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Wicked Nix
Mischievous woodland fairy Nix is up to no good. His beloved fairy queen has gone away, leaving him with a very important job: He must protect the forest from a most dangerous enemy—humans.
When a determined invader trespasses on his territory, Nix’s skills are put to the test as he invents several wicked tricks to chase the sorry fellow away. But when his efforts don’t go quite according to plan, it becomes clear that this intruder—and this sprite—may not be at all what they seem.
When a determined invader trespasses on his territory, Nix’s skills are put to the test as he invents several wicked tricks to chase the sorry fellow away. But when his efforts don’t go quite according to plan, it becomes clear that this intruder—and this sprite—may not be at all what they seem.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
18 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Lena Coakley
10 books302 followersLena Coakley is the Toronto Star and Globe & Mail bestselling author of Worlds of Ink and Shadow, a YA portal fantasy about the young Brontë siblings and the imaginary countries they wrote about in childhood. It made both the CBC and Quill & Quire’s Best Books of the Year lists.
Her previous novel, Witchlanders, was called “one stunning teen debut” by Kirkus Reviews, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite award and was a White Pine Award honouree.
Her first middle grade novel, Wicked Nix, will come out in October of this year from Abrams and Harper Collins Canada. She lives in Toronto.
Her previous novel, Witchlanders, was called “one stunning teen debut” by Kirkus Reviews, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite award and was a White Pine Award honouree.
Her first middle grade novel, Wicked Nix, will come out in October of this year from Abrams and Harper Collins Canada. She lives in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
June 13, 2018
Click here to watch a video review of this book on my channel, From Beginning to Bookend.
Mix sun-dappled leaves with loam, stir in one cup of imagination and one-half cup of lore, add a pinch of sorrow, a dash of mystery, and a drizzle of sunlit honey. Stir with whimsy, then bake under moonlight until the wolves howl. Voila! A recipe for Wicked Nix, foulest of the fairies - a tricksy creature of the wood who finds himself plagued by a "people" who has taken up residence in a previously abandoned cottage at the heart of the forest. Fanciful mayhem ensues.
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*Note: Quote taken from an uncorrected proof.
Mix sun-dappled leaves with loam, stir in one cup of imagination and one-half cup of lore, add a pinch of sorrow, a dash of mystery, and a drizzle of sunlit honey. Stir with whimsy, then bake under moonlight until the wolves howl. Voila! A recipe for Wicked Nix, foulest of the fairies - a tricksy creature of the wood who finds himself plagued by a "people" who has taken up residence in a previously abandoned cottage at the heart of the forest. Fanciful mayhem ensues.
Then I heard Mr. Green's voice in the sighing of the wind, in the clicking of the frozen branches. He reminded me that my family was all around me: The animals sleeping in their dens. The frogs sleeping in the mud under the frozen river. Grandfather Mountain and Grandmother Moon. Even the wolves were my wild brothers, he told me. He said that I should do as they did and howl my loneliness away. And so I did.*
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*Note: Quote taken from an uncorrected proof.
July 15, 2019
Translation widget on the blog!!!
O poveste drăguța despre cea mai afurisita zâna și bărbatul -om pe care vrea sa-l izgoneasca din pădure. O carte cu multe momente amuzante dar si altele emoționante. Despre prietenie, amiciția, bucurie; dar si despre teama de abandon, sentimentul de pierdere și neincredere. O carte care are incorporată o lecție de viața.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
O poveste drăguța despre cea mai afurisita zâna și bărbatul -om pe care vrea sa-l izgoneasca din pădure. O carte cu multe momente amuzante dar si altele emoționante. Despre prietenie, amiciția, bucurie; dar si despre teama de abandon, sentimentul de pierdere și neincredere. O carte care are incorporată o lecție de viața.
Recenzia mea completă o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
August 26, 2024
4.25. RTC.
Such a nice story!
Such a nice story!
February 24, 2019
Made this magical discovery in my local library. An extraordinary and breathtaking fairy story. With wonderful illustrations by Jaime Zollars, it’s an achingly folkloric fairy story that is so powerful human yet grown in deep wild woods and whimsy. The dialogue and language feels so unique and gives fairy Wicked Nix himself an incredible quirky charm as a character. If you love fairy tales with an unexpected dark edge, it’s an unforgettable read.
March 24, 2019
În fiecare lună descopăr titluri minunate din literatura pentru copii. Poveștile par simple, la prima vedere. Autorii „nu apelează” la scene emoționante sau la sute de pagini pentru a îți da lovitura de grație.
Lena Coakley a avut nevoie de un protagonist tânăr și naiv, care se hrănește cu minciuni și iluzii, promisiunea unei regine parșive, doza potrivită de nostalgie și o familie destrămată. Oh, Nix... ești afurisit și iubești șiretlicurile, cauți scuipat de sconcs și pipi de broască pentru „vrăji” (nu glumesc și nu inventez), ai dreptate când spui că oamenii sunt răi și că nu poți avea încredere în ei, dar abia când îți vei regăsi steaua vei înțelege cât de aproape ai fost de prăpastie.
Lena Coakley a avut nevoie de un protagonist tânăr și naiv, care se hrănește cu minciuni și iluzii, promisiunea unei regine parșive, doza potrivită de nostalgie și o familie destrămată. Oh, Nix... ești afurisit și iubești șiretlicurile, cauți scuipat de sconcs și pipi de broască pentru „vrăji” (nu glumesc și nu inventez), ai dreptate când spui că oamenii sunt răi și că nu poți avea încredere în ei, dar abia când îți vei regăsi steaua vei înțelege cât de aproape ai fost de prăpastie.
February 28, 2025
A lovely gem.
April 24, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley was short. The plot was simple. And at first I couldn’t quite figure out what the point of the story was. And then suddenly I was opened up to a world of emotions. I began this book slowly thinking it would just be an okay story, one that children would likely enjoy but didn’t really hold a lot of interest for me.
I was very wrong.
This story both broke my heart and mended it together again. Told from the eyes of the very wicked Nix himself, we’re introduced to a young fairy determined to please the “Good Queen,” as he calls her, by pestering the “man-people” who has moved into the small cottage in his forest. Certainly an unreliable narrator, the truth of Nix’s existence is revealed to us slowly as he learns more and more about his own reality.
The man living in the cottage plays a very important role in building enlightenment for Nix and for a while I was starting to believe that perhaps the magic of this story didn’t really exist. Beautifully told, the novel’s middle and ending were the best and most emotionally moving I’ve read in some time. Despite how short this book is, Coakley does an excellent job of connecting you to the characters. While you are presented all the information through the voice of young Nix, readers are able to see through the misunderstandings of Nix to truly understand him. And it is this, I think, that captures the true emotion of the novel the best.
I didn’t expect to be so impressed with Wicked Nix, nor did I expect it to make me cry. I loved this book and I definitely think it’s worth reading.
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Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley was short. The plot was simple. And at first I couldn’t quite figure out what the point of the story was. And then suddenly I was opened up to a world of emotions. I began this book slowly thinking it would just be an okay story, one that children would likely enjoy but didn’t really hold a lot of interest for me.
I was very wrong.
This story both broke my heart and mended it together again. Told from the eyes of the very wicked Nix himself, we’re introduced to a young fairy determined to please the “Good Queen,” as he calls her, by pestering the “man-people” who has moved into the small cottage in his forest. Certainly an unreliable narrator, the truth of Nix’s existence is revealed to us slowly as he learns more and more about his own reality.
The man living in the cottage plays a very important role in building enlightenment for Nix and for a while I was starting to believe that perhaps the magic of this story didn’t really exist. Beautifully told, the novel’s middle and ending were the best and most emotionally moving I’ve read in some time. Despite how short this book is, Coakley does an excellent job of connecting you to the characters. While you are presented all the information through the voice of young Nix, readers are able to see through the misunderstandings of Nix to truly understand him. And it is this, I think, that captures the true emotion of the novel the best.
I didn’t expect to be so impressed with Wicked Nix, nor did I expect it to make me cry. I loved this book and I definitely think it’s worth reading.
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June 17, 2019
Nix is a crafty, tricky, and lonely little fairy, guarding the forest from people for his queen. But a stubborn people has moved into the abandoned cottage and the two are caught in a war of curses and tricks as the queen's return looms larger. He must find a way to succeed so that he is not left alone for another year. Little does he know all that his efforts will reveal.
This delightful, poignant little tale holds a wealth of unexpected magic.
This delightful, poignant little tale holds a wealth of unexpected magic.
June 22, 2018
Sharp and sweet and unexpected.
October 12, 2018
Wicked Nix is such a cute middle grade chapter book about a fairy who has been left behind when all of the other fairies return to their home in the summer country after their Midsummer celebration in the human lands, so he takes it upon himself to protect his little patch of forest from an encroaching human. However, he doesn't have any magic, so when "a people" starts moving into a little abandoned cottage on his turf, he has to get creative with his tricks.
This book is so surprising and endearing. I'd definitely recommend for any kids who are into fairy tales, fairies, goblins, playing tricks and jokes, and general naughtiness. I definitely plan on reading this with my own little trouble-maker once he's a bit older.
This book is so surprising and endearing. I'd definitely recommend for any kids who are into fairy tales, fairies, goblins, playing tricks and jokes, and general naughtiness. I definitely plan on reading this with my own little trouble-maker once he's a bit older.
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January 31, 2022Recenzia aici⬇️
http://mhub.aiviong.ro/carticeala-nix...
http://mhub.aiviong.ro/carticeala-nix...
September 3, 2018
I thought this was a terrific fairy story about a mischievous little fairy named Nix. I loved the author's notes that talk about the way that this story connected with her real life. I think my students are going to love this one.
November 7, 2018
Wonderful, entertaining story told from a very unique perspective. Not everything, and everyone, is what they first appear to be.
March 17, 2019
I loved this charming small story. It's a fabulous early fairy fantasy for grade schoolers, and I'll definitely be reading it aloud with my littles.
March 14, 2024
Sweet story
I really enjoyed this story about a tricky and crafty little fairy. He was left behind when all the other fairies returned to their home in the summer country after their Midsummer Celebration in the human world. The Good Queen had given him the task of protecting the forest from the peoples. His life changes when a man-people moves into the little cottage in the woods and he is unable to scare him away with his trickery.
I say no more as I would like you to experience this easy read for yourself. This fast paced tale is full of mischief, surprises and imagination with a delightful twist.
I really enjoyed this story about a tricky and crafty little fairy. He was left behind when all the other fairies returned to their home in the summer country after their Midsummer Celebration in the human world. The Good Queen had given him the task of protecting the forest from the peoples. His life changes when a man-people moves into the little cottage in the woods and he is unable to scare him away with his trickery.
I say no more as I would like you to experience this easy read for yourself. This fast paced tale is full of mischief, surprises and imagination with a delightful twist.
February 13, 2025
Foarte simpatică!
February 18, 2024
a short but sharp and moving story of a lost fairy/boy being found. It is also a beautiful book, qua book--illustrations and decorations, and just generally attractive.
June 22, 2019
Read aloud to the girls, and we all loved it. A delightful fairy story with a fun twist.
June 4, 2019
Delightfully sweet, Wicked Nix is a charming story of Nix, a fairy in the forrest who fancies himself to be the meanest fairy of all. Nix has been left behind by the other fairies to tend to the forest, so when a man-people moves into the little cottage, Nix must be use all his tricks to get him to leave. A simple story, but with a surprising twist, Wicked Nix is sure to charm young readers.
I look forward to sharing this at my schools. I highly recommend Wicked Nix for libraries serving children in grades 3-5. It would also make a great classroom read aloud!
UPDATE: Wicked Nix has been shortlisted for the 2020 MYRCA Sundogs!
I look forward to sharing this at my schools. I highly recommend Wicked Nix for libraries serving children in grades 3-5. It would also make a great classroom read aloud!
UPDATE: Wicked Nix has been shortlisted for the 2020 MYRCA Sundogs!
April 1, 2019
I was infatuated with this book after reading the first page. It called upon me to remember all I read about fairies long ago. I adored Wicked Nix and his antics. Upon finishing it I wanted to crawl back into Lena Coakley's world. Wicked Nix is a fairy who was left behind after the last midsummer eve revelry. With the help of Mr. Green, the spirit of the forest, Nix has managed to survive, but now a people has trespassed into their woods. Nix is certain that the queen won't be happy with this turn of events and tries to scare the intruder away.
While a niggle of suspicion crept into my consciousness, I was till impressed by the surprise ending here.
While a niggle of suspicion crept into my consciousness, I was till impressed by the surprise ending here.
May 12, 2019
I read this with my fourth grade class and every student loved it! There were twists that really set off great discussions. We used this book as an example to begin our narrative writing unit.
June 6, 2018
Wicked Nix is a fairy full of tricks. The protector of the fairy forest will stop at nothing to rid himself of a human. Nix uses many tricks and spells to scare the human away. Half way through the story you are surprised to find out the human is family and the Nix is not a fairy. Nix and the human go to Fairy meadow to see the fairy queen. Nix realizes she isn’t who he thought she was. Nix and the human work together to get Rose back to her mom. The cottage Nix was protecting was his past home and is reunite with his family. A fairy-tale full of tricks and courage.
February 19, 2019
It's hard to think of a better word for this book, besides "cute". Wicked Nix is a simple book to read, perfect for emerging readers ready to break out into the world of chapter books. The storyline is straight forward, but with a decent twist towards the end that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. I really appreciated the amount of depth attached to such an easy read and the way the story unfolds is magical, heartbreaking and then full of love. A new installment into the fairy tale genre, which has all the factors needed to be a classic in the years to come.
July 17, 2018
A beautiful modern fairy tale. Wicked Nix is sure to be a modern classic. I loved the depth of detail the author put into the setting and backstory, Wicked Nix has to be one of the funniest characters I have read.
June 5, 2018
Sweet, wistful, charming. A book for the lost child in all of us.
December 31, 2022
What a beautiful little book. I loved the whole foresty magical feel and voice of the characters and the illustrations were just perfect and lovely. Its a short read, but really gets inside of you!
February 2, 2019
A really fast read--a super-imaginative different kind of fairy tale. Very engaging. Lovely illustrations.
June 1, 2021
Wicked Nix is a quick magical yet heart touching story.
Nix is the foulest of Fairies. He is rotten and plays nasty tricks on the peoples who live in the village near his forest that he must protect in the name of the The Good Queen Fairy, I mean that's the reason she left him behind right? Because he is the foulest and was clearly chosen to protect this forest. That's the only way it makes sense as to why the Good Queen left him, right? His world takes a turn when a man-people steps outside of the road and walks into his forest, to the abandoned cottage and decides he will live there.
Wicked Nix if full of just enough whimsical elements to make you feel like you have been dragged off to the world of fairies. While also being full of just enough moments that pull at your heart strings. The story is simple and very easy to follow and while it doesn't put a new spin on the story telling involving fairies its still a sweet and sad story all rolled into one. As an adult it was pretty easy to guess where the narrative was going and while it wasn't a surprise for me, looking through my child like glasses (that I always wear when reading middle grade stories) I would have been a little surprised, not shocked or taken aback but I would have seen the ideas coming together the closer I got the reveal, which for me means the Coakley did a wonderful job weaving the clues together.
Its a very simple story, I manged to get though it in an hour, the opening was a bit rough to follow as I had to get used to Nix's voice as Coakley did go the route of a wicked little fairy who doesn't speak in the same manner as us peoples as he calls us. But it only took about one chapter and then you fell into the rhythm of how Nix talked and told his story as it's in 1st person perspective. Wicked Nix includes, fairies, peoples, a wise little girl who knows all, and of course a lovely inclusion of Mr. Green. As a person who loves the tale of The Green Man I very much enjoyed his inclusion, who he is and what he does was explained in the most simplest manner yet the main points of who he is came across loud and clear and it was done without losing the focus of the main story.
While not really bringing anything new to the world of stories about evil fairies and the horrible horrible tricks they play on people, and while being a very short but compelling tale, Coakley managed to weave together a sweet tale of loss but also re-connection, she showed the length at which some will go to lie to themselves, and what some will do to gain everything back that was taken from them, but also making sure to add the magic we all desperately wish was truly there.
Wicked Nix is sweet, magical and touching all rolled into one.
Also my copy is filled with art done by Jamie Zollars, and the illustrations really help bring the magical story of Wicked Nix, the foulest fairy who was left behind.
Nix is the foulest of Fairies. He is rotten and plays nasty tricks on the peoples who live in the village near his forest that he must protect in the name of the The Good Queen Fairy, I mean that's the reason she left him behind right? Because he is the foulest and was clearly chosen to protect this forest. That's the only way it makes sense as to why the Good Queen left him, right? His world takes a turn when a man-people steps outside of the road and walks into his forest, to the abandoned cottage and decides he will live there.
Wicked Nix if full of just enough whimsical elements to make you feel like you have been dragged off to the world of fairies. While also being full of just enough moments that pull at your heart strings. The story is simple and very easy to follow and while it doesn't put a new spin on the story telling involving fairies its still a sweet and sad story all rolled into one. As an adult it was pretty easy to guess where the narrative was going and while it wasn't a surprise for me, looking through my child like glasses (that I always wear when reading middle grade stories) I would have been a little surprised, not shocked or taken aback but I would have seen the ideas coming together the closer I got the reveal, which for me means the Coakley did a wonderful job weaving the clues together.
Its a very simple story, I manged to get though it in an hour, the opening was a bit rough to follow as I had to get used to Nix's voice as Coakley did go the route of a wicked little fairy who doesn't speak in the same manner as us peoples as he calls us. But it only took about one chapter and then you fell into the rhythm of how Nix talked and told his story as it's in 1st person perspective. Wicked Nix includes, fairies, peoples, a wise little girl who knows all, and of course a lovely inclusion of Mr. Green. As a person who loves the tale of The Green Man I very much enjoyed his inclusion, who he is and what he does was explained in the most simplest manner yet the main points of who he is came across loud and clear and it was done without losing the focus of the main story.
While not really bringing anything new to the world of stories about evil fairies and the horrible horrible tricks they play on people, and while being a very short but compelling tale, Coakley managed to weave together a sweet tale of loss but also re-connection, she showed the length at which some will go to lie to themselves, and what some will do to gain everything back that was taken from them, but also making sure to add the magic we all desperately wish was truly there.
Wicked Nix is sweet, magical and touching all rolled into one.
Also my copy is filled with art done by Jamie Zollars, and the illustrations really help bring the magical story of Wicked Nix, the foulest fairy who was left behind.
January 24, 2024
This was so very sweet and made me emotional but I almost wanted it to be longer. Like a little more detail about things, but it was good and the illustrations were perfect for the style of the story.
February 25, 2020
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did :)
I read it in 2 hours. A fast read, it kept me interested until the end.
I read it in 2 hours. A fast read, it kept me interested until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews