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The Magic Misfits #1
The Magic Misfits
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2018)From beloved award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris, comes the magical first book in a new series with plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on.
After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded kids. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they'll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso's villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series.
When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on.
After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded kids. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they'll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso's villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series.
253 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2017
997 people are currently reading
20627 people want to read
About the author
Neil Patrick Harris
60 books1,262 followersNeil Patrick Harris is an American actor, producer, director, magician, comedian and singer. He is best known for playing Barney Stinson in the television comedy series How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards. As a child star he played the title character in Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993). He is also known for his role as the title character in Joss Whedon's musical Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008) and a fictional version of himself in the Harold & Kumar film series (2004–2011). He has also appeared in the films Starship Troopers (1997), Beastly (2011), The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013) and Gone Girl (2014). Harris was named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2010, and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2011. He has also hosted the Tony Awards on Broadway in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013, for which he won several special class Emmy Awards. He also hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009 and 2013, and will host the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. In 2014, he starred as the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway, for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
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Want to read
November 24, 2017Six magical misfits going on an adventure.
So Six of Crows but in a middle-grade book.
Which is also by Neil Patrick Harris.
Badass kids kicking butt like the Dregs.
So Six of Crows but in a middle-grade book.
Which is also by Neil Patrick Harris.
Badass kids kicking butt like the Dregs.
February 11, 2018
“For years I looked for you. I never gave up, but I never imagined that fate would bring you to Mineral Wells."
"Not fate," Leila said. "Magic."
Magic, fate, or coincidence. Carter wasn't sure which was which anymore.”
well this was entirely cute. the magic misfits is an absolute delight I admit I read this because I wanted to see what Neil Patrick Harris' novel would be like, and because it was giving me middle grade six of crows vibes, which really is ideal.
The Magic Misfits follows Carter, a boy taught con tricks by his thieving uncle. When he runs away from home, he ends up in a town called Mineral Wells where a travelling circus is in town. Suddenly, he and his new friends Leila, Theo and Ridley, are caught up in a plot by the owner of the Circus to steal a prized jewel from right under the noses of the spectators he continually dupes.
I loved the solid friendships and diversity in this The friendships between the main characters were so cute. Carter, Leila, Theo and Ridley all had such unique and differing personalities which made the whole group together really fun.
Leila is a black girl with two dads. Theo is also black and Ridley uses a wheelchair. I really liked seeing this diversity because it's important all kids get to see themselves represented in books. I also really liked the focus on found family and friendships where everyone trusts eachother.
The storyline was pretty enjoyable and I really liked the style in which it was told. It was really fun to see all the kids make their plans to foil the villain and the way that magic and cons played into the story was really nice. I LOVED how this book had interludes where it explained how to do magic tricks, I thought that was so fun and I actually .... wish I'd had this book as a kid because I would have SPENT A LONG TIME TRYING TO PERFECT THESE TRICKS
“For me, magic can be a story, a game, a puzzle, or a surprise that takes my breath away in a single, furious gulp.”
This was a really cute middle grade book and it gives me six of crows/daughter of the burning city (but middle grade) feels which is nice. It's also narrated in a similar style to A Series of Unfortunate Events, if you like that.
I really liked this middle grade and I think it's something people of all ages could definitely enjoy!
December 2, 2017
This book was cute and I loved Neil’s narration. However, I felt as though it was predictable and too similar to other middle grade books I have read. I am sad I didn’t like this more. I doubt I will continue with the series.
June 29, 2018
This is a great first book by Neil Patrick Harris. It is well written with an exciting story. We know he loves magic and he brings us a gang of kids who are geeky about magic and good at it too. They go up against an evil adult and they have to outwit him, which they do figure out a way to do so that was very well done.
Neil has a flare for flare. He makes it very much in the show business world and his love of magic shines through. Throughout the book, he gives tips on how to pull off some cool magic tricks. He gives the secret away to the shell game.
I had fun reading this book. It was quick and went down with a side of fun. I don't know if I will go on or not, but maybe. I can see many kids being into this story.
Neil has a flare for flare. He makes it very much in the show business world and his love of magic shines through. Throughout the book, he gives tips on how to pull off some cool magic tricks. He gives the secret away to the shell game.
I had fun reading this book. It was quick and went down with a side of fun. I don't know if I will go on or not, but maybe. I can see many kids being into this story.
December 9, 2017
I almost gave this 2 stars, but since I love Neil Patrick Harris, I’m bumping it up to 3 stars.
I was so excited when I heard he was releasing his debut MG fiction novel and couldn’t wait to read it. I love the cover!
This is a children’s book with less than 250 pages, but it took me about a week to get through it. A book at this level and length normally only takes me one evening. I kept putting this down because it didn’t always keep my interest. I just didn’t feel like I was reading a new, captivating story. Honestly, I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because it did get better.
Right away, the writing style and narrative voice reminded me of Lemony Snicket’s series. I love A Series of Unfortunate Events, but I’d rather have a fresh new voice than feel like I’m being reminded of somebody else. Some reviewers said this was an MG version of Six of Crows, but I haven’t read that yet to know for sure. If you have read it, then this probably gives you a good idea of what to expect. This is mostly in third person, but sometimes the narrator speaks directly to the reader in second person and then jumps back into third person. That didn’t bother me at all, but I know that bothers some people.
It’s a cute story with characters that you’ll like and dislike, but I just didn’t love it overall. One character, Uncle Sly, has a personality very similar to Count Olaf. I wanted more to the story, more action, more emotional investment. I wanted to care more about the characters.
I enjoyed the magic tips, tricks, and secret messages, plus it has nice illustrations! I now know how to do a coin trick, but I do need a lot of practice! The trick on how to guess a number that somebody is thinking is interesting, but I haven’t actually tried it on anyone. I hope it works! There were a few messages you had to decipher, but the one at the end was too time consuming, so I didn’t bother finishing the decoding. Oh well.
