What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon and Mr. Sneeze
Dragon and Mr. Sneeze : Charli's Story
Do you love fantasy? Do you like rebellious witches? You'll love this smart suspenseful novel with a twist, because it has shades of Harry Potter.
Seventeen-year-old Charli wishes that ghosts would just go away. After her mother’s death, she’s barely making ends meet and having dead people nag her all day isn’t helping. But when her best friend Dotty falls deeply ill, Charli discovers she’ll need to learn to Tune in order to keep her companion from becoming a monster.
Can Charli control her magic in time, or will she lose her best friend forever?
Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli’s Story is the first in a fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, unusual magic, and unique takes on mythical creatures, you’ll love Blue Skeleton’s enchanting tale.
Seventeen-year-old Charli wishes that ghosts would just go away. After her mother’s death, she’s barely making ends meet and having dead people nag her all day isn’t helping. But when her best friend Dotty falls deeply ill, Charli discovers she’ll need to learn to Tune in order to keep her companion from becoming a monster.
Can Charli control her magic in time, or will she lose her best friend forever?
Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli’s Story is the first in a fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, unusual magic, and unique takes on mythical creatures, you’ll love Blue Skeleton’s enchanting tale.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published February 18, 2019
161 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 31, 2020
The beginning was a little slow, it did take me a few pages to get into the story. Once I did it was one that I wanted to keep reading. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. Charli is a girl who is trying to find out who she is in the world. She finds out her best friend is dying and she goes through a lot to figure out how to save her and find herself in the process. If you love books about magic and witches, you’ll like this story. I can’t wait to find out what happens to Charli next.
February 5, 2019
Received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is not the usual type of book I read, but I enjoyed it.
Nice to see an under dog come into her own, ghosts witches has a little bit of everything.
This is not the usual type of book I read, but I enjoyed it.
Nice to see an under dog come into her own, ghosts witches has a little bit of everything.
April 16, 2019
This book sucked me in with the interesting world created by the author. I will definitely read the next one. 🤓
March 15, 2019
A unexpected journey down the rabbit hole of Charli's Wonkers' life. Full of monsters, lure, and a "magical" culture that has never been thought of before. I say "magical" because it's not exactly what's going on in this book. But a completely novel approach to magic never before thought of in the world of Fantasy. From chapter to chapter you'll find yourself wanting more and more as you cling to each word on this roller coaster ride in this first installment of Dragon and Mr. Sneeze: Charli's Story.
March 15, 2019
This book was amazing. It was different, Well written and thought out, and it kept me thoroughly engaged from the moment I began reading. I LOVE a book that can make me picture the characters and scene, as if the story were unfolding right in front of me! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading! Especially those who love magical, paranormal, or anything that keeps you hooked from page one! 😍
I can't wait to read the next one!
I can't wait to read the next one!
June 20, 2019
I received a free ebook from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
Charli Wonkers lives in a rundown trailer park situated on a beautiful Texas beach. The Horseshoe is also home to Charli’s best friend Dotty, Uncle Guncle, and many other eccentric characters. Charli’s mother died and her father disappeared, so the residents of the Horseshoe have become her odd little family. Things are tough for Charli, but she’s getting by. Charli is fiercely loyal and as stubborn as they come.
Recently, strange things have started happening to Charli: she’s been waking up on the beach with no idea of how she got there, her fingers have begun to glow yellow at really inconvenient times, and Charli is seeing ghosts everywhere she goes. Charli begins to understand why this is happening when she meets Goat, a mysterious, magical stranger. Charli soon discovers that she, too, has certain special abilities, though she has no idea how to use them.
Soon after the Horseshoe is destroyed by an angry ghost, Charli is transported to a world unlike any other. The Other Side of the Graveyard is home to witches, ghosts, skeletons, giants, and other fantastical creatures. When Charli learns Dotty’s life is in danger, she must learn to control her magic in order to battle the evil forces and save her best friend before it’s too late.
I wanted to give this more stars because it is an original idea, but I just couldn’t do it. While the premise was interesting, the execution was choppy. Nothing about this story feels consistent from the dialogue to the action. The characters are intriguing, but there wind up being so many of them that it’s hard to get to know them well. Charli is also learning a ton of new things on nearly every page, which means that the reader also has new words and phrases and terms constantly thrown at them. It’s very hard to keep up with at times.
Charli’s character also goes back and forth between sounding like a poverty-stricken teenager who uses terms such as “purdy” and “christmassy” and “chitlins,” to being a well-articulated young woman. I don’t mean that she matures throughout the book, she literally bounces back and forth within chapters. Many times she came across as if an adult male was trying to write as a teenage girl and the effect was...not great. Some of her thoughts, feelings, and actions didn’t feel natural.
I was hoping the reviews comparing it to Harry Potter would be accurate (who isn’t trying to fill that HP-sized hole in their book life?). This is nowhere near the same league as Harry Potter and I cannot understand why people are making that comparison in the first place.
With all of that being said, don’t let me send you running and screaming away from this book. I liked the whimsical nature of the story. It was definitely creative and I think many people would enjoy it. I’m just not one of those people.
Charli Wonkers lives in a rundown trailer park situated on a beautiful Texas beach. The Horseshoe is also home to Charli’s best friend Dotty, Uncle Guncle, and many other eccentric characters. Charli’s mother died and her father disappeared, so the residents of the Horseshoe have become her odd little family. Things are tough for Charli, but she’s getting by. Charli is fiercely loyal and as stubborn as they come.
Recently, strange things have started happening to Charli: she’s been waking up on the beach with no idea of how she got there, her fingers have begun to glow yellow at really inconvenient times, and Charli is seeing ghosts everywhere she goes. Charli begins to understand why this is happening when she meets Goat, a mysterious, magical stranger. Charli soon discovers that she, too, has certain special abilities, though she has no idea how to use them.
Soon after the Horseshoe is destroyed by an angry ghost, Charli is transported to a world unlike any other. The Other Side of the Graveyard is home to witches, ghosts, skeletons, giants, and other fantastical creatures. When Charli learns Dotty’s life is in danger, she must learn to control her magic in order to battle the evil forces and save her best friend before it’s too late.
I wanted to give this more stars because it is an original idea, but I just couldn’t do it. While the premise was interesting, the execution was choppy. Nothing about this story feels consistent from the dialogue to the action. The characters are intriguing, but there wind up being so many of them that it’s hard to get to know them well. Charli is also learning a ton of new things on nearly every page, which means that the reader also has new words and phrases and terms constantly thrown at them. It’s very hard to keep up with at times.
Charli’s character also goes back and forth between sounding like a poverty-stricken teenager who uses terms such as “purdy” and “christmassy” and “chitlins,” to being a well-articulated young woman. I don’t mean that she matures throughout the book, she literally bounces back and forth within chapters. Many times she came across as if an adult male was trying to write as a teenage girl and the effect was...not great. Some of her thoughts, feelings, and actions didn’t feel natural.
I was hoping the reviews comparing it to Harry Potter would be accurate (who isn’t trying to fill that HP-sized hole in their book life?). This is nowhere near the same league as Harry Potter and I cannot understand why people are making that comparison in the first place.
With all of that being said, don’t let me send you running and screaming away from this book. I liked the whimsical nature of the story. It was definitely creative and I think many people would enjoy it. I’m just not one of those people.
February 27, 2019
Awesome book!!
Really enjoyed this book. The relationship between Charli and her bestie Dotty really resonated with me, because of my own with my best friend. Loved learning about the magical world that the Blue Skeleton created.
The new magical creatures that I haven’t heard of before was really cool as well. Very imaginative. I love reading fantasy and sci-fi so, this was a good one for me. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read what comes next.
Really enjoyed this book. The relationship between Charli and her bestie Dotty really resonated with me, because of my own with my best friend. Loved learning about the magical world that the Blue Skeleton created.
The new magical creatures that I haven’t heard of before was really cool as well. Very imaginative. I love reading fantasy and sci-fi so, this was a good one for me. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read what comes next.
February 21, 2019
Very Good!
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written and keeps your attention. I loved the characters and the uniqueness of the world the author created. I look forward to reading more from this author!
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written and keeps your attention. I loved the characters and the uniqueness of the world the author created. I look forward to reading more from this author!
January 24, 2019
Charli Wonkers is a poverty-stricken teenager, who works for a pittance at the local general store. Treated as nothing, told she is nothing, Charli knows she’s something. Blessed with visions of the dead and impossible creatures, and other peculiar abilities, Charli struggles to separate reality from fantasy and to keep body and soul together. But waking up on the beach instead of her bed makes it difficult sometimes… She wonders if she has other powers that’s she’s not aware of; if she’s magic… like a Dragon.
Charli’s worried about her best friend, Dotty. She’s sick, real sick, and Charli would do just about anything to protect Dotty and to make her well again. Dotty tries to pretend there’s nothing wrong, but Charli knows better.
But life is about to get complicated for Charli and her friends… when the dead visit and Charli’s hands start to glow, all bets are off….
Charli’s worried about her best friend, Dotty. She’s sick, real sick, and Charli would do just about anything to protect Dotty and to make her well again. Dotty tries to pretend there’s nothing wrong, but Charli knows better.
But life is about to get complicated for Charli and her friends… when the dead visit and Charli’s hands start to glow, all bets are off….
January 18, 2020
I enjoyed Charli’s Story although at times I couldn’t remember quite where I was. "It’s really weird, and it feels like I’m not in the Horseshoe, even though I can see it all around me."
I do however recommend the book.
I do however recommend the book.
October 30, 2020
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. The review is my honest opinion of the book.
Charli is a poor girl living in a trailer court on an island that is part of the Texas. Her mother is dead and her father has disappeared. Her best friend Dottie is suffering from a life threating disease. Her boyfriend Mac left her without warning. She works at the local grocery store where she suffers abuse from her employer. To top it all off, Charli has started sleep walking and she is seeing ghosts.
The day a man named Goat walks into the grocery store and opens Charli's eyes to new possibilities and her gift of Tuning. That moments begins a chain of events that leads Charli and Dottie to the world on the other side of the graveyard. It is world that was devastated by war led by the Fire Thief. A war that led to the destruction of dragons, powerful humans, and the subjection of a people called Skeletons. It is a world of magic and conflict.
Charli races to save her friend Dottie from a terrible curse al the while trying to decide who she can and not trust. With her ally and rebel Skelton Blue, mentor Goat, and her two companions, Charli takes on the prejudice and powers that control the new world.
Negatives: There are a few editing issues, including a momentary shift in point of view. Part of the strength of this story is the two narrators, Blue and Charli. The switch from first person to third person is jarring because of this. Charli is 17 but sometimes acts more like she is 13. She also spends too much time retelling all her faults, many of which are already obvious to the reader through the narration and action. there are times where the narration is bogged down a little by repetitive arguments and introspection. There are some questions about the world that needed to be explained. For instance, we are told there is something amazing the relationship between Blue and Zinnia, but it isn't really explained why. I felt some explanation would have helped build the tension of the land and further the discrimination theme that runs so strongly throughout the book. The are a few almost corny plot devices. They can seem a little contrived but weren't too distracting to the story.
Positives: The story itself is enjoyable. The framework of the interview between Charli and Blue sets a tone of rebellion and a desire for change, as well as promising the reader that the growth you want to see from Charli is coming. Charli may be the heroine, but it is Blue end up focused on and want to learn more about. What are his motives and his hopes? He runs an underground radio and TV station and upset with his lot in light, but the author really only gives you a tease on who he really is. I finished the story wondering where the story went next and what Blue was going to do next. Again, you are curious about Charli and her friends and family, but Blue seems to be the center of the story and the possibilities that can happen.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was a quick and enjoyable read. The negatives aren't enough to deter me from reading other books in the series. In fact, the questions left unanswered where done in such a way that I really want to know more about the world, the characters, and the past that led to where the characters they are now. I enjoyed the way the theme of discrimination and overcoming that are explored and developed. I also love that not all questions were answered for the reader and that you were left to wonder and think on their own. The best sign of a good story is one that leaves you thinking and this definitely does.
Charli is a poor girl living in a trailer court on an island that is part of the Texas. Her mother is dead and her father has disappeared. Her best friend Dottie is suffering from a life threating disease. Her boyfriend Mac left her without warning. She works at the local grocery store where she suffers abuse from her employer. To top it all off, Charli has started sleep walking and she is seeing ghosts.
The day a man named Goat walks into the grocery store and opens Charli's eyes to new possibilities and her gift of Tuning. That moments begins a chain of events that leads Charli and Dottie to the world on the other side of the graveyard. It is world that was devastated by war led by the Fire Thief. A war that led to the destruction of dragons, powerful humans, and the subjection of a people called Skeletons. It is a world of magic and conflict.
Charli races to save her friend Dottie from a terrible curse al the while trying to decide who she can and not trust. With her ally and rebel Skelton Blue, mentor Goat, and her two companions, Charli takes on the prejudice and powers that control the new world.
Negatives: There are a few editing issues, including a momentary shift in point of view. Part of the strength of this story is the two narrators, Blue and Charli. The switch from first person to third person is jarring because of this. Charli is 17 but sometimes acts more like she is 13. She also spends too much time retelling all her faults, many of which are already obvious to the reader through the narration and action. there are times where the narration is bogged down a little by repetitive arguments and introspection. There are some questions about the world that needed to be explained. For instance, we are told there is something amazing the relationship between Blue and Zinnia, but it isn't really explained why. I felt some explanation would have helped build the tension of the land and further the discrimination theme that runs so strongly throughout the book. The are a few almost corny plot devices. They can seem a little contrived but weren't too distracting to the story.
Positives: The story itself is enjoyable. The framework of the interview between Charli and Blue sets a tone of rebellion and a desire for change, as well as promising the reader that the growth you want to see from Charli is coming. Charli may be the heroine, but it is Blue end up focused on and want to learn more about. What are his motives and his hopes? He runs an underground radio and TV station and upset with his lot in light, but the author really only gives you a tease on who he really is. I finished the story wondering where the story went next and what Blue was going to do next. Again, you are curious about Charli and her friends and family, but Blue seems to be the center of the story and the possibilities that can happen.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was a quick and enjoyable read. The negatives aren't enough to deter me from reading other books in the series. In fact, the questions left unanswered where done in such a way that I really want to know more about the world, the characters, and the past that led to where the characters they are now. I enjoyed the way the theme of discrimination and overcoming that are explored and developed. I also love that not all questions were answered for the reader and that you were left to wonder and think on their own. The best sign of a good story is one that leaves you thinking and this definitely does.
October 17, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Charli's story is a very interesting and inspiring one. As the main character, she is likable and relatable, while being innocent and naive as well. I liked her relationships with her best friend Dotty and the neighbors that she thinks of as family. Life hasn't been easy for any of them, especially Charli, but she keeps trying to do her best. Her growth throughout her story is remarkable.
The real magic of the book, for me, is the way that it exposes how we treat people and judge them based on our own biases. It is delivered in a way that is subtle, not preachy. It also shows the importance of the power of love, friendship, and kindness.
I highly recommend this book and I definitely will be reading more from this author.
Charli's story is a very interesting and inspiring one. As the main character, she is likable and relatable, while being innocent and naive as well. I liked her relationships with her best friend Dotty and the neighbors that she thinks of as family. Life hasn't been easy for any of them, especially Charli, but she keeps trying to do her best. Her growth throughout her story is remarkable.
The real magic of the book, for me, is the way that it exposes how we treat people and judge them based on our own biases. It is delivered in a way that is subtle, not preachy. It also shows the importance of the power of love, friendship, and kindness.
I highly recommend this book and I definitely will be reading more from this author.
June 20, 2019
I really loved the world and magic that was revealed in this book. It took me a while to not be confused by everything that was happening, but I was still enjoying it through the confusion and it got clearer as the book went on. Charli and Dotty's pure love for each other was very sweet and it was refreshing to see a book that prioritized a friendship over a romantic relationship, which often isn't the case. I look forward to learning more about the Other Side of the Graveyard, Dragons, Tuning, and all the other magical things that Charli discovered in this first book.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free copy.
July 1, 2019
I just wished it was longer. I enjoyed getting to know Charli and her friends. She stands up for her friends and at first doesn not stand up for herself. She doesn't allow others to be pushed around, but she allows herself to be for the sake of her job to help her best friend receive medicine because she is ill. After her home is destroyed she learns about herself and the powers she has and that others have special powers to. It was an great book, looking forward to reading more. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
June 9, 2020
I would like to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is well written and character development is spot on. I was drawn into the story and charli became a real person to me. I will admit that I am from the north and had a bit of difficulty at the beginning with the dialect but that soon disappeared as I became familiar with the speech patterns. The story being set in Texas with southern and western fantasy elements was a refreshing change from the usual sword and sorcery storyline and I highly recommend this book to someone who wants to read good fantasy but maybe read something a little different.
October 4, 2020
WOW, I read this in 24 hours and want to read it again to make sure I didn't miss anything. This book twists and turns keeping you enthralled. First it hits home with the description of the poor South. The characters are almost caste like in their town status. But then the impossible happens and you're reminded don't let others limit you. Your only limit is yourself. I didn't expect any of the turns in the story but the last third of the book just jumped off the plane without a parachute and landed just fine.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
August 5, 2019
What a wonderful read
Dragons,witches and ghosts oh my...This book was so well written, I loved going from Wink, TX to the other side of the graveyard with Charli , Dotty and the characters from the Horseshoe... Blue Skeleton did such a wonderful job writing this book and also teaching a lesson about judging people.
Dragons,witches and ghosts oh my...This book was so well written, I loved going from Wink, TX to the other side of the graveyard with Charli , Dotty and the characters from the Horseshoe... Blue Skeleton did such a wonderful job writing this book and also teaching a lesson about judging people.
February 9, 2020
Beautifully written, this books creates a truly unique world that operates on its own rules. It will keep you off kilter because it doesn't follow any of the trite formulae that genre-bound fantasy writing tends to follow, but you will become more attuned to it the more deeply you read. It will stay with you for a while.
October 11, 2020
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, and boy am I glad I did!
This is a wonderful story, which grabs you and holds you from the first page to the last.
Filled with relatable & memorable characters, and twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Clear your schedule before you open this book, as you will not be able to put it down!
This is a wonderful story, which grabs you and holds you from the first page to the last.
Filled with relatable & memorable characters, and twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Clear your schedule before you open this book, as you will not be able to put it down!
October 29, 2020
BLUE Skeleton has done an amazing job with this book I love fantasy and supernatural stories but this is absolutely the best book I have read Charli is relatable and I really enjoy her first person narrative it was an honor to be able to read this book and I have recommended it to my friends in hopes they love it as much as I did
May 14, 2020
This was a wonderfully descriptive book. I love Charli! She is such a character as well as all the others in the book. The terms used for magic were great. To find out that Charli is a one of a kind magic person was incredible. I cannot wait to see where her story goes.
Read
September 18, 2020Odd and cool
It was a little hard to get into, but after the first chapter, I was in The Horseshoe. Charli is a real person, and you can't convince me otherwise. I'm feeling very Christmasy towards this author and can't wait for more of this story.
It was a little hard to get into, but after the first chapter, I was in The Horseshoe. Charli is a real person, and you can't convince me otherwise. I'm feeling very Christmasy towards this author and can't wait for more of this story.
October 4, 2020
Wow. I want to find out more about Charli's story!! Love that it's in the first person. It's like a mix between Harry Potter and Harley Merlin, all the excitement of magic and witches. Looking forward to the next instalment.
November 16, 2020
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I loved it. Honestly!
this is a lovely little urban fantasy that just keeps cranking! Believable characters, great plot and I love the heroine. Love your friends and never give up! A worth while read
I loved it. Honestly!
this is a lovely little urban fantasy that just keeps cranking! Believable characters, great plot and I love the heroine. Love your friends and never give up! A worth while read
May 3, 2019
A fresh and compelling voice in a magical world of fantasy. Making witches cool again!
Read
September 7, 2019Really good
I enjoyed the story of Charli and look forward to more. The characters are engaging and the world she inhabits is rich with possibilities.
I enjoyed the story of Charli and look forward to more. The characters are engaging and the world she inhabits is rich with possibilities.
October 5, 2020
Bit choppy, but loved the world building and the characters. Always keeps you wondering. Nothing is quite what it seems. World of tuning is very engrossing.
April 26, 2020
Though-provoking
This is not (at least not for me) a "beach read" sort of book. The setting is complex and many-layered, requiring some time to digest.
Well done and intriguing.
This is not (at least not for me) a "beach read" sort of book. The setting is complex and many-layered, requiring some time to digest.
Well done and intriguing.
December 21, 2020
This is a book I would highly recommend to my friends. It's a story about how far one would go for the sake of their friends. A story of trust and deceit, love and hate. It brings laughs as well as tears. A good plot and well written story.
September 25, 2020
The Dragon and Mr. Sneeze a Charli's Story was a great book.
Charli Wonkers has had a hard life, growing up with out her parents in Horseshoe, a worn out trailer park on the beach in Wink Texas.
Charli is working at a local store to earn money to help buy medicine for her best friend Dotty, who keeps getting worse instead of better. Her boss at the store treats her as less than nothing and makes life miserable.
Charli's life is full of eccentric neighbors and others that she meets as she reaches her 17th birthday. It is then that she starts to learn about turning and magic and who she really is.
The story turns into a wild ride with ghosts, witches and Dragons and takes her to the other side of the graveyard where she learns of monsters, magical creatures and has to fight evil and learns of friendship and love.
Charli's Story was very imaginative and though it causes a little confusion at the beginning with everything that is happening, it quickly comes together into a great adventure and a story worth reading.
I think you will enjoy the story, I know I really did!
Charli Wonkers has had a hard life, growing up with out her parents in Horseshoe, a worn out trailer park on the beach in Wink Texas.
Charli is working at a local store to earn money to help buy medicine for her best friend Dotty, who keeps getting worse instead of better. Her boss at the store treats her as less than nothing and makes life miserable.
Charli's life is full of eccentric neighbors and others that she meets as she reaches her 17th birthday. It is then that she starts to learn about turning and magic and who she really is.
The story turns into a wild ride with ghosts, witches and Dragons and takes her to the other side of the graveyard where she learns of monsters, magical creatures and has to fight evil and learns of friendship and love.
Charli's Story was very imaginative and though it causes a little confusion at the beginning with everything that is happening, it quickly comes together into a great adventure and a story worth reading.
I think you will enjoy the story, I know I really did!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews