Victoria Stitch: Bad and Glittering

Victoria Stitch #1

by Harriet Muncaster

The first entry in a glittering, gothic middle-grade series from the bestselling author of Isadora Moon books. Victoria Stitch will stop at nothing in her quest for power . . .

‘The crystal keeper gazed around him at the shards of impure crystal, glittering furiously on the floor, and shivered with a terrible sense of foreboding.’

Twins Victoria Stitch and Celestine are denied their royal birth-right. Celestine accepts the decision with good grace, but Victoria Stitch is consumed with her obsession for power. The twins are like moonlight and sunshine – could it be possible to break free of the role you have been given, rewrite your story, and change your own destiny?

Victoria Stitch is a glamorous, glittering, wiskling - a miniature-sized fairy-like creature - and the series is perfect for fans of Tim Burton, Disney's Descendants, and The School for Good and Evil.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Fairy Tales

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Harriet Muncaster studied illustration at Norwich University College of the Arts before going on to get an MA in children’s book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. In creating the art for her first book for children, she was thrilled to have found a good outlet for her lifelong fascination with miniatures. She lives in Hertfordshire, England.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading my ARC of this book by myself, but I very quickly realized that I had to share it with my 11-year-old, because I knew he would love it too! And I was right - he was utterly enthralled. This MG fantasy adventure is gorgeously written, with a fabulously magical and strange (in all the right ways) feel.

It's the story of antiheroine Victoria Stitch, who is both convinced that she's inherently dark and evil and also desperate to claim her rightful position on the throne of Wiskling Wood. It's also the story of her twin sister Celestine, who feels that she HAS to be good and calm and obedient, always, because her twin has taken all of the rage and darkness she might have liked. It's the story of their deep love and intense frustration with each other and what happens when they both get caught up in someone else's dangerous plans.

There were moments that took my breath away with just how beautiful they felt, and there were scenes that were SO exciting, intense and scary. I loved their relationship and I loved the magic of their world so much. The whole book was just bewitchingly magical, fierce, and fun! Also, the art in the ARC was utterly gorgeous. I can't wait to buy a copy of the published edition to get even more of it!

[Amy McCaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous start to a new middle-grade series and is perfect for readers ready to move on from the Isadora Moon books.

Reading Victoria Stitch is such a sensory experience. The illustrations are beautifully Gothic and the setting is sumptuously described. It was one of those books where I want to eat the food and live in the world.

I loved the deliciously dark touches of this book, from the plot to the characters. Victoria is a fascinating character with so many depths and her relationship with Celestine felt really believable.

This book really is a breath of fresh air. The plot is super unique and the dark fairy tale quality is great. I also found the magical system inventive and accessible for younger readers.

I had a lot of fun reading this and I can't wait to see what Victoria Stitch gets up to next!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Firstly I loved the illustrations - they were a pleasure in themselves. The plot is very engaging- always what is going to happen next, I need to read on. The vocabulary invites discussion as do the choices made by the characters. If I were still teaching this is a book I'd definitely love to read aloud to a class of 8 -10 year olds. I bought this for my great niece who loves Isadora Moon but first I needed to check it out! If there is any more about Victoria Stitch this retired teacher will be reading it first before she passes it on.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spotted the unabridged audiobook for this gothic fairy tale via our local online library. Realising that the ebook was illustrated by the author in the same style as the audiobook cover, I immediately bought it and did a combined read/listen.

It was enchanting! The black and white illustrations just perfect. While intended for Middle Grade readers, it appealed to my inner goth child. I have already added Book 2: Free and Famous to my library.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading most of the Isadora Moon and Mirabelle books by Harriet Muncaster with my daughter, we moved onto her middle grade novel Victoria Stitch: Bad and Glittering. Muncaster creates a wonderful, magical world with the wiskling wood, with interesting lore, and great characters. I can't wait to carry on with the series.

[Qt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! While fun (and very sparkly!) it also had a lot more plot than many middle-grade books, including some twists and turns I never expected. The Wiskling world sounded so pretty; I adored all the descriptions and felt like every time I opened it a pile of glitter and sparkles would fall out (and I mean that in a very good way)! Very descriptive and a very interesting world. The ending did have a bit of a sad part to it, but I hope that can be resolved in a later book. Loved the illustrations, too.

[🐬Darcie🐬 Juckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book I read it nearly every day (I finished it)It’s a really good book I’m lucky my mum got it for me

[Jacq.and.the.readstalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love it when my greatest loves, fashion, fairies and books, comes together in a gorgeously illustrated and whimsical novel!

Muncaster has crafted an engaging and quirky tale in a bite-size, jam-packed format with a dark glittery style! I adored every single character, but especially the two sisters, with their opposite and sometimes clashing personalities but have an incredibly strong bond between them. Our wonderful rogue Victoria Stitch is full of dark glamour and rebellious spunk. Meanwhile her twin, Celestine is the epitome of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Inside there is still that little girl who fell in love with books about stylish fairies (or Wisklings in this novel) living in a magical Woodland, captured in exquisite and funky illustrations, and lavish, descriptive words. I still cannot get over the enchanting pictures peppered through the pages! Let's just say, she was very, very happy! There are abundant concoctions of style and flair, and I seriously want to raid all of their wardrobes for myself!

It is a gothic and ethereal creation, full of glitz, glamour, love, and whimsy. For all those young and old Fairy Witches out there, this is the perfect read! I cannot wait to follow Victoria's next stylish adventure!

IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpD-2EXSSCK/

[Laura Trinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book.
Muncaster's first illustrated story for the middle grade age bracket is not to be missed! This is ideal for children who have grown up with the delightful Isadora Moon series and are ready to move on to longer books, but it will no doubt delight a whole new readership too.

This is such a richly detailed story, complimented perfectly by Muncaster's own charming gothic illustrations. There is something really special about miniature worlds (the Burrowers, Brambly Hedge, and even films like Fern Gully spring to mind) and this is no different. It's delightful to see the characters sip from acorn mugs or fly on flower stems like broomsticks. To smell the rich hot chocolate and feel the sparkling, gem-covered fabric of tiny ball gowns and capes beneath your fingers.

The sweet, whimsical elements of the story are balanced perfectly with Victoria Stitch's dark, edgy nature. Her rebellious attitude and strong determination to claim the power and status she's owed, makes for a brilliant contrast and adds much depth to the story.

So many children are going to adore this series and I can't wait for book 2!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

All'inizio ero in pensiero che il libro mi avesse fatta annoiare, però andando avanti tempo dopo mi sono accorta che non riuscivo più a smettere di leggerlo, avevo sempre più voglia di scoprire come andava a finire la storia, non mi aspettavo un finale simile, però devo dire che non mi dispiace! Tral'altro le illustrazioni del libro sono molto belle, dettagliate e carine!! Super!😃

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

review forthcoming

[Serena Iozzino · Rating 4 out of 5]

È UN LIBRO STUPENDO

[BooksForTopics · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new middle grade story from Harriet Muncaster, best known for her popular Isadora Moon series.

Victoria Stitch and Celestine are twins, both hatched out of a diamond in the fairy-like world of Wiskling Wood. Here, babies hatched from diamonds usually become Queen, but this particular diamond had a fault which made the twins ineligible for the crown. Victoria Stitch, however, cannot accept that she will never be Queen and she embarks on a series of attempts at gaining the throne. She is the complete opposite to her sister, as Celestine is perfectly happy to be an ordinary citizen and is looking forward to getting on with her life once she leaves school.

Wisklings are fairies, born from jewels and living safely in the wood, protected by magic. They have wands and blooms (enchanted flowers) to fly on. The whole world of the wood is described in delightful detail and it seems that most Wisklings are satisfied with their life there - except Victoria Stitch, who will stop at nothing to achieve her ambitions.

The illustrations are instantly recognisable as Harriet Muncaster’s trade-mark style - simple line drawings that convey so much, set in cool purples and blacks. They are a highlight of this book, along with the map at the front. The story is perfect for earlier fans of Isadora Moon who are ready to move on to something more. A longer read than the Isadora Moon books, it is also darker (though there was always a bit of danger with a half fairy, half vampire character) and contains elements of plotting, murder and jealousy. Despite that, the overall tone of book is sweet and stylish, and even the dissatisfied Victoria Stitch has qualities that you can’t help but admire.

The ending is left open for further stories and the series will no doubt find instant success among Harriet Muncaster's impressive fan base.

Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera che DeA ha portato nelle nostre librerie.
Devo dire che ciò che principalmente mi ha attirato di questo libro, è stata la bellissima copertina e le magnifiche illustrazioni interne che, con un misto di gotico e dark, non dà proprio di un'opera per bambini.
Per gli otaku: sapete che stile mi ha ricordato? Quello di Sugar Sugar Rune! Se non conoscete il manga/anime, ve lo consiglio assolutamente.
Ma di cosa parla il nostro libro di oggi? Andiamo a scoprirlo in breve e senza spoiler.
La nostra storia si svolge a Selva Spirilla, un regno magico dove accade qualcosa di davvero spettacolare: i suoi abitanti nascono dai topazi, dai rubini, dagli smeraldi, dalle ametiste! E da loro, traggono personalità e poteri magici.
Ciò che è molto raro è che siano i diamanti a far nascere una vita e difatti, quando accade, è per l'avvenuta di un nuovo sovrano.
Un giorno però, accade qualcosa di davvero animalo: una notte, in un diamante con una crepa nera nascono due gemelle, Victoria e Celestine.
Questo avvenimento viene preso come un cattivo presagio e le due bambine vendono allontanate dal Regno.
Crescendo, le due sorelle crescono del tutto diverse tra loro: se da una parte Celestine è solare e pacifica, dall'altra Victoria è tenace e agguerrita e si sente nera come la notte e come la magia più oscura.
Victoria sente di meritare il trono di Regina e si sente già tale che va in giro con una corona. Ma c'è qualcun altro che mira al trono, al punto di uccidere, e sarà a causa di ciò che arriveranno gravi serissimi nella vita delle due sorelle.
　
Ho adorato tantissimo questo volume. A dire il vero inizialmente pensavo fosse più una storia per bambini e invece mi sono trovata un'avventura per adulti, quasi, avvincente e piena di colpi di scena e morale.
Le illustrazioni che accompagnano i capitoli, come vi dicevo prima, hanno reso tutto ancora più magico e bellissimo (e poi ormai lo sapete che ho un debole per i libri illustrati).
Spero di rivedere presto le nostre protagoniste.
Super consigliato.

[Rosamund Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wisklings are small enough to ride on magical buttercups, or surf through the air on leaves. In Muncaster's drawings, they have tiny bodies, long thin limbs, huge eyes, antennae, and impossibly long eyelashes. They drink hot chocolate from acorns, and ride on tiny trains. However, all is not well in the Wiskling Wood: the queen has no heir, and though Victoria Stitch and Celestine have a claim to the throne, it seems unlikely they will ever rule their wood.

I've really enjoyed Muncaster's book for younger children: Isadora Moon, aimed at early readers, is a series of charming and silly stories about a vampire who's also a fairy, and the picture book I Am A Witch's Cat is very affirming and full of gorgeous illustrations. However, I think this novel for older children reveals some of Muncaster's weaknesses as an author: she seems more interested in inventing the tiny world than writing any plot, and her writing feels very safe: though Victoria Stitch is supposed to be 'bad', a lot of the time she's just not bad enough, and it's hard for the reader to get a sense of her wickedness. Muncaster's writing is also repetitive, giving us the same details over and over. I was disappointed, too, to see a lot of typos and grammatical errors in this book: especially distressing in a children's book, because how are kids supposed to learn if the books they read aren't correct? However, that's more the editor's fault than Muncaster's.

I did find this very relaxing to read, and I really enjoyed the whimsical illustrations and the Wiskling world. This is set up to be part of a series, and I would definitely be interested to pick up the next one -- though hopefully Muncaster will manage a more coherent plot that time!

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Woods, Wisklings are born of crystals and Diamond babies are always named royalty. That is until a Diamond has a black mark and is declared impure by the authorities. That crystal contained twins Celestine, who is everything good, and Victoria Stitch, who embodies all the anger. While Celestine is more or less happy with her life, Victoria Stitch is furious their birthright was stolen and can’t let it go. When she meets a mysterious Wiskling deep in the woods who claims she can help the offer is too tempting to ignore. Victoria Stitch is willing to do anything, even dark magic, to get what she believes is hers but can this new friend be trusted? With anti-Diamond groups growing calling for the rulers to be elected, it seems Victoria Stitch is not alone in her desire for the crown.

First things first, Victoria Stitch is a whole vibe! I was enamoured and delighted before even starting the book by the letter and dedication at the front. Wicked fun, royal intrigue, and political drama run wild in this tale of sisterhood and power. The world is whimsical and positively shines with jewel dust. The idea of little sprite like creatures riding around the woods on “blooms” is a dream. Victoria Stitch is a bad gal you can’t help but root for. There were a few punctuation issues within but aside from that I enjoyed the story and characters immensely.

If you’re tired of the typical fairy type tale and wish for something a bit more dangerous, Victoria Stitch Bad and Glittering is for you! Daring displays, dark magic, and sisterhood craft this wonderful tale of coming into your own.

[Alvaro]

Es una de las lecturas que compartimos mis hijas y yo🥲 puedo decir que Victoria Stich malvada y brillante es un libro de fantasía escrito por Harriet Muncaster e ilustrado por ella misma. La historia gira en torno a las gemelas Victoria Stitch y Celestine, seres diminutos, que viven en el bosque mágico de Wiskling, donde los wisklings nacidos de un diamante han gobernado durante generaciones. Sin embargo, ellas no pueden ser reinas porque nacieron de un diamante manchado (mácula). Mientras Celestine acepta su destino con dulzura, Victoria Stitch se obsesiona con recuperar el trono y cambiar su historia. Para ello, no dudará en usar su poder oscuro y aliarse con fuerzas peligrosas.

El libro es una aventura divertida y emocionante, con un estilo de narración ágil y dinámico. Los personajes son carismáticos y originales, especialmente la protagonista, que es una antiheroína rebelde y ambiciosa, pero también vulnerable y solitaria. Las ilustraciones son preciosas y llenas de detalles, con un toque gótico y colorido. El mundo de Wiskling es fascinante y misterioso, con criaturas fantásticas y magia.

Victoria Stich Malvada y brillante es el primer libro de una serie que promete ser muy entretenida y adictiva, quiero saber más sobre Ursuline... Es una lectura ideal para los niños, niñas y adultos 🙋 que les gusten las historias de fantasía, las hadas, los diamantes y los personajes malvados... pero brillantes.

[KiraMai · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I love Muncaster's other works of Isadora Moon and Mirabelle. I read this one on my own however as she's still a bit young for it. I admittedly haven't read much in the middle grade genres, but this book is one I will proudly hand over in a couple years and can't wait to give her this gift of a world and the fantastic characters who occupy it to get lost in. This isn't just another book of magic and kingdoms; it's dainty, fierce, and full of love. Loyalties. Dangers. Clever solutions. And detailed, delightful drawings every few pages that are everything you expected if familiar with her other series and so much more. I will gladly continue buying every book from this author. Even her "bad" characters are not needlessly rude and have heart and emotion. Victoria Stitch is who she is, but she matures in understanding and acceptance. Celestine transforms and actually has the most character growth which was a pleasant surprise to enjoying her as well. There are positive messages of friendship and family along with the magical adventure in a world I never want to leave.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Stitch isn't your average middle grade hero - she is much more intriguing, with flaws that stare you right in the face! She can be mean and insecure and self-righteous - characteristics we all struggle with controlling, especially at a young age. But there is also a soft side to Victoria Stitch - she loves her twin sister, who is opposite to her in many ways, and though she likes being different, Victoria Stitch is lonely. Her fragmented relationship with her sister leads to a secret relationship with a new and devilish friend, and some heart-wrenching and surprising scenes which keep the pages turning. The story is truly engaging, has a twist I did NOT see coming, and is surrounded in magical detail and all the things that make you feel as though you've stepped into someone else's shoes and are looking at the world from a whole new perspective. Captivating and exciting, highly recommended!

[Lex Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pesar de que se me hizo un poco pesado en un principio, la verdad es que acabé disfrutándolo bastante, y noté, enseguida, que la atmósfera de los libros de "Victoria Stitch", sin duda, es muy distinta de "Isadora Moon", y éso no lo digo a malas, al contrario, me ha parecido muy buena y oscura, ideal para el público infantil que quiere historias más complejas.

Y aún más teniendo en cuenta cosas como que a diferencia de "Isadora Moon", en "Victoria Stitch", Victoria discute, en varias ocasiones, con la gente (especialmente con su hermana Celestine), los problemas no se arreglan de manera fácil, y además, también tenemos un asesinato, el de la mismísima reina, nada menos, por no hablar de la traición que sufre Victoria por parte de su supuesta amiga, entre otras cosas.

Ojalá pueda continuar la saga algún día, pero, en cualquier caso, es una saga que merece la pena leer, y la recomiendo, por supuesto.

[Lauricia Matuska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin sisters Victoria Stitch and Celestine are Wisklings, pixie-type creatures born from gemstones that give them magic abilities. Since their birth stone is a diamond, they are destined to be queens, but there’s a problem: their diamond contained an impurity, a black “stitch” which everyone believes to be an indication of Victoria Stitch’s dark and dramatic personality. A close examination of what happens when life isn’t fair and things don’t turn out as they should, this story of two siblings whose only family is each other does an excellent job of realistically portraying the complexities of sibling relationships and what it’s like to love someone through the good, the bad, and the difficult. Replete with luxurious gothic illustrations, this story is perfect for middle grade fans of Wednesday and The School of Good and Evil.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I'm such a fan of Harriet Muncaster's illustrations; they're cute and whimsical with just a touch of gothic/darkness. While I don't typically read middle-grade novels (I have nothing against the genre, I just don't gravitate towards them) I had to pick up Victoria Stitch. As a writer myself, I'm always in awe of and inspired by other authors' passion projects!
If you like fantasy and are looking for motivation to finish that work-in-progress collecting dust, I recommend reading this. It definitely helped me stay on track!

If you're a parent out there with a child who likes fantasy stories but maybe doesn't care for traditional fairytale fluff, I suggest they read Victoria Stitch. I know I would've liked it when I was young!

[Reading Fury · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, what a fun cover! It is dark and glittering as well.

Second, and the but, the plot was heavy on establishing how Wiskerton and the key characters looked. Right down to the little Wisklings's shoe choice and eye liner. But, if I were the targeted age group for this book, that would probably be important. It did take a while to warm up to the Victoria Stitch, who is definitely an anti-hero. I could totally relate to Celestine, her twin dubbed the "good" one. Ultimately, things got moving and real characterization evolved. Victoria Stitch isn't totally darkly bad, and Celestine isn't totally silvery good. There is a sequel, but I have things going on, so I don't know if I will get the book or not. Fun holiday reading coming up!

[Sarah Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because it is one of Emi’s faves and she’s read it about seventy-million times!

For a tween book, it’s actually really good! I loved the character of Victoria Stitch! She was a fantastic anti-hero, and I loved her internal battles over what was right and wrong.

The characters are very multifaceted, and have quite mature emotional developments for a tween book! Perfect for kids who don’t quite fit into the ‘norm’!

In summary - a gothic ‘fairy’ (wiskling), royal twins denied their birthright, and evil plot, jealousy, sibling love and rivalry, emotional turmoil, betrayal, murder, prison, magic and a shit-load of diamond dust, glitter and sparkles!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Stitch and her twin sister were born from a tainted diamond, which means they were denied their birth right. Will they just leave it at that? 🤔

This cover gripped me immediately. 😍
It must have appealed to my inner goth who loves all things black, but also shiny. 😁

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, because it gets quite dark sometimes, which I did not expect at all. 😱
There is a lot of plotting going on and sneakiness. 😏

It was a fun little read, and the illustrations were so cute. 😊💙

I am curious where the next one in the series will take us. 🤩

[Nekkina93/72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Vi siete mai domandati se vicino a noi, esiste un posto magico e segreto?
Magari proprio nascosto nel cuore di una foresta verde e magnifica?
Un posto celato agli umani, che contiene all’interno invece della magia, quella magia che tutti da bambini abbiamo sognato di avere e molti di noi, anche in età adulta.
Lo stile è subito scorrevole e coinvolgente, cattura immediatamente l’attenzione del lettore e non vuoi far altro che proseguirne la lettura, per sapere come andrà questa nuova avventura intrapresa tra queste pagine.
Ci troviamo a Selva Spirilla, un mondo piccolissimo composto principalmente da alberi e natura ovunque, ma magico.
Le persone vengono al mondo dalle pietre preziose e ogni pietra ha ovviamente la sua importanza, ma la famiglia reale nasce solo dal Diamante.
Ma cosa succede se il nuovo nascituro, nasce da un diamante con una piccolissima scheggia nera?
Cosa succede se viene ritenuto impuro e non degno di essere considerato di famiglia reale?
.
E’ questo che succede alle gemelle Black: Victoria e Celestine.
Due gemelle diamantine, che in teoria secondo la legge sarebbero dovute essere principesse e crescere a palazzo, circondate da una famiglia amorevole e con Victoria erede al trono.
Eppure, così non è stato.
Sono bastate le parole del consigliere della Regina a rovinare tutto.
Il giorno della loro nascita ha dichiarato il loro Diamante impuro per una singola venatura nera, rendendole così prive del loro titolo e prive della possibilità di avere una famiglia.
Perché le ha si dichiarate impure, ma allo stesso tempo le ha tenute sotto controllo, nell’eventualità di essere costretto a rivalutare la situazione.
Così sono cresciute vivendo da sole solo loro due, con diverse tate ficcanaso che ogni tanto andavano a controllarle.
Mentre Celestine si è arresa e adattata alla loro vita, cercando di prendere il meglio che poteva da una brutta ingiustizia.
Victoria non si è mai arresa e ha covato nel tempo una rabbia e un rancore enormi.
Lei è la maggiore, ed è la legittima erede al trono.
Chi sono loro per negarle un diritto di nascita?
Inizierà così la loro avventura, mentre Celestine nel corso del tempo si è fatta degli amici e ha coltivato un sogno e soprattutto ha cercato di prendere il meglio da una situazione ingiusta.
Victoria non ha fatto altro che allontanare tutti tranne la gemella, perché non si è mai sentita parte di Selva Spirilla, non quando quasi tutti l’hanno sempre derisa e non hanno mai riconoscuto le sue ragioni.
Con il passare degli anni la sua impazienza aumenta e anche la sua solitudine, anche se non lo ammetterebbe mai e vuole solamente essere vista da tutti.
Ed è proprio in uno dei momenti più vulnerabili che Victoria farà un incontro inaspettato e alquanto pericoloso.
All’improvviso la vita di tutti sarà messa sotto sopra, qualcuno tramerà nell’oscurità per far sembrare Victoria sempre più oscura, mentre a Selva Spirilla inizierà a girare una voglia di cambiamento.
Qualcuno incomincia a chiedere che la Regina o il Re vengano scelti tramite votazione e non solo perché appartenenti al Diamante.
Le gemelle Black attraverseranno diversi alti e bassi, ma vivranno la loro avventura insieme o separate?
Riuscirà Victoria a reclamare il trono che le aspetta, in un mondo che l’ha tradita più volte?
Riuscirà Celestine ha raggiungere il suo sogno?
E chi è che trama nell’ombra e qual è il suo scopo?
E quali incantesimi oscuri si celano nel buio della foresta?
Un’avventura piena di colpi di scena inaspettati, vi porterà verso un finale per niente scontato e che vi invoglierà a voler leggere immediatamente il secondo volume!
.
E’ un romanzo fantasy chiaramente con target per i più piccoli, rispetto ad altri che sono già per bambini/adolescenti o adolescenti/adulti.
E’ sicuramente un romanzo che vi consiglio di regalare ai vostri figli, nipoti o bambini di una vicina.
E’ una lettura perfetta e adatta a far sognare i più piccoli, dal linguaggio semplice e scorrevole, facendoli così avvicinare alla lettura con un’avventura che li saprà appassionare, con molti messaggi tra le righe.
Ma è una lettura che consiglio a tutti, comunque.
Perché la lettura non ha età e io ho davvero apprezzato molto questa storia.
.
Celestine e Victoria non potrebbero essere più diverse di come sono, ma il bello è anche questo.
Ognuno è fatto a modo suo, si possono avere moltissimi punti in comune, ma allo stesso tempo si hanno quelle cose che ci rendono unici e particolari.
Celestine è dolce, buona, gentile, altruista e sempre pronta a fare amicizia con tutti.
Victoria è fondamentalmente buona anche lei, anche se non sembra ad un primo incontro.
Ma tende a tenere tutti lontani da se, perché non la capiscono e non comprendono la sua rabbia e il suo dolore, a parte Celestine ovviamente.
Entrambe hanno in comune il dolore di non avere avuto una famiglia, quel senso di mancanza che non va mai via.
E quel senso di rabbia per essere state tenute in stallo tra due possibilità, tra due vite, perché forse le avrebbero potute sfruttare.
.
In conclusione.
Sono davvero curiosa di vedere dove porterà la storia nel prossimo volume.
Ho davvero apprezzato i colpi di scena che sinceramente non mi aspettavo.
E ho compreso una scelta che farà Victoria ad un certo punto e ho amato il suo coraggio di non arrendersi mai e lottare per quello che ritiene essere giusto.
E ci sono diversi insegnamenti tra le righe, che capirete leggendo la storia.
Bellissime illustrazioni accompagnano la lettura.
.
Finito il 7 dicembre.
Voto: 4.25/5."

[Eeva · Rating 2 out of 5]

En nyt kyllä yhtään hahmota, minkä ikäisille tää sarja on tarkoitettu. Toisaalta on söpöjä glitterkeijuja (tai siis ei keijuja vaan hipisijöitä,) ja lohikäärmösiä (sic), mutta toisaalta tässä oli paljon synkkää YA-henkistä settiä (vaikea sisarussuhde, yksilön kamppailu omaa sisäistä pahuuttaan vastaan). Ei pääse vinkkauspakettiin kyllä tämä.

[~ Elsie~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is my new fave! I love it soo much and read it 3 days. I think I think the Victoria stitch is my favourite character but I also liked Ruby too. But someone I DESPISE is definitely Ursuline. She was well horrid! She tried to kill Victoria Stitch!!!

I definitely recommend this book to any readers who like a bit of mischief and a bit of betrayal!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muncaster's world of Wisklings is enchanting, and the characters are very charming!
However, the main character Victoria Stitch did not have a positive impact on my kids as she is not the best role model.
I would definitely read more of these books to them if the moral lessons were more appropriate for their development, as I find the Wisklings incredibly whimsical and magical!

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of a fabulous new gothic series aimed at the MG readership.

You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....