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The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle
All Prunella wants is to be a proper bog-witch. Unfortunately, her curses tend to do more good than harm. When her mixed-up magic allows a sneaky thief to escape her grandmother's garden, Prunella is cast out until she can prove herself. It's hard enough being exiled to the unmagical Uplands, but traveling with the smug young thief Barnaby is even worse. He's determined to gain fame and fortune by recovering the missing Mirable Chalice. And to get what she wants, Prunella must help him, like it or not.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 25, 2010
4 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Deva Fagan
10 books208 followersI write fantasy and science fiction for readers of all ages. I live in Maine with my husband and our dog. When I'm not writing I spend my time reading, playing video games, doing geometry, and drinking copious amounts of tea.
NOTE: My comments on books I've read are not meant to be critical reviews, but are just my own reactions. I don't generally use stars, but I do occasionally mark a book with five stars if it's one that feels like it will become a long-term favorite, because it's exactly my sort of book, and caters to my specific tastes as a reader. There are plenty of books I read and really admire that are clearly excellent books, but which are not so exactly "for me" that I give them five stars. I will unabashedly stop reading books I really don't care for, so if a book is on my read list at all it means I liked it enough to finish it.
NOTE: My comments on books I've read are not meant to be critical reviews, but are just my own reactions. I don't generally use stars, but I do occasionally mark a book with five stars if it's one that feels like it will become a long-term favorite, because it's exactly my sort of book, and caters to my specific tastes as a reader. There are plenty of books I read and really admire that are clearly excellent books, but which are not so exactly "for me" that I give them five stars. I will unabashedly stop reading books I really don't care for, so if a book is on my read list at all it means I liked it enough to finish it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 20, 2018
A really great book for young readers. I think that if I read this book when I was a kid (or read to me) I might've gotten into reading earlier. A story like Prunella's I probably would’ve read over and over again. I might’ve reenacted Prunella’s world, cast spells on my sisters, and pretend I had a pet alligator. Or maybe I would just like the book and read it often. But in any case I think this would be a fantastic read for young readers.
However, don’t assume this book is a traditional fantasy for children. Barnaby is no knight or prince, though he is charming, and Prunella is no princess, though she is kind. Prunella herself does very unbog-witch type things; like help other people. The friendship between Prunella and Barnaby was both funny and enjoyable. And their quest to recover the Mirable Chalice holds unexpected surprises.
Great writing, wonderful characters, a fun world, and adventure. What more could be asked?
However, don’t assume this book is a traditional fantasy for children. Barnaby is no knight or prince, though he is charming, and Prunella is no princess, though she is kind. Prunella herself does very unbog-witch type things; like help other people. The friendship between Prunella and Barnaby was both funny and enjoyable. And their quest to recover the Mirable Chalice holds unexpected surprises.
Great writing, wonderful characters, a fun world, and adventure. What more could be asked?
August 25, 2023
Wade into the magical bogs of the Bottomlands where curses and mysteries abound in The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle 🌿✨!
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐½
The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle presents an incredibly rich world, where strange creatures roam and traces of magic lie everywhere. I loved reading about the history of the Bottomlands and Uplands and finding out about the bog witches and their books of spells. Prunella and Barnaby’s quest to find Lord Blackthorn and the Mirabile Chalice takes us through these mysterious lands and gives us intriguing glimpses into the lives of the intriguing villagers and creatures they meet.
Prunella is a clever and confident heroine who likes being a bog witch from the Bottomlands. Despite the sneers and insults hurled at her and her marshy home in the unmagical Uplands, Prunella keeps on being proud of who she is and where she comes from. It’s fun to read about how she develops her magical skills as she makes use of them to get out of the tricky situations which keep arising along the journey. Barnaby is also a great character, and his heroics, along with his playful back-and-forth banter with Prunella, light up the pages as the characters forge ahead on their dangerous quest.
One downside of the book is that, though the story builds up to a dramatic conclusion, once you get to the finale it ends up feeling rushed. Not enough place is given for each of the characters (especially the villain!) to “have their moment”. I was afraid this would be the case when I was coming to the end of the book, and saw how few pages remained to wrap things up! Although a more conclusive ending would have been appreciated, this is still a great story set in a captivating fantasy world.
I recommend The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bothistle to readers who love stories of daring quests in magical worlds full of witchy spells and curses!
💫For the full review and suggestions for similar books, check out my blog https://newkidonthebookreviews.wordpr... 💫
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐½
The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle presents an incredibly rich world, where strange creatures roam and traces of magic lie everywhere. I loved reading about the history of the Bottomlands and Uplands and finding out about the bog witches and their books of spells. Prunella and Barnaby’s quest to find Lord Blackthorn and the Mirabile Chalice takes us through these mysterious lands and gives us intriguing glimpses into the lives of the intriguing villagers and creatures they meet.
Prunella is a clever and confident heroine who likes being a bog witch from the Bottomlands. Despite the sneers and insults hurled at her and her marshy home in the unmagical Uplands, Prunella keeps on being proud of who she is and where she comes from. It’s fun to read about how she develops her magical skills as she makes use of them to get out of the tricky situations which keep arising along the journey. Barnaby is also a great character, and his heroics, along with his playful back-and-forth banter with Prunella, light up the pages as the characters forge ahead on their dangerous quest.
One downside of the book is that, though the story builds up to a dramatic conclusion, once you get to the finale it ends up feeling rushed. Not enough place is given for each of the characters (especially the villain!) to “have their moment”. I was afraid this would be the case when I was coming to the end of the book, and saw how few pages remained to wrap things up! Although a more conclusive ending would have been appreciated, this is still a great story set in a captivating fantasy world.
I recommend The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bothistle to readers who love stories of daring quests in magical worlds full of witchy spells and curses!
💫For the full review and suggestions for similar books, check out my blog https://newkidonthebookreviews.wordpr... 💫
January 23, 2018
A cute story that would have been more loved if I was younger. Although I really liked how the characters talked and the inclusion of bog-witches.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
November 17, 2021
It was cute enough, thought there was nothing terribly engaging.
The atmosphere was very "The Princess and the Frog" Disney movie. Down in the bayous and bogs of a magical Louisiana is what it felt like to me.
The characters, Prunella and Barnaby, were nothing special. They weren't quite cookie-cutter but on the verge.
The plot was rather blah till around page 200 and then we got some background as to the chalice and the grimoire. That made me very happy. That was the best part of the book. BACKSTORY!!
Prunella Bogthistle wants nothing more than to be a proper bog-witch and for her Grandmother to be not only proud of her, but to show it. Maybe smile at Prunella once in a while. But the problem is, no matter how hard Prunella tries, her spells never seem to turn out quite right. They backfire dreadfully. She can't seem to do anything. So she sets off on a quest to find her great-great-great (I might be off a great) Grandmother Esmeralda's grimoire.
And, of course, it wouldn't be a proper adventure without a smug but charming thief-hero along for the ride, now would it?
Though he has his own agenda: The Mirable Chalice.
They get into scrapes and save (slightly hostile towards bog-witches) townspeople. More than a few spells go wrong. They, mostly, accomplish their goals.
Prunella and Barnaby had a sweet friendship and I was so glad that there was no tween\teen romance. Hallelujah!!
Overall, cute and fun but there are plenty of better MG fairytalesque books out there.
The atmosphere was very "The Princess and the Frog" Disney movie. Down in the bayous and bogs of a magical Louisiana is what it felt like to me.
The characters, Prunella and Barnaby, were nothing special. They weren't quite cookie-cutter but on the verge.
The plot was rather blah till around page 200 and then we got some background as to the chalice and the grimoire. That made me very happy. That was the best part of the book. BACKSTORY!!
Prunella Bogthistle wants nothing more than to be a proper bog-witch and for her Grandmother to be not only proud of her, but to show it. Maybe smile at Prunella once in a while. But the problem is, no matter how hard Prunella tries, her spells never seem to turn out quite right. They backfire dreadfully. She can't seem to do anything. So she sets off on a quest to find her great-great-great (I might be off a great) Grandmother Esmeralda's grimoire.
And, of course, it wouldn't be a proper adventure without a smug but charming thief-hero along for the ride, now would it?
Though he has his own agenda: The Mirable Chalice.
They get into scrapes and save (slightly hostile towards bog-witches) townspeople. More than a few spells go wrong. They, mostly, accomplish their goals.
Prunella and Barnaby had a sweet friendship and I was so glad that there was no tween\teen romance. Hallelujah!!
Overall, cute and fun but there are plenty of better MG fairytalesque books out there.
November 6, 2010
This was a cute story that reminded me of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. There is an endearing teamwork between Prunella and Barnaby and the theme of discovering yourself. I also thought the concept of power mad rulers who put on a kind face was appropriate.
October 31, 2011
You know, at first I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, but the book really grew on me the further I got into the story. I'm not a huge fan of witches and magic spells, so I didn't particularly care for that part, but I love the plot and the characters. Plus the book has a happy ending.
February 25, 2019
Language – G, Sexual Content – G; Violence – G
Prunella isn’t a normal Bogthistle worthy of the name-especially when she helps an Uplander. Being banished just makes her more determined to prove herself to her grandmother. On the run with Uplander Barnaby not only helps her to prove herself, but to save everyone from the villain in disguise.
I was surprised by this spectacular story. Discovering yourself is hard, just like Prunella and Barnaby find out along their adventure. It was a magical tale that kept me until the very end. I hope there’s a sequel because I’m not ready to let go of these characters.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Prunella isn’t a normal Bogthistle worthy of the name-especially when she helps an Uplander. Being banished just makes her more determined to prove herself to her grandmother. On the run with Uplander Barnaby not only helps her to prove herself, but to save everyone from the villain in disguise.
I was surprised by this spectacular story. Discovering yourself is hard, just like Prunella and Barnaby find out along their adventure. It was a magical tale that kept me until the very end. I hope there’s a sequel because I’m not ready to let go of these characters.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
January 13, 2018
A witty fantasy romp with delightful and lively characters, Prunella Bogthistle felt like it was over too soon not because the plot could have gone on longer (though I suppose any plot could) but because I was reluctant to turn to the last page and say goodbye to them. While there’s no true need for a sequel I live in quiet hope one might appear someday so I can see more of Prunella and Barnaby and what they do next.
This one is a good book to read to children or with children, or just to read for yourself.
This one is a good book to read to children or with children, or just to read for yourself.
August 15, 2011
Poor Prunella is not a proper bog witch at all! She doesn't have any warts and her curses don't work. When Barnaby shows up in their garden, her whole world turns upside-down and they set off on an impossible quest. Prunella discovers some things about herself, and others, that she never thought possible. Love this unique tale. Recommended for students in 4th & 5th, maybe 3rd.
March 1, 2013
This is a great romp. The story is a tale of coming of age, adventures, and magic, and both main characters are fascinating. There are a number of unexpected twists in the plot that will keep the reader guessing, and the story moves a pretty good pace. Fans of fantasy will enjoy the book. It gets three out of four stars.
Want to read
September 5, 2011My nephew just read and loved this - I am coaxing my sister to let him join Goodreads but she wants him to focus on 3rd grade (spoilsport).
February 28, 2015
a really good tale of a girl learning to listen to and follow her own dreams and goals rather than having others determine your life
Read
September 27, 2021There were some rough patches in the middle, but this turned out to be a fun read. It was incredibly creative and had unexpected twists and turns, a few of which were perfect.
July 31, 2017
gr 4-6 263pgs
Prunella wishes she could prove that she is a true bog witch just like all her other relations. But however hard she tries, her curses don't turn out right. When she curses a nearby village by raining dragon spoor on it, she accidentally causes them to have the best harvest in years. And when a boy wanders into her grandmother's garden, she can't bear to curse him, so she saves him instead. Sent away by her grandmother, she teams up with the human boy Barnaby on a quest to find her people's long lost grimoire and the Mirable Chalice.
Great adventure story with a nice message.
Prunella wishes she could prove that she is a true bog witch just like all her other relations. But however hard she tries, her curses don't turn out right. When she curses a nearby village by raining dragon spoor on it, she accidentally causes them to have the best harvest in years. And when a boy wanders into her grandmother's garden, she can't bear to curse him, so she saves him instead. Sent away by her grandmother, she teams up with the human boy Barnaby on a quest to find her people's long lost grimoire and the Mirable Chalice.
Great adventure story with a nice message.
June 16, 2018
I don't know whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars. I got into a bit of a reading slump while trying to read this book.
I had a difficult time figuring out the ages of the characters. This is a coming of age story of Prunella Bogthistle. She wants to be a good bog witch, but her curses never turn out right. She ends up going on a quest with a thief to recover the spell book of her ancestor and a stolen chalice which will end the curse of the land.
I enjoyed the themes of more than one side of a story and magic isn't always bad. Prunella discovers exactly what kind of witch she wants to be. There isn't really any romance between the main characters. I will have to read this book again.
I had a difficult time figuring out the ages of the characters. This is a coming of age story of Prunella Bogthistle. She wants to be a good bog witch, but her curses never turn out right. She ends up going on a quest with a thief to recover the spell book of her ancestor and a stolen chalice which will end the curse of the land.
I enjoyed the themes of more than one side of a story and magic isn't always bad. Prunella discovers exactly what kind of witch she wants to be. There isn't really any romance between the main characters. I will have to read this book again.
July 19, 2017
A bog witch and a thief go in search of a Chalice that might have something to do with the loss of magic in the land. Good plot and interesting characters. I thought the ending could have been a little more interesting and maybe gone back to some of the places they passed thru to show what happened to the people there...unless it was left that way for a sequel?
March 22, 2018
I actually liked this book, it was something different and fun, but I just couldn't quite get to liking Barnaby. He holds my rating back by a single star. Still, if it sounds interesting, I'd say pick it up and give it a go.
January 5, 2022
Oh this book was so delightful and fun! I think it'd make an excellent movie, if directed by the right person/people. I loved the dynamic between Barnaby and Prunella. This book was the perfect mix of adventure and silliness.
March 6, 2017
A fun quick read of a big witch who wants to be bad, but has a heart of gold.
July 9, 2017
The adventures of a girl who has been raised her whole life to be a wicked witch but just isn't good at it. Lots of magic and mystery. I liked it.
September 3, 2020
A fun read with a message about not judging people based on what you've been told. The story is a little simple but it was a quick and cute read.
August 8, 2022
Fantastic book! It is truly a fun, exciting, laugh out loud kind of story and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 3, 2023
3.5; a fine story. Ok to share with M except Chapter 7 super-scary…
January 5, 2026
4 stars. I would read this again if I’m in the right mood.
May 11, 2011
This is a beauiful cover and fits the story perfectly. The artist behind it is Bradon Dorman. I love seeing a kid of color on a middle grade novel. I believe Prunella, mentions her brown skin once. This lone mention makes me appreciate the cover even more, the publishers Henry Holt could have easily pretended they didn't see
"Just the same clear brown skin and snub nose I'd always had. Blast it!."
Instead, they embraced and reinforced it with the cover. So much kudos to Henry Holt.
Prunella Bogthistle wants to be a proper bog -witch. She wants a few well placed warts on her face and the ability to curse like the rest of the Bogthistle's. When Prunella uses magic only good things happen. All bog-witches live in the bottomlands and its filled with magic. Prunella helps Barnaby, an Uplander trespresser, escape one of her grandmother's garden traps. Prunella's grandmother kicks her out. Prunella must prove before she can return.
Barnaby plans to become famous by finding and returning the Mirable Chalice to the Uplander Queen. Prunella joins Barnaby on his quest. She is determined to find Esmeralda's (an infamous bog witch) book of magic. Prunella believes with Esmeralda's grimoire, she will be able to curse properly and be welcomed back home.
On their journey, Prunella and Barnaby find themselves helping Uplanders. Something is out of sorts in each town they pass. Many Uplanders are too sick to get out of bed. Prunella starts to do a few other things that make her question her bog witch ness.
"Now that we were well on our way, walking under a cloudless blue sky through the green meadows, Barnaby had regained his airy cheer. Perhaps a bit too much cheer.
"Do you always whistle?" I asked.
"What's wrong with whistling?"
What was wrong was that his silly little tune made my steps bounce as if I were trotting across billowing clouds. I felt ridiculous. Who ever heard of a bog witch skipping along past meadows full of daisies and cornflowers? I forced my feet into a more appropriate stalking gait."
Prunella isn't bothered by dirt, instead of a hair clip she has a chicken bone. Barnaby does his best to stay clean and loves a good suit. The two are an odd couple playing off of each other very well.
From the beginning its obvious Prunella's has not mastered her magic. Its funny watching her try.
"I tried to slow my hammering heart. I was not going to let myself get riled up by a straggly snot of a boy. "It was supposed to be boils not oils!"
"But if it makes you happy, you did ruin my favorite jacket. "But I'll take that over boils any day."
I loved Prunella she's a misunderstood bog witch who wants to be loved by her grandmother. Fagan's writing is well layered allowing for Prunella's vulnerability. Visually this is a very fun read. Prunella and Barnaby run away from a crocodile in the bottomlands. (the cover). On their misadventure the two discover what's really going on in the Uplands. Barnaby has a story of his own, and its connected to the happenings in the Uplands.
I've read a few books this year that lost me with the ending. Whenever that happens I feel cheated. If a novel is going to turn on me I'd rather it happen in the middle so I can put it down. The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle was the complete opposite of that. The first part was very good though Fagan seemed to give a little more for the second half. This looks to be the first book in a series ( fingers crossed)
"Just the same clear brown skin and snub nose I'd always had. Blast it!."
Instead, they embraced and reinforced it with the cover. So much kudos to Henry Holt.
Prunella Bogthistle wants to be a proper bog -witch. She wants a few well placed warts on her face and the ability to curse like the rest of the Bogthistle's. When Prunella uses magic only good things happen. All bog-witches live in the bottomlands and its filled with magic. Prunella helps Barnaby, an Uplander trespresser, escape one of her grandmother's garden traps. Prunella's grandmother kicks her out. Prunella must prove before she can return.
Barnaby plans to become famous by finding and returning the Mirable Chalice to the Uplander Queen. Prunella joins Barnaby on his quest. She is determined to find Esmeralda's (an infamous bog witch) book of magic. Prunella believes with Esmeralda's grimoire, she will be able to curse properly and be welcomed back home.
On their journey, Prunella and Barnaby find themselves helping Uplanders. Something is out of sorts in each town they pass. Many Uplanders are too sick to get out of bed. Prunella starts to do a few other things that make her question her bog witch ness.
"Now that we were well on our way, walking under a cloudless blue sky through the green meadows, Barnaby had regained his airy cheer. Perhaps a bit too much cheer.
"Do you always whistle?" I asked.
"What's wrong with whistling?"
What was wrong was that his silly little tune made my steps bounce as if I were trotting across billowing clouds. I felt ridiculous. Who ever heard of a bog witch skipping along past meadows full of daisies and cornflowers? I forced my feet into a more appropriate stalking gait."
Prunella isn't bothered by dirt, instead of a hair clip she has a chicken bone. Barnaby does his best to stay clean and loves a good suit. The two are an odd couple playing off of each other very well.
From the beginning its obvious Prunella's has not mastered her magic. Its funny watching her try.
"I tried to slow my hammering heart. I was not going to let myself get riled up by a straggly snot of a boy. "It was supposed to be boils not oils!"
"But if it makes you happy, you did ruin my favorite jacket. "But I'll take that over boils any day."
I loved Prunella she's a misunderstood bog witch who wants to be loved by her grandmother. Fagan's writing is well layered allowing for Prunella's vulnerability. Visually this is a very fun read. Prunella and Barnaby run away from a crocodile in the bottomlands. (the cover). On their misadventure the two discover what's really going on in the Uplands. Barnaby has a story of his own, and its connected to the happenings in the Uplands.
I've read a few books this year that lost me with the ending. Whenever that happens I feel cheated. If a novel is going to turn on me I'd rather it happen in the middle so I can put it down. The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle was the complete opposite of that. The first part was very good though Fagan seemed to give a little more for the second half. This looks to be the first book in a series ( fingers crossed)
June 2, 2015
G+ Originally reviewed by Melissa Dwyer
This book was great. It was silly, it had action and adventure, and it had friendship. It had just the right mixture to make for a read that the students will love.
School Library Journal
Gr 4–6—Prunella Bogthistle may have the name and chicken-foot-festooned braids of a bog-witch, but she can't cast curses or grow warts. To prove her witchy worth, she goes on a quest to find her infamous ancestor's long-lost grimoire, joining forces with Barnaby, a foppish Uplander with a mysterious past. On their travels, it becomes clear that what little magic there is in the Uplands is draining away. As Prunella and Barnaby try to discover the cause, they realize that good and evil can come packaged in deceptive forms—nasty bog-witches, malevolent wizards, and beautiful queens aren't always what they seem. Prunella's tetchy interactions and thrilling adventures with Barnaby are tinged with her unwillingness to admit to herself that she is, at heart, a kind, if occasionally contrary, bog-witch. A spectral horse, a lonely ghost, and numerous wary and prejudiced villagers add humor and danger to this magical adventure. If the denouement is a bit hurried, no matter; all ends are satisfactorily tied up. This colorful, fast-paced fantasy is recommended for fans of funny, fairy-tale-inspired stories.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
Prunella Bogthistle does not have one proper wart. Not even one. And on top of that, her curses never work. She's such a failure as a bog-witch, in fact, that her beloved grandmother casts her right out of the Bottomlands. Banished Prunella teams up with thief-turned-hero Barnaby the Brave to find the Mirable Chalice, the theft of which is believed to have cursed the Uplands with a variety of maladies. Both Prunella and Barnaby harbor secret goals as they undertake their quest, but these ulterior motivations gradually take a backseat to their newfound friendship and their growing desire to free the people of the Uplands from the clutches of their evil queen. Spunky characters and surprising plot twists will keep readers laughing and turning pages. Fagan also sneaks in a powerful you-can't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover lesson, as nothing here is what it seems. But even more important than that is the lesson she offers in finding and valuing one's own identity, even when it confounds the expectations of well-meaning family and friends. Who wants an old wart anyway? (Fantasy. 9-12)
This book was great. It was silly, it had action and adventure, and it had friendship. It had just the right mixture to make for a read that the students will love.
School Library Journal
Gr 4–6—Prunella Bogthistle may have the name and chicken-foot-festooned braids of a bog-witch, but she can't cast curses or grow warts. To prove her witchy worth, she goes on a quest to find her infamous ancestor's long-lost grimoire, joining forces with Barnaby, a foppish Uplander with a mysterious past. On their travels, it becomes clear that what little magic there is in the Uplands is draining away. As Prunella and Barnaby try to discover the cause, they realize that good and evil can come packaged in deceptive forms—nasty bog-witches, malevolent wizards, and beautiful queens aren't always what they seem. Prunella's tetchy interactions and thrilling adventures with Barnaby are tinged with her unwillingness to admit to herself that she is, at heart, a kind, if occasionally contrary, bog-witch. A spectral horse, a lonely ghost, and numerous wary and prejudiced villagers add humor and danger to this magical adventure. If the denouement is a bit hurried, no matter; all ends are satisfactorily tied up. This colorful, fast-paced fantasy is recommended for fans of funny, fairy-tale-inspired stories.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
Prunella Bogthistle does not have one proper wart. Not even one. And on top of that, her curses never work. She's such a failure as a bog-witch, in fact, that her beloved grandmother casts her right out of the Bottomlands. Banished Prunella teams up with thief-turned-hero Barnaby the Brave to find the Mirable Chalice, the theft of which is believed to have cursed the Uplands with a variety of maladies. Both Prunella and Barnaby harbor secret goals as they undertake their quest, but these ulterior motivations gradually take a backseat to their newfound friendship and their growing desire to free the people of the Uplands from the clutches of their evil queen. Spunky characters and surprising plot twists will keep readers laughing and turning pages. Fagan also sneaks in a powerful you-can't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover lesson, as nothing here is what it seems. But even more important than that is the lesson she offers in finding and valuing one's own identity, even when it confounds the expectations of well-meaning family and friends. Who wants an old wart anyway? (Fantasy. 9-12)
May 26, 2010
An absolutely charming book that blends friendship, magic and adventure. Prunella Bothistle is a witch you will be cheering for (just don't cheer too late because a proper bog witch does not like praise!)
My only minor quibbles with this book concern the lack of information about Prunella's family. Why was she living with her grandmother? What happened to her parents? I was really curious and I hoped it would be revealed later on, but it's not. I also wanted to know more about Prunella's grandmother, her cousins and her great-grandmother Esmeralda. Where were all the men (not that they are needed, but I was curious if Prunella even missed her father or if she didn't think about him at all). Maybe this will be a series (or at least have a sequel) and then my curiosity will be satisfied. The other thing that slightly bothered me was that the story seemed rather predictable. BUT then I remembered it is geared for younger readers and perhaps the twists will throw them off. The book isn't entirely predictable, but I had the real villain already picked out rather quickly along with Barnaby's true story. I'm going to give my middle school aged sister this book and see if she thinks it's predictable. Other than those two things, The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle was an absolute delight to read.
The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle is an enchanting read that connects a fantasy world of magic to a the modern day world. There are lessons to be learned, but they are layered so far down that the reader will not realize the bigger picture until later. It is first and foremost, a story to entertain and it does just that. Deva Fagan has put her own twist on witches and it's quite imaginative and enjoyable. The plot twists and thickens and the ending is not entirely foreseeable. An alluring group of main and supporting characters along with fantasy elements and lots of fun adventures keep this book moving. I highly recommend it.
My only minor quibbles with this book concern the lack of information about Prunella's family. Why was she living with her grandmother? What happened to her parents? I was really curious and I hoped it would be revealed later on, but it's not. I also wanted to know more about Prunella's grandmother, her cousins and her great-grandmother Esmeralda. Where were all the men (not that they are needed, but I was curious if Prunella even missed her father or if she didn't think about him at all). Maybe this will be a series (or at least have a sequel) and then my curiosity will be satisfied. The other thing that slightly bothered me was that the story seemed rather predictable. BUT then I remembered it is geared for younger readers and perhaps the twists will throw them off. The book isn't entirely predictable, but I had the real villain already picked out rather quickly along with Barnaby's true story. I'm going to give my middle school aged sister this book and see if she thinks it's predictable. Other than those two things, The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle was an absolute delight to read.
The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle is an enchanting read that connects a fantasy world of magic to a the modern day world. There are lessons to be learned, but they are layered so far down that the reader will not realize the bigger picture until later. It is first and foremost, a story to entertain and it does just that. Deva Fagan has put her own twist on witches and it's quite imaginative and enjoyable. The plot twists and thickens and the ending is not entirely foreseeable. An alluring group of main and supporting characters along with fantasy elements and lots of fun adventures keep this book moving. I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2011
Disclaimer: I know the author of this charming book. But I'm also working hard to be objective. Just so you know.
Prunella Bogthistle is an inept bog-witch who can't even charm a wart onto her face. She does, however, catch a young thief in her grandmother's garden. Mischances and problems ensue, and the two of them end up having a host of scary adventures and meeting up with some unlikely heroes and villains. It's a whooshing ride of a book, with plot twists in plenty.
I love Prunella. When the book started, I thought she was going to be another ordinary misfit middle-school heroine, but she is so much more than that. She's prickly and confused and annoying and real. She's also maybe, just maybe, a little more magical than she thinks.
Fagan's got a deft hand with language. She delighted me early on with this:
"I'd beheld snappy city boys scrumming and playing like a pack of young hounds."
And this, much later, about a carnivorous flower:
"Those flowers are ravenous, and one of them had quite a lump in its trumpet."
Playful and fun. I enjoyed this heartily.
Prunella Bogthistle is an inept bog-witch who can't even charm a wart onto her face. She does, however, catch a young thief in her grandmother's garden. Mischances and problems ensue, and the two of them end up having a host of scary adventures and meeting up with some unlikely heroes and villains. It's a whooshing ride of a book, with plot twists in plenty.
I love Prunella. When the book started, I thought she was going to be another ordinary misfit middle-school heroine, but she is so much more than that. She's prickly and confused and annoying and real. She's also maybe, just maybe, a little more magical than she thinks.
Fagan's got a deft hand with language. She delighted me early on with this:
"I'd beheld snappy city boys scrumming and playing like a pack of young hounds."
And this, much later, about a carnivorous flower:
"Those flowers are ravenous, and one of them had quite a lump in its trumpet."
Playful and fun. I enjoyed this heartily.
November 9, 2012
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
Prunella wants to be a proper bog-witch, but her curses end up helping instead of harming.
Her inability to curse allows a thief, Barnaby, to escape from her grandmother's garden and gets Prunella banished until she can do a proper curse.
Barnaby is on a quest to gain fame and fortune by finding the Mirable Chalice and returning it to the queen. Now, Prunella must team up with the very thief who got her kicked out of her bog if she hopes to prove herself and return to her family, but helping Barnaby find the chalice might prove more dangerous than she thought.
A tale worthy of sharing! With Fagan's combination of a bog-witch and a thief as unlikely heroes, THE MAGICAL MISADVENTURES OF PRUNELLA BOGTHISTLE is a brilliant tale of discovery and acceptance sure to entertain readers for years to come.
Prunella wants to be a proper bog-witch, but her curses end up helping instead of harming.
Her inability to curse allows a thief, Barnaby, to escape from her grandmother's garden and gets Prunella banished until she can do a proper curse.
Barnaby is on a quest to gain fame and fortune by finding the Mirable Chalice and returning it to the queen. Now, Prunella must team up with the very thief who got her kicked out of her bog if she hopes to prove herself and return to her family, but helping Barnaby find the chalice might prove more dangerous than she thought.
A tale worthy of sharing! With Fagan's combination of a bog-witch and a thief as unlikely heroes, THE MAGICAL MISADVENTURES OF PRUNELLA BOGTHISTLE is a brilliant tale of discovery and acceptance sure to entertain readers for years to come.
September 22, 2010
Delightful. A romp of a story where no one is quite what they seem and our protagonists discover that who they think they are may not be the truth of who they really are growing up to be. Plenty of magical mayhem, conflicts of goals and coming of age themes are explored as we follow Prunella on her journey.
I was surprised at how well this story played out without becoming cliche, or being entirely predictable. Not only well told but with enough surprises of character and outcomes that it kept even this veteran reader guessing on a few points. Though I will admit that Prunella's own journey and coming of age wasn't terribly surprising, but it was a welcome part of the whole story.
A great single title read with a sure command of story and sense of fantasy that's great for the middle grade reader audience.
I was surprised at how well this story played out without becoming cliche, or being entirely predictable. Not only well told but with enough surprises of character and outcomes that it kept even this veteran reader guessing on a few points. Though I will admit that Prunella's own journey and coming of age wasn't terribly surprising, but it was a welcome part of the whole story.
A great single title read with a sure command of story and sense of fantasy that's great for the middle grade reader audience.
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