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Nikki Magee
Nikki is an orphan, age 11. She's a musical prodigy, with a voice. Her story begins when she is thrown from an uncaring dark world into the morning light of her life, soon finding herself protected by a guardian in the form of a mob boss and his family. Nikki Magee is a relatively fast paced novella suitable for adults and teens. As one reviewer says, " Cinderella without the midnight deadline." There's a cast of characters involved in the journey she must take. Nikki's story is one of music. From Chopin to Joe Cocker, Nikki's wish is to play, and play she does. She has a dream, and at age 15 she goes to her first rock concert where Fate is going to intervene, on a massive scale.
186 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2014
8 people want to read
About the author
Peter Wendt
2 books13 followersI'm a trained photographer, a one time computer geek, and play Warcraft. Also a hobbyist at multi-track recording. My reading tastes are history, some SFF, and general fiction. I also love movies.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 7, 2015
I absolutely loved this story of a young girl, literally dumped on the streets aged eleven and picked up by a Mafia boss, who having heard her play piano welcomes her into his family. She is a prodigious, self taught music talent able to play piano and drums as well as write music.
The story probably stretches the imagination a bit but it is a feel good story, which I have just read in one sitting, leaving me with a warm glow and feeling of contentment. The characters are interesting and though we see nothing of the dark side of the mafia family, I was still able to believe that even gangsters could be captivated by the beauty of her music and spirit.
The book is well written and hugely entertaining. The author did a great job of painting the various scenes of performances.
Strongly recommended if you want a read, which leaves you feeling upbeat.
The story probably stretches the imagination a bit but it is a feel good story, which I have just read in one sitting, leaving me with a warm glow and feeling of contentment. The characters are interesting and though we see nothing of the dark side of the mafia family, I was still able to believe that even gangsters could be captivated by the beauty of her music and spirit.
The book is well written and hugely entertaining. The author did a great job of painting the various scenes of performances.
Strongly recommended if you want a read, which leaves you feeling upbeat.
November 16, 2015
I understand this is the author's first book and I have to say I found it really delightful.
An eleven year old girl, virtually tossed onto the street, suddenly finds herself in the home of a local gang boss. Fortunately, when the girl, Nikki, plays a tune on the piano, he is reminded of his wife's love of music, and takes her into his family. From there she doesn't look back. Her love of music makes her forget her past life and she is able to make a new start.
Peter Wendt's style of writing is a little unusual to me. However, it certainly didn't distract me from the story. Once I started reading I found I couldn't put the book down down. If you are looking for an uplifting read, then this is the book for you.
An eleven year old girl, virtually tossed onto the street, suddenly finds herself in the home of a local gang boss. Fortunately, when the girl, Nikki, plays a tune on the piano, he is reminded of his wife's love of music, and takes her into his family. From there she doesn't look back. Her love of music makes her forget her past life and she is able to make a new start.
Peter Wendt's style of writing is a little unusual to me. However, it certainly didn't distract me from the story. Once I started reading I found I couldn't put the book down down. If you are looking for an uplifting read, then this is the book for you.
August 2, 2015
Nikki Magee is a great summer read! Full of twists and turns Wendt takes you on a journey in New York City. Nikki a talented young girl comes of age amidst the lively Italian Community. In this tale even Mafia Dons have a heart, and good things happen to those who work: nice twist.
December 9, 2017
Nikki Magee is a short feel good read that I thoroughly enjoyed even though there was one main theme that I struggled with. Nikki is a badly mistreated 11yo girl who is adopted by the mafia. The mafia in this book are the antithesis of the mafia in the Godfather movies. They are kind, helpful, don't commission any hits, are not into prostitution, don't run drugs and don't standover anyone. To that extent this novella is a total escape from reality. That said, it is hard not to be buoyed by this story and the amazing success of Nikki. For those looking for a short, enjoyable read, this novella is for you.
November 3, 2019
What do the mob, the world of music, and an orphan have in common? Nothing, until you open the pages of this book that is a wonderful escape and a heartfelt story. It will take you to Glasgow, Ireland, to seedy music shops and to a worldwide stage. I loved seeing the evolution of Nikki's growth from lost orphan to musician and loved imagining what this story would feel like on the movie screen. I say 'feel' because I imagined hearing the music as she played a new instrument for the first time, met with the injured musician, and was tricked by a seedy music shop owner. The emotions would come through wonderfully in the background music. I think it would be fabulous!