The ending was predictable. Enough said on that.
I probably will continue the series, because like I said, I love Neil Patrick Harris, but I hope in the next book he ups his game.
I was so excited when I heard he was releasing his debut MG fiction novel and couldn’t wait to read it. I love the cover!
This is a children’s book with less than 250 pages, but it took me about a week to get through it. A book at this level and length normally only takes me one evening. I kept putting this down because it didn’t always keep my interest. I just didn’t feel like I was reading a new, captivating story. Honestly, I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because it did get better.
Right away, the writing style and narrative voice reminded me of Lemony Snicket’s series. I love A Series of Unfortunate Events, but I’d rather have a fresh new voice than feel like I’m being reminded of somebody else. Some reviewers said this was an MG version of Six of Crows, but I haven’t read that yet to know for sure. If you have read it, then this probably gives you a good idea of what to expect. This is mostly in third person, but sometimes the narrator speaks directly to the reader in second person and then jumps back into third person. That didn’t bother me at all, but I know that bothers some people.
It’s a cute story with characters that you’ll like and dislike, but I just didn’t love it overall. One character, Uncle Sly, has a personality very similar to Count Olaf. I wanted more to the story, more action, more emotional investment. I wanted to care more about the characters.
I enjoyed the magic tips, tricks, and secret messages, plus it has nice illustrations! I now know how to do a coin trick, but I do need a lot of practice! The trick on how to guess a number that somebody is thinking is interesting, but I haven’t actually tried it on anyone. I hope it works! There were a few messages you had to decipher, but the one at the end was too time consuming, so I didn’t bother finishing the decoding. Oh well.
The ending was predictable. Enough said on that.
I probably will continue the series, because like I said, I love Neil Patrick Harris, but I hope in the next book he ups his game.
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August 7, 2024You'll note no rating and no other shelves on this one. That's because I have decided not to rate it...
Look I picked this book up on the strength of the enthusiasm that surrounded it and the announcement of it's eminent publication and arrival.
A NEW BOOK BY NEIL PATRICK HARRIS!!!!! WHOOPEE!!!! THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!!!
Hummm...well maybe for, you know, real young kids. This is a very young book. I'd say parents read it to be sure it's for your kids and maybe read (or listen to the audio book) with them.
The book opens with young Harry (yeah that seems to be some kind of "go to" name in magical communities). As I said before...or started to...the book opens with young Harry, whose father was a stage magician running to catch a train. At first I wondered if maybe this was a young Harry Dresden running for the Hogworts Express...or whatever the American counter part might be.
But nope no dice. I Know this is a new Harry off for adventures with otherPeculiar I mean other misfit children.
It is as I said very young and I quickly became bored with it trying to stay interested in the excessive cuteness (really I've been trying to avoid diabetes for years and the sweetness here made the Coke I was sipping seem healthy). So if you're up for a very young book give it a shot.
It's really....cute. Oh and full of magic tricks. There are even magic instructions included with the book. If it's for you enjoy.
Look I picked this book up on the strength of the enthusiasm that surrounded it and the announcement of it's eminent publication and arrival.
A NEW BOOK BY NEIL PATRICK HARRIS!!!!! WHOOPEE!!!! THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!!!
Hummm...well maybe for, you know, real young kids. This is a very young book. I'd say parents read it to be sure it's for your kids and maybe read (or listen to the audio book) with them.
The book opens with young Harry (yeah that seems to be some kind of "go to" name in magical communities). As I said before...or started to...the book opens with young Harry, whose father was a stage magician running to catch a train. At first I wondered if maybe this was a young Harry Dresden running for the Hogworts Express...or whatever the American counter part might be.
But nope no dice. I Know this is a new Harry off for adventures with other
It is as I said very young and I quickly became bored with it trying to stay interested in the excessive cuteness (really I've been trying to avoid diabetes for years and the sweetness here made the Coke I was sipping seem healthy). So if you're up for a very young book give it a shot.
It's really....cute. Oh and full of magic tricks. There are even magic instructions included with the book. If it's for you enjoy.
September 6, 2020
I’m a sucker for a fun cover so I’ve been dying to read this book for a while. So when I saw it on sale, I scooped it right up along with the second book (for a steal!!). And I am sooooo glad that I did!!! It was such a fun read!!! Carter is just the sweetest main character and I adored his moral compass so much. Each character has such a descriptive personality that I can’t but love all the protagonists.
The book itself is also extremely enjoyable, littered with games, funny jokes, and great illustrations. While I, as an adult, enjoy middle grade books, I think an actual middle grader will really like this book too!! It’s just so fun and has so many laugh out loud lines that are irresistible. I’ll admit, I cheated on the very last riddle and looked up the answer, but when I was younger, I’d have loved to spend the time figuring it out.
The how-to magic portions were still very interesting to read even though I’m not going to be practicing magic myself. How fun to find out a few magician’s secrets!!
This is very creative and I can’t wait to dive right into the next one in the series!! Neil Patrick Harris continues to be amazing!!! I recommend this to all those who love middle grade reads, especially with a focus on magic.
The book itself is also extremely enjoyable, littered with games, funny jokes, and great illustrations. While I, as an adult, enjoy middle grade books, I think an actual middle grader will really like this book too!! It’s just so fun and has so many laugh out loud lines that are irresistible. I’ll admit, I cheated on the very last riddle and looked up the answer, but when I was younger, I’d have loved to spend the time figuring it out.
The how-to magic portions were still very interesting to read even though I’m not going to be practicing magic myself. How fun to find out a few magician’s secrets!!
This is very creative and I can’t wait to dive right into the next one in the series!! Neil Patrick Harris continues to be amazing!!! I recommend this to all those who love middle grade reads, especially with a focus on magic.
Want to read
April 16, 2018Ladies and gentlemen, the very first middle grade-children Six of Crows retelling ever!
March 9, 2020
Middle Grade March! Ehh.... not for me, but I can definitely see the appeal for kids. It would be a lot of fun! An extra star because NPH is awesome and he always does fantastic with any narration!
February 11, 2018
“For me, magic can be a story, a game, a puzzle, or a surprise that takes my breath away in a single, furious gulp.”
Fantastic! This is the kind of middle-grade adventure that parents are going to want to run out and grab for their family and read it over and over again.
I'm starting to be convinced that Neil Patrick Harris must come from a planet far superior to ours because this man does it all and does it well. While here I am, thinking not burning my toast in the morning is a pretty awesome success. I had actually somehow managed to miss the fact that Neil was writing a children's book and then I was watching Booktube and noticed that people were getting them in their Owlcrate Jr (book subscription box) and I had to rush out and get myself a copy as well!
I almost feel guilty about giving this book four stars and the ONLY reason I did is because I didn't have a child to read it with. I think that experience would've been magical. This book is heavily catered to children and families. Don't get confused thinking I'm saying this is a Juvenile book, it isn't. Adults will likely love this one as well. However, there are some stand out elements that really target a family audience. That being, this book is interactive. There a couple of neat puzzles to work out and most importantly at the end of every chapter (or most anyway) there is a step-by-step guide for learning a new magic trick. That's brilliant! I wish I wasn't so lazy and had tried a few but atlas... The tricks seemed cool enough to appeal to even older kids but simple enough to be able to have the younger audience master them as well.
This book reminded me so much of The Series of Unfortunate Events it was crazy. It's very obvious that Harris was inspired by the book. I saw the author even ended up blurbing this book, so that is pretty damn cool. The Magic Misfitsis no where near as dark as the series Lemony Snickett brought to life but if you enjoyed that one then this likely a sure bet.
I was trying to think of what my favorite element is in this novel but I really struggled because it had a lot going for it. The cast is very diverse and felt very authentic. Since I am disabled, disability rep is always on my radar. I'm constantly looking out for good rep and honestly there isn't that much. The rep in this book was great. One of the main protagonists friends is in a wheelchair and it's not her plot point. Yes, it's mentioned but it's not what defines the character or what the focus is. She's not just thrown in their for the sake of diversity is what I'm failing to say eloquently. I want more of this! The main protagonist is very relatable and I don't think too many people have trouble connecting and identifying with him on some level.
There's not much to not love about this book. You have adventure, magicians, strong friendship, a carnival (I'm a total sucker for any book with this theme.) and some crazy, hilarious villains. I will for sure to continue with this series and highly recommend picking it up.
Fantastic! This is the kind of middle-grade adventure that parents are going to want to run out and grab for their family and read it over and over again.
I'm starting to be convinced that Neil Patrick Harris must come from a planet far superior to ours because this man does it all and does it well. While here I am, thinking not burning my toast in the morning is a pretty awesome success. I had actually somehow managed to miss the fact that Neil was writing a children's book and then I was watching Booktube and noticed that people were getting them in their Owlcrate Jr (book subscription box) and I had to rush out and get myself a copy as well!
I almost feel guilty about giving this book four stars and the ONLY reason I did is because I didn't have a child to read it with. I think that experience would've been magical. This book is heavily catered to children and families. Don't get confused thinking I'm saying this is a Juvenile book, it isn't. Adults will likely love this one as well. However, there are some stand out elements that really target a family audience. That being, this book is interactive. There a couple of neat puzzles to work out and most importantly at the end of every chapter (or most anyway) there is a step-by-step guide for learning a new magic trick. That's brilliant! I wish I wasn't so lazy and had tried a few but atlas... The tricks seemed cool enough to appeal to even older kids but simple enough to be able to have the younger audience master them as well.
This book reminded me so much of The Series of Unfortunate Events it was crazy. It's very obvious that Harris was inspired by the book. I saw the author even ended up blurbing this book, so that is pretty damn cool. The Magic Misfitsis no where near as dark as the series Lemony Snickett brought to life but if you enjoyed that one then this likely a sure bet.
I was trying to think of what my favorite element is in this novel but I really struggled because it had a lot going for it. The cast is very diverse and felt very authentic. Since I am disabled, disability rep is always on my radar. I'm constantly looking out for good rep and honestly there isn't that much. The rep in this book was great. One of the main protagonists friends is in a wheelchair and it's not her plot point. Yes, it's mentioned but it's not what defines the character or what the focus is. She's not just thrown in their for the sake of diversity is what I'm failing to say eloquently. I want more of this! The main protagonist is very relatable and I don't think too many people have trouble connecting and identifying with him on some level.
There's not much to not love about this book. You have adventure, magicians, strong friendship, a carnival (I'm a total sucker for any book with this theme.) and some crazy, hilarious villains. I will for sure to continue with this series and highly recommend picking it up.
September 28, 2017
My son - who is adamant that he "doesn't like reading" - left school early to finish this book. I have no words. As a writer/reader, I've put a hundred incredible books in front of him. Nothing. THIS book. Neil (or publicist who reads this!), please hear me. *This* is my first readerly connection with my son. I got your ARC from a children's bookstore I'm affiliated with. I have four kids, three schools, two counties, one city, and a pretty big reach. You got my son to read! I offer you my microphone.
December 11, 2017
DNFing about 20% in. This book is written just like a Series of Unfortunate Events. If I want to read that series then I'll just read it. (it is one of my favorites) I really like Neil a lot but it feels like when he was being Count Olaf he read ASOUE and decided to write a book in the same style but if just didn't work well. I just wasn't hooked at all. Oh well!
October 21, 2018
http://www.writingis.fun/%D0%BC%D0%B0...
Магичните мистерии на Нийл Патрик Харис
Здравейте, четящи!
Обичам уикенда поради много причини. Но най-вече, защото имам повече време, за да наваксам с четенето. Най-сетне стигнах и до „Магични мистерии“ на Нийл Патрик Харис! Не мога да ви опиша с какъв трепет очаквах излизането на книгата при нас. В мига, в който издателство Софтпрес обявиха малко преди летния панаир на книгата, че ще бъде издадена – буквално подкачах от кеф. От тогава чакам търпеливо да стигне до моите ръчички и ей на – и това стана. Нямам търпение да ви споделя колко ми хареса, колко прелестно е оформлението на книгата и разбира се – намерих и един косур, за който да ви помрънкам. Както винаги – всичко е по-надолу!
Страници: 272
Издателство: Софтпрес
Читателско преживяване: 4/5 звезди
Въведение: Историята ни поставя в обувките на младия Картър, който е принуден като начин на живот да помага на чичо си Слай – мошенник изкарвайщ прехраната си с правене на трикове, за да обере парите на хората. Само че Картър не е като него – той иска да помага на хората. Опитвайки се да избяга от чичо си и неговия начин на живот, той се качва на влак, който го отвежда до малкото градче – Минерал Фолс. Там се сблъска както с цирк пълен с мошенници, така и с няколко на брой приятели, които са готови да му помогнат да спрат цирковата банда от това да ограби хората в града. С помощта на фокуси, верни другари и доза магия – Картър намира своят дом.
„Магични мистерии“ е книга за малки и порастнали деца от всякаква възраст. Докато я четях изпитах чувството, което навремето получих при четенето на първата част на Хари Потър. Ако не се лъжа, героите са на близка възраст в тези две книги. И макар Хари да е истински магьосник, а Картър само обикновен фокусник – приликите не спират тук. И той като Хари е сам, без родители до него, опитващ се да намери къде принадлежи. И разбира се, с верна дружина от приятели до него, с които да бори лошите. Също така и един вид ментор, човек който го намира и му показва пътя – като в този случай това е образа на господин Върнън.
Мисля че няма човек, който да не знае кой е Нийл Патрик Харис. Доста хора са гледали сериала How I Met Your Mother, където той беше в ролята на култовия Барни Стинсън. Ако сте фенове на сериалът, сигурно знаете, че Нийл сам е правил магическите трикове, които показва през повечето епизоди. Някъде четох, че е бил запален още от малък и това е едно от нещата, които е искал да придаде като черта и на Барни.
Много ми хареса как в книгата героят на Лейла – дъщерята на двамата господин Върнън – е описана като осиновено дете, имащо двама бащи. И ако сте се интересували от Нийл Патрик Харис, сигурно сте наясно, че той е щастливо женен за актьора Дейвид Бъртка. Хареса ми как беше сложил такъв малък детайл в книга за юноши, показвайки им, че няма нищо странно в това нито да си осиновен, нито да имаш двама бащи. Да си особняк, не значи че си сам на света.
Оформлението е просто прелестно! Книгата е изпълнена с рисунки, които правят читателското преживяване пълно и допълват историята по един много пракрасен магически начин.
Също така в няколко момента от историята получаваме и като мини-почивки – страници, в които има описано как да правим различни фокуси или да се научим на тях, за да впечатлим приятелите си. Описани са подробно, ясно и с нагледни картинки.
Та както вече споменах по-горе, ще помрънкам само за едно нещо, което малко не можах да разбера. Сигурна съм, че издателството имат причина за това, но все пак не мога да не го спомена. Българският вариант на книгата се нарича „Магични мистерии“, но оригиналното е „The Magic Misfits“. Тук идва моето объркване и разбира се, това са само мои спекулации – но предполагам, че „Магични мистерии“ е било нещото, на което са се спряли като име, защото описва тона на книгата и самата тематика. Но от друга страна цялата идея на историята е да покаже, че нашата група фокусници са особняци. Все пак думата misfit буквално значи това. Разбира се „Магични особняци“ не е толкова благозвучно, но все пак не е същото заглавие.
Книгата е симпатична, магическа и ми беше много забавно да я прочета. Наистина ми беше приятно да разгръщам шарените страници, описани със съвети за фокуси, скрити загадки в текста, готиното съдържание и картата в началото. Препоръчвам ви я на каквато и да сте възраст, тази книга ще вдъхне магия в ежедневието ви.
Искам да благодаря на издателството за предоставеното копие за прочит и за магическото преживяване!
Магичните мистерии на Нийл Патрик Харис
Здравейте, четящи!
Обичам уикенда поради много причини. Но най-вече, защото имам повече време, за да наваксам с четенето. Най-сетне стигнах и до „Магични мистерии“ на Нийл Патрик Харис! Не мога да ви опиша с какъв трепет очаквах излизането на книгата при нас. В мига, в който издателство Софтпрес обявиха малко преди летния панаир на книгата, че ще бъде издадена – буквално подкачах от кеф. От тогава чакам търпеливо да стигне до моите ръчички и ей на – и това стана. Нямам търпение да ви споделя колко ми хареса, колко прелестно е оформлението на книгата и разбира се – намерих и един косур, за който да ви помрънкам. Както винаги – всичко е по-надолу!
Страници: 272
Издателство: Софтпрес
Читателско преживяване: 4/5 звезди
Въведение: Историята ни поставя в обувките на младия Картър, който е принуден като начин на живот да помага на чичо си Слай – мошенник изкарвайщ прехраната си с правене на трикове, за да обере парите на хората. Само че Картър не е като него – той иска да помага на хората. Опитвайки се да избяга от чичо си и неговия начин на живот, той се качва на влак, който го отвежда до малкото градче – Минерал Фолс. Там се сблъска както с цирк пълен с мошенници, така и с няколко на брой приятели, които са готови да му помогнат да спрат цирковата банда от това да ограби хората в града. С помощта на фокуси, верни другари и доза магия – Картър намира своят дом.
„Магични мистерии“ е книга за малки и порастнали деца от всякаква възраст. Докато я четях изпитах чувството, което навремето получих при четенето на първата част на Хари Потър. Ако не се лъжа, героите са на близка възраст в тези две книги. И макар Хари да е истински магьосник, а Картър само обикновен фокусник – приликите не спират тук. И той като Хари е сам, без родители до него, опитващ се да намери къде принадлежи. И разбира се, с верна дружина от приятели до него, с които да бори лошите. Също така и един вид ментор, човек който го намира и му показва пътя – като в този случай това е образа на господин Върнън.
Мисля че няма човек, който да не знае кой е Нийл Патрик Харис. Доста хора са гледали сериала How I Met Your Mother, където той беше в ролята на култовия Барни Стинсън. Ако сте фенове на сериалът, сигурно знаете, че Нийл сам е правил магическите трикове, които показва през повечето епизоди. Някъде четох, че е бил запален още от малък и това е едно от нещата, които е искал да придаде като черта и на Барни.
Много ми хареса как в книгата героят на Лейла – дъщерята на двамата господин Върнън – е описана като осиновено дете, имащо двама бащи. И ако сте се интересували от Нийл Патрик Харис, сигурно сте наясно, че той е щастливо женен за актьора Дейвид Бъртка. Хареса ми как беше сложил такъв малък детайл в книга за юноши, показвайки им, че няма нищо странно в това нито да си осиновен, нито да имаш двама бащи. Да си особняк, не значи че си сам на света.
Оформлението е просто прелестно! Книгата е изпълнена с рисунки, които правят читателското преживяване пълно и допълват историята по един много пракрасен магически начин.
Също така в няколко момента от историята получаваме и като мини-почивки – страници, в които има описано как да правим различни фокуси или да се научим на тях, за да впечатлим приятелите си. Описани са подробно, ясно и с нагледни картинки.
Та както вече споменах по-горе, ще помрънкам само за едно нещо, което малко не можах да разбера. Сигурна съм, че издателството имат причина за това, но все пак не мога да не го спомена. Българският вариант на книгата се нарича „Магични мистерии“, но оригиналното е „The Magic Misfits“. Тук идва моето объркване и разбира се, това са само мои спекулации – но предполагам, че „Магични мистерии“ е било нещото, на което са се спряли като име, защото описва тона на книгата и самата тематика. Но от друга страна цялата идея на историята е да покаже, че нашата група фокусници са особняци. Все пак думата misfit буквално значи това. Разбира се „Магични особняци“ не е толкова благозвучно, но все пак не е същото заглавие.
Книгата е симпатична, магическа и ми беше много забавно да я прочета. Наистина ми беше приятно да разгръщам шарените страници, описани със съвети за фокуси, скрити загадки в текста, готиното съдържание и картата в началото. Препоръчвам ви я на каквато и да сте възраст, тази книга ще вдъхне магия в ежедневието ви.
Искам да благодаря на издателството за предоставеното копие за прочит и за магическото преживяване!
March 18, 2018
The magic of true friends is that even apart, they can't long be cut off from what lives in the heart.
Actual Rating: 3.25 stars
I love Neil Patrick Harris which is why when I first heard that he had a book coming out, I immediately marked it in my 'to be read' pile. Reading this book and connecting it with his real life was very delightful.
I don't do magic - except in the kitchen.
I mean come on, the Other Mr. Vernon is basically his husband, David! Knowing that one day he will read this to his children really warms my heart.
But all my NPH love aside, I could say without bias that I really did enjoy this book. It surprised me that it was actually well writen.
I love the diversity present in this novel. For example, Ridley is in a wheelchair (don't ask her about it or you'll get a bloody nose). Theo and Leila are black. Leila is also adopted and has two dads. Diversity in books, especially in children's and in middle grade novels are very important so that everybody, regardless of their race, gender or sexual preference could see themselves represented. It helps unify people and inform others in aspects that they would otherwise be clueless about.
I enjoyed how interactive this book was. Since it's target audience is kids, I think they will easily enjoy and fall in love with this book. It breaks the 4th wall a lot. There are also sections where Neil teaches the readers how to perform magic tricks. And during the beginning and the end of the book, there is also a puzzle you need to solve.
Although it does remind me a bit of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events because of the explaining of words and the breaking of the 4th wall, it was nevertheless a very enjoyable read.
Overall, there is still a lot to improve with Neil's writing but I see so much potential in him. I can't wait to see how much he improves in the next book.
September 11, 2017
I am generally a fan of Neil Patrick Harris. But I was unfortunately not really impressed with his foray into the world of children's literature. There are so many great middle grade novels that are so well written they are appealing to adults as well. This is not one of them. It may very well be popular with children, whom it is obviously aimed towards. It's a decent book and a cute little story, but didn't stand out as anything special to me.
A lot of the plot ended up feeling cliche or overdone. It was a really quick read and yet took forever for me to get through because I just never felt invested in the story or what was going on. It was predictable and just didn't interest me. The characters were probably the highlight of the story, as it's a diverse cast. I also liked that the focus was on magic in the sense of magic tricks and magicians, and not magic in a fantasy "Harry Potter" sense. So in that way it was rather unique.
Kids may enjoy this one and Neil Patrick Harris fans might pick it up just because, but otherwise I don't see a real reason to read this one.
A lot of the plot ended up feeling cliche or overdone. It was a really quick read and yet took forever for me to get through because I just never felt invested in the story or what was going on. It was predictable and just didn't interest me. The characters were probably the highlight of the story, as it's a diverse cast. I also liked that the focus was on magic in the sense of magic tricks and magicians, and not magic in a fantasy "Harry Potter" sense. So in that way it was rather unique.
Kids may enjoy this one and Neil Patrick Harris fans might pick it up just because, but otherwise I don't see a real reason to read this one.
March 28, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this little charmer. It's fun and heartfelt and, yes, full of magic. Carter is a sympathetic hero and the supporting characters are, for the most part, well-drawn. The setting also appealed to me--it could almost take place in the early 1900s, for we have little to no mention of any modern technology and the carnival feel with the side shows and all seems fairly timeless, too. Yet, it's also very much reflective of the 21st Century in that diversity is present and quietly celebrated; we have an ethnically diverse cast, an adopted child with two dads, a homeschooler in a wheelchair...there's not a big fanfare about any of it, these characters are simply part of the story, and I appreciate that by it's very simple being-ness it is perhaps doing more to normalize all of this than a big "message book" would do. The chummy, humorous narrator annoyed me a tad at the beginning, but it was only the very beginning and then he pretty much got out of the way and let Carter's story evolve without many winky-wink asides. (Kids interested in magic will probably appreciate the few interjections in which we are shown how to do some real magic tricks.) I also feel that NPH handled the age-old problem of getting the competent adults out of the way so the kids could be the heroes in a refreshingly different way and one with which I feel satisfied, on the whole. It was nice to see a respectful and loving parent-child relationship for a change. All in all, I had a great time reading this and look forward to the sequel. Oh, and the illustrations are great!
*Disclaimer: I tend to be very wary of celebrities-turned-authors. So, I admit I'm a big NPH fan. I just think he's a really interesting person beyond being a talented actor and I've been impressed with his intelligence whenever I've seen him interviewed. Besides, he just seems like a really nice guy. So, I was willing to give this one a go. You'll see nowhere on the cover, but inside the book it does say it's by Neil Patrick Harris "with" another author (I've unfortunately returned my copy to the library but I believe the last name was Azam). So, I'm not sure how much was NPH and how much was the other fellow, but I think it's really clear that the general concept is NPH and some of the details just too close to his heart specially the characters such as the adopted kid with gay parents, or the twins who show up late in the story (the book is dedicated to his own twins). The book is also about living your life with integrity, being kind to others, finding the magic in everyday. If that was all NPH his kids sure are lucky to have such a caring human being for a father.
*Disclaimer: I tend to be very wary of celebrities-turned-authors. So, I admit I'm a big NPH fan. I just think he's a really interesting person beyond being a talented actor and I've been impressed with his intelligence whenever I've seen him interviewed. Besides, he just seems like a really nice guy. So, I was willing to give this one a go. You'll see nowhere on the cover, but inside the book it does say it's by Neil Patrick Harris "with" another author (I've unfortunately returned my copy to the library but I believe the last name was Azam). So, I'm not sure how much was NPH and how much was the other fellow, but I think it's really clear that the general concept is NPH and some of the details just too close to his heart specially the characters such as the adopted kid with gay parents, or the twins who show up late in the story (the book is dedicated to his own twins). The book is also about living your life with integrity, being kind to others, finding the magic in everyday. If that was all NPH his kids sure are lucky to have such a caring human being for a father.
April 14, 2018
I liked the story and the message it told but didn’t love it. Maybe if i was younger i would have enjoyed it more?
I really liked the interactive aspect. Makes the book fun for kids!
I really liked the interactive aspect. Makes the book fun for kids!
February 3, 2018
So, of course when I saw that Neil Patrick Harris wrote a book, I had to get my hands all over it. It's actually pretty good, with a lot of ties to Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. They must have worked together on this book, because Snicket's review is the only one on the back cover.
This is a middle-grade book about a boy named Carter. The book starts out with Uncle Sly, who is constantly trying to force Carter into being his accomplice, stealing from people using their magic tricks. Carter doesn't like living this type of life at all, so he runs away and finds the carnival of B.B. Bosso. Bosso and his crew want Carter to join, but when he notices that they rig their carnival and pick-pocket the audience as their show goes on, he quickly decides not to.
That's when he meets the "misfits": Leila, Theo, and Ridley. They're not quick to accept him, but when they do, the four of them become close friends. When they discover that Bosso wants to steal a famous diamond worth millions, and he's paying the sheriff off to keep quiet about it, they realize they must work together to try to save the day. Will they thwart his plans? Read it and you'll find out!
I enjoyed this book; great plot and awesome character development. The beginning was a bit slow for me, and seemed quite a lot like A Series of Unfortunate Events, but stick through it and it gets so much better!
For those who didn't/don't want to figure out the decoding on the last page (it does take awhile), I've solved it:
This is a middle-grade book about a boy named Carter. The book starts out with Uncle Sly, who is constantly trying to force Carter into being his accomplice, stealing from people using their magic tricks. Carter doesn't like living this type of life at all, so he runs away and finds the carnival of B.B. Bosso. Bosso and his crew want Carter to join, but when he notices that they rig their carnival and pick-pocket the audience as their show goes on, he quickly decides not to.
That's when he meets the "misfits": Leila, Theo, and Ridley. They're not quick to accept him, but when they do, the four of them become close friends. When they discover that Bosso wants to steal a famous diamond worth millions, and he's paying the sheriff off to keep quiet about it, they realize they must work together to try to save the day. Will they thwart his plans? Read it and you'll find out!
I enjoyed this book; great plot and awesome character development. The beginning was a bit slow for me, and seemed quite a lot like A Series of Unfortunate Events, but stick through it and it gets so much better!
For those who didn't/don't want to figure out the decoding on the last page (it does take awhile), I've solved it:
September 3, 2017
The Magic Misfits is a middle-grade novel coming out November 21st that I was lucky enough to get an ARC of at Yallwest! When I picked it up, I certainly wasn't expecting to recognize the name of the author--the famous Neil Patrick Harris. Usually, I'm hesitant when celebrities write novels because a part of me believes their fame assists them in the publishing process, but I also remember that I love Chris Colfer's books, so I shouldn't be this judgmental.
In all honesty, this was rather cliché and repeated so many popular tropes, which dropped the rating. Plus, I'm not exactly in the targeted audience, as this is a middle-grade novel and I am an 11th grader, so a lot of it felt far too immature for me. However, so much of it was adorable and heartwarming that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Keep in mind, that anyone under the age of ten would probably love this.
Harris wrote a diverse cast of characters (and there's even one in a wheelchair!) with individual personalities that stand out on page. Carter, is absolutely adorable, and I would take a million of him. Not to mention, he deserves all the hugs. I'm excited to see where Harris'll go with the characters in the future, especially because there are a few with very vague backstories that I cannot wait to explore.
In the end, this was so cute and funny, but didn't have the depth I needed in a book at the moment. But, that's really nothing on this book, and more on me being to mature and old (whoops, my bad).
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
In all honesty, this was rather cliché and repeated so many popular tropes, which dropped the rating. Plus, I'm not exactly in the targeted audience, as this is a middle-grade novel and I am an 11th grader, so a lot of it felt far too immature for me. However, so much of it was adorable and heartwarming that I couldn't help but enjoy it. Keep in mind, that anyone under the age of ten would probably love this.
Harris wrote a diverse cast of characters (and there's even one in a wheelchair!) with individual personalities that stand out on page. Carter, is absolutely adorable, and I would take a million of him. Not to mention, he deserves all the hugs. I'm excited to see where Harris'll go with the characters in the future, especially because there are a few with very vague backstories that I cannot wait to explore.
In the end, this was so cute and funny, but didn't have the depth I needed in a book at the moment. But, that's really nothing on this book, and more on me being to mature and old (whoops, my bad).
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
January 4, 2019
This book was darling. If you're gifting it make sure to include a pencil for the ciphers in addition to a coin and a deck of cards for all the insets with illustrated guides on magic tricks. I've always heard 'write what you know' and so I appreciated the author insert vibe this book had (it narrates like A Series of Unfortunate Events as well) like how one of the Magic Misfit characters has two dads, one of whom happens to be a famous chef. And did you know that NPH was the president of the Academy of Magical Arts for three years? I didn't either. Sweet read - will be checking out the rest in the series.
November 24, 2017
[3.5 Stars]
"It will be hard at times, but if you work together and stay true to one another, nothing will bar you. Alone you are weak. Together you are strong. So say the Gatekeepers of Destiny."
"It will be hard at times, but if you work together and stay true to one another, nothing will bar you. Alone you are weak. Together you are strong. So say the Gatekeepers of Destiny."
October 29, 2019
Blah. There's a difference between writing in an age-appropriate way and dumbing down. The writing was as bad as the story...
It was trying to be A Series of Unfortunate Events, but lacked the wit (among other things).
It was trying to be A Series of Unfortunate Events, but lacked the wit (among other things).
February 10, 2020
C’était vraiment chou, très prenant et drôle ! J’ai adoré retrouver le style et l’humour de Neil Patrick Harris et suivre les aventures de Carter, un personnage attachant ! Une jolie lecture, un peu jeunesse sur bien des aspects mais vraiment sympa !
dnf
February 3, 2019i tried reading this for an owlcrate read-a-thon, but unfortunately started this at a bad time in my personal life and put it down. since then, i’ve no inclination to pick it back up again. this is definitely a “me thing” and not the book itself! i did enjoy what i had read, but again, i have too many other things that i want to read way more than finishing this.
June 27, 2021
بیشتر از چیزی که فکر میکردم طول کشید ولی کتاب بدی نبود اونقدرام که فکر میکردم
حرفایی که راجعبه جادو زد رو خیلی دوست داشتم و برای بچه هایی که خیلی کتاب دوست ندارن و نخوندن، پیشنهاد خوبیه
*سه بهش میدم چون تو این مدل کتابا، مجموعه تیگا رو بیشتر دوست دارم که خب به سلیقه بستگی داره نه اینکه واقعا کدومشون بهتره. تیگا برای من زارکلکنندهتر از اینه، هم داستان هم شخصیتاش
حرفایی که راجعبه جادو زد رو خیلی دوست داشتم و برای بچه هایی که خیلی کتاب دوست ندارن و نخوندن، پیشنهاد خوبیه
*سه بهش میدم چون تو این مدل کتابا، مجموعه تیگا رو بیشتر دوست دارم که خب به سلیقه بستگی داره نه اینکه واقعا کدومشون بهتره. تیگا برای من زارکلکنندهتر از اینه، هم داستان هم شخصیتاش
July 28, 2017
"Each of you has a long road ahead. It will be hard at times, but if you work together and stay true to one another, nothing will bar you. Alone you are weak. Together you are strong. So says the universe."
I'm so disappointed in myself that I talked myself out of meeting Neil Patrick Harris at Bea this year. He was signing copies of this and I didn't want to wait. Now I'm kicking myself because this book was so good and magical. Everything about this grabbed my attention and didn't let up. 🙃🙃
Carter is a runaway. After escaping the clutches of his evil "Uncle" Sly Mike who is nothing but a no good pick pocket. That's not the life Carter has set for himself. After his parents disappeared, he has been finding a place to belong. And now he is riding the rails to his new forever home.
He gets off in a small town of Mineral Wells and runs right into the show of B.B. Bosso's. Which Carter comes to find out is nothing but tricks and thievery.
Carter meets a colorful cast of Magicians who bond together and help people get back what truly belongs to them before one of the biggest heists happens in that very small town.
From the start, this reminds you of The Series of Unfortunate Events. The way the words flow even down to his mannerisms, this is NPH trying to be his counterpart L.S. It took some of its character away from the final overall review. Besides that, I thought this was a well thought out magical mystery that will razzle dazzle you. Opens your eyes to the middle-grade world and show you that you can be an adult and still enjoy some wacky humor and intrigue.
Now! Now! Anyone want to see a trick???
I'm so disappointed in myself that I talked myself out of meeting Neil Patrick Harris at Bea this year. He was signing copies of this and I didn't want to wait. Now I'm kicking myself because this book was so good and magical. Everything about this grabbed my attention and didn't let up. 🙃🙃
Carter is a runaway. After escaping the clutches of his evil "Uncle" Sly Mike who is nothing but a no good pick pocket. That's not the life Carter has set for himself. After his parents disappeared, he has been finding a place to belong. And now he is riding the rails to his new forever home.
He gets off in a small town of Mineral Wells and runs right into the show of B.B. Bosso's. Which Carter comes to find out is nothing but tricks and thievery.
Carter meets a colorful cast of Magicians who bond together and help people get back what truly belongs to them before one of the biggest heists happens in that very small town.
From the start, this reminds you of The Series of Unfortunate Events. The way the words flow even down to his mannerisms, this is NPH trying to be his counterpart L.S. It took some of its character away from the final overall review. Besides that, I thought this was a well thought out magical mystery that will razzle dazzle you. Opens your eyes to the middle-grade world and show you that you can be an adult and still enjoy some wacky humor and intrigue.
Now! Now! Anyone want to see a trick???
August 30, 2018
Ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass ich nochmal so gefangen werde von einem Kinderbuch. Aber "Die magischen 6" von Neil Patrick Harris hat es geschafft. Ich habe dieses Buch wirklich gerne gelesen!
Schon das Cover fällt ins Auge und wirkt "sehr kindisch", allerdings gefällt mir das Cover sehr gut! Als Kind wäre dies wohl eins meiner absoluten Lieblingsbücher.
Der Schreibstil des Buches ist sehr emotional: Man lacht mit den Charakteren, man trauert mit ihnen und fiebert mit ihnen mit. Man fliegt regelrecht durch die Seiten, weil man vom Schreibstil in einer Weise verzaubert wird. Außerdem sind kleine Kapitel im Buch eingebaut, die dem Leser kleine Zaubertricks zeigen - sehr süß. Außerdem gibt es kleine Illustrationen, die in jedem Kapitel mit eingebaut sind.
Auch die Charaktere sind sehr schön gestaltet. Aller sind sehr individuell und haben eine eigene Geschichte. Sie sind sehr detailliert ausgearbeitet, trotz der Kürze des Buches.
Der Inhalt des Buches hat mir ebenfalls sehr gut gefallen. Carter flieht von seinem Onkel und findet sich in einer Stadt wieder, in welcher er neue Freunde mit den gleichen Interessen findet. Und mit denen er anschließend ein Haufen Gauner jagt. Man wird von der Geschichte in einen Bann gezogen - auch wenn es sich hierbei um ein Kinderbuch handelt und nicht alles detailliert beschrieben wird (wie in den meisten Fantasybüchern, etc.), ist die Geschichte spannend. Es wird genau richtig viel erzählt, ohne den Lesern mit Fragen zurückzulassen.
Insgesamt ist dieses Buch sehr liebevoll gestaltet worden. Und sehr weiterzuempfehlen! Als Kind hätte ich dieses Buch geliebt! 5*
Schon das Cover fällt ins Auge und wirkt "sehr kindisch", allerdings gefällt mir das Cover sehr gut! Als Kind wäre dies wohl eins meiner absoluten Lieblingsbücher.
Der Schreibstil des Buches ist sehr emotional: Man lacht mit den Charakteren, man trauert mit ihnen und fiebert mit ihnen mit. Man fliegt regelrecht durch die Seiten, weil man vom Schreibstil in einer Weise verzaubert wird. Außerdem sind kleine Kapitel im Buch eingebaut, die dem Leser kleine Zaubertricks zeigen - sehr süß. Außerdem gibt es kleine Illustrationen, die in jedem Kapitel mit eingebaut sind.
Auch die Charaktere sind sehr schön gestaltet. Aller sind sehr individuell und haben eine eigene Geschichte. Sie sind sehr detailliert ausgearbeitet, trotz der Kürze des Buches.
Der Inhalt des Buches hat mir ebenfalls sehr gut gefallen. Carter flieht von seinem Onkel und findet sich in einer Stadt wieder, in welcher er neue Freunde mit den gleichen Interessen findet. Und mit denen er anschließend ein Haufen Gauner jagt. Man wird von der Geschichte in einen Bann gezogen - auch wenn es sich hierbei um ein Kinderbuch handelt und nicht alles detailliert beschrieben wird (wie in den meisten Fantasybüchern, etc.), ist die Geschichte spannend. Es wird genau richtig viel erzählt, ohne den Lesern mit Fragen zurückzulassen.
Insgesamt ist dieses Buch sehr liebevoll gestaltet worden. Und sehr weiterzuempfehlen! Als Kind hätte ich dieses Buch geliebt! 5*
December 11, 2017
As you can obviously guess by the title, this book is about a group of young misfits who are also magicians... I am definitely down for that.
This book has such a diverse cast and even though it was quite short I got a good idea of each character and how they are different but come together for the shenanigans.
The age range for this book is definitely the younger side of middle grade but I found it whimsical and full of funny moments.
I am still a little iffy about the writing style and I'm hoping it won't be exactly like A Series of Unfortunate Events but I am excited for the next 3 books!
This book has such a diverse cast and even though it was quite short I got a good idea of each character and how they are different but come together for the shenanigans.
The age range for this book is definitely the younger side of middle grade but I found it whimsical and full of funny moments.
I am still a little iffy about the writing style and I'm hoping it won't be exactly like A Series of Unfortunate Events but I am excited for the next 3 books!
September 17, 2017
Very cute! One of those books that made me aware that I was not the target audience, but that's okay, and I think the Shae-who-used-to-be-the-target-audience would have enjoyed it. Gave me a bit of a Pseudonymous Bosch feel.
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