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Styx Trilogy #1
Miscast Spells
Mad bombers, matchmaking, magic spells--what's a butler to do? Meet Bostwick von Dogsbody, a sardonic door-to-door magician, and his white rabbit, Emmaline, who just happens to be a cursed human princess. The two are traveling through the goblin-run continent of Ataxia in search of the legendary Domino of Nonpareil--a mask that allows the wearer to become anything he desires--in order to return Emmaline to normal. Their journey has finally led them to Styx Castle, where they meet Millicent, a human maid who wound up in Styx due to mysterious (and embarrassing) circumstances, and Delilah, a goblin queen with a taste for the chaotic. But Bostwick's theft of the Domino does not go unnoticed. To avoid a harsher punishment, he agrees to be Delilah's butler for a hundred years. Before he can escape the queen's clutches, he'll have to face mad bombers, an all-bugbear police force, romantic schemes gone awry, and a mysterious goblin-turned-cat named Sebastian who also has designs on the Domino. And as if that wasn't enough, he soon learns that Millicent is also a magician--and needs him to teach her!
242 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2017
672 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 28, 2016
This is definitely going to be a delightfully fun trilogy. Rose Corcoran has channelled the storytelling power and imagination of Diana Wynne Jones, Jim Hensen, or Lewis Carroll and brought to life an amusing story full of mistrust, mischief, and magic. Delilah is one of the most deliciously intriguing characters and the story just keeps getting more and more exciting with every chapter.
I got into the story right away. The banter and sense of humor throughout is lighthearted and clever and the characters all play off each other in a very natural but interesting way. The world of Styx is well crafted and the pacing keeps you moving through the story straight up to the next big adventure (that we have to wait for! I'm so excited for book two!) but it never feels like you're rushing through an adventure story. The characters go about their daily activities, all directed by Delilah's mischievous will, and the adventures happens as a result.
This is the perfect book for fans of fun and fantasy. If you liked Howls Moving Castle, The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, or Alice in Wonderland you're going to be a fan of Miscast Spells as well.
I got into the story right away. The banter and sense of humor throughout is lighthearted and clever and the characters all play off each other in a very natural but interesting way. The world of Styx is well crafted and the pacing keeps you moving through the story straight up to the next big adventure (that we have to wait for! I'm so excited for book two!) but it never feels like you're rushing through an adventure story. The characters go about their daily activities, all directed by Delilah's mischievous will, and the adventures happens as a result.
This is the perfect book for fans of fun and fantasy. If you liked Howls Moving Castle, The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, or Alice in Wonderland you're going to be a fan of Miscast Spells as well.
September 13, 2019
An absolute delight to read. Colorful characters, whimsical and wacky scenarios, and a grumpy tuxedo cat, among other things. Miscast Spells book one has a lot of heart and is just too darn adorable not to love.
July 30, 2017
I really loved this book. It was fun to read, and I really enjoyed the characters. The cover art is adorable, and I can not wait to read the second and third book in this series when it comes out.
August 18, 2017
Within the first hour of reading this I read 60 pages and then I had to get ready for work. I found myself picking up the book and attempting to read it while trying to get changed. This is a page turner and the magic consumes you and pulls you into the pages.
I was so excited to read this and I was not disappointed when I sat down after work and finished the book. There isn't a dull moment, the writing does not get weaker at any point. There were no moments that I got confused with what was going on and have to go back and reread parts.
I loved how the characters developed throughout the book You learnt more about them and I found myself really starting to feel sorry for Bostwick.
This has got to be one of the easiest ratings I have done. I honestly can't find a fault there is no doubt in my mind that this is a clear 5 stars.
The characters were amazing and so well thought out. The plot is the same, extremely well planned out and it shows when reading it through.
The characters and the way they are written is hilarious, I found myself laughing and smiling throughout.
A very well done, this will be a book I will share with others and recommend. I have the second book to read and review as well and I am even more excited for it now.
I was so excited to read this and I was not disappointed when I sat down after work and finished the book. There isn't a dull moment, the writing does not get weaker at any point. There were no moments that I got confused with what was going on and have to go back and reread parts.
I loved how the characters developed throughout the book You learnt more about them and I found myself really starting to feel sorry for Bostwick.
This has got to be one of the easiest ratings I have done. I honestly can't find a fault there is no doubt in my mind that this is a clear 5 stars.
The characters were amazing and so well thought out. The plot is the same, extremely well planned out and it shows when reading it through.
The characters and the way they are written is hilarious, I found myself laughing and smiling throughout.
A very well done, this will be a book I will share with others and recommend. I have the second book to read and review as well and I am even more excited for it now.
December 26, 2016
Having read the blurb I thought it might be too much - like a handful of 10 completely different potpourris thrown into a cauldron of split pea soup - confusing and without a clear purpose. But I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes there's a lot going on but the author deftly weaves it all together. There are also interesting themes around truth and white lies, learning and hard work, friendship, loyalty and kindness.
March 25, 2018
Miscast Spells
By Rose Corcoran
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨(4,5)/5
Synopsis:
This book is about Bostwick, who is a court magician, and Emmaline, he princess who is cursed to be a rabbit. They find Delilah, a crazy goblin queen and try to steal something from her. As punishment Bostwick has to serve her for one hundred years. At the same time someone tries to destroy Delilah’s kingdom and the castle is visited by a cat that once also had a humanoid form.
My Thoughts:
…about the story
The story is just as crazy as it sounds and I loved it!
It consists of many little plots that are tied together. Most things are solved in the end; there is only a little cliff-hanger at the end, like a teaser about the topic of the next book.
The plots sound quite logical, well, as logical as they can be in such a weird world. And I certainly didn’t expect some of the twists!
The book was never boring and never felt rushed either.
…about the characters
They are adorable, though pretty weird.
Delilah can be really mean when ordering Bostwick around and trying to prank him, but she can be really cool as well.
Bostwick and the rest are amazing as well, though I have to say that the evil ones are a bit flat. That’s when you realise, that maybe this book was planned for a younger audience.
But I really liked the way every character got to show different facets of them.
...about the world
It is weird, very weird.
If you are a map-maker, then everything you draw appears in reality as well!
Pineapples are worshipped because they brought wealth to the goblin kingdom.
There is a mask that lets you change into any form you might want to take on.
Goblin houses apparently always look like they’ll cave in in a second. And that’s just a bit about this world.
Sadly, you only learn about Styx in this book, I suppose it’ll change in the next book.
I liked the concept of magic. One moment it looked incredibly powerful, the next Bostwick can’t heal someone because he doesn’t have a box.
My favourite, however was the forest with the flying snakes, I absolutely loved that scene!
…about the style
The book is written in a humoristic way and Bostwick and Emmaline never fail to lighten up the atmosphere by commenting on the goblin culture. And yes, I ask myself as well just what Capybaras do in a pub.
This book focused on important things and had short but precise descriptions. Everything was written in a way that you can imagine the weird things going on, without becoming too abstract.
The Cover certainly gets a big bonus, as well as the inner design, it’s simply too cute!
And now I’m asking myself whether there’s some art to be found. Id love to see some of the goblins
Since this book was amazing , it earns four and a half stars.
By Rose Corcoran
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨(4,5)/5
Synopsis:
This book is about Bostwick, who is a court magician, and Emmaline, he princess who is cursed to be a rabbit. They find Delilah, a crazy goblin queen and try to steal something from her. As punishment Bostwick has to serve her for one hundred years. At the same time someone tries to destroy Delilah’s kingdom and the castle is visited by a cat that once also had a humanoid form.
My Thoughts:
…about the story
The story is just as crazy as it sounds and I loved it!
It consists of many little plots that are tied together. Most things are solved in the end; there is only a little cliff-hanger at the end, like a teaser about the topic of the next book.
The plots sound quite logical, well, as logical as they can be in such a weird world. And I certainly didn’t expect some of the twists!
The book was never boring and never felt rushed either.
…about the characters
They are adorable, though pretty weird.
Delilah can be really mean when ordering Bostwick around and trying to prank him, but she can be really cool as well.
Bostwick and the rest are amazing as well, though I have to say that the evil ones are a bit flat. That’s when you realise, that maybe this book was planned for a younger audience.
But I really liked the way every character got to show different facets of them.
...about the world
It is weird, very weird.
If you are a map-maker, then everything you draw appears in reality as well!
Pineapples are worshipped because they brought wealth to the goblin kingdom.
There is a mask that lets you change into any form you might want to take on.
Goblin houses apparently always look like they’ll cave in in a second. And that’s just a bit about this world.
Sadly, you only learn about Styx in this book, I suppose it’ll change in the next book.
I liked the concept of magic. One moment it looked incredibly powerful, the next Bostwick can’t heal someone because he doesn’t have a box.
My favourite, however was the forest with the flying snakes, I absolutely loved that scene!
…about the style
The book is written in a humoristic way and Bostwick and Emmaline never fail to lighten up the atmosphere by commenting on the goblin culture. And yes, I ask myself as well just what Capybaras do in a pub.
This book focused on important things and had short but precise descriptions. Everything was written in a way that you can imagine the weird things going on, without becoming too abstract.
The Cover certainly gets a big bonus, as well as the inner design, it’s simply too cute!
And now I’m asking myself whether there’s some art to be found. Id love to see some of the goblins
Since this book was amazing , it earns four and a half stars.
February 8, 2018
I got a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No way is my opinion influenced by this. All views are my own.
You know those books that you know are going to be so much fun to read by reading just the synopsis? Miscast Spells was one of them. I found Rose Corcoran in the Book Robin Hood’s website and the blurb for this book on her info was tiny, like maybe a couple of lines. But I knew, I knew I was going to love this book from those few lines.
Even though rating this book has been so easy, I am having such a hard time writing this review since I don't want to write something mundane that will put people off. I genuinely loved the book and I want everyone to read it . The story was so well paced and beautifully written that it didn’t take any effort for me to get into the story and finish it. The plot was finely crafted and well planned and I know that because I didn’t falter for once while reading it nor did the writing weaken at any point.
Although the story itself was so magical, whimsical and colorful full of mischief, mistrust and adventure, my favorite thing about the whole book was the characters. They were amazing! Although each completely unique, they fit well together and played each other out so nicely. The banter and playfulness among them was so natural and easy going. And they were so fun to read about, especially Delilah. She was one excellent character.
The lighthearted humor and quick wit made me laugh out loud and snort so bad throughout the whole book. I want more and I’m really looking forward to finish this trilogy.
You know those books that you know are going to be so much fun to read by reading just the synopsis? Miscast Spells was one of them. I found Rose Corcoran in the Book Robin Hood’s website and the blurb for this book on her info was tiny, like maybe a couple of lines. But I knew, I knew I was going to love this book from those few lines.
Even though rating this book has been so easy, I am having such a hard time writing this review since I don't want to write something mundane that will put people off. I genuinely loved the book and I want everyone to read it . The story was so well paced and beautifully written that it didn’t take any effort for me to get into the story and finish it. The plot was finely crafted and well planned and I know that because I didn’t falter for once while reading it nor did the writing weaken at any point.
Although the story itself was so magical, whimsical and colorful full of mischief, mistrust and adventure, my favorite thing about the whole book was the characters. They were amazing! Although each completely unique, they fit well together and played each other out so nicely. The banter and playfulness among them was so natural and easy going. And they were so fun to read about, especially Delilah. She was one excellent character.
The lighthearted humor and quick wit made me laugh out loud and snort so bad throughout the whole book. I want more and I’m really looking forward to finish this trilogy.
December 13, 2017
I just finished this book and I loved it! It's extremely creative and adorable. It is definitely a book to read for anyone who enjoys anime and manga, because it reads very much like one.
It reminded me of a cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Artemis Fowl series with its creative descriptions, characters, and chaos.
On the downside, I have to admit that I didn't really care for the romance. I actually wanted to know more about Emmaline and her relationship with Bostwick rather than Millicent.
Still, this book is full of fascinating characters, and I'm curious to see where their story goes. I'm absolutely in love with Bostwick! He's someone that twelve-year-old me would have had the BIGGEST crush on. I do want to get to know Emmaline more, because her story seemed somewhat glossed over in favor of Millicent's, but I'm ready to start reading the second one.
This is a great, entertaining middle grade read and I'll definitely be recommending it for young readers.
It reminded me of a cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Artemis Fowl series with its creative descriptions, characters, and chaos.
On the downside, I have to admit that I didn't really care for the romance. I actually wanted to know more about Emmaline and her relationship with Bostwick rather than Millicent.
Still, this book is full of fascinating characters, and I'm curious to see where their story goes. I'm absolutely in love with Bostwick! He's someone that twelve-year-old me would have had the BIGGEST crush on. I do want to get to know Emmaline more, because her story seemed somewhat glossed over in favor of Millicent's, but I'm ready to start reading the second one.
This is a great, entertaining middle grade read and I'll definitely be recommending it for young readers.
January 27, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to review, and it was a very enjoyable experience. Miscast Spells is simple, whimsical and hilarious – a perfect read if you want to relax and have some laughs. I felt that some parts of the book were tied together a bit loosely, but it didn't make the story harder to follow or affect how pleasant it was to read.
I was unlucky with the end of Miscast Spells , but I take total responsibility for it. I know many people who like this kind of cliffhanger end that pushes the conclusion of book one into book two, but it's a pet peeve for me. Overall I liked the book, though.
I was unlucky with the end of Miscast Spells , but I take total responsibility for it. I know many people who like this kind of cliffhanger end that pushes the conclusion of book one into book two, but it's a pet peeve for me. Overall I liked the book, though.
May 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book (the whole trilogy was great)! It begins with a princess being cursed into the form of a rabbit and traveling with the court magician through the goblin kingdoms in search of a cure. From there it gets wild and fun and introduces some of the greatest characters. Well worth your time to read!
September 27, 2017
This book was a solid 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the world and characters. I do wish there was a little bit more world building but other than that it was amazing. I really want to continue on with the series. I really wish I had the second book!
September 10, 2018
Such fun characters and interesting world-building!
January 16, 2019
Well, I'm disappointed because I really liked the auth
Well, I'm disappointed. I really liked the author, but I didnt like the book. I finished it. But never felt fully invested
Well, I'm disappointed. I really liked the author, but I didnt like the book. I finished it. But never felt fully invested
September 19, 2018
Miscast Spells was by far one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure to read. From beginning to end I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. All the characters pulled me in; from the eccentric Delilah, to the rationality of Bostwick, and the witticism of Emmaline, and the naivety and complexity of Millie. The characters spoke to me, showed me a glimpse into their lives and made me feel welcome. I can not wait to read the next installment by the lovely Rose Corcoran. At first, the story reminded me of an Alice in Wonderland feel, and as I continued it also sparked a feeling of playing in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. By the end, though, I realized that Rose had woven a story so magical that it wasn't just comparable to those things, it was on par with them as well. I give it 5 stars, for keeping me guessing and for providing a wonder story that enraptured me from beginning to end. Thank you, Rose, for writing this.
November 25, 2018
I received this book as part of a giveaway. I enjoyed reading it, though I did have a couple problems with how the characters were written. Many of their traits were "told" instead of "shown," and this led to some inconsistencies in how they were perceived and treated by other characters. Overall, it was a fun read and a cute story!
March 20, 2016
Highly recommended for fans of fantasy with an engaging plot and lots of great character development. Middle school readers will definitely want to continue with the next book in the series, once it is published. Adults too!!
February 18, 2016
Reminiscent of Lewis Carrol in its madcap situations, this story has a lot to offer. The characters are fresh and real, the dialogue is hilarious, and there's more to the plot than meets the eye. All ages can enjoy Miscast Spells, a delightful, humorous new addition to the fantasy genre.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews