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The Magic Misfits #4
The Magic Misfits: The Fourth Suit
The Misfits must work together to fend off mysterious attacks in this magical finale to the #1 New York Times bestselling Magic Misfits series from acclaimed and wildly popular celebrity Neil Patrick Harris!
Ridley Larsen is everything you want in a friend. She's tough as nails, she's fiercely loyal, and she's smart as a whip. But she can be a harsh critic, which has put her position with the Magic Misfits on the rocks, even as the threat of the group's longtime enemy Kalagan looms large. Ever since his recent appearance in Mineral Wells, the kids know that a showdown with the vicious magician is imminent.
They must first deal with a series of odd instances and random attacks, though, all of which they use to bring themselves closer to discovering where Kalagan may be hiding, and the nature of his true identity. But can Ridley finally master her temper and put her essential magical skills to good use? She'll do anything to protect her friends, and when the time comes, she'll find that the Magic Misfits are strongest when they all work together.
Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this finale of the unique and always surprising series. Whether you're a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold on to your top hat!
Ridley Larsen is everything you want in a friend. She's tough as nails, she's fiercely loyal, and she's smart as a whip. But she can be a harsh critic, which has put her position with the Magic Misfits on the rocks, even as the threat of the group's longtime enemy Kalagan looms large. Ever since his recent appearance in Mineral Wells, the kids know that a showdown with the vicious magician is imminent.
They must first deal with a series of odd instances and random attacks, though, all of which they use to bring themselves closer to discovering where Kalagan may be hiding, and the nature of his true identity. But can Ridley finally master her temper and put her essential magical skills to good use? She'll do anything to protect her friends, and when the time comes, she'll find that the Magic Misfits are strongest when they all work together.
Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this finale of the unique and always surprising series. Whether you're a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold on to your top hat!
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
170 people are currently reading
2012 people want to read
About the author
Neil Patrick Harris
60 books1,262 followersNeil Patrick Harris is an American actor, producer, director, magician, comedian and singer. He is best known for playing Barney Stinson in the television comedy series How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards. As a child star he played the title character in Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993). He is also known for his role as the title character in Joss Whedon's musical Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008) and a fictional version of himself in the Harold & Kumar film series (2004–2011). He has also appeared in the films Starship Troopers (1997), Beastly (2011), The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013) and Gone Girl (2014). Harris was named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2010, and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2011. He has also hosted the Tony Awards on Broadway in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013, for which he won several special class Emmy Awards. He also hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009 and 2013, and will host the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. In 2014, he starred as the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway, for which he won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
September 27, 2020
(c/p from my review on TheStoryGraph) 4.5 Ok so let me start by saying I sure didn't expect to cry about this particular book. The last chapter really touched me, y'all. Overall this series is fun, if a little dark. I'd say it's for sure middle of the road for a middle grade novel, Sort of like a less depressing version of the Snicket books but with more magic. I am sad that we apparently aren't getting an Izzy and Ollie book because I really wanted them to get a little more character growth. I love them and I would have loved to have seen their depth. But I also think that it was time for the story to end. There were a few twists that I didn't think hit quiet as well as they could have but overall this is such a solid and fun story.
August 26, 2022
time to review! i would give it a solid 3.5 stars. i love all the books in this series, and i was overall satisfied with the end, but there are still a couple of questions that were left unanswered. most notably: WHAT HAPPENED TO CARTER’S PARENTS?
i genuinely thought they were going to come back in this book or something, but no— they just mentioned that they disappeared in the first book and then forgot about that topic. that is not the kind of thing you leave unanswered,, ill always wonder what happened to them
the ending was. also interesting. it was a bit sudden + unexpected and i have definitely read better endings, but i love a good plot twist.
overall, i liked this book :)
i genuinely thought they were going to come back in this book or something, but no— they just mentioned that they disappeared in the first book and then forgot about that topic. that is not the kind of thing you leave unanswered,, ill always wonder what happened to them
the ending was. also interesting. it was a bit sudden + unexpected and i have definitely read better endings, but i love a good plot twist.
overall, i liked this book :)
October 4, 2021
When Kalagan is back in mineral wells, it is up to the magic misfits to reunite and stop him once and for all. Will they succeed? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great finale to the magic misfits series by Neil Patrick Harris. If you are a fan of magic, Neil Patrick Harris, and Young adult fiction then be sure to check this series out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
This was a great finale to the magic misfits series by Neil Patrick Harris. If you are a fan of magic, Neil Patrick Harris, and Young adult fiction then be sure to check this series out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
September 17, 2020
Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Little Brown Books For Young Readers for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Magic Misfits
The Fourth Suit
By: Neil Patrick Harris
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆☆
As a parent of a middle grade reader, I can attest to his love and enthusiasm for The Fourth Suit. For him, this book was a fast paced, laugh out loud, "mommy, listen to this part" kind of book. When that is his opinion, my opinion is simply bravo.
I have not, but intend to, read the first three books of The Magic Misfits series. Who knew NPH is a children's author? And a great one, at that. The word choice, pacing, tone, balance of fantasy and reality, illustrations and authentic voice of narration make this book one of the best middle grade novels I've read in a while.
In addition, the story teaches acceptance, respect, loyalty, courage, love, tolerance and the importance of friendship. A lead character in a wheelchair is refreshing. It is a teachable aspect, reflective of the value of an individual within themselves and as part of a group. Kids can be cruel, and they need examples of proper behavior. The characters make mistakes and don't always agree, but they also work together to resolve their problems.
The Fourth Suit is an all around excellent middle grade novel. Not only are kids entertained- they are learning, too. Be who you are. Accept others as they are. Parents, pick up a copy of this book for your kids. You will not regret it!
The Magic Misfits
The Fourth Suit
By: Neil Patrick Harris
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆☆
As a parent of a middle grade reader, I can attest to his love and enthusiasm for The Fourth Suit. For him, this book was a fast paced, laugh out loud, "mommy, listen to this part" kind of book. When that is his opinion, my opinion is simply bravo.
I have not, but intend to, read the first three books of The Magic Misfits series. Who knew NPH is a children's author? And a great one, at that. The word choice, pacing, tone, balance of fantasy and reality, illustrations and authentic voice of narration make this book one of the best middle grade novels I've read in a while.
In addition, the story teaches acceptance, respect, loyalty, courage, love, tolerance and the importance of friendship. A lead character in a wheelchair is refreshing. It is a teachable aspect, reflective of the value of an individual within themselves and as part of a group. Kids can be cruel, and they need examples of proper behavior. The characters make mistakes and don't always agree, but they also work together to resolve their problems.
The Fourth Suit is an all around excellent middle grade novel. Not only are kids entertained- they are learning, too. Be who you are. Accept others as they are. Parents, pick up a copy of this book for your kids. You will not regret it!
October 3, 2020
****4.0****
So the finale is here. This one concentrates on Ridley, the most impatient, impulsive girl in the team. She is on the wheelchair, but that never hindered her in any ways.
Story revolves around Ridley where she is confronted with a set of clues which are leading towards Kalagan, the villain. But The magic misfits have decided to stay out of limelight and are not meeting up in front of the public. And Ridley who couldn't hold more, meets her old friends and start working on clues. Even though it starts getting dangerous, Ridley doesn't agree to go to Vernon's. We see her battling her own fears of loosing her family, friends and her own turmoils to keep her mouth in check itself is a tedious work for her.
This was a satisfying conclusion for the series where all the pieces come fit together with a back story of "The Emerald Ring" (Dante & Kalagan's childhood group). All's well that Ends well.
Happy Reading!!
So the finale is here. This one concentrates on Ridley, the most impatient, impulsive girl in the team. She is on the wheelchair, but that never hindered her in any ways.
Story revolves around Ridley where she is confronted with a set of clues which are leading towards Kalagan, the villain. But The magic misfits have decided to stay out of limelight and are not meeting up in front of the public. And Ridley who couldn't hold more, meets her old friends and start working on clues. Even though it starts getting dangerous, Ridley doesn't agree to go to Vernon's. We see her battling her own fears of loosing her family, friends and her own turmoils to keep her mouth in check itself is a tedious work for her.
This was a satisfying conclusion for the series where all the pieces come fit together with a back story of "The Emerald Ring" (Dante & Kalagan's childhood group). All's well that Ends well.
Happy Reading!!
July 21, 2022
This was a great ending to this series and the authors did a great job of wrapping up all the various threads. It's been 2 years since I read the 3rd book, so there were definitely moments of confusion while I tried to figure out what was going on. I suspect that if I had taken the time to reread the first three books (or at least the 3rd book), this would have been a more powerful read. Ultimately, it didn't make a huge difference because I still really enjoyed this book. Like the previous books, I did listen to this and while the narrator for this book did a solid job, I really enjoyed the previous narrator more. Granted, you needed to use a female narrator because this was Ridley's story, but I loved Tre Hall's narration, so it was hard to live up to that. There were definitely a few things I did not expect in this story and I really liked that I either missed the clues or I just wasn't paying enough attention, but I loved that I wasn't able to predict the ending. I also felt that this story was a bit more serious than the rest, which is not necessarily a bad thing. What these kids were dealing with was pretty serious and in this book, they were no longer sure who they could trust, including the adults around them. I really liked the ending and will probably go back and reread this entire series at some point, but this time I'm planning on reading through all four at once.
April 23, 2022
i started this series back at the very beginning of the year. at the time i found the first book, i was burnout, weary and overall tired. i read this first book, and it’s been a long time since i’ve been so excited to read a series. it was meant for middle schoolers yes yes, but this is a book series i genuinely think everyone needs to read. neil patrick harris did a such a great job at portraying what it was like be a kid, while making their adventures realistic and not like cartoons where something traumatizing happens and they never talk about it again. and there wasn’t a single character i hated. all of them made it worth reading, and the fact they had genuine relationships with each other instead of being a just a club. AND DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE INCLUSIVITY! IT WAS AMAZING! i appreciate these books, and so should everyone else. it was very nostalgic to finish them, and it makes me sad, so im spreading the word in hopes that you guys will read them too. thanks neil patrick harris.
April 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book.
Really I should have the first one of the series first but I didn't realise that this was a series, so I struggled in places to understand what was happening.
I am now going to start at the beginning.
Really I should have the first one of the series first but I didn't realise that this was a series, so I struggled in places to understand what was happening.
I am now going to start at the beginning.
January 5, 2022
Took me a while to finish this book and Id never thought id give it five stars but the last 100 pages really, really got me. I could have never seen the ending coming and it made so emotional too. Great work! Hope its not the last thing we get to read from Neil Patrick Harris!
Also the Illustrations are perfect in every way.
Also the Illustrations are perfect in every way.
December 2, 2020
I'm so sad that this series is at an end!!! The 4th and final installment of the Magic Misfits brings the story full circle and to a satisfying conclusion. Ridley is the focus of this particular story, and we get a great deal of insight into her character and her strength. A wonderful series, that I will greatly miss!
October 8, 2020
Terrific finish to this series. The team solves the biggest mystery and tighten their friendships by being vulnerable with each other.
February 11, 2022
Obviously after reading the first three I had to continue into the finale. Ridley was always my favorite of the Misfits, due in no small part to her prickly attitude but fierce loyalty to her friends (tough on the outside, gooey on the inside are my favorite characters), so I was always most excited to read her POV. And for it to be the finale to the series? All the better!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this is a fantastic ending to a fantastic series. The illustrations, tricks, and narration are definitely geared toward younger readers, possibly having it read to them, but I think even older readers will find something to love in these characters and their stories, as I have. So whether you're looking for some magic tips and tricks, a bit of whimsy and fun, or just a good story to curl up inside, definitely give The Magic Misfits a try. I laughed, I cried, I felt wonder and joy, and really that's all the magic I can ask for right now.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this is a fantastic ending to a fantastic series. The illustrations, tricks, and narration are definitely geared toward younger readers, possibly having it read to them, but I think even older readers will find something to love in these characters and their stories, as I have. So whether you're looking for some magic tips and tricks, a bit of whimsy and fun, or just a good story to curl up inside, definitely give The Magic Misfits a try. I laughed, I cried, I felt wonder and joy, and really that's all the magic I can ask for right now.
January 1, 2021
Amazing book I love it sooooo much
October 17, 2024
CHARACTERS: I liked to see Ridley's side of life, but I felt Neil dumbed down
his explanations for her snapping so easily. Olly and Izzy still have no purpose, but at least in here they get less dialogue.
✨PLOT: I liked that Uncle Sly wasn't a forgotten plot point. His return was definitely called for after all of Carter's time in Mineral Wells. I wasn't explaining for him to be Kalagan; I'd thought Mr. Vernon had hypnotized himself into having a split personality. This was definitely the fastest paced of the series; revelation after revelation. I liked that aspect, as the other books were more cushy in the sleuthing department.
✨DISLIKES: Leila should've told the others about Sandra being her mother, or at least Carter, of all people. At the height of spilling their secrets, it would've been a phenomenal reveal.
I wish the twins had gotten some backstory, too, yet at the same time, they had perfect lives and didn't bring anything to the group other than being 'funny', so ... Not much story there.
Did Theo, the one Black character, have to disguise as a train conductor, and say "I've been working on the railroad.'? Did Neil feel John Carter needed a modern apprentice? You can't tell me that not in the least bit racially-motivated.
The ending was anticlimactic for me, going for the 'speeches solve everyone' way out.
Regardless of its faults, I liked this one.
his explanations for her snapping so easily. Olly and Izzy still have no purpose, but at least in here they get less dialogue.
✨PLOT: I liked that Uncle Sly wasn't a forgotten plot point. His return was definitely called for after all of Carter's time in Mineral Wells. I wasn't explaining for him to be Kalagan; I'd thought Mr. Vernon had hypnotized himself into having a split personality. This was definitely the fastest paced of the series; revelation after revelation. I liked that aspect, as the other books were more cushy in the sleuthing department.
✨DISLIKES: Leila should've told the others about Sandra being her mother, or at least Carter, of all people. At the height of spilling their secrets, it would've been a phenomenal reveal.
I wish the twins had gotten some backstory, too, yet at the same time, they had perfect lives and didn't bring anything to the group other than being 'funny', so ... Not much story there.
Did Theo, the one Black character, have to disguise as a train conductor, and say "I've been working on the railroad.'? Did Neil feel John Carter needed a modern apprentice? You can't tell me that not in the least bit racially-motivated.
The ending was anticlimactic for me, going for the 'speeches solve everyone' way out.
Regardless of its faults, I liked this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2020
The fourth and final book is written from Riley's point-of-view. She's worried she's too much trouble for her mother, who she's secretly afraid loves her work (writing books!) more than her.
Kalagan will use this deep seated fear against her, as he'll use all the Misfits' fears and petty jealousies against them in his final play to discredit Mr. Vernon in the kids' eyes, once and for all, and bring them over to his side.
Except he's underestimated the kids' love for Mr. Vernon and deep-rooted friendships. I can't say much more or I'll ruin the twists, but just know, this book brings the Misfits' and Mr. Vernon's story full-circle to Carter's arrival in Mineral Wells in book 1 (hint-hint!).
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Kalagan will use this deep seated fear against her, as he'll use all the Misfits' fears and petty jealousies against them in his final play to discredit Mr. Vernon in the kids' eyes, once and for all, and bring them over to his side.
Except he's underestimated the kids' love for Mr. Vernon and deep-rooted friendships. I can't say much more or I'll ruin the twists, but just know, this book brings the Misfits' and Mr. Vernon's story full-circle to Carter's arrival in Mineral Wells in book 1 (hint-hint!).
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
January 22, 2021
We finished out the series with our favorite magical youth. It was a satisfying ending and a surprising one. The kids enjoyed it just as much as the others. It was interesting that we ended up reading it at the same time as my son & I were buddy-reading Flora & Ulysses since both main characters have similar mother characters with similar issues. We had fun noticing the similarities there.
Personally I've had a harder time with the Ridley character, which stands to reason because she's abrasive. NPH really grew her character over the course of this book and built-up her back story. The only piece I feel like we missed was a lack of resolution with the father whom she loves but was missing for the whole book.
It felt like a really well-rounded, full-circle series. I'm not left feeling like anything is unresolved or we need more of the characters. BUT...I do hope that NPH has another book (or book series) up his sleeve because these were good!
Personally I've had a harder time with the Ridley character, which stands to reason because she's abrasive. NPH really grew her character over the course of this book and built-up her back story. The only piece I feel like we missed was a lack of resolution with the father whom she loves but was missing for the whole book.
It felt like a really well-rounded, full-circle series. I'm not left feeling like anything is unresolved or we need more of the characters. BUT...I do hope that NPH has another book (or book series) up his sleeve because these were good!
January 19, 2022
4.5*
what a wonderful ending to a wonderful series
I already miss these kids, and the magic and everything
This series is CRIMINALLY underrated and it is so wholesome, and cute, and fun, and witty and silly and so many things. It shouldn't be underrated.
This is a series I will come back to time and time again, whenever I feel down, its an instant pick me up.
I love this series so much and I am fairly certain I will love it forever.
This book in particular has had me really surprised, things happened that I didn't expect and I loved that.
I will love these magical kids for ever and ever and they will stay with me for ever and ever.
<3
(also Mr. Vernon and Other Mr. Vernon are cute so sweet and caring toward each other and the Misfits, its magically amazing)
what a wonderful ending to a wonderful series
I already miss these kids, and the magic and everything
This series is CRIMINALLY underrated and it is so wholesome, and cute, and fun, and witty and silly and so many things. It shouldn't be underrated.
This is a series I will come back to time and time again, whenever I feel down, its an instant pick me up.
I love this series so much and I am fairly certain I will love it forever.
This book in particular has had me really surprised, things happened that I didn't expect and I loved that.
I will love these magical kids for ever and ever and they will stay with me for ever and ever.
<3
(also Mr. Vernon and Other Mr. Vernon are cute so sweet and caring toward each other and the Misfits, its magically amazing)
October 23, 2020
The magic Misfits are being targeted.
So who are their enemy?
Puzzle boxes are being discovered by the misfits. Someone is planning for them to discovered them. So why?
Once the misfits discovered that this is an old enemy who hold a grudge against Mr. Vernon, the truth comes out.
The story is about anger and fear.
Ridley seems angry a lot of times. Her mother is working all the time and didn't have much time for her. The new teacher is nice but seems untrustworthy.
A past wrong is being discovered. How one deal with this past wrong show a lot of character in a person.
This is the concluding book for the series and it is a good story.
So who are their enemy?
Puzzle boxes are being discovered by the misfits. Someone is planning for them to discovered them. So why?
Once the misfits discovered that this is an old enemy who hold a grudge against Mr. Vernon, the truth comes out.
The story is about anger and fear.
Ridley seems angry a lot of times. Her mother is working all the time and didn't have much time for her. The new teacher is nice but seems untrustworthy.
A past wrong is being discovered. How one deal with this past wrong show a lot of character in a person.
This is the concluding book for the series and it is a good story.
January 5, 2025
While reading the beginning I was DYING, the whole time I was like, "NOOOOO DONT RUIN THEIR FRIENDSHIP". Also Ridleys backstory made sense for her ngl and honestly was interesting to learn. The one line she basically shouted to the whole population of their town which made me CACKLE but I also felt bad for her. the ending was so cute and I was just heartbroken it was done, like straight up so sad, but ofc, 1000000000/10 read as always
March 14, 2023
Well colour me surprised. After finding the first two in the series “fine”, and slogging through the third book, I really enjoyed the last of the series. My 10 year old adorned them all which is why I read The Magic Misfits. Not too sure about the emotional lesson in this book, but that’s okay. And once again, I like the range of vocabulary used for a book for the middle grades.
October 5, 2020
a great ending to the magic misfits series. closed up all the gaps and ties everything together nicely. again, I realize this is a book for children, but I enjoyed them all. highly recommend for any wanting to read books with their kids!
February 22, 2023
Cute book I read with my daughter. Surprisingly complicated (kids with realistic complicated feelings, imperfect adults, etc.). We still think it's strange that every kid gets their own dedicated book except for the two twins.
September 25, 2020
BEST. BOOK. EVER. I absolutely LOVE this book. My fav book ever.
September 30, 2020
Will write review this book deserves when I have more time, right now all I'll say was that it was absolutely AWESOME!! I'm so sad there will be no more books.
November 7, 2020
I’m so excited for those readers who haven’t read this yet, because now you get to binge-read the entire series in one swoop!
Love the message of forgiveness and found family.
Love the message of forgiveness and found family.
January 15, 2021
Sad this is the last book, but looking forward to reading them with my daughter when she’s older
March 2, 2021
Loved this so much!! Excellent finale to a wonderful series. So many feels! I love all the characters, their journeys and all the friendships. Wonderful all around.
January 9, 2022
The series remains sweet. This installment got a bit darker than I would have expected for a middle-grade novel
May 12, 2023
My son and I will miss these characters. We loved all four books and the magic tricks. Neil Patrick Harris can do anything.
September 24, 2023
That end battle scene and the revelation!!!! Was not expecting that. Great conclusion to this cute series! Farewell Magic Misfits! Thanks for the fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews