What do you think?
L'Incantatore Oscuro
Costretti all'esilio su un'isola incantata che si muove da sola attraverso i mari, l'ex principessa Noa, la sorellina Mite e suo fratello Julian si preparano a reclamare il trono usurpato. Sanno però di non potersi fidare di nessuno, dopo che la madre è stata uccisa da qualcuno molto vicino a loro e, sempre più insistenti, si sono insinuate voci sulla malvagità della regina, i cui oscuri poteri avrebbero corrotto anche i figli. Specialmente Julian, legittimo erede, da tutti conosciuto e temuto come mago più potente del Florean. Spingendosi oltre il velo della Morte, e oltrepassando limiti sconosciuti, sarà proprio Noa a trovare l'arma che i traditori vorrebbero usare contro il fratello. Ma se cercando di salvarlo rischiasse di perderlo per sempre? Una spettacolare avventura fantasy, dall'arguta vena ironica.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2020
About the author
Heather Fawcett
24 books12.6k followersHello! Welcome to my page.
I'm the author of books for adults and children, including Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Even the Darkest Stars, Ember and the Ice Dragons, The School Between Winter and Fairyland, and more.
I'm only occasionally on Goodreads, so if you want a more reliable way to get in contact with me, I'd recommend using social media (I'm on Instagram and Facebook) or the contact form on my website.
Review policy: I only review books that I love, which is why you'll only see 4 and 5 star reviews here. Because readers often ask me about my favourite books and authors, I'm aiming to use this page as a place to collect all of my recommendations.
Also, I am NOT the author of More Than a Mom: Living a Full And Balanced Life When Your Child Has Special Needs. I've asked Goodreads to remove it from my page several times but it keeps getting re-added. If you have questions about this title, please direct them to the other Heather Fawcett!
I'm the author of books for adults and children, including Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, Even the Darkest Stars, Ember and the Ice Dragons, The School Between Winter and Fairyland, and more.
I'm only occasionally on Goodreads, so if you want a more reliable way to get in contact with me, I'd recommend using social media (I'm on Instagram and Facebook) or the contact form on my website.
Review policy: I only review books that I love, which is why you'll only see 4 and 5 star reviews here. Because readers often ask me about my favourite books and authors, I'm aiming to use this page as a place to collect all of my recommendations.
Also, I am NOT the author of More Than a Mom: Living a Full And Balanced Life When Your Child Has Special Needs. I've asked Goodreads to remove it from my page several times but it keeps getting re-added. If you have questions about this title, please direct them to the other Heather Fawcett!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
September 29, 2020
This unique middle-grade fantasy follows three siblings on their journey to overthrowing the new king who killed their mother and regaining their royal status. The overall plot is pretty simple but the charm of this novel comes from details. I loved the always changing sibling dynamic that was especially complicated because of the big age gaps between them. I loved how gray morals and even ethical murder were topics that came up throughout the story. And I definitely enjoyed the diverse settings and world-building. The only throwbacks for me were the bits and pieces of awkward writings, especially in the beginning, and that the ending was a bit too rushed. But overall, it's still a solid fantasy for pretty much all ages.
October 30, 2022
TW/CW: War | Murder | Loss of a Parent | Grief | Mentions of Human Experimentation | Talk of Murdering a Child
The Language of Ghosts is a middle grade that was recced to me by Jenna from Falling Letters. But even before that it had caught my eye because of that pretty cover. The Language of Ghosts is a beautiful story about 3 royal siblings trying to surive a war because of their magical abbilities.
We start the story in the night that the mother of Julian, Noa and Mite is assisinated and they have to run from the place they called home. It was a coup to take over the ruling of their country from those who were opposed against magic users. They succeeded. It drove the three siblings and their supporters to take up residence on an island that Julian then puts a spell on so it can move.
Years later they are still on that island, trying to find ways to keep from the grasp of those who want them dead while also finding ways to taking their place as rightful heirs to the throne back. Julian was meant to be king as the oldest (and most powerful in magic). He can speak all 9 magical languages. Mite seems to have some magic as well. But Noa doesn't seem to have none. But that doesn't matter when you have a smart brain, does it?
I think what I loved the most about this book was the relationship between the three siblings. How Julian seems to dote on young Mite, Mite who follows Noa everywhere, Noa who tries to keep her brother from becoming 'evil' as she calls it. It felt real. Siblings fight and argue. But the love was there. I loved how Noa would be the one that could always criticize Julian, and even if it frustrated or angered him, he still listened. He still heard her in the end. And he would always be there for her. I think that is so the heart of this story and its beautiful.
The magical system of the languages was really interesting. Different kinds of magic attached to a language. And one can only understand and use it if you were born with a natural inclination to it. I would have liked more on the wizards that hid the other languages but perhaps that is for another story. Wink Wink. Hope Hope.
There are also different creatures in this world like the sea serpent Beauty that Julian has tied to the island, who by the way was a great addition~.
The Language of Ghosts is a middle grade that was recced to me by Jenna from Falling Letters. But even before that it had caught my eye because of that pretty cover. The Language of Ghosts is a beautiful story about 3 royal siblings trying to surive a war because of their magical abbilities.
We start the story in the night that the mother of Julian, Noa and Mite is assisinated and they have to run from the place they called home. It was a coup to take over the ruling of their country from those who were opposed against magic users. They succeeded. It drove the three siblings and their supporters to take up residence on an island that Julian then puts a spell on so it can move.
Years later they are still on that island, trying to find ways to keep from the grasp of those who want them dead while also finding ways to taking their place as rightful heirs to the throne back. Julian was meant to be king as the oldest (and most powerful in magic). He can speak all 9 magical languages. Mite seems to have some magic as well. But Noa doesn't seem to have none. But that doesn't matter when you have a smart brain, does it?
I think what I loved the most about this book was the relationship between the three siblings. How Julian seems to dote on young Mite, Mite who follows Noa everywhere, Noa who tries to keep her brother from becoming 'evil' as she calls it. It felt real. Siblings fight and argue. But the love was there. I loved how Noa would be the one that could always criticize Julian, and even if it frustrated or angered him, he still listened. He still heard her in the end. And he would always be there for her. I think that is so the heart of this story and its beautiful.
The magical system of the languages was really interesting. Different kinds of magic attached to a language. And one can only understand and use it if you were born with a natural inclination to it. I would have liked more on the wizards that hid the other languages but perhaps that is for another story. Wink Wink. Hope Hope.
There are also different creatures in this world like the sea serpent Beauty that Julian has tied to the island, who by the way was a great addition~.
January 25, 2022
Als ik een boek van Heather Fawcett in mijn handen kan krijgen, doe ik dat gewoon, natuurlijk, al zijn haar kinderboeken toch niet zo goed als haar YA-reeks. Maar dan nog, dit is tof gedaan.
De magie, en hoe de magie werkt, zit echt bijzonder origineel, tof en grappig in elkaar. Er is echt over nagedacht hoe het alledaagse omgevormd kan worden tot iets speciaals, iets aparts en zo totaal anders werkt. Het zit zowel in grote dingen als in kleine details, en dat is echt geweldig. Alleen de wereld van Florea zelf bleef bij momenten een beetje te vaag, ik had wel graag nog wat meer beschrijvingen gehad over de omgeving zelf.
Eerst was ik verrast dat Noa - en niet Julian, de oudste van de drie - was uitgekozen om het verhaal te vertellen, maar daarna werd me al snel duidelijk waarom dat zo was. Ze is duidelijk de slimmere van de drie - heel slim, zelfs, haar logica kent geen grenzen, en dat maakt haar natuurlijk ook zo tof. Al was er één momentje op het einde van het boek, eens ze te weten komt wie de verrader is, dat ik haar wat ongeloofwaardig vond. Dat had ze kunnen weten, volgens mij, maar goed. Verder is ze geweldig. Bijzonder slim en ondernemend, met een mooie dosis droge humor. Dat ze uiteindelijk wel een magiër is, daar keek ik wel totaal niet van op. Dat is misschien het grootste nadeel aan het boek: er zat nooit echt een plotwending die ik niet zag aankomen. Maar oké, zo'n probleem is dat nu ook weer niet. Ik vind het ook heel tof hoe de interactie tussen de drie broers en zussen verloopt, die wordt echt mooi in beeld gebracht. De grijze zone waarin Julian zich bevindt, wordt ook goed weergegeven (met niet al te appetijtelijke voorbeelden, ahum). En Mijt draagt ook haar steentje bij - het was een beetje vreemd dat er twee hoofdstukken vanuit haar standpunt bij zaten, dat wel. Konden die niet ergens op de een of andere manier bij Noa geïntegreerd worden?
Nu ga ik niet beweren dat het boek bijzonder spannend is, want je weet wel hoe het uitdraait natuurlijk, maar dat is ook geen probleem. De gebeurtenissen onderweg maken dat meer dan goed. Jammer alleen dat op het einde alles weer zo rap-rap afgeraffeld moet worden. En ook dat die laatste verwijzingen naar Gabriela nogal vaag zijn. Maar oké, dat moet dan ook maar, zeker.
7/10
De magie, en hoe de magie werkt, zit echt bijzonder origineel, tof en grappig in elkaar. Er is echt over nagedacht hoe het alledaagse omgevormd kan worden tot iets speciaals, iets aparts en zo totaal anders werkt. Het zit zowel in grote dingen als in kleine details, en dat is echt geweldig. Alleen de wereld van Florea zelf bleef bij momenten een beetje te vaag, ik had wel graag nog wat meer beschrijvingen gehad over de omgeving zelf.
Eerst was ik verrast dat Noa - en niet Julian, de oudste van de drie - was uitgekozen om het verhaal te vertellen, maar daarna werd me al snel duidelijk waarom dat zo was. Ze is duidelijk de slimmere van de drie - heel slim, zelfs, haar logica kent geen grenzen, en dat maakt haar natuurlijk ook zo tof. Al was er één momentje op het einde van het boek, eens ze te weten komt wie de verrader is, dat ik haar wat ongeloofwaardig vond. Dat had ze kunnen weten, volgens mij, maar goed. Verder is ze geweldig. Bijzonder slim en ondernemend, met een mooie dosis droge humor. Dat ze uiteindelijk wel een magiër is, daar keek ik wel totaal niet van op. Dat is misschien het grootste nadeel aan het boek: er zat nooit echt een plotwending die ik niet zag aankomen. Maar oké, zo'n probleem is dat nu ook weer niet. Ik vind het ook heel tof hoe de interactie tussen de drie broers en zussen verloopt, die wordt echt mooi in beeld gebracht. De grijze zone waarin Julian zich bevindt, wordt ook goed weergegeven (met niet al te appetijtelijke voorbeelden, ahum). En Mijt draagt ook haar steentje bij - het was een beetje vreemd dat er twee hoofdstukken vanuit haar standpunt bij zaten, dat wel. Konden die niet ergens op de een of andere manier bij Noa geïntegreerd worden?
Nu ga ik niet beweren dat het boek bijzonder spannend is, want je weet wel hoe het uitdraait natuurlijk, maar dat is ook geen probleem. De gebeurtenissen onderweg maken dat meer dan goed. Jammer alleen dat op het einde alles weer zo rap-rap afgeraffeld moet worden. En ook dat die laatste verwijzingen naar Gabriela nogal vaag zijn. Maar oké, dat moet dan ook maar, zeker.
7/10
August 9, 2020
Various types of magic, mages, lost languages, and a sea serpent that loves cakes?! YES PLEASE! Absolutely enjoyed this and so hard not to read it in one night!
FULL REVIEW COMING SOON!
ARC was provided by Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Loss of a parent, grief, murder, death, scenes of spiders (for those with arachnophobia), human experimentation
|Blog|Instagram|Twitter|YouTube|
FULL REVIEW COMING SOON!
ARC was provided by Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Loss of a parent, grief, murder, death, scenes of spiders (for those with arachnophobia), human experimentation
|Blog|Instagram|Twitter|YouTube|
July 6, 2022
Un roman jeunesse HYPER addictif, bien pensé, bien mené et vraiment original. J’ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à suivre les aventures de Noa et sa fratrie, ainsi qu’à explorer un type de magie comme je n’en ’
avais jamais lu auparavant. Une très belle découverte !
avais jamais lu auparavant. Une très belle découverte !
September 10, 2022
3.75 étoiles — un bon roman d’aventures et jeunesse dont je reparlerai sur Instagram la semaine prochaine! ☺️
August 9, 2021
Na Ember en de ijsdraken was ik zeer benieuwd naar dit boek. Zou het weer net zo mooi beschreven zijn? Zijn de personages weer net zo interessant? Het boek oogt in ieder geval heel mooi!
Het boek lees je grotendeels vanuit Noa en zij voelt dan ook aan als hoofdpersonage. Noa woont samen met haar broer en zusje op een speciaal eiland, dit eiland staat ook op de cover van het boek. Noa kwam zeer sterk op mij over en voelde als een echte 14-jarige. Ze deed lekker haar eigen zin, maakt ruzie met haar broer en zusje en bromt zo hier en daar. De band tussen de broer en zussen lijkt sterk te zijn. Aan het einde is deze band nog sterker.
In de wereld van dit boek spreken magiërs allemaal een andere taal. De taal van de magie die ze beheersen. Maar om de allergrootste magiër te worden, moet je alle talen spreken. Er zijn een aantal talen nog onbekend, deze staan in het boek van Verloren Woorden. Noa, Julian en Mijt gaan dus op zoek naar dit belangrijke boek. Ze krijgen daarbij hulp van oude vrienden, maar worden zeker ook tegen gewerkt door Xavier en zijn aanhangers.
De zoektocht verloopt niet zonder slag of stoot en dat zorgt er voor dat het een spannend boek wordt. Heather Fawcett heeft de wereld goed omschreven, ik kon me meteen inbeelden wat er werd beschreven. Het boek leest niet per se vlot, maar dat is niet erg, want je wilt lange tijd genieten van dit avontuur.
Als taalliefhebber vond ik het concept van de verschillende magische talen zeer goed bedacht. Ik werd nieuwsgierig en wilde meteen ook zo’n taal leren. Dat vond ik een van de sterke punten van dit boek. Dat je nieuwsgierigheid constant geprikkeld werd.
Dit boek is voor kinderen (en volwassenen) vanaf 10 jaar, iedereen die van magie, taal en avontuur houdt zal dit verhaal wel kunnen waarderen.
Het boek lees je grotendeels vanuit Noa en zij voelt dan ook aan als hoofdpersonage. Noa woont samen met haar broer en zusje op een speciaal eiland, dit eiland staat ook op de cover van het boek. Noa kwam zeer sterk op mij over en voelde als een echte 14-jarige. Ze deed lekker haar eigen zin, maakt ruzie met haar broer en zusje en bromt zo hier en daar. De band tussen de broer en zussen lijkt sterk te zijn. Aan het einde is deze band nog sterker.
In de wereld van dit boek spreken magiërs allemaal een andere taal. De taal van de magie die ze beheersen. Maar om de allergrootste magiër te worden, moet je alle talen spreken. Er zijn een aantal talen nog onbekend, deze staan in het boek van Verloren Woorden. Noa, Julian en Mijt gaan dus op zoek naar dit belangrijke boek. Ze krijgen daarbij hulp van oude vrienden, maar worden zeker ook tegen gewerkt door Xavier en zijn aanhangers.
De zoektocht verloopt niet zonder slag of stoot en dat zorgt er voor dat het een spannend boek wordt. Heather Fawcett heeft de wereld goed omschreven, ik kon me meteen inbeelden wat er werd beschreven. Het boek leest niet per se vlot, maar dat is niet erg, want je wilt lange tijd genieten van dit avontuur.
Als taalliefhebber vond ik het concept van de verschillende magische talen zeer goed bedacht. Ik werd nieuwsgierig en wilde meteen ook zo’n taal leren. Dat vond ik een van de sterke punten van dit boek. Dat je nieuwsgierigheid constant geprikkeld werd.
Dit boek is voor kinderen (en volwassenen) vanaf 10 jaar, iedereen die van magie, taal en avontuur houdt zal dit verhaal wel kunnen waarderen.
December 17, 2020
Although it is a book for a younger audience than me, I still enjoyed it. It was a fun and easy read, that I would want to read again someday.
February 11, 2025
Heather Fawcett I need the adult version of this story stat.
August 31, 2020
The Language of Ghosts is a fun fantasy about three siblings who are orphaned when a rebellion kills their mother the Queen and they tried killing the three kids but they were able to get away and sail off.
In this fantasy there are magi who can do certain types of magic and they have different languages for these gifts. Most can just do one language but sometimes there are some who can use all the languages and they are considered dark. The Queen was one and it is what got her killed but her son is also one.
It's been a few years and Julian along with his two younger sisters have been floating in the ocean on a magical island that Julian and some loyal magi have kept going and been able to keep it invisible from those that are bad. All Julian wants is to keep his sisters safe and conquer the evil guy (whose name I can't remember) and take his rightful place as King.
Princess Noa is the middle child and possesses no magic which really bothers her especially since her little sister Mita has magic. It's not until they find out about the lost languages and how they might be a way to defeat the evil that Noa finds out she hasn't been skipped over in the magic department her magic language had just been hidden.
I thought this was a lot of fun and fast paced and full of adventure. I really liked the characters even though at times they annoyed me but that is all about being children and having them have a bit of growth throughout the story. Jillian has to try and balance being the king his people want and making sure nothing happens to his sisters, plus deal with the fact that he can speak all the languages and some think he is evil. Noa has made it her mission to make sure that her brother doesn't turn evil and some things he does it makes her wonder if she is to late. Mita just needs to work on not blowing things up with her magic! :)
Overall, I thought this was a lot of fun and I think adults as well as young readers could enjoy this one! I say give it a try!
In this fantasy there are magi who can do certain types of magic and they have different languages for these gifts. Most can just do one language but sometimes there are some who can use all the languages and they are considered dark. The Queen was one and it is what got her killed but her son is also one.
It's been a few years and Julian along with his two younger sisters have been floating in the ocean on a magical island that Julian and some loyal magi have kept going and been able to keep it invisible from those that are bad. All Julian wants is to keep his sisters safe and conquer the evil guy (whose name I can't remember) and take his rightful place as King.
Princess Noa is the middle child and possesses no magic which really bothers her especially since her little sister Mita has magic. It's not until they find out about the lost languages and how they might be a way to defeat the evil that Noa finds out she hasn't been skipped over in the magic department her magic language had just been hidden.
I thought this was a lot of fun and fast paced and full of adventure. I really liked the characters even though at times they annoyed me but that is all about being children and having them have a bit of growth throughout the story. Jillian has to try and balance being the king his people want and making sure nothing happens to his sisters, plus deal with the fact that he can speak all the languages and some think he is evil. Noa has made it her mission to make sure that her brother doesn't turn evil and some things he does it makes her wonder if she is to late. Mita just needs to work on not blowing things up with her magic! :)
Overall, I thought this was a lot of fun and I think adults as well as young readers could enjoy this one! I say give it a try!
January 15, 2021
This was really cute, Noa was a brilliant character and I love how she keeps her older brother in check and worries about him. I do wish she had been a bit nicer to her younger sister though, poor Mite deserved to be listened to as well. There is one moment in the book when Mite wishes Noa would do things Mite wanted to do sometimes and it just about broke my heart.
Other than that it was a really fun middle grade story and it kept me wanting to read - or listen in my case as I had the audiobook.
A solid 4 star read.
Other than that it was a really fun middle grade story and it kept me wanting to read - or listen in my case as I had the audiobook.
A solid 4 star read.
April 25, 2024
it's giving nim's island meets septimus heap and it was fascinating
I've never read a story quite like this; the dark one's moral compass isn't a lover or a parent, it's his little sisters. julian is well on his way to becoming the dark lord, but noa and mite are determined to keep him from going down that path. the plot of the outside world was so interesting to catch glimpses of. (and the way julian loves his sisters is so soft i'm so soft 😫)
noa herself was quite the precocious protagonist. confident in her own capability even when her life starts to shake (and even when she definitely should not be so confident lol) I liked her a lot. the pacing of this story was super weird, though, and there were still a lot of questions left unanswered. I almost wish there was a sequel (aside from the potential pacing fix, I'd happily spend more time with the siblings)
overall, 3.5 stars from me. Idk that I'd actually feel comfortable handing it to a middle-grade reader, though. content warnings for scary moments, quite a bit of violence, and gay side characters (pretty much everybody has a crush on julian, which got old after awhile, tbh)
I've never read a story quite like this; the dark one's moral compass isn't a lover or a parent, it's his little sisters. julian is well on his way to becoming the dark lord, but noa and mite are determined to keep him from going down that path. the plot of the outside world was so interesting to catch glimpses of. (and the way julian loves his sisters is so soft i'm so soft 😫)
noa herself was quite the precocious protagonist. confident in her own capability even when her life starts to shake (and even when she definitely should not be so confident lol) I liked her a lot. the pacing of this story was super weird, though, and there were still a lot of questions left unanswered. I almost wish there was a sequel (aside from the potential pacing fix, I'd happily spend more time with the siblings)
overall, 3.5 stars from me. Idk that I'd actually feel comfortable handing it to a middle-grade reader, though. content warnings for scary moments, quite a bit of violence, and gay side characters (pretty much everybody has a crush on julian, which got old after awhile, tbh)
October 11, 2024
Ohmy Heather Fawcett is such a good writer! This story is very original and the characters are *chef's kiss* and unlike any other characters. I loved the sibling energy and the morally grey aspect of this story, which I think is a bold choice and very well done.
Read
October 31, 2025DNF, made it about 25% but was fairly boring
And honestly, too many romantic comments/conversations for a middle grade. And as a heads up, the character discussed is bisexual.
And honestly, too many romantic comments/conversations for a middle grade. And as a heads up, the character discussed is bisexual.
Read
November 9, 2020DNF @ page 59. Wasn't a fan of the narrator for the audiobook, and the overall plot pacing was a bit weird.
December 16, 2020
Brief thoughts originally published 29 December 2020 at Falling Letters.
- I adore the cover of this book – a good match for the story inside!
- But I didn’t make good notes so this will truly be a point form review 🤷🏻♀️
- Enjoyed the prose, especially the use of metaphors
- Vivid tropical archipelago setting
-Beauty the sea serpent will keep you on your toes
-Unique magic system well-presented
--Julian can speak all the known languages of magic (each language correspond to a different element)
-- Mite can also speak at least one, but Noa can’t speak any…
-- Titular ‘language of ghosts’ plays a smaller role than expected (and is also less about ghosts than expected, but that can be forgiven given the story’s other entertaining elements)
Fascinating premise: preventing older brother from becoming the villain
💭 The Bottom Line: With vivid prose, creative fantasy elements, and compelling sibling relationships, The Language of Ghosts makes a refreshing read.
- I adore the cover of this book – a good match for the story inside!
- But I didn’t make good notes so this will truly be a point form review 🤷🏻♀️
- Enjoyed the prose, especially the use of metaphors
- Vivid tropical archipelago setting
-Beauty the sea serpent will keep you on your toes
-Unique magic system well-presented
--Julian can speak all the known languages of magic (each language correspond to a different element)
-- Mite can also speak at least one, but Noa can’t speak any…
-- Titular ‘language of ghosts’ plays a smaller role than expected (and is also less about ghosts than expected, but that can be forgiven given the story’s other entertaining elements)
Fascinating premise: preventing older brother from becoming the villain
💭 The Bottom Line: With vivid prose, creative fantasy elements, and compelling sibling relationships, The Language of Ghosts makes a refreshing read.
November 1, 2020
The queen is dead and during the funeral dinner there is a coup....
Julian, the New King & his two sisters flee hopping aboard a boat turned island; always moving capturing other islands & now searching for the two lost languages of the Magi. There are rumored to be 9, seven of which Julian can already speak... But what of the other two? Where could they hidden and why?
Julian (deposed king & dark Mage), Noa (his sister) & Mite (the youngest sister) are doing what they can to bring Julian back to the Throne, but his magic is not always enough and so off they search for the rumored lost magical languages...
This was ok, once again I did not really care for the characters, they bored me; but I liked the plot so I finished the book. It rather reminded me of Septimius Heap
Julian, the New King & his two sisters flee hopping aboard a boat turned island; always moving capturing other islands & now searching for the two lost languages of the Magi. There are rumored to be 9, seven of which Julian can already speak... But what of the other two? Where could they hidden and why?
Julian (deposed king & dark Mage), Noa (his sister) & Mite (the youngest sister) are doing what they can to bring Julian back to the Throne, but his magic is not always enough and so off they search for the rumored lost magical languages...
This was ok, once again I did not really care for the characters, they bored me; but I liked the plot so I finished the book. It rather reminded me of Septimius Heap
February 16, 2021
Richly imagined island-based fantasy with a smart middle-child protag. I was getting kind of a Caribbean vibe, but maybe that was mostly b/c of the pirates? The sibling relationships and age-based behaviours were brilliantly vivid, at times uncomfortably so, and Noa's devotion to research and strategy, not to mention, desire to influence and be heard/seen were super relatable. Adventurous, magical and inspiring, with a number of great themes developed over the course of the story. Not a fan of the spider subplot, but the invisible cats and otter-guide were fantastic!
November 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this story about siblings, ghosts and magically moving islands. I love that Noa was level headed and smart and that all her siblings brought something different to the story. I drew a lot of caparisons between this book and the Pinch of magic series by Michelle Harrison.
This book was wonderfully clique in a lot of ways but oddly originally in others. I can’t wait to see what more this author brings us!
This book was wonderfully clique in a lot of ways but oddly originally in others. I can’t wait to see what more this author brings us!
March 25, 2023
I tried so hard to get into this one - 40% in and I had to DNF. Maybe I’ll try it again at another date but found it so mundane and dragged on which is shocking considering the books contains most of my favourite fantasy aspects.
November 3, 2020
Awesome read. Really enjoyed this one. Lots of quirky details like elderly dragons and invisible cats.
December 19, 2021
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/l...
L’incantatore oscuro di Heather Fawcett, fantasy per ragazzi pubblicato da Mondadori ragazzi il 14 settembre.
Cosa credete abbia attratto la mia attenzione? Ovviamente la splendida copertina che rappresenta alla perfezione l’incanto di questa storia. Sono una lettrice di fantasy da qualche anno e quelli per ragazzi e young adult sono i miei preferiti per il loro worldbuilding non troppo complesso. L’incantatore oscuro non fa eccezione e i giovani lettori apprezzeranno sia il lavoro che è stato fatto nella creazione del mondo magico, sia la vena ironica della narrazione che alleggerisce e dona ritmo alla storia.
Noa è la protagonista, ma non è sola, con lei ci sono il fratello maggiore Julian e la sorella minore Mite. Noa, Julian e Mire sono dovuti fuggire dopo che la loro madre è stata uccisa da qualcuno che è intenzionato a far fare la stessa fine agli eredi al trono. Ovviamente colui che rischia maggiormente la pelle è Julian, l’erede legittimo, l’unico ad avere gli stessi poteri della madre. Julian sembra essere il mago oscuro più potente che Florean abbia mai visto. Il problema di tutto questo potere è che a volte è difficile da arginare e può portare il futuro Re a compiere gesti che non rientrano nel lecito, dare in pasto a Bella, il serpente marino, i ‘prigionieri’ non sembra essere una pratica molto apprezzata e poco importa se Bella sia tra i miei personaggi preferiti, non si fa.
Noa capisce che il confine tra giusto e sbagliato è molto labile e ce la mette davvero tutta per impedire al fratellone di passare al lato oscuro e diventare malvagio, certo l’impresa non sarà semplice, ma oltre a rendere il tutto più avventuroso le darà modo di scoprire qualcosa di molto importante che la riguarda, perché diciamocelo, Noa non era affatto felice di essere l’unica della famiglia senza nemmeno un briciolo di potere a scorrerle nelle vene. Ma Noa non servirà solo per tenere a bada il temperamento di Julian, lei nella famiglia è la più pratica, la più strategica, il consigliere migliore che potrebbe avere al suo fianco e adesso è il momento di mettere da parte tutte le remore e affidarsi al suo buon senso.
Una delle protagoniste più interessanti è Astrae, l’isola magica galleggiante che ha dato loro riparo, un’isola che perde le coordinate e può finire con lo scontrarsi con la terra ferma rivelando così la sua esistenza e mettendo in pericolo i tre fratelli che vi si nascondono. Ma la magia non riguarda solo il loro rifugio, abbiamo anche delle creature fantastiche come Bella, il serpente marino ghiotto di torte che è solita mangiare gli uomini che finiscono in mare pur non amandone il sapore, un anziano drago che sembra apprezzare solo Julian, delle lontre vanitose che si mettono in mezzo e rischiano di buttare all’aria tutto il lavoro di Noa.
In L’incantatore oscuro è molto importante il concetto di famiglia, i tre fratelli si ritrovano soli e tutti i gesti che compiono sono per rimanere uniti, Julian ha promesso alla madre che si sarebbe preso cura di Noa e Mite e non ha nessuna intenzione di venire meno alla parola data, per lui ciò che conta davvero è tenerle al sicuro, eliminando qualsiasi pericolo dal loro cammino, deve però rendersi conto che da solo non può farcela e che l’aiuto di Noa diventa fondamentale per riuscire a recuperare le Parole Perdute.
Sono certa che i giovani lettori si divertiranno a leggere le avventure dei tre fratelli e che apprezzeranno le creature magiche che li circondano, la narrazione è abbastanza scorrevole, il linguaggio ben comprensibile e quel pizzico di oscurità non guasta affatto, rendendolo adatto alla lettura dai dodici anni in su.
L’incantatore oscuro di Heather Fawcett, fantasy per ragazzi pubblicato da Mondadori ragazzi il 14 settembre.
Cosa credete abbia attratto la mia attenzione? Ovviamente la splendida copertina che rappresenta alla perfezione l’incanto di questa storia. Sono una lettrice di fantasy da qualche anno e quelli per ragazzi e young adult sono i miei preferiti per il loro worldbuilding non troppo complesso. L’incantatore oscuro non fa eccezione e i giovani lettori apprezzeranno sia il lavoro che è stato fatto nella creazione del mondo magico, sia la vena ironica della narrazione che alleggerisce e dona ritmo alla storia.
Noa è la protagonista, ma non è sola, con lei ci sono il fratello maggiore Julian e la sorella minore Mite. Noa, Julian e Mire sono dovuti fuggire dopo che la loro madre è stata uccisa da qualcuno che è intenzionato a far fare la stessa fine agli eredi al trono. Ovviamente colui che rischia maggiormente la pelle è Julian, l’erede legittimo, l’unico ad avere gli stessi poteri della madre. Julian sembra essere il mago oscuro più potente che Florean abbia mai visto. Il problema di tutto questo potere è che a volte è difficile da arginare e può portare il futuro Re a compiere gesti che non rientrano nel lecito, dare in pasto a Bella, il serpente marino, i ‘prigionieri’ non sembra essere una pratica molto apprezzata e poco importa se Bella sia tra i miei personaggi preferiti, non si fa.
Noa capisce che il confine tra giusto e sbagliato è molto labile e ce la mette davvero tutta per impedire al fratellone di passare al lato oscuro e diventare malvagio, certo l’impresa non sarà semplice, ma oltre a rendere il tutto più avventuroso le darà modo di scoprire qualcosa di molto importante che la riguarda, perché diciamocelo, Noa non era affatto felice di essere l’unica della famiglia senza nemmeno un briciolo di potere a scorrerle nelle vene. Ma Noa non servirà solo per tenere a bada il temperamento di Julian, lei nella famiglia è la più pratica, la più strategica, il consigliere migliore che potrebbe avere al suo fianco e adesso è il momento di mettere da parte tutte le remore e affidarsi al suo buon senso.
Una delle protagoniste più interessanti è Astrae, l’isola magica galleggiante che ha dato loro riparo, un’isola che perde le coordinate e può finire con lo scontrarsi con la terra ferma rivelando così la sua esistenza e mettendo in pericolo i tre fratelli che vi si nascondono. Ma la magia non riguarda solo il loro rifugio, abbiamo anche delle creature fantastiche come Bella, il serpente marino ghiotto di torte che è solita mangiare gli uomini che finiscono in mare pur non amandone il sapore, un anziano drago che sembra apprezzare solo Julian, delle lontre vanitose che si mettono in mezzo e rischiano di buttare all’aria tutto il lavoro di Noa.
In L’incantatore oscuro è molto importante il concetto di famiglia, i tre fratelli si ritrovano soli e tutti i gesti che compiono sono per rimanere uniti, Julian ha promesso alla madre che si sarebbe preso cura di Noa e Mite e non ha nessuna intenzione di venire meno alla parola data, per lui ciò che conta davvero è tenerle al sicuro, eliminando qualsiasi pericolo dal loro cammino, deve però rendersi conto che da solo non può farcela e che l’aiuto di Noa diventa fondamentale per riuscire a recuperare le Parole Perdute.
Sono certa che i giovani lettori si divertiranno a leggere le avventure dei tre fratelli e che apprezzeranno le creature magiche che li circondano, la narrazione è abbastanza scorrevole, il linguaggio ben comprensibile e quel pizzico di oscurità non guasta affatto, rendendolo adatto alla lettura dai dodici anni in su.
June 22, 2022
This book was both more fun than I was anticipating and had more LGBTQ+ rep than I was expecting! I love that there is another MGLit novel out there that a young reader can potentially see themselves in.
I picked this up because one of my best friends read it, loved it, and recommended it. I think this was a really fun fantasy novel that I think deserves both more hype and potentially a sequel. I would love to know more about these characters--although that conclusion was also very satisfying.
Fawcett also introduces a really clever argument of how it sometimes takes a monster to defeat another monster. I thought this was fascinating because it slashes that original concept of good vs evil because in reality, that argument is a lot more grey area than straight forward--especially when you consider the people living on either sides of the equation. War can make monsters of people and it is only after the fact that one has to consider if an action was justified or a monstrous act. I loved that argument and I really appreciated seeing it in an MGLit novel. Reminds me a little of how THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL challenges this concept, too.
I recommend this one to older MGlit readers and older readers, just because there are some darker themes and scenes of alluded deaths. This is also perfect for that reader who doesn't like fantasy series and just want a standalone!
Happy reading!
I picked this up because one of my best friends read it, loved it, and recommended it. I think this was a really fun fantasy novel that I think deserves both more hype and potentially a sequel. I would love to know more about these characters--although that conclusion was also very satisfying.
Fawcett also introduces a really clever argument of how it sometimes takes a monster to defeat another monster. I thought this was fascinating because it slashes that original concept of good vs evil because in reality, that argument is a lot more grey area than straight forward--especially when you consider the people living on either sides of the equation. War can make monsters of people and it is only after the fact that one has to consider if an action was justified or a monstrous act. I loved that argument and I really appreciated seeing it in an MGLit novel. Reminds me a little of how THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL challenges this concept, too.
I recommend this one to older MGlit readers and older readers, just because there are some darker themes and scenes of alluded deaths. This is also perfect for that reader who doesn't like fantasy series and just want a standalone!
Happy reading!
August 29, 2023
trigger warning
When a coup happens, Noa and her siblings also lose their home because her big brother Julian happens to be king. The three work together for one goal: Get the kingdom back and restore their family's name.
A magician who works with watermagic can speak the language of Salt. Usually, magicians can speak one of the six language, and that's it - mages who are able to speak more than one are feared as dark mages who are supposed to be unusually cruel people. Of course, it runs in their family and gave the ursurper a foothold to rest his rhetoric on.
Now, the Marchenas live on a magic island and try to find the two supposedly-lost languages, mostly so their enemy won't get them in their hands.
This book has it all: Books, magic, invisible cats, old dragons, snarky seasnakes, cake.
Loved it. Since this is the third book by this author I read and really enjoyed, I guess I'll make it a point to look at everything they did. Would recommend if you're looking for a fun magical adventure.
When a coup happens, Noa and her siblings also lose their home because her big brother Julian happens to be king. The three work together for one goal: Get the kingdom back and restore their family's name.
A magician who works with watermagic can speak the language of Salt. Usually, magicians can speak one of the six language, and that's it - mages who are able to speak more than one are feared as dark mages who are supposed to be unusually cruel people. Of course, it runs in their family and gave the ursurper a foothold to rest his rhetoric on.
Now, the Marchenas live on a magic island and try to find the two supposedly-lost languages, mostly so their enemy won't get them in their hands.
This book has it all: Books, magic, invisible cats, old dragons, snarky seasnakes, cake.
Loved it. Since this is the third book by this author I read and really enjoyed, I guess I'll make it a point to look at everything they did. Would recommend if you're looking for a fun magical adventure.
June 7, 2026
I quite liked this book -- I thought it was charming and clever and at the beginning did a wonderful job of setting up moral conflict. The characters feel very real and very likeable, even with their flaws, which is what makes it so interested. Mite, I would not be able to have your beetle and spider collection in my house.
However, I was dissapointed by the ending; I think the moral tension was dissoved too quickly at the end, and I wanted there to be more grief over past chocies that did do terrible things. There was also the great opportunity to challenge the concept that monarchy in nessesary in fantasy, and I wish that Fawcett had taken it rather than gone by the line that the born monarch family is always right.
However, I was dissapointed by the ending; I think the moral tension was dissoved too quickly at the end, and I wanted there to be more grief over past chocies that did do terrible things. There was also the great opportunity to challenge the concept that monarchy in nessesary in fantasy, and I wish that Fawcett had taken it rather than gone by the line that the born monarch family is always right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
Full review on my blog: https://mellenorereads.wordpress.com/...
Firstly, this cover is quite possibly one of the pretties I have seen in a while. I mean just look at it! I really enjoyed this middle grade. It was unique, fun, and enchanting. I found myself rooting for the characters from start to finish. There were some points where the logic kind of got to me, but overall, I highly recommend!
Firstly, this cover is quite possibly one of the pretties I have seen in a while. I mean just look at it! I really enjoyed this middle grade. It was unique, fun, and enchanting. I found myself rooting for the characters from start to finish. There were some points where the logic kind of got to me, but overall, I highly recommend!
September 17, 2020
The Language of Ghosts is a brilliant intersection between magic, family, and choices. After a coup, three siblings flee to an island where Julian, the oldest, hones his dark magic. Noa learns everything she can about the island, Julian's powers, and discovers her own while trying to save her brother from going evil. All the while, the youngest, Mite, is busy finding all the bugs, spiders, and monsters that live on their island home. This story hits all the right marks for a fantastic middle grade book.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed the book and my true rating is 3.5/5. It has a very interesting and engaging concept, but I feel like this being an YA would fit the storyline way better? Also, at 223 pages for ebook, it is way too short to fully expand on the world building + plot + character development, so I do think the book struggle to pace itself a little bit. There are some parts I wished the author expanded on, like why Xavier wanted to take over the throne and why the queen was poisoned. The ending felt rushed, but wrapped up nicely.
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