from both the city's powerful Patriarchs and then the King himself. But they have their own distractions and a 13 year old girl who hasn't learned proper deportment or etiquette is just a nuisance. That is, until the dragon appears....
From the cover image as well as the description, this would seem to skew to the younger side of middle grade. But really, this is an intricate and layered story that should appeal to young and old. As with Alice in Wonderland, younger readers will enjoy Chantel's adventures and older readers can ponder the many themes brought up seamlessly through the plot and character interactions. Because like Alice, our heroine Chantel will continually come up against metaphors for the silliness of modern day politics, mores, and society as she attempts to save her City (especially from itself).
The theme here is "think bigger" and that runs throughout the book. Since this is a Blackwood novel, children have a clarity that the adults, in their petty machinations, always seem to lose. Indeed, our dragon is a metaphor for that clarity rather than a deus ex machina to fix Chantel's situation (especially since one of the adults 'lost' the dragon when she became of age and gave up childish things). As with the Jinx series, our protagonist is underestimated, rebuffed, ignored, and patronized despite her willingness and ability to see to the heart of the situation and what needs to be done. Similarly, Chantel (also like Jinx) will be continually frustrated and doubt her own instincts in the face of adult self confidence.
All the characters are wonderfully eccentric and distinct; from the adults who are acting with tunnel vision narrowness to Chantel's new and old friends, who each prove to be a unique resource in some way. Not everyone has Chantel's boldness and certainly many find it easier to just do as the adults say since 'they should know best, after all." But then again, Chantel isn't acting recklessly or blindly and does try to balance the advice given by others with that she feels instinctively. It doesn't always put her in the best situations and certainly the adults manage to frustrate her quite a bit.
Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded isn't a Lampoon of modern society but does create an interesting window that is almost prescient considering it was written pre-Trump. It is also an incredibly fun and quick read well worth the time investment by both kids and adults. Interestingly enough, I can't help but wonder if this book will become its own classic as a window on the America of 2017: walls to keep out neighbors, obsession over capitalism and taxes, and the return of conservative values and their implications for girls/women. Highly recommended. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
February 14, 2017
Chantel is a thirteen-year-old orphan in the walled city of Lightning Pass. She was chosen to be a pupil at a school for Magical Maidens. Miss Ellicott is the sorceress who runs the school. Along with spells, the maidens are taught to be shamefast and biddable and to always conduct themselves with deportment. Chantel is good at the spells. In fact, she is the best at summoning and summoned a snake to be her familiar at age six. However, she is not very good at deportment, being shamefast or biddable.
When Miss Ellicott disappears and Marauders gather outside the walls in large numbers. Chantel and her friends need to find a way to locate their teacher and strengthen the wall. At least, that is what Chantel thinks they need to do.
But finding the missing sorceresses doesn't lead to the result Chantel wants and she needs to team with a young Maurader boy and her legendary dragon companion to make the city safe for all.
This was an enjoyable story with interesting world building. It reminded me a bit of Victorian times when manners were paramount and young women had very specific roles. Chantel is an intriguing character who finds her own strengths and purpose throughout this story.
Fans of fantasy will enjoy this story.
When Miss Ellicott disappears and Marauders gather outside the walls in large numbers. Chantel and her friends need to find a way to locate their teacher and strengthen the wall. At least, that is what Chantel thinks they need to do.
But finding the missing sorceresses doesn't lead to the result Chantel wants and she needs to team with a young Maurader boy and her legendary dragon companion to make the city safe for all.
This was an enjoyable story with interesting world building. It reminded me a bit of Victorian times when manners were paramount and young women had very specific roles. Chantel is an intriguing character who finds her own strengths and purpose throughout this story.
Fans of fantasy will enjoy this story.
September 9, 2019
I anticipated this read for a while. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as her Jinx Trilogy.
The author jumps from scene to scene without explaining how anything happened and it just doesn't add up.
I remember there were two scenes where the main character Chantel is stuck (or was it locked up?) inside the tunnel and then out of nowhere she's outside of it! Tada! No explanation how she got out.
There was another scene where Franklin stayed behind woth the little girls at the castle but then out of nowhere he is on the dragon's back behind Chantel. Like how can the author not see what she did there?
If there's anything I have to critic with books is that when the author doesn't follow her own story, forgets her own plot and leaves the reader confused. Because that's how I felt with this book.
July 27, 2017
This book was missing something. I can't put my finger on it, but it didn't seem to have that extra oomph that I need for books.
I wasn't a huge fan of the way girls were treated in the book. I also got aggrivated that the adults were so stupid.
It wasn't a bad book just an alright book. I did love the dragon tho.
I wasn't a huge fan of the way girls were treated in the book. I also got aggrivated that the adults were so stupid.
It wasn't a bad book just an alright book. I did love the dragon tho.
January 1, 2018
To celebrate one of my grandsons' eleventh birthday, this book was bought for his school library. Girl power, boy power, the power that comes from doing the right thing even when those things are difficult, and great adventure are all part of this novel.
The first aspect of this novel that will grab a young reader's attention is how people are controlled. Misguided rules and a lack of critical thinking are in place to control people: "Regrettably, the future may not be like the glorious present. The present is a pinnacle that man has achieved by overcoming the trials of the terrible past."..."You can't walk there. That's a Monday lawn." Miss Ellicott's School for sorceresses in training, directed by Miss Ellicott and Miss Flivvers, is driven by the importance of "Deportment" to keep girls "shamefast and biddable" so they will grow up to be proper and correct. "No human ever really breaks free...What are we without the rules and walls that contain us?"... "Sooner or later the wall is in your mind. Then the stone one is just a formality."
Chantel Goldenrod, Anna Bellringer, and Bowser Stepmonger live in Lightning Pass, a city surrounded by a thick wall that patriarchs and king have told people is for their "protection." Chantel learns from Franklin, a Sunbiter, perceived as an enemy, that the patriarchs control the port and toll gates controlling the roads to the mountains, living a high life while people suffer inside the walls.
Chapters of developing plot are interspersed with conversations among some people who seem to know Chantel's story, her growing powers, her courage to face danger and to keep her thinking from being "too small."
"Honor was a thing Chantel had trouble understanding" when the two sides don't understand they could negotiate. Then she needs to decide which side she will be on. A long-dead queen, Queen Haywith becomes her mentor pointing out the flaws in her thinking, exposing her to bigger ideas, not just enough to survive. "Trust yourself."
How powerful this book is for discerning readers: leaders make decisions for the people they serve, for the greater good, not for power or their own advantage. In the end, Chantel and Franklin have assumed roles they did not wish for, "But they were where their people needed them." Their lives have changed, but new experiences await them..."And the city...would learn."
The first aspect of this novel that will grab a young reader's attention is how people are controlled. Misguided rules and a lack of critical thinking are in place to control people: "Regrettably, the future may not be like the glorious present. The present is a pinnacle that man has achieved by overcoming the trials of the terrible past."..."You can't walk there. That's a Monday lawn." Miss Ellicott's School for sorceresses in training, directed by Miss Ellicott and Miss Flivvers, is driven by the importance of "Deportment" to keep girls "shamefast and biddable" so they will grow up to be proper and correct. "No human ever really breaks free...What are we without the rules and walls that contain us?"... "Sooner or later the wall is in your mind. Then the stone one is just a formality."
Chantel Goldenrod, Anna Bellringer, and Bowser Stepmonger live in Lightning Pass, a city surrounded by a thick wall that patriarchs and king have told people is for their "protection." Chantel learns from Franklin, a Sunbiter, perceived as an enemy, that the patriarchs control the port and toll gates controlling the roads to the mountains, living a high life while people suffer inside the walls.
Chapters of developing plot are interspersed with conversations among some people who seem to know Chantel's story, her growing powers, her courage to face danger and to keep her thinking from being "too small."
"Honor was a thing Chantel had trouble understanding" when the two sides don't understand they could negotiate. Then she needs to decide which side she will be on. A long-dead queen, Queen Haywith becomes her mentor pointing out the flaws in her thinking, exposing her to bigger ideas, not just enough to survive. "Trust yourself."
How powerful this book is for discerning readers: leaders make decisions for the people they serve, for the greater good, not for power or their own advantage. In the end, Chantel and Franklin have assumed roles they did not wish for, "But they were where their people needed them." Their lives have changed, but new experiences await them..."And the city...would learn."
July 29, 2020
I finished this last night. At 1st I didn’t think I was going to be able to get into it. I think the 1st 2 chapters were just confusing me some, b/c after that I was invested! Lol I loved it after that point. Such a great story! Chantel is a fiesty, strong, & brave main character-deportment or not lol Anything set in a school, I’m here for. This book showed how ladies were supposed to be taught certain manners, edicate, & basically how to be a “proper lady”...all things men didn’t have to learn. Men were always right, you didn’t question men in any way...you get the idea. Hogwash. It was very hard for Chantel to stick to her “deportment” & I completely understand why. I wanted to punch so many of these “men” in the face it was crazy! Lol I could see everything the author created vividly! There was suspense, King’s, Queen’s, Sorceresses, magic, and adventure! So many great, amazing characters! I loved Bowser so much! Chantel becomes stronger than she thought was possible for herself, & I loved seeing her grow. This is a great strong female story, in a time & place where that wasn’t allowed. There is also a DRAGON! He is awesome! He is so funny...w/o even trying to be😆😆 so much dry humor in this book lol highly recommend!
Synopsis: Chantel would much rather focus on her magic than on curtsying, which is why she often finds herself in trouble at Miss Ellicott’s School for Magical Maidens. But when Miss Ellicott mysteriously disappears along with all the other sorceresses in the city, Chantel’s behavior becomes the least of her problems.
Without any magic protecting the city, it is up to Chantel and her friends to save the Kingdom. On a dangerous mission, Chantel will discover a crossbow-wielding boy, a dragon, and a new, fiery magic that burns inside her—but can she find the sorceresses and transform Lightning Pass into the city it was meant to be?
Synopsis: Chantel would much rather focus on her magic than on curtsying, which is why she often finds herself in trouble at Miss Ellicott’s School for Magical Maidens. But when Miss Ellicott mysteriously disappears along with all the other sorceresses in the city, Chantel’s behavior becomes the least of her problems.
Without any magic protecting the city, it is up to Chantel and her friends to save the Kingdom. On a dangerous mission, Chantel will discover a crossbow-wielding boy, a dragon, and a new, fiery magic that burns inside her—but can she find the sorceresses and transform Lightning Pass into the city it was meant to be?
November 9, 2017
The title and beautiful cover made me very excited to read this book, and I can say that I am unfortunately disappointed in it. The premise of the story is good, but I think the author dragged things out, and there wasn't enough action to move the plot along. It took me forever to finish the book. The second half of the book was slow moving and could have picked up the pace just a little bit. The characters weren't interesting, and the snake/dragon didn't fit into the story that much. Overall, it did not work for me.
August 20, 2017
This book just misses for me and now I've read it twice. The first time I felt the word choices, the use of language, was too idiosyncratic. Some readers might love it, many would not. A good librarian would need to make the recommendation.
The second time I read it I felt the story was just a bit off. It could have been wonderful and some aspects were great. But it was hampered by the constant repetition of reminding girls to be quiet and well-behaved or that the elders were not trustworthy... That's a lot of reminding. These girls were always half asleep. It made the story much less enjoyable. Couldn't they engage without the constant reminders? This was one long nag.
I wish this were a better book, so many of the elements are here.
The second time I read it I felt the story was just a bit off. It could have been wonderful and some aspects were great. But it was hampered by the constant repetition of reminding girls to be quiet and well-behaved or that the elders were not trustworthy... That's a lot of reminding. These girls were always half asleep. It made the story much less enjoyable. Couldn't they engage without the constant reminders? This was one long nag.
I wish this were a better book, so many of the elements are here.
dnf
March 1, 2021DNF @23%
2017; Katherine Teagen Books/HarperCollins
I think this novel was trying to be a Harry Potter book, but the writing style is too simplistic and comes across boring. I will not be reading the remaining of the novel.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2017; Katherine Teagen Books/HarperCollins
I think this novel was trying to be a Harry Potter book, but the writing style is too simplistic and comes across boring. I will not be reading the remaining of the novel.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
April 9, 2018
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately it did not live up to it. It had the promise of adventure with a strong female lead, but the writing lacked depth and was just too simplistic for my taste.
September 8, 2017
"Miss Ellicott's school stood like a candle trembling in a dark storm, perched on a steep, twisting street in the peak-built city of Lightning Pass." And so we are introduced to a school for magical maidens, which follows a young girl named Chantel (who a bit like Tiffany Aching from the Wee Free Men series, isn't wholly sure about the name Chantel for a witch).
Chantel is fun, feisty, whip-smart and really witty. However, there were times when it seemed a bit like she was too fabulous and the others weren't given much of chance to be anything but sidekicks, but as the novel progressed I realised perhaps this was deliberate as it wouldn't have made what happened believeable otherwise.
The story plays with a few tropes, such as the orphan child, the 'chosen one', and then completely, fabulously subverts them. So if you see that in the first chapter, just keep going, it's worth it and not what you think. The humour is at times laugh out loud funny (for me anyway as I appreciate a good bit of wit), and there were real shades of Terry Pratchett which is no small compliment from me.
At one point you think you know where this story is going, and towards the last quarter I felt almost like it was dragging because I had a sort preconceived idea, however it took such an unexpected turn that I'm now left marvelling at what an incredible creation this was, and how lovely and unexpected the novel became as a result.
It's a real, sit back and enjoy yourself sort of tale, about friendship, bravery, doing the right thing even when it's not considered appropriate to do so.
Chantel is fun, feisty, whip-smart and really witty. However, there were times when it seemed a bit like she was too fabulous and the others weren't given much of chance to be anything but sidekicks, but as the novel progressed I realised perhaps this was deliberate as it wouldn't have made what happened believeable otherwise.
The story plays with a few tropes, such as the orphan child, the 'chosen one', and then completely, fabulously subverts them. So if you see that in the first chapter, just keep going, it's worth it and not what you think. The humour is at times laugh out loud funny (for me anyway as I appreciate a good bit of wit), and there were real shades of Terry Pratchett which is no small compliment from me.
At one point you think you know where this story is going, and towards the last quarter I felt almost like it was dragging because I had a sort preconceived idea, however it took such an unexpected turn that I'm now left marvelling at what an incredible creation this was, and how lovely and unexpected the novel became as a result.
It's a real, sit back and enjoy yourself sort of tale, about friendship, bravery, doing the right thing even when it's not considered appropriate to do so.
September 13, 2021
2021, bk 282. A cute cover, that is slightly misleading. This is not a cute, funny tale of fantasy but rather the story of dictators, corruption of power, betrayal, and a world in which control is the ultimate goal. I had to switch my mindset to read it. It was however, worth to read it for the creation of Blackwood's fantasy universe. I did have one concern - this is a YA book written by an ESL teacher (but maybe an ESL teacher for adults?) Throughout the pages are scattered pages with cursive writing - a style of writing missing from the minds of many of the students who might be drawn to the book. According to some of my teacher friends, some students cannot even read the 'close to cursive' styles of computer fonts, let alone full pages in the script. Ah well - maybe it will encourage some to learn. Good for the fantasy readers who like the power struggle books.
March 5, 2018
The ending feels a bit tidy, but it’s understandable considering it’s a youth book and, well, it’s the ending. But it had that open sort of feeling, that you know things are going to continue happening. Themes of gender in society and cultural perspectives of “outsiders”. Fantastical and whimsical but rooted in great and important discussion questions. This is the fourth Sage Blackwood book I’ve read (after the Jinx trilogy) and I think it’s safe to say that I really like her style. Good pacing and rich characters and setting and intriguing problems and solutions. And great dialogue and cleverness.
April 22, 2017
Oh boy did I enjoy this! Magic and a sassy heroine destined to be a powerful leader and have more magic in her than she'd imagined. I thought this was a great adventure and I think what I liked most (aside from the DRAGON) was when Chantel was feisty and not a "biddable" and meek girl. I thought there were many funny comments and characters and overall this was a terrific story.
April 19, 2017
I really enjoyed Chantel, the spirited main character in this fantasy story. When the headmistress from her school goes missing and a series of other disappearances occur around the city, Chantel is determined to get answers. She is not going to stay out of the way as she is told.
March 5, 2018
This book checked all my boxes. Magic, POC as the main character, dragons, and learning that the people in charge aren't necessarily suited to the power or looking out for your best interests. I want to just gift this book to all the young girls in my life.
May 12, 2017
I thought this was a nice read. The main character was quite likable. I enjoyed the adventure they were on. The only thing I didn't like was the snake in the ear and head. I thought that was a little creepy.
July 5, 2017
Good, but not amazing. I liked Franklin. And Queen Haywith.
February 25, 2022
Genuinely wish I had this as a kid growing up. Ask questions, don't believe everything, politeness isn't required in every situation and talk like you have a snake in your head
January 3, 2024
Отличная, фантастическая книга! Всем советую прочитать:)
May 14, 2017
This was a fun MG fantasy novel. Lightning was the best thing about this story, but I like dragons and stories involving dragons. I also liked the MC, Chantel; she was smart and spunky. I also liked Anna and Franklin. The three of them balanced each other out. I liked and was surprised by the ending. I saw part of it coming from the beginning of the story, but the rest of it was a pleasant surprise.
April 19, 2017
This is so so delightful and all about girls learning to stand up to the patriarchy and find their inner dragons and I am here for it
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