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Portals to Whyland #1
Step into Magic
Not special. Not chosen. But she’s got magical shoes.
14-year old Karina doesn’t know what she wants, but knows what she’s found—fascinating silver shoes. Fascinating, dangerous, and potentially evil. On the upside, they do bring cool visitors. When a princess invites her to go to Whyland, of course she accepts. There’s that little “let’s destroy the shoes” detail she’s not crazy about, but hey, free trip. Alternate world.
But Whyland is nothing like she expected. Karina finds herself stuck in a kingdom she doesn’t understand, with no clue on who to trust. Before saving anyone, she’d better save herself—if she figures out how.
For 16-year-old Cayla, destroying the shoes is her much-wanted chance to prove her worth to her father, the king, and gain freedom. It might also be her chance to see Darian after more than one year apart. Does he still like her? Did he ever? But these are not the only questions she finds an answer for. Soon she realizes that all her learning and fighting skills are no match for the truths she’s about to face.
Step into Magic is a fun YA fantasy adventure. If you like books with friendships between girls, subtle romance, and some mystery, get Step into Magic now.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2018
63 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Day Leitao
20 books1,979 followers🪄 Magic, 💜 heart, 🗡️ action, and 😆 fun!
Follow the Kickstarter for special editions of A Cursed Son, A Traitor Sister, and A Devious Brother at kickstarter.com/projects/dayleitao/remnants-of-the-fallen-kingdom
You can also follow my socials at dayleitao.carrd.co/
Don't miss any release, giveaway, or news! Sign up for my mailing list at dayleitao.com/sign-up/
Day Leitao believes in the power of stories, the power of characters, and she writes books with heroes (of both genders) finding their own magic and opening their hearts. Of course, there's also the banter and all the shenanigans that happen when personalities collide. 😂
Originally from Brazil 🇧🇷, she lives in Montreal, Canada.
Follow the Kickstarter for special editions of A Cursed Son, A Traitor Sister, and A Devious Brother at kickstarter.com/projects/dayleitao/remnants-of-the-fallen-kingdom
You can also follow my socials at dayleitao.carrd.co/
Don't miss any release, giveaway, or news! Sign up for my mailing list at dayleitao.com/sign-up/
Day Leitao believes in the power of stories, the power of characters, and she writes books with heroes (of both genders) finding their own magic and opening their hearts. Of course, there's also the banter and all the shenanigans that happen when personalities collide. 😂
Originally from Brazil 🇧🇷, she lives in Montreal, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 3, 2018
This book was perfection.
I really love it.
I now can say I coud not put it down. I needed to finish it as soon as possible.
I am in love with Darian. Yes he is younger than me but he is so cute and perfect. I really stan him.
I CAN NOT wait to read more about my baby!!!
I recommend this to everyone!!
I really love it.
I now can say I coud not put it down. I needed to finish it as soon as possible.
I am in love with Darian. Yes he is younger than me but he is so cute and perfect. I really stan him.
I CAN NOT wait to read more about my baby!!!
I recommend this to everyone!!
July 29, 2018
"Never accept invitations to alternate worlds from strangers."
Step Into Magic written by Day Leitao captivates readers into a fresh, otherworldly kingdom of forbidden magic. This is a perfect read for fans of The School for Good and Evil and The Fairyland Series.
It follows an ordinary girl named Karina who bought silver shoes in a garage sale. When an enigmatic woman appeared in her bedroom looking for the shoes, Karina realized that her shoes were something special. Just then, another two girls appeared and invited her to go to Whyland which she duly accepted. However, being stuck in a world she has no clue about, Karina realized that the adventure that she wanted to experience wasn't as fun as she imagined to be.
The plot instantly caught my attention with an intriguing opening line. It has layers of mysteries and complexities that kept me interested and enthusiastic to know what's going to happen next. I found myself completely indulged into Karina's journey. It felt like I was also having an adventure with them.
For me, the author's writing style is much better compared to the novella. The places and scenes are clear and vividly described, and the transition in each chapter is smooth as well. I also like how the author instilled wit and humor in Karina's character which makes the story more entertaining.
Most of the characters are okay. I really do like Karina. Being a girl living in a world with no magic, she's skeptical and determined to know the truth. At first, she kept her thoughts to herself, but as the story goes, she learned to voice out her opinions. On the other hand, I didn't like Cayla and Darian so much. I was surprised myself because I really liked them in the novella. They acted childish most of the time. They lacked maturity which I was expecting for them, given the circumstances that they were facing. Lastly, I am still fascinated with Sian. He only had a few scenes in this book, but he's complex and has a veil of mystery surrounding him.
Overall, Step Into Magic is a fast, delightful read about friendship, loyalty, and a little bit of romance. I can't wait to read the next book!
I gave this book 4.5/5 stars!
Step Into Magic written by Day Leitao captivates readers into a fresh, otherworldly kingdom of forbidden magic. This is a perfect read for fans of The School for Good and Evil and The Fairyland Series.
It follows an ordinary girl named Karina who bought silver shoes in a garage sale. When an enigmatic woman appeared in her bedroom looking for the shoes, Karina realized that her shoes were something special. Just then, another two girls appeared and invited her to go to Whyland which she duly accepted. However, being stuck in a world she has no clue about, Karina realized that the adventure that she wanted to experience wasn't as fun as she imagined to be.
The plot instantly caught my attention with an intriguing opening line. It has layers of mysteries and complexities that kept me interested and enthusiastic to know what's going to happen next. I found myself completely indulged into Karina's journey. It felt like I was also having an adventure with them.
For me, the author's writing style is much better compared to the novella. The places and scenes are clear and vividly described, and the transition in each chapter is smooth as well. I also like how the author instilled wit and humor in Karina's character which makes the story more entertaining.
Most of the characters are okay. I really do like Karina. Being a girl living in a world with no magic, she's skeptical and determined to know the truth. At first, she kept her thoughts to herself, but as the story goes, she learned to voice out her opinions. On the other hand, I didn't like Cayla and Darian so much. I was surprised myself because I really liked them in the novella. They acted childish most of the time. They lacked maturity which I was expecting for them, given the circumstances that they were facing. Lastly, I am still fascinated with Sian. He only had a few scenes in this book, but he's complex and has a veil of mystery surrounding him.
Overall, Step Into Magic is a fast, delightful read about friendship, loyalty, and a little bit of romance. I can't wait to read the next book!
I gave this book 4.5/5 stars!
July 14, 2018
Wonderfully entertaining book. A real step into fantasy that doesn't let the reader down. Loved this an look forward to the next in the series.
May 22, 2024
Karina buys a pair of shoes at a garage sale (yard sale) and soon finds there is something a bit odd about them. When a mysterious woman appears in her room one night trying to obtain the shoes followed by two young girls Karina is left wondering if she is awake. Soon though she follows the girls, Cayla and Ayanna, into Whyland - a world at war.
This book probably has one of the best openings I have read in a while. It instantly grabs you and brings you to Karina - the main character - and you have to wonder about those shoes!
The plotline is very complicated and by the halfway point I did feel like there were too many characters - of which even more seem to come into it before the end. Being that this is the first in a series that's not necessarily a bad thing but I do wonder if a few characters at certain points were unnecessary to be there for the story. That aside the plot is interesting and it does keep you wondering about what is going on both with the journey, loyalities, lies and truths.
I have to say that when I reached the end I was intrigued enough that I would read book 2 because I am absolutely fascinated with Sian despite him not having a huge role in this book. He was a complex character and one that not too much was revealed about. I am definitely curious to see if he makes a return appearance in the next book.
Overall, I can see this book appealing to girls in particular who aren't quite ready for a YA Novel but are moving towards wanting a bit of adventure with a dash of romance.
This book probably has one of the best openings I have read in a while. It instantly grabs you and brings you to Karina - the main character - and you have to wonder about those shoes!
The plotline is very complicated and by the halfway point I did feel like there were too many characters - of which even more seem to come into it before the end. Being that this is the first in a series that's not necessarily a bad thing but I do wonder if a few characters at certain points were unnecessary to be there for the story. That aside the plot is interesting and it does keep you wondering about what is going on both with the journey, loyalities, lies and truths.
I have to say that when I reached the end I was intrigued enough that I would read book 2 because I am absolutely fascinated with Sian despite him not having a huge role in this book. He was a complex character and one that not too much was revealed about. I am definitely curious to see if he makes a return appearance in the next book.
Overall, I can see this book appealing to girls in particular who aren't quite ready for a YA Novel but are moving towards wanting a bit of adventure with a dash of romance.
May 22, 2024
The opening of the book drew me in. I really thought I will like the main character Karina. Who has never experienced a shopping trip where you are not sure if you want to buy something until you are at home and regret not getting it?
Unfortunately, the MC is then a bit undecided and contradictive. E.g. she is very logical and scientific but never scrutinises all the new things around her, instead she just does what all the people who suddenly pop up in her bedroom want from her. Also, convincing someone to go on such a journey without proper explanation is a bit odd. Anyway, after the 30% mark, the bumpy story smoothes out and it gets interesting with all the characters coming into play and not knowing what their agenda is, or better, knowing that they play foul.
While the whole concept of the “silver shoes as a dangerous treasure of a powerful and evil being” and the quest for one little one (who gets very attached to the precious) to take it to a fortress and destroy it in the fire, reminds me very much of Frodo, I enjoyed the growing friendship of the girls and the complications of young love wrapped in funny comments.
This book might appeal more to a younger readers age around 12.
Unfortunately, the MC is then a bit undecided and contradictive. E.g. she is very logical and scientific but never scrutinises all the new things around her, instead she just does what all the people who suddenly pop up in her bedroom want from her. Also, convincing someone to go on such a journey without proper explanation is a bit odd. Anyway, after the 30% mark, the bumpy story smoothes out and it gets interesting with all the characters coming into play and not knowing what their agenda is, or better, knowing that they play foul.
While the whole concept of the “silver shoes as a dangerous treasure of a powerful and evil being” and the quest for one little one (who gets very attached to the precious) to take it to a fortress and destroy it in the fire, reminds me very much of Frodo, I enjoyed the growing friendship of the girls and the complications of young love wrapped in funny comments.
This book might appeal more to a younger readers age around 12.
January 28, 2021
I received a free code for Step into Magic from Audiobooks Unleashed. This did not affect my rating in any way.
When Karina finds an attractive pair of silver shoes at a yard sale, she has no idea of the adventure that’s in store for her. She follows princesses to another world, where she learns many things about herself.
This book was so fun and easy to get into. I loved the characters, the plot, and the writing style. All I have to say about the narration is it was way too slow, but speeding it up made it perfect!
When Karina finds an attractive pair of silver shoes at a yard sale, she has no idea of the adventure that’s in store for her. She follows princesses to another world, where she learns many things about herself.
This book was so fun and easy to get into. I loved the characters, the plot, and the writing style. All I have to say about the narration is it was way too slow, but speeding it up made it perfect!
August 3, 2018
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Step into Magic is the first book in the middle grade fantasy series, Portals to Whyland by author Day Leitao. I thought Step into Magic was a solid first book in the series. In some ways, it was solidly in the middle grade category,, but in other ways I did think it was a little busy for a middle grade book, but I will get more into that in a bit. Step into Magic was a fun story about our main character Karina who find a pair of magic shoes, which leads her to a magic land. I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to pick up the second book in the Portals to Whyland series.
Karina is fourteen, and what fourteen year old girl would not love to get swept away to a magical world to go on an adventure? What I loved about Step into Magic was that I was instantly hooked with the story. There was no slow start, we got to dive right into the action, which was awesome. I liked Karina. And I liked that as soon as she got to Whyland that the plot got even more interesting. Things are not what they seem in Whyland, and I was really excited to find out more. And I got more and more excited as the story progressed and we started meeting more and more characters and learning more. But then, we got to a point around half way through the book where I thought things got a little too busy. There was a lot going on, and there were a lot of characters. It was harder to keep track of everyone and everything.
I do think by the end of the book, everything kind of evened out, and there is the potential that it will be even better in the next installment, but I do wish there were a handful less characters introduced in this story. I think just focusing on Karina, Cayla, Darian and Sian would have been more than enough. I especially want to see more from Sian, so hopefully he will play a larger role in the next story.
Overall, Step into Magic was a fun magical story that is perfect for middle grade readers who are looking to go on a fast paced magical adventure. I am excited to see where the next book is going to take us.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Step into Magic is the first book in the middle grade fantasy series, Portals to Whyland by author Day Leitao. I thought Step into Magic was a solid first book in the series. In some ways, it was solidly in the middle grade category,, but in other ways I did think it was a little busy for a middle grade book, but I will get more into that in a bit. Step into Magic was a fun story about our main character Karina who find a pair of magic shoes, which leads her to a magic land. I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to pick up the second book in the Portals to Whyland series.
Karina is fourteen, and what fourteen year old girl would not love to get swept away to a magical world to go on an adventure? What I loved about Step into Magic was that I was instantly hooked with the story. There was no slow start, we got to dive right into the action, which was awesome. I liked Karina. And I liked that as soon as she got to Whyland that the plot got even more interesting. Things are not what they seem in Whyland, and I was really excited to find out more. And I got more and more excited as the story progressed and we started meeting more and more characters and learning more. But then, we got to a point around half way through the book where I thought things got a little too busy. There was a lot going on, and there were a lot of characters. It was harder to keep track of everyone and everything.
I do think by the end of the book, everything kind of evened out, and there is the potential that it will be even better in the next installment, but I do wish there were a handful less characters introduced in this story. I think just focusing on Karina, Cayla, Darian and Sian would have been more than enough. I especially want to see more from Sian, so hopefully he will play a larger role in the next story.
Overall, Step into Magic was a fun magical story that is perfect for middle grade readers who are looking to go on a fast paced magical adventure. I am excited to see where the next book is going to take us.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
July 31, 2020
Step into Magic literally.
The first few lines of the book truly captured my attention. Perhaps half way through I got a bit overwhelmed with the number of new characters and not sure if they will be apart of the next installment. The main character Karina, at times can be a bit annoying. I’m sure the narrator plays a part in that as well. The narration was mediocre and I struggled with her narration. I had to increase the speed of narration to 2.0 so that the voices wouldn’t be a distraction to the story for me. I would recommend this book to teens age 12+ especially if they enjoy alternative worlds and a bit of fantasy.
3.5 stars
The first few lines of the book truly captured my attention. Perhaps half way through I got a bit overwhelmed with the number of new characters and not sure if they will be apart of the next installment. The main character Karina, at times can be a bit annoying. I’m sure the narrator plays a part in that as well. The narration was mediocre and I struggled with her narration. I had to increase the speed of narration to 2.0 so that the voices wouldn’t be a distraction to the story for me. I would recommend this book to teens age 12+ especially if they enjoy alternative worlds and a bit of fantasy.
3.5 stars
August 18, 2020
What more could you ask for but to go to another world and take an adventure? I think this is a good book for young preteens or teens. It has action and adventure for a young person to enjoy. The narrator does a good job bringing the story to life with words. I really enjoyed it even if it was for a younger set. I would recommend to my granddaughter in about two years.
September 22, 2020
A Great novel which will is targeted at Young Adults(not me) but this does not mean anyone will not enjoy this book.
The characters are excellent, the storyline and ideas are interesting and engrossing (I will not be buying any silver shoes) and the narrator is excellent brings everything to life.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The characters are excellent, the storyline and ideas are interesting and engrossing (I will not be buying any silver shoes) and the narrator is excellent brings everything to life.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 27, 2019
Karina's world is changed forever when she finds a pair of shoes at a yard sale. They turn out to be magical shoes that are evil. She finds herself in another world looking to destroy the shoes before people can find her and take the shoes to use for evil.
I found this story to be quite adorable. The characters were really sweet. The storyline flowed very nicely. It was well put together. I think many teenagers and young adults will really enjoy the story. It's very age-appropriate.
I'm not going to give my opinion on whether or not I could connect with the characters. Half of the characters in the story were children. I feel that it would be weird for me to say. I do think that they were all pretty amazing characters.
I really don't hate the narration that Marlies Dubois did. I just think that she could have narrated it a bit better. She made most of the characters sound really whiny and airheaded. I'm sure that was not the intention. I'm also sure that I'm just being really picky. It did give me a headache though. I'm not going to lie.
I really enjoyed this story quite a lot. I'm considering going back and reading it without narration. I think that the narrator's voice pitch kind of obscured the story for me just a little. As I said though, I don't think she did a bad job. It was just a bit too high pitch for me.
I found this story to be quite adorable. The characters were really sweet. The storyline flowed very nicely. It was well put together. I think many teenagers and young adults will really enjoy the story. It's very age-appropriate.
I'm not going to give my opinion on whether or not I could connect with the characters. Half of the characters in the story were children. I feel that it would be weird for me to say. I do think that they were all pretty amazing characters.
I really don't hate the narration that Marlies Dubois did. I just think that she could have narrated it a bit better. She made most of the characters sound really whiny and airheaded. I'm sure that was not the intention. I'm also sure that I'm just being really picky. It did give me a headache though. I'm not going to lie.
I really enjoyed this story quite a lot. I'm considering going back and reading it without narration. I think that the narrator's voice pitch kind of obscured the story for me just a little. As I said though, I don't think she did a bad job. It was just a bit too high pitch for me.
August 20, 2018
They were just a pair of second-hand silver shoes. Karina had no interest them in whatsoever. So why did she feel compelled to go back and buy them? And why did she feel so protective towards them?
But there was something sinister about these silver-shoes. Something evil. Suddenly Karina finds herself in another dimension. If she wants to be free of the shoes and go home, then she must destroy them.
Step into Magic (Portals to Whyland #1) by Day Leitao is a cleverly crafted tale about the fall of a great empire. This is a fascinating story, filled with wonderful characters and clever plot twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kingdom of Whyland is like nothing on earth, but love, hate and indifference are emotions that Karina recognises all too easily.
This book has a little of everything. This is a great adventure story, but also a sweet love story. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and find out what happens between Karena and Sian.
This is a fabulous story, perfect for its target audience. I Highly Recommend.
But there was something sinister about these silver-shoes. Something evil. Suddenly Karina finds herself in another dimension. If she wants to be free of the shoes and go home, then she must destroy them.
Step into Magic (Portals to Whyland #1) by Day Leitao is a cleverly crafted tale about the fall of a great empire. This is a fascinating story, filled with wonderful characters and clever plot twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kingdom of Whyland is like nothing on earth, but love, hate and indifference are emotions that Karina recognises all too easily.
This book has a little of everything. This is a great adventure story, but also a sweet love story. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and find out what happens between Karena and Sian.
This is a fabulous story, perfect for its target audience. I Highly Recommend.
August 27, 2022
Step into Magic (Portals to Whyland #1) by Day Leitao. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more. This book is available on Amazon. In this book 14 year old Karina finds fascinating silver shoes at a yard sale. Shortly after she receives visitors to her home, one being 16 year old Cayla and her younger sister who invites her to go to Whyland, an alternate world. Of course she accepts. Whyland is nothing like she expected and Karina finds herself stuck in a kingdom she doesn't understand and not knowing who to trust. For Cayla destroying the shoes is her chance to prove her worth to her father, the king, it might also be her chance to see Darian. Also for Cayla she soon realizes that all her learning and fighting skills are no match for the truths she's about to face.
March 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. There was continually enough mystery and suspense that I wanted to keep going and find out what would happen next and what was really going on. You were never totally sure who is the good guy and who is the bad guy, or are some of them kind of good and kind of bad...? That made it fun.
February 2, 2019
The story is great for any middle grade reader. It has lots of twists and turns and is only slow in one place. The disappointing thing was the errors. Would have been much better without those.
August 9, 2018
This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story. I enjoyed reading this story very much. My two teenage daughters read the story with me. I loved reading it.
August 3, 2018
So who could resist an invitation to have an exciting adventure in another world and be back before breakfast? But then the adventure seems alarmingly difficult – even before things start going wrong. Everyone has secrets, and it's by no means easy to tell friend from foe or right from wrong. Or, for that matter, technology from magic. Seeing the story from different points of view adds to the complication. Karina is a very believable young girl who does her best in difficult circumstances. An appealing story for young teens.
August 2, 2018
This book was very difficult for me to get into it. For several days I tried and tried. Finally at about 35% ish, I made a break through and started enjoying it some. It needs another proofing with several errors throughout.
I enjoyed the story itself. I honestly couldn't connect with any of the characters. No one wants to talk about magic, yet nothing is really explained.
Overall, it is quite action-packed with a surprising ending.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I enjoyed the story itself. I honestly couldn't connect with any of the characters. No one wants to talk about magic, yet nothing is really explained.
Overall, it is quite action-packed with a surprising ending.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
July 28, 2018
It was ok... i don't know if I just wasn't your target audience or what. It was pretty hard to follow till i got about half way through. I found myself asking how stupid can you get. ( with the choices that the girls constantly made) then it seems like you hit your word count and went into wrap up mode. story finished and wrapped up in 1 chapter or less. There were some positives ... pretty cool idea with the way things worked in other relm but you never went into the nuts and bolts ... did the planes fly on magic ... the lights what made them. you hinted that main character was inquisitive and wanted to know thees things but no follow up. All in all it was mildly entertaining
July 12, 2019
For a full review please visit http://www.awindowtomysoul.com/step-i...
I loved reading this book. It's full of small secondary stories and has friendship, a little of romance, adventure, magic and some hilarious parts. I guess I should add that if you're of the kind that likes to get an explanation for everything, this may not be your book as lots of things just seems to happen. Anyway, this is just book I so there's plenty of time for getting this answers.
Day does an incredible job describing everything making easy to really live the story. After thinking about it I believe this book it's a lot like old fairytales, as we get immerse in a realm where we follow this girls and their companions to their destiny while our hearts get filled with magic. I recommend it a 100%.
I loved reading this book. It's full of small secondary stories and has friendship, a little of romance, adventure, magic and some hilarious parts. I guess I should add that if you're of the kind that likes to get an explanation for everything, this may not be your book as lots of things just seems to happen. Anyway, this is just book I so there's plenty of time for getting this answers.
Day does an incredible job describing everything making easy to really live the story. After thinking about it I believe this book it's a lot like old fairytales, as we get immerse in a realm where we follow this girls and their companions to their destiny while our hearts get filled with magic. I recommend it a 100%.
July 26, 2018
Have you ever found a treasure at a garage sale and walked away but then you go back and you get that treasure not quite sure why it called to you. Well that what happens to our main character Cayla she find the treasure of magic shoes and she off on adventure to destroy them and save a world she never knew existed. This was a fun story.
November 24, 2018
I enjoy fairy tales, adventures, and quests. After spending many years reading stories like The Magic Tree House series, The 39 Steps series, and A Series of Unfortunate Events, I find myself hooked on these types of books full of adventure and other worlds. This story was very enjoyable. A young girl is attracted to a pair of shoes which turn out to be magical and her adventure begins. I think young readers will enjoy this book as much as I did.
August 25, 2021
I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
This book like the other two in the series was great!
Karina is a kind, thoughtful, and smart girl sent to another dimension. I can really relate to her, because she gets scared like a real person would.
Cayla is one of the princess's in this story. To me she is kind of annoying and has a temper, but she can be nice sometimes.
Ayanna is the younger princess in this story. She is kind, sweet and innocnet. She just wants to help and do the right thing.
Darian is Cayla's boyfriend. He's a guy with a good heart. He also goes out of his way to help and protect Cayla.
Last but not least is Sian who is Darien's older brother. He is kind of a smart alec who likes to hear himself talk. At this time not much is known about him, but that he had Darian give a book to Cayla to give to Karina.
It all starts out with a pair of magical shoes that Karina find at a garage sale. It turns into an adventure. I'm not spoiling anything else. I'd recommend this book.
This book like the other two in the series was great!
Karina is a kind, thoughtful, and smart girl sent to another dimension. I can really relate to her, because she gets scared like a real person would.
Cayla is one of the princess's in this story. To me she is kind of annoying and has a temper, but she can be nice sometimes.
Ayanna is the younger princess in this story. She is kind, sweet and innocnet. She just wants to help and do the right thing.
Darian is Cayla's boyfriend. He's a guy with a good heart. He also goes out of his way to help and protect Cayla.
Last but not least is Sian who is Darien's older brother. He is kind of a smart alec who likes to hear himself talk. At this time not much is known about him, but that he had Darian give a book to Cayla to give to Karina.
It all starts out with a pair of magical shoes that Karina find at a garage sale. It turns into an adventure. I'm not spoiling anything else. I'd recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2019
When Karina buys a pair of silver slippers at a garage sale and gets more than she bargained for. Strange visitors turn up in her bedroom and eventually, she follows 2 young girls into another world. The magic slippers are evil and must be destroyed. Cayla and princess Cayla leave on foot for a long trek to the witches lair and get help from Cayla's friend Darian. No need saying that multiple obstacles will appear on their path.
This is a nice and clean adventure story for under 16-s, despite the label of YA. The author says that the story grows up with the maturing of the main characters, so I have to read the next ones to find out. Even as an adult, I enjoyed the story and the problems the girls encounter on their way. It's definetly no fairy tale but a fast-paced modern adventure story with themes as growing up, self-doubts and taking responsibilities for your actions. Very recognisable problems for young teens.
This is a nice and clean adventure story for under 16-s, despite the label of YA. The author says that the story grows up with the maturing of the main characters, so I have to read the next ones to find out. Even as an adult, I enjoyed the story and the problems the girls encounter on their way. It's definetly no fairy tale but a fast-paced modern adventure story with themes as growing up, self-doubts and taking responsibilities for your actions. Very recognisable problems for young teens.
June 22, 2020
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/review...?
I enjoyed Step Into Magic. I read the books out of order, book 2 then book 1. Therefore, they can read as stand alone or out of order.
Step Into Magic is a cute YA fantasy. Karina is not chosen or special. It could have been anyone, yet she ended up with special "magic shoes" and some visitors. Young women from different dimensions go on a quest. Who is good? Who is evil? Who do they trust? What side is who on? Things may not be as they appear, there are secrets and surprises.
I received an E-audio ARC; I am voluntarily reviewing.
I enjoyed Step Into Magic. I read the books out of order, book 2 then book 1. Therefore, they can read as stand alone or out of order.
Step Into Magic is a cute YA fantasy. Karina is not chosen or special. It could have been anyone, yet she ended up with special "magic shoes" and some visitors. Young women from different dimensions go on a quest. Who is good? Who is evil? Who do they trust? What side is who on? Things may not be as they appear, there are secrets and surprises.
I received an E-audio ARC; I am voluntarily reviewing.
November 10, 2022
It was okay. I skimmed most of it. I only read it for Sian and Darian, their chapters were the only good thing in this book, because the mc was very meh, and Cayla... well, I didnt like her when I read the novella, but in this book she is a mc too, and boy, she isnt fierce or brave, she is annoying and gets offended by everything. Poor Darian. He is literally telling her to take care of herself and she would always respond defensively.
I personally didnt like the book. But mostly because the main female characthers are annoying.
Im also annoyed by the names: Cayla, Nia, Ayanna, Lylah...the names are so similar! I was half way there and I didnt know who was who.
I personally didnt like the book. But mostly because the main female characthers are annoying.
Im also annoyed by the names: Cayla, Nia, Ayanna, Lylah...the names are so similar! I was half way there and I didnt know who was who.
June 16, 2020
Great Quick Read
This book was a cute fantasy adventure. Some of the text was a little confusing to keep up with, however, you got the overall gist of things. Really quick read, got to read the next to find out what happens!!
This book was a cute fantasy adventure. Some of the text was a little confusing to keep up with, however, you got the overall gist of things. Really quick read, got to read the next to find out what happens!!
November 30, 2021
What a magical story! I loved listening to their adventures. The narrator was absolutely fabulous.
December 27, 2019
This book would have received 4 stars but I didn’t find the sexual innuendos of Chapter 22 appropriate for the intended audience.
The audience intended is girls between 10-14 years old.
The book is a mix between Lord of the Tings meets Wizard of Oz. And it takes a while to get going, it is a little confusing getting each character straight in the beginning because their motives seem conflicted. In fact nearly all of the characters are some sort of gray morally speaking.
If you listen to the audiobook it is be prepared to have to get used to things pronounced differently than American English. The author is from Canada and therefore speaks the Queen’s English.
Roughly half way through the plot solidifies and it becomes a much better read. That is until Chapter 22 when the characters Darian and Kaylee discuss their sexual desire for one another.
Their dialogue is below:
“We totally did it! If there is any doubt now she will be sure... Look at the bright side at least when the time comes at least she won’t mind.”
“I have to be honest I will have a lot of sleepless nights until then.”
“Me too.... Now we have two years of kissing to catch up on.”
Had it not been for this section I would have gladly given 4 stars, if the characters were older and the audience were 18+ this wouldn’t have been an issue.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The audience intended is girls between 10-14 years old.
The book is a mix between Lord of the Tings meets Wizard of Oz. And it takes a while to get going, it is a little confusing getting each character straight in the beginning because their motives seem conflicted. In fact nearly all of the characters are some sort of gray morally speaking.
If you listen to the audiobook it is be prepared to have to get used to things pronounced differently than American English. The author is from Canada and therefore speaks the Queen’s English.
Roughly half way through the plot solidifies and it becomes a much better read. That is until Chapter 22 when the characters Darian and Kaylee discuss their sexual desire for one another.
Their dialogue is below:
“We totally did it! If there is any doubt now she will be sure... Look at the bright side at least when the time comes at least she won’t mind.”
“I have to be honest I will have a lot of sleepless nights until then.”
“Me too.... Now we have two years of kissing to catch up on.”
Had it not been for this section I would have gladly given 4 stars, if the characters were older and the audience were 18+ this wouldn’t have been an issue.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
I've got to say, starting a book with a pair of magical shoes definitely caught my attention. Portal stories are also always a lot of fun.
Karina is drawn to a pair of shoes that cause havoc on the life of a friend who borrowed them, brought a witch from another world, then brought two princesses who took Karina (and her shoes) back to their world with them.
The book is non-stop adventure, as you would expect in a middle-grade book. However, it is completely confusing. The army is trying to take down the king, as are the insurgents who oppose the army, and then is the matter of that witch who apparently used to rule the kingdom before the king? Everyone has a reason to distrust everyone else and even Karina can't figure out who to trust, making her repeatedly choose whichever person or option has the best chance of sending her back to her home. It was a fun story with a lot of fun characters, filled with surprising twists and turns throughout.
I didn't love the narration. The narrator read clearly, but too many of the voices sounded whiny or wrong, making it tempting to dislike or mistrust the characters, even though their dialogue alone may not have led to that conclusion.
I received a free audiobook from Story Origin and have reviewed it willingly.
Karina is drawn to a pair of shoes that cause havoc on the life of a friend who borrowed them, brought a witch from another world, then brought two princesses who took Karina (and her shoes) back to their world with them.
The book is non-stop adventure, as you would expect in a middle-grade book. However, it is completely confusing. The army is trying to take down the king, as are the insurgents who oppose the army, and then is the matter of that witch who apparently used to rule the kingdom before the king? Everyone has a reason to distrust everyone else and even Karina can't figure out who to trust, making her repeatedly choose whichever person or option has the best chance of sending her back to her home. It was a fun story with a lot of fun characters, filled with surprising twists and turns throughout.
I didn't love the narration. The narrator read clearly, but too many of the voices sounded whiny or wrong, making it tempting to dislike or mistrust the characters, even though their dialogue alone may not have led to that conclusion.
I received a free audiobook from Story Origin and have reviewed it willingly.
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