The Wrong Side of Magic: a middle grade fantasy

by Janette Rallison

Things Hudson didn’t expect to deal with in eighth
Trolls
Unicorns with attitudes
Devious mermaids
Talking penguins
Fairy thieves

And, oh yeah, a wizard who’s trying to kill him.

Hudson doesn’t even believe in magic until the day he’s whisked away to the land of Logos by a curious compass given to him by his off-beat neighbor, Charlotte.

That girl has way more secrets than she’s letting on.

Since Hudson doesn't understand the rules of Logos, he’s quickly saddled with a troll curse. Charlotte, who, along with her father, was banished from Logos, can help get rid of the curse — but only if he agrees to find the lost Princess of Logos in return.

They embark on a quest filled with magic and mayhem — one that teaches them what a true friend is worth.

The Wrong Side of Magic is a fun adventure that fans of Harry Potter and The Phantom Tollbooth will love. Children wielding magic? What could go wrong?

A good purchase for readers of lighthearted fantasy adventure books—School Library Journal

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Humor, Magic, Childrens, Mystery

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2016

About the author

Check out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...

Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.


Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007

"

Reviews

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a magical book. Meaning that it was about magic, and not that it magically wrote itself. I can assure you that it didn't write itself even though I kept encouraging it to.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Janette Rallison's dedication got me all fired up, with a shout out for one of my favorite books of all time (The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster) and to her fifth grade teacher who read it to her class. This book has a similar theme, updated for more modern times, and funny word play; however, the "kids-travel-to-a-magical-land-and-save-it-from-evil" plot is overused, the big reveal was obvious to me about half way through, and there were no pen sketches. An eighth grade boy (Hudson) tries to help his little sister cure her sick cat by finding a plant in the magical land of Logos, but some evil trolls give him a nasty surprise. His weird classmate, Charlotte, who hails from Logos, goes back to help him rid himself of the surprise, which requires rescue of the missing princess. Meh.

[A.L. Sowards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one aloud to my 7-year-old twins. They loved it so much that they’ve been pretending to go to Logos (the magical land in the book). Honestly, they probably didn’t get all the clever word play in the book, because they were hearing it instead of reading it, but they enjoyed the adventure aspects (and so did I). I picked out the big plot twist about 100 pages before it happened, but that didn’t ruin the story for me. It was a fun read—a princess, a bad king, unicorns, mermaids, fairies, and troll curses. Recommended for readers who like middle grade fantasy stories.

The kids wanted to give the book 500 stars, but I guess we'll have to settle for 5.

[Book Geek Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a Middle Grader that likes fantasy adventures, GET THEM THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!! Seriously. It is awesome. It's going in my permanent library.

Remember The Phantom Tollbooth? I didn't read it until 8th grade because I thought it was about ghosts (I don't like ghosts). But when I finally read it, I was blown away. This book? EVEN BETTER!! (Yes, imagine me screaming when I use caps. And jumping up and down like a crazy person.)

This story is so clever and well-written. The plot line is pretty good, and the characters are funny. But the wordplay is so awesome. I laughed through the whole thing. I gave it to my 6 year old grandson for Christmas, and it might be just a bit old for him to get all the jokes. But it works as a read-aloud. It's probably best for 5th grade level readers.

Fun. Funny. Amazing writing. Get it. NOW!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I would read to students or use for a literature study because it has positive messages, grammar references, humor, action & it will appeal to both boys and girls. Hudson, a boy from our world, and Charlotte, a girl from a magical world called Logos, set off on a quest to find the Logosian Princess and free her. Along the way Hudson learns about the power of words and friendship and how both can be magical.

As an adult I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, plot, wordplay and wit of this book. I recommend it for kids, teens, and adults.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super fun magical adventure! This one had lots of similarities to the Phantom Tollbooth, so if you like that play on words kind of thing, this one is definitely for you, but this one also had a great princess rescue plot to it as well. Kids are going to love this one.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adore this book! A must-read!

[Anne Beardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delightful, funny, charming fantasy novel about rollicking adventures in a downright peculiar magical kingdom.

The author tries to channel Phantom Tollbooth.
The book is most charming when it's least like Phantom Tollbooth (granted, it's a lot of charm at any given point.)
If I were her editor, I would have axed the whole edible words thing at the get go.

Everything else in the story is just lovely. It's pleasant, interesting, exciting, funny, and a good story.

This is a book with Many Helpful Lessons...that honestly, I didn't mind too much. If a book is going to teach you Improving Lessons about things like gratitude and not judging by appearances, it's really nice if it tells outright what it is doing and manages to keep the outraged, puritanical tone out of its voice as it does so. This book has a sheepish grin and a twinkle in its eye, and it can get away with lots.


It nearly got five whole stars. I had a blast reading it.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were fun
and the plot was engaging. This is the kind of novel I'd choose to read
to a class at school as a read-aloud and know they'd love it! There were some great
twists in the story that made for an exciting conclusion to the story.

[Michael Davenport · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars: I felt forced to read it

For a kids book is probably fine, but after the 3rd chapter I figured out the ending of the book and became bored of it. There were a few funny scenes, but besides that I was unimpressed.

Tags: children's book, clean, has a dragon

[Mikala Charron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, cute read. I loved all the word play and the creativity. I always like when I’m happily surprised to enjoy a middle grade novel so well.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story reminded me of a Wrinkle in Time and Wizard of Oz and a lot like the Wicked Dorothy series, but not so graphic. Lots of magic and creative twists and turns. I figured out the mystery pretty early on but I think middle readers will love it.
A boy trying to help his sister take care of her sick cat gets tricked into going into a magical world in search of a missing princess. His partner is a young girl whose father has been hiding from the cruel king in the Land of Banishment (aka our world) She wants to find the princess and return her to power so she and her father can return.

The boy was kind of slow to catch on to things in the start but he had a true hero's heart. the girl is brave but needed confidence. The journey they take together helps them both to grow.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think The Phatom Tollbooth re-written...and better. What a fun magical adventure! The ending wasn’t a surprise but the road to get there was so enjoyable. For anyone who loves words, or plays on words, I think you will like this book.

I love the emphasis on friendship and doing what’s right and honorable.

I loved this line, in reference to the fruit you could eat that gives a person compliments. “The compliment fruit tasted great but it wasn’t filling.”

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable. Somewhat predictable, but such a fun and creative ride. It could have been edited slightly, to make it a bit more even-handed on the clever word play and the action but I still hope it turns into a series.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate when I forget to write a short review for a book I loved. This one was so good and everything I want when I read a book by Janette Rallison!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was hilarious and brilliant. There were so many details in this fantastical world that kept it interesting and fresh all the way through, and the pacing was remarkable.

[Chantele Sedgwick]

Such a fun and clever book! Loved it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:

I absolutely loved this book!!! This book is about Hudson and Charlotte, they are very extraordinary children. Facing problems and solving puzzles with courage. Hudson and Charlotte always impress me, they are a very good couple and friends. Hudson has a rather stubborn attitude at the beginning and Charlotte is a girl of great courage. I really like the way they solve problems and the idea of diamonds whenever they run into trouble.

Plot:

In this story Hudson and Charllote want to help a princess Namira to get out of prison, because King Vayran is an evil king. They think if they can help the princess everything will turn out better than before. But actually, Charlotte is Princess Namira. The last part, Hudson threw the revealing powder, Charlotte turned into Princess Namira. And the facts she realizes suddenly appear, have been there all along, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Because the real answer has always been with her, beside her in every adventure they've been on.

(I think Hudson and Charllote have good chemistry, they like each other... even if it's just a little bit. But they weren't recognizable enough. But I really liked how Hudson treated Charllote in the part where the fairy asked for the best and meaningfull memories they had, and Hudson gave his memories to the fairy because he felt sorry for Charllote, who always gave up her best memories.)

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Hudson Brown stopped believing in magic long ago. That is, until the day he is whisked away to the magical land of Logos by a curious compass given to him by his off-beat neighbor, Charlotte.

Hudson discovers that Logos is a land ruled by words, thoughts, and memories. A fairy might ferry you across the river for the price of one memory. But be sure to look out for snarky unicorns, as they will see through those who are not pure of heart.

Not understanding the many rules of Logos, Hudson is quickly saddled with a troll curse. Charlotte, who, along with her father, was banished from Logos, can help get rid of the curse--but only if he agrees to find the lost Princess of Logos in return.

MY TAKE
This was not the kind of Janette Rallison story I'm used to--clever witty YA. It was still clever and witty, but written for MG. Hudson's a typical guy in many ways, but he does have a good heart. He turns out to be a better friends than he thought too, to Charlotte.

The magical world Rallison creates is funny and interesting. There's a fun twist at the end.

4 1/2 stars

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trouble with magic begins when Hudson’s little sister Bonnie finds a sick kitten that she insists on doing everything to heal. When their odd neighbor Charlotte gives Bonnie a magic compass to travel to the Kingdom of Logos to find the plant that will heal the kitten, Hudson declares it too dangerous for her and he goes instead. His simple task turns into rescue operation with Charlotte to find the imprisoned princess and rid Logos of the evil King holding her prisoner.

Rallison builds the world of Logos as a place where words matter and are the key to Hudson and Charlotte succeeding on their task. Middle grade fantasy readers will find themselves enchanted with Logos. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson doesn't believe in magic. But when his sister's cat gets sick, and she tells him that a neighbor named Charlotte said a plant can cure her cat, he decides to see if he can get the plant for his sister. But he's surprised when he is magically transported to a magical land called Logos. And when he accidentally comes back with a curse, Charlotte decides she will help him rid himself of the curse if he will help her find the missing princess and restore her to the throne. Adventures and danger ensue.

My favorite part is the wordplay incorporated into this fun story. For example, one area of Logos is called Backwords. And there words might be sdrowkcab. Backwords be might words there and. Dna ereht sdorw thigim eb sdrowkcab. And so on.

[Ikmalina Mohd Naim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh I'm utterly head over heels with this book. I randomly pick it up at a book fair, intrigued by the synopsis given. I've always been a sucker for fantasy genre and where one is swept to another magical land. And yes, this book did not disappoint!

It was such a fun, interesting and quirky read. I love the word-play so much. It's so creative and at the same time we are learning from it. I believe middle school kids will enjoy this a lot.

[Jason Ravara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had fun with this one. The story was sort of light and I know it was made for children but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot was kinda simple and predictable but it's exciting and adorable in its own way. Plus, there's a lot of lessons to be learned here.

This is a story about an adventure a boy and a girl took to accomplish each of their goals: one, to free himself from the curse, and two, to free the realm from a tyrant by rescuing the princess.

Lessons to learn:
•Words have power
•Sometimes, the things we seek are closer than we think.
• A lot more, but I'm lazy so let's leave it at this. :D

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully written book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Lovers of The Phantom Tolebooth and similar books will absolutely love this one! Grammaria is a land in trouble. The princess has been spirited away by her power hungry uncle who has taken control, and only a boy from Earth and a girl from Grammaria are able to do anything about it! Follow Hudson and Charlotte as they face off with trolls who are more devious than they expect, fruit that flatters you but doesn't fill you, and a power hungry king who will do anything to stop them! It's also awesome that the book subtly teaches youngsters about grammar, word usage, and how it's very NAUGHTY to split an infinitive, and all in a playful, non-pushy way.

I highly recommend this book to readers old and young who enjoy stories of kids journeying to fantasy lands to have adventures!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! First off, I love this author. Most of what I've read of hers are YA novels, more teenage girl genre, but I've enjoyed all of them. This book was more of a tween audience, appealing to both boys and girls. In fact, my 12 year old son read this first and recommended that I read it! I wish she'd write more of this type of book, my son was said he wished it had a sequel! This would be thoroughly delightful for all ages, even read aloud to younger elementary kids and up.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming, whimsical book that reminded me of "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" or "The Phantom Tollbooth." The world of Logos is unique and magical, with magical rules that make sense but are always surprising. Hudson's character was the most interesting part for me, as he grew and developed into a cool, heroic character throughout the story. If you like whimsical magical worlds with fairy tale feel, this is a great read.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to go on a fun adventure? If so then this book is for you. You can even read it to your kid! Hudson is a normal kid going to school and his friends like to make fun of Charlotte who is a little odd. They make fun of her all them and Hudson feels bad because he doesn’t stick up for her. Charlotte is always talking about magic and takes what you say literally. Well one day Hudson gets to go on an adventure with Charlotte to her country. And that’s where all the magic begins.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me in all the best ways. It was clever and laugh-out-loud funny, it had great morals—something severely lacking in many popular kids’ books. I will be purchasing the hardcover and sharing it with my 10 year old—I will update this review with his opinion after he reads it. This book was super enjoyable and entertaining for me as an adult, and I have no doubt that it will be just as fun for my kids to read, too. Highly recommend!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book. I was worried it might be too much of a kids story, and even though I'm sure kids would love it, I thoroughly enjoyed it as well.
I don't want to give anything away by saying too much about the story line, but the characters are likable, the story moves along at a good pace, and it's very entertaining. You really can't go wrong with a Janette Rallison book. :)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loved this book so much! He has read it over and over since we finished and now everyone in the house has read it as well. The imagination and clever word play is so much fun and now I need to find a way to visit Logos soon. I hope there will be a companion book since I need more of this imaginative writing in my life.