Juliet Dove, Queen of Love

Magic Shop #5

by Bruce Coville

Juliet Dove is a girl who doesn't like to be noticed. But though she may be shy, she has a wickedly sharp wit. Whenever someone does take notice of her, she tears into the person with a savagery that's earned her the nickname Killer. Juliet ends up leaving Mr. Elives' magic shop with Helen of Troy's amulet—that is, a virtual man magnet. Juliet doesn't know what she's got, but the boys in her class do—they start to notice her. Soon every boy in town is swoony for her. Yet, much as she'd like to lose all the unwanted attention, she can' The amulet won't come off! A sidesplittingly funny, heartbreaking whirlwind of a book about the high cost of loving, from the award-winning author of My Teacher Is an Alien and The Unicorn Chronicles.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Mythology, Magic, Young Adult

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2003

Reviews

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I managed to pick up a book which turned out to be a fifth-in-the-series. No idea that it wasn't the very first book, I quite enjoyed the story, actually. It really highlights how good children novels and is a stark contrast to nowadays YA novels. It's got elements of magic, humour and love just as much as most teen novels. Granted, the diction is less sophisticated but it doesn't take away how good this book was (even though I read this in grade 6).

What I am really trying to say here is: Don't be surprised and call the store manager when you see me at the 9-12 children's section of the bookstore. I MEAN NO HARM!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could give this one 3.5 stars, I would. It's one of those books that isn't exactly on my reading level, but which I enjoy anyway, for its ability to weave Greek mythology in a way that neither changes the stories to something ridiculously kid friendly (looking at you, Disney's Hercules), but doesn't include the more tawdry details, either. I don't think Coville really understands what it feels like to be shy, but that's a minor point when you're dealing with a cute, humorous, fun little tale like this one.

[Hilary AN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a mom of two, they are now 12 and 14 and over the years I always read their top reads (they have a list for me, or they pick some from our home library). This one came recommended to me by both kids, and I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The book starts with the main character Juliet wondering into a shop she hasn't seen before and receiving a necklace. The next day strange things start happening (and keep getting stranger) and she has to find a solution. If you like Greek Mythology (or enjoyed the zaniness of Percy Jackson) this book ties in Greek Myth with modern day times in a way that's really fun. I loved the protagonists relationships with family and friends and I felt that the author actually did a great job of portraying middle school in a way that avoids alot of the common tropes but still rings true (which was refreshing). After I read it I realized that it is part of a series (although each of the books is a standalone novel), and I plan to read the others as well! The only thing I didn't like was the idea of romance for kids, however what's great is that the author frames it as ridiculous and it's also something the main character rejects, so in the end I found it to be an innovative way of addressing the crushes and such that come with middle school.

If you want a chill read that takes you back, or if you have a middle schooler, I would recommend this book!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The repetition can get a little irritating and there are a few other minor issues, but this is still a cute, enjoyable book.

First review
If I could give this one 3.5 stars, I would. It's one of those books that isn't exactly on my reading level, but which I enjoy anyway, for its ability to weave Greek mythology in a way that neither changes the stories to something ridiculously kid friendly (looking at you, Disney's Hercules), but doesn't include the more tawdry details, either. I don't think Coville really understands what it feels like to be shy, but that's a minor point when you're dealing with a cute, humorous, fun little tale like this one.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook, and I think that really made a difference to the story, hearing an entire cast of characters reading the dialogue. There was so much acting and expression put into every sentence that it made the story really come alive!

This is the tale of Juliet, who is a shy young teen with a literary and artistic family. When a mysterious woman gives her an enchanted amulet, every boy in town starts to fall in love with her. It's up to Juliet and her new rodent friends from the Magic Shop to unravel the mystery of the amulet, and get Juliet out of the ancient love story she is doomed to relive.

First of all, I love stories that bring in the old Greek gods into modern settings (because of Percy Jackson). Secondly, I love stories with wise-cracking rats or mice. And thirdly, I love stories with strong family relationships with both a mother and father present and involved and actually parenting (instead of dead, divorced, or absent).

Juliet is a beautifully complex character who is NOT your stereotypical "shy person." She is shy, but that is not ALL she is. And her painful shyness sometimes makes her react in unexpected ways. Like most shy people, she is terribly misunderstood, and her relationships with others are strained because of that. It was wonderful to see her growing and dealing with her fears. She's incredibly intelligent and witty and altogether delightful!

My favorite character by far was Mr. Toe, the imaginary friend of Juliet's baby sister, Clarice. When asked if he is a pinky toe, Clarice responds that he is a big. The many references to the invisible Mr. Toe made me laugh my head off! It was the perfect addition to this quirky and magical story. Mr. Toe likes to write letters. Mr. Toe only shakes hands with the neighbor boy and no one else. Mr. Toe will eat the vegetables that Clarice doesn't like. As for his appearance (other than being a toe) Mr. Toe stands a foot tall, but whether or not he has eyes is an enigma. haha! Oh, it's so adorable!

My second favorite characters are the rat duo, Jerome and Roxanne. Those two have the snappiest dialogue and great little one-liners! I love how courageous and full of fun they are, and how sensitive they are to Juliet's needs. They stick by her through thick and thin, and show some street smarts within the world of magic too. Their origin story is weird and wacky, and they are hilarious!

I like the writing; it's humorous and filled with great dialogue! The plot moves along wonderfully, with a supporting cast of interesting characters. There are several levels to the story happening at once, so it gives the plot some depth. It's just good writing!

Although this is part of a series, it reads very well as a stand alone book. I haven't read any of the other books, and it wasn't until I finished that I realized it's a series.

[F.H · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When I most let anger rule me, I was most false to my cause".

After 7 years, this book is still my least favourite of the magic shop, maybe because the whole thing was about love and oh boy I'm not really interested on this topic.

But I increased my rating from 2 to 3 because it was good enough to earn it.

Just one thing: Mr. Elives told Juliet to not walk counterclockwise around her house but the fact that she did it, was the start of the solution to their problems. So does that mean that Mr. Elives was wrong?! (Kind of feels wrong hahaha).

At least this books shows us what's behind the curtain in the magic shop but I bet a million bucks that what's behind it changes like how the location of the shop does.

I wish they made a movie out of these books. Honestly such a good story and these movie makers are totally ignoring it.

Will I ever be able to read magic shop number 6? I doubt it. But if there's a petition, let me know cause I would surely sign it.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It had its cute stuff, but again the “back story” bogged down. This one was more “mysterious” than the others, what with not knowing who gave what to Juliet, or why. I don’t know, I just didn’t really care. I almost didn’t finish but that would be silly because it is so short and it’s the last book of the series. It would bug me more to NOT finish it then it did to just blaze through. And all the boys seem pretty cool with the fact that they were all under a love spell. And that there were talking rats with wings around. No big deal, happens every day apparently.

It has a good message on striving for harmony, kindness, and love though. I have “what the world needs now, is love, sweet love...that’s the only thing that there’s just too little of” stuck in my head now.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story started out slow the first 20 pages and then it picked up and the ending is great. There are flying rats, gods and goddesses and poetry readings all packed into this story. A the center piece of this story, fitting for anything dealing with poetry is love. Juliet is a girl not looking for love or attention. She has to learn to deal with those things. A nice little story. A good story.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a clever setup in this book, perfect for a fun read before Valentines Day. Juliet is snarky - her nickname is Killer because when she’s teased she goes full force on her verbal assault and evicerates those taunting her. But it’s all just because she’s shy! She gets so embarrassed and flustered that she desperately throws out verbal bombs until something hits and the drama distracts everyone.
So when Juliet is avoiding a couple of popular girls / borderline bullies she wanders into a fog that leads her into an unfamiliar part of town, where she discovers an enticing magic store.
A mysterious woman beckons Juliet in and reveals an interesting locket. She tells Juliet she can have it, but only if she wants it badly enough… totally not suspicious AT ALL. Juliet is understandably dubious. Trouble is, she DOES want the locket, even though she has no idea why she wants it. Juliet somehow manages to get the locket into her grasp, passing some sort of test… and then the mystery woman starts acting even more crazy and tells Juliet she needs to leave immediately AND THEN THE STORE DISAPPEARS!
Well Juliet has the locket and enjoys toying with it, though she was warned not to open it.
When she goes to her neighbor Arturo’s to do homework that night he can’t stop staring at her. The next day at school boys keep passing her notes and asking her to sit with them at lunch. By the time she makes it home from school and starts her homework, there’s a small group of boys milling around on her lawn, staring longingly at her house…
Well, turns out the locket is a powerful talisman from the Greek gods! And the mystery woman in the magic store was Eris, the Greek goddess of discord, unleashing a plot to wreak havoc. Juliet is doomed to be a modern day Helen of Troy, inciting wars among her suitors, and creating a wake of jealousy and envy everywhere she goes.
Luckily there’s two magical rats from the store tasked to keep an eye on Juliet, a lovely bit of sibling relationships with her younger sister and brother tagging along for the adventures, the local librarian on hand to help research, and some blessings from several of the Greek goddesses Juliet meets on her travels along the way.
Heartwarming characters and development with plenty of plot twists to keep me guessing along the way. Juliet’s parents felt present and real, so unusual for wacky kids books and so refreshing. Her mom is a successful cartoonist with a swoon worthy, light filled artist studio in the attic. Her father is a poetry teacher at the local community college and in danger of losing his position with the next round of cutbacks. He has to make this years town poetry festival a success to prove his worth and retain his job. Juliet is pressured to perform - her biggest fear, especially as she froze with stage fright during the last poetry festival.
And it’s all part of Eris evil genius plan. Instead Juliet surprises everyone, most of all herself, and writes her own powerful poem:

What do you love?
And what holds your heart?
Is it truth? Justice? Freedom?
Family? Friends? Home?
Or is it something smaller -
A sound, a smell, a word,
A voice?
What would you give up for it?
An eye? An arm? A leg?
Your life?
Or would you go further,
And give it your heart?
What do you love
More than breath?
What do you cherish in the most secret corners of your heart?
What, if taken from you,
Would leave the deepest hole,
The hardest hurt?
What do you love –
And why?
Tell me this,
And you’ve told me all I need to know –
For then I’ll know your heart
And how to love you back.

[Sara Kamjou · Rating 3 out of 5]

ژولیت از لابه‌لای زندگی روزمره‌ش خیلی اتفاقی وارد یک فضای جادویی می‌شه که من رو با افسانه‌هایی از یونان باستان آشنا کرد که برام جالب بود.
بامزه و دوست‌داشتنی بود. ممکنه برای بعضی‌ها یه مقدار رده‌ی سنی‌ش پایین به نظر بیاد ولی به نظرم در کل خوب بود.
+ کتاب رو با صدای مریم نوری درخشان شنیدم که مناسب بود.
------------------
بیشتر از همیشه آرزو می‌کرد که کاش می‌توانست ناپدید شود.
...
بیشتر وقت‌ها تنها چیزی که می‌خواست این بود که راحتش بگذارند.
...
هرگز نباید بگذاری کسی متوجه شود که چقدر خواهان چیزی هستی.
...
کمی رمز و راز چاشنی زندگیه.
...
من سایه‌ای از چیزی هستم که قبلا بودم.
...
اغلب این عقل نیست که کمبودش احساس می‌شه بلکه اراده است. خیلی از مردم بیشتر وقت‌ها می‌دونن که چه کاری عاقلانه‌تره، مشکل اینجاست که طور دیگه‌ای عمل می‌کنن یا شهامتش رو ندارن.
...
اون دوست منه. ممکنه که دختر بی‌عیب و نقصی نباشه ولی دست کم می‌تونم با اون حرف بزنم.

[Megan Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel wraps up the Magic Shop series by Bruce Coville and I have to say, other than Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher, I think it's my favorite. The other books in the series seemed to take weird turns or force morality lessons into the story where they seemed to be a big heavy-handed. The lessons were good ones, but they seemed to almost take you out of the story to teach them to you. This one also has a lesson about kindness and not being afraid to be yourself, but it's taught much more subtly. I read this aloud with my boys and everyone enjoyed the story!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly enjoy the Magic Shop series and when i found out there was a 5th book i jumped at it. This one is different to the others in a number of ways which made it special in itself.

Jerome and Roxanne have much bigger parts to play which in itself made it interesting as they always seem to be such big characters in small bodies. Juliet in herself is a quiet red head which reverberated within this red heads soul as to what I found it to be like in school. Quiet and different is not always a good thing. However you can see her grow in herself throughout the book as a quest is forced upon her.

Secondly the magic being played with is older and more dangerous than the magic given out by Mr Elvis normally, bringing an element of learning and fun to the older worlds of magic. A very well thought out and researched book that seemed to encompass the characters really well. All in all another highly enjoyable trip back into the world of the Magic Shop.

[Haeeun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quotes from this book:

"Though we librarians are, in many ways, the keepers of the keys...I must do some research Juliet. It will require books from my own collection - ones we don't have here in the public library." - Ms. Hyacinth Priest

Great Aunt Bessie had "the face of an angel and the heart of a pirate."

"Mrs. Dove volunteered at the Venus Harbor Library two afternoons a week, and she loved bringing other workers home with her."

"The Dove family had a hard time keeping track of Margaret's hair colors."

"Juliet, I'd like you to meet Hyacinth Priest. She's in town for a few weeks to teach a storytelling class at the library."

Margaret's sluggarium!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, slugs rock because they have the courage to travel without their shells!
Loved Margaret. coolest older sister I've ever read.
Loved the whole family. Loved the parents' jobs - poetry professor at college and comic book writer who bases her characters on her family members. As a freelancer who works from home, I especially resonated with Mrs. Dove's character who also works from home in her 'Dovecote' where the children can also come in to draw beside their mother while she works. The book said that this offered them time to be together and bond while still working on their own projects.
This is practically my dream life I think!

Also on the family note, I love it when children's books feature real-life problems that adults face through the parents. Like financial problems and career problems. Beverly Cleary is excellent with this in her Ramona Quimby series and even her Ralph S. Mouse series. In this book, Mr. Dove's job is possibly at stake because the college he works at is downsizing on his department (how true to life is this as well? when a college has money problems, the humanities departments are usually the first to go undergo downsizing or in worse cases, becoming obsolete.)
The Dove family faces the potentiality of having to move away from Venus Harbor where they lived their whole lives, so that Mr. Dove can find a new teaching post (reminded very acutely of the Quimby family in "Ramona's World" by Beverley Cleary*)

Best quote of all that I want to live by:
"Be wise. Let go of fear, and act out of love." by Athena.

Another (quite long this time) qoute that really captures the spirit of this book, of all Bruce Coville's books, and children's books in general:
"It was as if in asking the question, "What do you love?" she had been forced to answer it herself. A tidal wave of love had washed through her-love for her family, for her home, for Venus Harbo, for Queen Baboo, for the little details of her life, the flowers in the backyard. the always present smell of the sea air, even the ridiculous sluggarium. And under all that was an even more astonishing idea, one that fairly staggered her.
I love myself, she thought. And with that realization came a feeling of peace and happiness deeper than any she had ever known." (p.162)

It reminded me of Primrose's love for her town, Pearl Harbor, in my favorite book of all time, "Everything on a Waffle" by Polly Horvath. It reminded me of Meg's love for her little brother Charles Wallace in "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle. It reminded me of why Harry was able to win over Voldemort ("Love, Harry, love." -Professor Dumbledore). It also brought back Clarissa Dalloway's love for the bustle of an ordinary day in the streets of London, for the trees, the automobiles, the pedestrians going about their own business, for life in general.

Moments like these, they remind me of why I love to read children's books so much.

I reread the book the moment I finished it.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this whole series, actually, but this one is among my favorites. I love Coville's ability to differentiate between his main characters so successfully. (I never felt that any of these kids were just a re-hash of another; they are individuals with unique perspectives and problems.) The climax, and the portion of the story leading up to it, is a bit silly--not as enchantingly magical as some of the other books, unfortunately--but I loved the tie-in to mythology, regardless, and still felt it was well-written. Also, I think it has to be said: HOW GORGEOUS ARE TONY DITERLIZZI'S COVER ILLUSTRATIONS!? I know, I know: don't judge a book by it's cover. But, I unashamedly picked up the first of these books based solely on these illustrations, and I was not disappointed. They set the tone of the books up for success, I think.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliet Dove doesn't have many friends. Although no one at school would believe it, she's painfully shy. So shy, in fact, that she uses sharp words to keep others from paying attention to her (which is how she's earned the nickname "Killer"). One day when running away from two girls at school, Juliet finds herself at the Magic Shop and she's drawn to a beautiful amulet. When the lady at the shop gives it to her, Juliet is surprised, but pleased. But when she puts it on, she discovers something strange happening. First, her best friend Arturo seems to be paying more attention to her looks and he's saying strange things to her. Then she notices all the boys at school seem suddenly smitten with her... Juliet discovers that the locket she's been given was previously owned by Helen of Troy, there's some powerful magic at work in it, and she can't take it off. With the help of a couple of enchanted rats, Juliet must break the spell that the necklace has put on her... before it's too late.

I was nonplussed by this book until I got about halfway through and discovered that the plot had a lot to do with gods and goddesses. Then it became a lot more interesting. The full-cast recording is nice, although one of the rats has a very annoying high-pitched voice. I think if I had been reading it, I would have put it down before I got to the good part, I am sorry to say...

Readalike suggestions: Recommend other twists on mythology, like "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stopped listening to the audio after cd2. It's good, but couldn't get into it. Grade 4-7–Bruce Coville returns to Mr. Elives' Magic Shop in this story of Juliet Dove, a shy middle school girl who suddenly finds herself the center of attention (Harcourt, 2003). While running away from some teasing girls, Juliet stumbles on the moveable magic shop, but instead of Mr. Elives, a mysterious woman is minding the shop. The woman, who turns out to be Eris, goddess of discord, offers Juliet a necklace and the trouble begins. Lovesick boys start fighting over her and camping out on her front lawn, mysterious women show up in the garden, and two talking rats appear to help her solve the mystery of the amulet. Juliet can't talk to anyone about the amulet and can't take it off. This full cast recording of the most recent title in the Magic Shop series features Coville as the narrator and 24 actors taking 29 roles. The voices are distinctive and well acted, from the children to the gods, bringing all the characters to life. Although humor abounds, the story also deals with important topics such as self-image and how we treat others. This tale of magic, myth, and personal development will hold the attention of upper elementary and middle school students.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Juliet is trying to run away – literally – from an embarrassing memory, she wanders into a Magic Shop that she's never noticed before in her seaside village of Venus Harbor, she is given a pendant that she cannot resist. Oddly, when Juliet puts the pendant on, she begins to attract all kinds of followers, but mostly boys. Unfortunately, she cannot get the pendant off, and the longer she wears it, the deeper involved she becomes in a dangerous and magical mystery. Accompanied by two talking rats, Juliet embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery of the pendant, and to free herself from it's inconvenient effects. This book is remarkably like The Lightning Thief in that it involves a modern-day girl with Greek mythological characters, and talking animals, and it begins in a similar way with Juliet losing control of her temper at the taunting of a bully. Like The Lightning Thief, the book is quite funny, but can be read for deeper messages.

[Romina Dávalos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very good. The main character is Juliet, a very shy girl who lives in a town not very common. Suddenly some women gave her this naclace which made everyboy in town to fall directly in love with her(boys). It´s really funny and it´s really interesting how swhe solves it.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic. Mythological characters. Talking animals.
Good lessons about emotions, discord, agape and self-love.

[Geordie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliet Dove would like to be an average 12 year old, but she is both tremendously shy and also has trouble controlling her anger. Her ordinary problems become dwarfed when she is given a magical amulet that causes boys to fall uncontrollably in love with her.

This is a pretty well-written book with some clever dialogue and plot twists, as well as really likeable characters. I want to like it, but it's got problems too. Magic that forces people to fall in love is kind of, for lack of a better word, gross, and the book deals more with how that love is inconvenient for Juliet than how it is totally depriving people of free will. And as the magic amulet gets stronger, a few grown men also make goo-goo eyes at Juliet, which is REALLY gross. It felt an odd authorial choice to me, that this big magic curse had no connection with Juliet's character flaws. And then those two flaws just get wrapped up abruptly as she just decides to stop having stage fright, and tells herself not to be angry with someone who insulted her. So, that was, I guess, a character arc? But with the problems dealt with so tidily it felt like lazy writing.
My favorite characters were a pair of magical talking rats, who brought some much needed creativity and humor to the book. Unfortunately, as the amulet's magic gave them different love powers, their personalities changed significantly, and for the worse. Like the character arc, the main plot also wrapped up too tidily and, even more disappointingly, off-screen! Juliet confronted the bad guy responsible for the love curse, and with the help of her friends and love magic she forced them to magically teleport away. And then, somebody else actually defeated the villain! The reader doesn't even get to see this defeat, it is instead told to Juliet second-hand...

There was a lot of good writing in this book, and good ideas, but some really odd authorial choices. The love magic was just a plain bad idea, and I wish the author had used some other macguffin to set the story in motion. The plot zigzagged quite a lot, and the conclusion could have been so much better with just a little more effort. This is not a book I hate, but I feel it could have been executed much better than it was!

[Lynette Winterton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have inherited a half grown "grand-daughter" recently, who has discovered reading. I spent several hours at the thrift store using Goodreads.com as my guide to help me find appropriate books for her age, interests, and my standards for her, hoping to feed her interest. I think I hit on a winner with this one. I'm only giving it a 4 because I have not read many 10-13 year old books, since I was 10-13 yrs old myself 45 years ago, SO this is my foundational standard setting book.

It was entertaining, quick paced and felt comfortable to me to read and enjoy. I had to tell my self to quit focusing on developing character and wanting more detail because it is not my reading level.

There were places I wanted to underline profound thoughts for my grand-daughter like this one on page 84 when a character shares some insight about stories beginning and ending like this "But the story starts before that. Actually the story starts, as all stories do in their way, with the beginnings of the world, for in that time were spun threads that stretch forward to this very moment. Take anything in the now, and if you have the eyes to follow it, it can lead you all the way back to the beginning."

There were other places I would like to know if she understands, maybe have my own book club with her.

[The Captain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ahoy there mateys! I wanted short books with magic and I enjoyed this author's alien book so I tried these.  Basically every book has a young kid ending up in Mr. Elives' magic shop and taking home an artifact that brings an adventure.  The first book deals with a ring that turns Russell into a monster, the second with Jeremy having to raise a dragon's egg, the third with Jennifer and a talking toad, the fourth with Charlie getting a talking skull, and the fifth with Juliet getting a magic locket.  I liked the first two, loved three and four, and didn't really like five at all.  The toad book had excellent magic dealing with kissing in a silly way.  And the skull book had some seriously funny things dealing with Shakespeare that kids might not get but I sure did.  These are short and fun and I really think middle school kids would love these. Arrrr!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruce Coville cannot write Juliet well in this book, which is odd because he writes very good female characters in other books. Perhaps it is because Juliet Dove is meant to be unlikeable, at least before her character development. Bruce Coville has also written interesting jerk characters before, so it is probably me hating shy characters who were too much like me when I read this book.

I think the reason this book didn’t click with me as much as other Bruce Coville magic shop books was because it was more mysterious, with unnecessary secrets. I know all about the magic shop and what it does and how these stories tend to go. Is this a “girls aren’t interested in logical stories and just want emotions” thing? Or just a formula shakeup that didn’t appeal to me?

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of 3.5 stars. Nonetheless I will certainly recommend it to those who have enjoyed the series. In this title, love, jealousy and discord are the topics. While superficially it seems that the “mouse roaring” was the decisive scene, to allude to the scene without any spoilers; the real decisive scene was when Juliet did not give into her first impulse to be nasty but thought before she spoke and let kinder and more mature impulses inform what she said. Since a few loose ends about the series were still left unfinished, I’m assuming that Coville thought there might be future stories in this series. Perhaps he will add to this again some day.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of the first books to completely capture my heart and drag it into the romance world! Juliet Dove, Queen of Love follows Juliet as she navigates adolescence and also the twisting world that is romance. I think most people (myself included) have wished to be the center of attention, and seeing how it pans out for Juliet works well as a cautionary tale of wanting to be too greedy! I loved the Greek Mythology embedded into the story as well; Eros and Psyche was one of my favorite stories and always will be! I do wish there would be more of the mythology involved, or more of the repercussions of love, but overall, I very much enjoyed this story!

[Elzbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliet is a quiet kid who just wants to be left alone. But the old Greek gods have different plans for and suck her into a story that must play out for her to be free. Reading this as an adult was actually not that much different from reading it as a kid. It was still short and simple, but interesting enough that it kept me going. Bruce Coville continues to be a fun author that can keep me engaged throughout his books. However, there was less detail and character interaction than I tend to like and I wasn’t quite able to invite myself into the characters lives.

[Claire Dowd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fun and easy to read. Its nice to read a children´s book now and then once in a while. The stories about a girl named Juliet who is givin a magic amulet that is enchanted with the Greek god Cupid. With this amulet every boy she encounters immediately falls in love with her. Her challenge is to find out how to take off the amulet and realize cupid from his trap and free him to be with his love.

[Marj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had very fond memories of other books in this series that I read when I was much younger (Jennifer Murdley’s Toad, The Skull of Truth, etc.) and realized I hadn’t read this one.

I wish I had found this when I was younger— I would have utterly adored it. That said, even admist all the other mythology-based stories, it was a fun blend of middle school magic, quirky family members (the Dove family is absolutely delightful), and Greek mythology.

[Amaya B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

THe plot was aight, could be better. It was a casual read but I liked the plot I just wish there was a tennage, YA version because now if executed well that would be sickk, I can envision the front cover and everything like wow. I wanna read all the books this author has written about that mr ellives shop, I’ve only read like 2 or 3. The front cover made her look ugly which was a bit of a put off. The illustrations in the acc book were nice tho