July 29, 2017
An Enjoyable Read
This book was written in a much different style than what I'm used to but I enjoyed it immensely. Nikki was child who'd pretty much been abused and disposed of. No one had ever really cared about her or her well-being. When the story begins she's been tossed to the side of the road and helped by a stranger. From there the neighborhood from which she was dropped has adopted her as one their own.
Believe it or not, being tossed out like garbage was the best thing that could've happened to her. I kept waiting for the next shoe to drop from those who'd tossed her out.
This book was written in a much different style than what I'm used to but I enjoyed it immensely. Nikki was child who'd pretty much been abused and disposed of. No one had ever really cared about her or her well-being. When the story begins she's been tossed to the side of the road and helped by a stranger. From there the neighborhood from which she was dropped has adopted her as one their own.
Believe it or not, being tossed out like garbage was the best thing that could've happened to her. I kept waiting for the next shoe to drop from those who'd tossed her out.
September 20, 2018
An inspirational story that touched my heart deeply. Nikki is a child prodigy when it comes to music. The people that took her under their wings were kind, generous, and loving. Just how Nikki came into the situation of being abandoned on a road is not clear. Little is known about her past, which is what the main character chooses.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
April 14, 2016
Nikki Magee is the story of an abandoned orphan girl who has known nothing but cruelty and abuse in her short 11 years of life. The only thing that has kept her alive this long is the music she plays in her head and the songs only she knows the words to. When chance sees her dumped close to the doorstep of a kindly, elderly Italian couple, she experiences the first kindness she can remember. When instinct tells the old man to take her before the Don, both they and she discover her musical talent is more than real, and they begin what will become a life changing journey for all of them.
This isn't the usual sort of book I would read, but I found it charming and captivating from the start. It is hard not to fall for Nikki almost immediately, or her affable guardian angel in the form of DJ, the Mafia Don who takes her into his protection. Despite its brevity, the story makes a good job of introducing the reader to a whole community of characters, all with their own back-story and individual charms.
The first half of the book is a lovely read, as we see Nikki's thirst for music and her acceptance of the love she is being showered with growing. The story in unashamedly feel-good fantasy, so don't expect too many twists and turns along the way.
The scenes where those around her discover Nikki's talent are written especially well. There is a real sense of awe and something special having been found in Nikki that really comes across.
Once started, I couldn't stop reading until the end, which speaks volumes given that I would not usually choose this genre. But the price offers excellent value for money, and the short length makes for a quick and easy escape as a reader.
I did have a couple of issues. Nikki's musical taste is, almost certainly deliberately, all over the place. Some of the choices for her inspiration seem out of place compared to the strong blues vibe that really comes through, even sporadic. It reads a little like the author perhaps over-reached when trying to show the breadth of her repertoire and influences.
There were also a number of errors in the text, at least enough to notice - mainly additional words rather than spelling errors. I also found the writing style less than smooth, hurried in some places and harshly rough in others. However, these errors did not affect the story overall.
There is therefore a great deal to like about Nikki Magee. It is innocent and short enough to be embraced by a young reader, but also easily enchanting enough for someone looking for a light-hearted feel good short story. Good things come in small packages they say, and here you have hope, the Mafia, rock and roll, and even U2 concentrated into a charming novella. Give it a go.
This isn't the usual sort of book I would read, but I found it charming and captivating from the start. It is hard not to fall for Nikki almost immediately, or her affable guardian angel in the form of DJ, the Mafia Don who takes her into his protection. Despite its brevity, the story makes a good job of introducing the reader to a whole community of characters, all with their own back-story and individual charms.
The first half of the book is a lovely read, as we see Nikki's thirst for music and her acceptance of the love she is being showered with growing. The story in unashamedly feel-good fantasy, so don't expect too many twists and turns along the way.
The scenes where those around her discover Nikki's talent are written especially well. There is a real sense of awe and something special having been found in Nikki that really comes across.
Once started, I couldn't stop reading until the end, which speaks volumes given that I would not usually choose this genre. But the price offers excellent value for money, and the short length makes for a quick and easy escape as a reader.
I did have a couple of issues. Nikki's musical taste is, almost certainly deliberately, all over the place. Some of the choices for her inspiration seem out of place compared to the strong blues vibe that really comes through, even sporadic. It reads a little like the author perhaps over-reached when trying to show the breadth of her repertoire and influences.
There were also a number of errors in the text, at least enough to notice - mainly additional words rather than spelling errors. I also found the writing style less than smooth, hurried in some places and harshly rough in others. However, these errors did not affect the story overall.
There is therefore a great deal to like about Nikki Magee. It is innocent and short enough to be embraced by a young reader, but also easily enchanting enough for someone looking for a light-hearted feel good short story. Good things come in small packages they say, and here you have hope, the Mafia, rock and roll, and even U2 concentrated into a charming novella. Give it a go.
April 18, 2016
I really enjoyed Nikki Magee and I think this story would appeal to just about everyone. To be honest, I had to read the first twenty pages before I was hooked but after that it was difficult for me to put this book down.
The plot was original and unexpectedly engaging, all the characters were very true-to-life, and the secondary characters were developed sufficiently enough not to overshadow the plight and development of Nikki Magee but still make a statement. For example, the inclusion of characters such as Nina, Drek, Claude and Molly really added to the story. Also, the writing style was interesting and laid out in a way that made me think this book could easily be transformed into a film script.
The author, Peter Wendt, did an excellent job developing the central character Nikki and when you read this book you can’t help but admire the way he skilfully portrays an abused child and how an Italian mafia family and their connections do everything they can to rebuild her trust in people and restore her faith in humanity. The story and Nikki’s character in particular were very well-written so the book seemed entirely realistic. Also, the development of Nikki’s personality and emotional capacity to trust others is gradual and not forced on you in one chapter so maybe this is why it felt so genuine. You can’t help but feel attached to Nikki and you want her to succeed and feel safe so the storyline for me was very satisfactory and the ending was in no way disappointing.
It was also clear to me that Peter Wendt has a very good understanding of the music scene as well as an eclectic taste in music so the popular musical references and the concerts, especially the final concert, really came to life for me and I felt like I was in the crowd, listening to the music, as I read each page.
The plot was original and unexpectedly engaging, all the characters were very true-to-life, and the secondary characters were developed sufficiently enough not to overshadow the plight and development of Nikki Magee but still make a statement. For example, the inclusion of characters such as Nina, Drek, Claude and Molly really added to the story. Also, the writing style was interesting and laid out in a way that made me think this book could easily be transformed into a film script.
The author, Peter Wendt, did an excellent job developing the central character Nikki and when you read this book you can’t help but admire the way he skilfully portrays an abused child and how an Italian mafia family and their connections do everything they can to rebuild her trust in people and restore her faith in humanity. The story and Nikki’s character in particular were very well-written so the book seemed entirely realistic. Also, the development of Nikki’s personality and emotional capacity to trust others is gradual and not forced on you in one chapter so maybe this is why it felt so genuine. You can’t help but feel attached to Nikki and you want her to succeed and feel safe so the storyline for me was very satisfactory and the ending was in no way disappointing.
It was also clear to me that Peter Wendt has a very good understanding of the music scene as well as an eclectic taste in music so the popular musical references and the concerts, especially the final concert, really came to life for me and I felt like I was in the crowd, listening to the music, as I read each page.
May 24, 2016
While this book isn't my usual fare, I enjoyed it. This book is more than the sum of its parts. It's about beauty arising from horrible conditions, it's about power judiciously used, it's a story of growth after loss, and about finding a tribe and supporting it. It's Christian without being preachy.
The writing is deceptively simple. Mr. Wendt's skill is evident with his careful choice of words. As the story progress, as the titular Nikki grows into her own, the language adjusts to match her emotional maturity.
The characters are enjoyable. Nikki is well developed. The emotional scenes felt natural to me, not forced. The settings are well described and the music world, something I know next to nothing about, is woven into the plot in a way that didn't alienate me because of my ignorance.
Mr. Wendt's choice of telling the story from the omniscient and in the present tense was something that took me a few pages to get used to but once the story picks up speed it works well for his novel.
This is a modern fairytale, and as such, has magic in it. Not the type that changes pumpkins into carriages, but the kind that jiggles people into the right places, at the right times, for the right reasons.
It's an uplifting story where there are so many that are ugly.
The writing is deceptively simple. Mr. Wendt's skill is evident with his careful choice of words. As the story progress, as the titular Nikki grows into her own, the language adjusts to match her emotional maturity.
The characters are enjoyable. Nikki is well developed. The emotional scenes felt natural to me, not forced. The settings are well described and the music world, something I know next to nothing about, is woven into the plot in a way that didn't alienate me because of my ignorance.
Mr. Wendt's choice of telling the story from the omniscient and in the present tense was something that took me a few pages to get used to but once the story picks up speed it works well for his novel.
This is a modern fairytale, and as such, has magic in it. Not the type that changes pumpkins into carriages, but the kind that jiggles people into the right places, at the right times, for the right reasons.
It's an uplifting story where there are so many that are ugly.
June 17, 2016
Nikki Magee is an orphaned girl with an unrealized talent. She is unprepossessing, completely unassuming, and very mild mannered for someone with such a brutal past. She is not trusting, but she wants to trust someone. And what she wants most is just to be a part of something, and to be given time alone to listen to the music inside her head.
This book punched me in the gut like a freight train. I cried, both tears of heartbreak and tears of pure joy as I watched this little girl come under the care of a family who gave her absolute freedom to grow out of her shell, and blossom into a most amazingly talented young woman. Her journey is incredible.
And even after all the amazing things she is faced with, she is still a humble person.
The character development in this book was very well done. I especially love how Nikki had so much influence on so many people, and she was almost unaware of it. Or at least not at all worried about it, as she had a focus that kept her centered. All the strength and beauty in this one person just reminds you that there are some truly amazing things in this world.
Short read, at least it was quick for me as I read it in just about a day between work and home. Worth every minute. Kudos to the author, well done!
This book punched me in the gut like a freight train. I cried, both tears of heartbreak and tears of pure joy as I watched this little girl come under the care of a family who gave her absolute freedom to grow out of her shell, and blossom into a most amazingly talented young woman. Her journey is incredible.
And even after all the amazing things she is faced with, she is still a humble person.
The character development in this book was very well done. I especially love how Nikki had so much influence on so many people, and she was almost unaware of it. Or at least not at all worried about it, as she had a focus that kept her centered. All the strength and beauty in this one person just reminds you that there are some truly amazing things in this world.
Short read, at least it was quick for me as I read it in just about a day between work and home. Worth every minute. Kudos to the author, well done!
June 11, 2015
I like this story, the happily ever after story. At the start of the story, I could not believe that a human being could treat another, a child for that matter, as Nikki was treated. A human treated like a thing, a dirty thing to be thrown away like rubbish.
As I read this story, and saw things getting better for Nikki, I hoped that those people who thew her away like simple rubbish, would appear again somewhere in the story to see how fate works in the lives of people.
Her story is the story of how God works his miracles, especially for those who do not know Him, those lost who do not even know themselves. He brings people, his angels in the form of ordinary people, people we see and live with every day, in their way to help them.
Nikki found herself battered, abused, and dehumanized by people the devil used to do his work, but when God took over, she came into her own. God was non mentioned in this story, but all through this story I could see the hand of God at work. Even Nikki at one point admitted not knowing who God is. Her life, as it turned out was nothing but God working in her by putting only people in her life who will change her life. Beautiful story!
As I read this story, and saw things getting better for Nikki, I hoped that those people who thew her away like simple rubbish, would appear again somewhere in the story to see how fate works in the lives of people.
Her story is the story of how God works his miracles, especially for those who do not know Him, those lost who do not even know themselves. He brings people, his angels in the form of ordinary people, people we see and live with every day, in their way to help them.
Nikki found herself battered, abused, and dehumanized by people the devil used to do his work, but when God took over, she came into her own. God was non mentioned in this story, but all through this story I could see the hand of God at work. Even Nikki at one point admitted not knowing who God is. Her life, as it turned out was nothing but God working in her by putting only people in her life who will change her life. Beautiful story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2015
You know that feeling you have when you hear someone with a British accent, or someone speaking English with a French accent? The feeling that you could listen to them all day because they sound so cool? That’s how I felt about the narration in this book. At first I thought the writing was going to be too simple, but then I was swept away by the voice. The author’s technique is both sparse and powerful. It’s an unusual coming of age story with a loveable main character, whose tale of survival is touching and inspiring. It’s great to watch Nikki as she comes out of her shell and like me, I’m sure you’ll be rooting for her all the way. I wish the book ended better…not story-wise by technically. Perhaps this was done on purpose to leave the story open for a sequel. I don’t know if this book was written for adults or if it’s YA fiction, but I know it would be enjoyed by both audiences. If anyone is on the fence about buying this book…go for it! You won’t be disappointed.
June 10, 2015
I enjoyed this story. The author is very good at developing the story. Nikki Magee isn't truly born until she's shoved from her abusive existence into the street. When she is picked up by the owner of the local grocery, it sets the stage for the fairy tale that becomes Nikki's life. But tearing through the fabric of the fairy tale are these rude glimpses into Nikki's past and one gets the notion that the music in Nikki is what carried her through the abuse. One gets the notion that the dark years she lived through as a developing human somehow worked to forge the intensity in her evident gifts. The story is believable and fantastical. Like Nikki's music, the author is great on the piano of plotting, good enough pounding the writing drum. With a little more practice perhaps the sky is the limit? Worth watching.
June 23, 2016
Nikki Magee by Peter Wendt
If you ever wondered what would happen if “the mob” took over fairytales, this novella is a good example. The plot follows a standard down on your luck, out of the gutter (literally), rags to riches story line with musical interests. There isn't anything particularly unusual about the actual story. The writing however, is a different scenario. I am a huge supporter of books being a form of art. As such an author needs to take a few chances sometimes. In this instance, Peter Wendt did a excellent job. It takes less than a page to realize that the author's unusual style and strong voice is perfect for the telling of this tale and makes this piece worthy of a five start rating.
I bought a copy of this medium length novella as a suggested read from an online club.
If you ever wondered what would happen if “the mob” took over fairytales, this novella is a good example. The plot follows a standard down on your luck, out of the gutter (literally), rags to riches story line with musical interests. There isn't anything particularly unusual about the actual story. The writing however, is a different scenario. I am a huge supporter of books being a form of art. As such an author needs to take a few chances sometimes. In this instance, Peter Wendt did a excellent job. It takes less than a page to realize that the author's unusual style and strong voice is perfect for the telling of this tale and makes this piece worthy of a five start rating.
I bought a copy of this medium length novella as a suggested read from an online club.
September 2, 2016
While Nikki Magee is a short read, it packs plenty of punch. A touching and moving story about an abused orphan who is taken in by the mob. Nikki is 11 years old and is dropped on the streets to die. They couldn’t have cared less. They just wanted to get rid of her.
A store owner luckily finds her. He sees something special in her and takes Nikki to the local boss. DJ had lost his wife and child tragically years before and the store owner thought DJ could find a place for her. While the store owner and DJ were discussing Nikki in his home, she found the piano down the hallway and began to play. Her playing touched DJ’s heart.
You won’t believe where this leads, but it is a believable story. You’ve got to read it for yourself. I know you want to know what happens.
A store owner luckily finds her. He sees something special in her and takes Nikki to the local boss. DJ had lost his wife and child tragically years before and the store owner thought DJ could find a place for her. While the store owner and DJ were discussing Nikki in his home, she found the piano down the hallway and began to play. Her playing touched DJ’s heart.
You won’t believe where this leads, but it is a believable story. You’ve got to read it for yourself. I know you want to know what happens.
August 17, 2015
This is a charming story about a young girl with hidden potential who eventually rises to become a music star.
The situations are believable and well constructed. The characters are mostly well drawn, though a few could have been better developed to enrich the contribution of the characters. Personally I found the leaps through the timeline a bit jarring. Some simple editing would have improved the read for me. Having said that, this is the author's first book and the story is good so I will look out for further books by this author.
The situations are believable and well constructed. The characters are mostly well drawn, though a few could have been better developed to enrich the contribution of the characters. Personally I found the leaps through the timeline a bit jarring. Some simple editing would have improved the read for me. Having said that, this is the author's first book and the story is good so I will look out for further books by this author.
April 25, 2016
I loved the story of Nikki Magee and a couple of times felt tears threaten. It is a story of a girl rising above an ugly beginning...not just rising, soaring. A lesson in how to keep working at what we love when everything seems impossible. The author has a unique use of verb tenses that normally would throw me off, but in Nikki's story, for me, I felt drawn in and finished the whole quickly. I would recommend this story to anyone looking to find goodness where evil has lurked and light in the dark
June 16, 2015
The story starts where Nikki, aged 11, is pushed out of a car and left to fend for herself. Luckily for her she comes to the attention of the Mafioso, who take her under their wing and encourage her musical ability.
A pleasant short story. I liked the first half better, because as I'm a realist it's more believable than the second half. However, it kept me turning the pages because I wanted to find out what happened to Nikki. There were only a few editing issues, and on the whole a good read.
A pleasant short story. I liked the first half better, because as I'm a realist it's more believable than the second half. However, it kept me turning the pages because I wanted to find out what happened to Nikki. There were only a few editing issues, and on the whole a good read.
April 25, 2016
I read this last night in a couple oif hours and found myself enchanted by Nikii, such a sad begining to her life but what an outcome.
Her love of music was her saving grace as was her luck on being found by the store man, a story of hope and survival and a very pleasant read I really did enjoy this little gem.
Her love of music was her saving grace as was her luck on being found by the store man, a story of hope and survival and a very pleasant read I really did enjoy this little gem.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews