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Witches of Brooklyn #4
Spell of a Time
Who cares about a birthday when there's a mermaid missing?!
Effie might finally be twelve, but not much has changed . . . until a school trip to Coney Island goes sideways. Every time Effie thinks she has this magic life down, something new pops up. (Or, in this case, disappears!) With the help of Garance, some talkative seagulls, a rather helpful turtle, and time travel (?!) Effie is determined to find this mermaid and enjoy her last year as a preteen while doing it!
Effie might finally be twelve, but not much has changed . . . until a school trip to Coney Island goes sideways. Every time Effie thinks she has this magic life down, something new pops up. (Or, in this case, disappears!) With the help of Garance, some talkative seagulls, a rather helpful turtle, and time travel (?!) Effie is determined to find this mermaid and enjoy her last year as a preteen while doing it!
217 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2023
77 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Escabasse
24 books170 followersSophie Escabasse is a French author and illustrator who lives in Montreal with her husband and three children, and their black cat, Terrence. She has illustrated many books for middle-grade readers, including Florence Parry Heide and Roxanne Heide Pierce’s Spotlight Club Mysteries series and the Freestyler Funnies series by Tom Easton. She has been a graphic novel lover for as long as she can remember, and she enjoys fun and expressive characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 16, 2023
i would read sophie escabasse's grocery list if she ever decided to publish it
September 6, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through NetGalley.)
The summer has sadly come to an end, and Effie and her friends are about to start middle school (junior high?): Berrit is studying drama, while Oliver is enrolled in school that offers robotics classes. Effie and Garance are off to the same school, one that emphasizes sustainability (and magic?). For these two undercover witches-in-training, their twelfth year is especially significant: this is when young witches consult a seer to evaluate their potential for developing dangerous magic. It's witch law, after all.
Effie's evaluation goes sideways pretty quickly. Her seer, Becky, is a mermaid - which catches Effie off guard, especially so since she just heard the seagulls at the beach gossiping about a mermaid's return. (Ever since she accidentally awakened a dragon in S'MORE MAGIC, Effie can understand some animal species. Nbd.) As it happens, Becky's sister Iruna went missing a month ago, not long after the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island. Becky implores Effie, Selimene, and Carlota to investigate - and lends Effie the talents of her turtle friend, Professor Sir, to aid in her communication with the gulls. The path to Iruna is paved with heartbroken illusionists, combat magic, and time travel (!).
I've been devouring the WITCHES OF MERMAIDS series, and SPELL OF A TIME might be my favorite one yet. (Although, how do you compare dragons to mermaids? It's a toss up ... until you throw in time travel, that is.) Escabasse manages to introduce one new mythical creature in each installment, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. (Sasquatch, maybe?)
I don't love that the kids are mostly scattered this year, but hopefully Escabasse will devise plenty of hijinks to throw the Scooby gang back together. As always, Effie, Selimene, Carolta, Garance, Francis, and Lion are an engaging, eclectic group, and Escabasse expands the 'verse with the addition of Becky, Iruna, Walter and - of course! - the very boopable Professor Sir.
She also introduces a darker, more worrying element in the form of Effie's evaluation, which should be an interesting avenue to explore in future volumes.
I especially love the environmental bent this series has taken; the caper kicks off when Effie and her classmates are cleaning up the beach, which leads her and Garance to wonder about using their magic to rid the ocean of microplastics. And Effie's ability to communicate with animals is especially promising, doubly so in light of Carlota and Selimene's vegetarianism.
The summer has sadly come to an end, and Effie and her friends are about to start middle school (junior high?): Berrit is studying drama, while Oliver is enrolled in school that offers robotics classes. Effie and Garance are off to the same school, one that emphasizes sustainability (and magic?). For these two undercover witches-in-training, their twelfth year is especially significant: this is when young witches consult a seer to evaluate their potential for developing dangerous magic. It's witch law, after all.
Effie's evaluation goes sideways pretty quickly. Her seer, Becky, is a mermaid - which catches Effie off guard, especially so since she just heard the seagulls at the beach gossiping about a mermaid's return. (Ever since she accidentally awakened a dragon in S'MORE MAGIC, Effie can understand some animal species. Nbd.) As it happens, Becky's sister Iruna went missing a month ago, not long after the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island. Becky implores Effie, Selimene, and Carlota to investigate - and lends Effie the talents of her turtle friend, Professor Sir, to aid in her communication with the gulls. The path to Iruna is paved with heartbroken illusionists, combat magic, and time travel (!).
I've been devouring the WITCHES OF MERMAIDS series, and SPELL OF A TIME might be my favorite one yet. (Although, how do you compare dragons to mermaids? It's a toss up ... until you throw in time travel, that is.) Escabasse manages to introduce one new mythical creature in each installment, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. (Sasquatch, maybe?)
I don't love that the kids are mostly scattered this year, but hopefully Escabasse will devise plenty of hijinks to throw the Scooby gang back together. As always, Effie, Selimene, Carolta, Garance, Francis, and Lion are an engaging, eclectic group, and Escabasse expands the 'verse with the addition of Becky, Iruna, Walter and - of course! - the very boopable Professor Sir.
She also introduces a darker, more worrying element in the form of Effie's evaluation, which should be an interesting avenue to explore in future volumes.
I especially love the environmental bent this series has taken; the caper kicks off when Effie and her classmates are cleaning up the beach, which leads her and Garance to wonder about using their magic to rid the ocean of microplastics. And Effie's ability to communicate with animals is especially promising, doubly so in light of Carlota and Selimene's vegetarianism.
December 28, 2024
Witches of Brooklyn has been a fun and cute series, and I definitely enjoyed this new entry. It brings mermaids and time travel to the table for more fun. Readers of light middle grade fantasy will for sure enjoy the series, and this volume (although they are best read in order). I don't know if there will be more volumes, but I hope at least one more so it can have a more climactic ending. Still, worth the read!
December 5, 2025
Effie turns 12 and with that age comes some major responsibilities. But along with her trusty co-witch, Garance, the two youngsters are able to help save the day. I continue to enjoy this super-cute graphic series and I'm looking forward to reading more.
And with that, my GR challenge of 75 books read in 2025 is complete!
And with that, my GR challenge of 75 books read in 2025 is complete!
May 23, 2024
After reading the rest of the series, I got to the end of this one and went "oh? that's it? that's all?"
I think the series is fantastic and I love the characters. This one just felt bland in comparison. But not every book in the series can be the best book in the series. I'm still a fan :)
I think the series is fantastic and I love the characters. This one just felt bland in comparison. But not every book in the series can be the best book in the series. I'm still a fan :)
September 15, 2023
this series just keep getting better and better! I loved this adventure so much, well done effie and garance! 🤭💗
December 3, 2025
This was once again a fun installment in the Witches of Brooklyn series!
I once again loved the art style, the characters, the humor and the story overall!
I also loved how this showed Garance and Effie working together! Their friendship really came a far way! Additionally, this felt way more compact of a story compared to the last installment. The plot flow felt a lot better and I think it was interesting and fun to read^^
I don't really have much to say other than that I like this series and enjoy reading it.
Since this installment has also hinted towards further things to come, I'm interested how this will develop in the future!
I once again loved the art style, the characters, the humor and the story overall!
I also loved how this showed Garance and Effie working together! Their friendship really came a far way! Additionally, this felt way more compact of a story compared to the last installment. The plot flow felt a lot better and I think it was interesting and fun to read^^
I don't really have much to say other than that I like this series and enjoy reading it.
Since this installment has also hinted towards further things to come, I'm interested how this will develop in the future!
September 14, 2023
Effie is turning twelve, which means it's time to see the seer. But when a routine divination turns into a rescue mission, Effie has to use all the skills she's been practicing to find the missing mermaid and stop a disastrous romance.
Always a fun time, though I admit to being a little skeptical of this title. The story felt a bit rushed, and although I've read the preceding books, there were a fair few allusions to events that I only have hazy memories of. Still, I won't miss the next installment!
Always a fun time, though I admit to being a little skeptical of this title. The story felt a bit rushed, and although I've read the preceding books, there were a fair few allusions to events that I only have hazy memories of. Still, I won't miss the next installment!
June 20, 2024
I just love these gals.
Never a dull moment
Never a dull moment
September 14, 2023
This series is adorable and I'll love it forever.
September 5, 2023
Witches of Brooklyn: Spell of a Time, book four in the magical graphic novel series, finds friends Effie and Garance discovering the mystery of a missing mermaid, Effie continuing her education in the art of magic when she learn she can not only hear animals talking, but now can communicate back! It takes some time travel to solve this one and find the missing mermaid ... and to me, that's where this volume of the series suffers from a slight letdown; the plot feels a bit forced here, even rushed toward the end. But with a series this strong, even a small letdown doesn't hurt too much, and the characters and whimsical art remain charming as always. 3.5/5 stars
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
Em va agradar més el 3 pro nos pot ser perfecte
July 26, 2023
E ARC provided by Netgalley
After Effie moves in with her aunts in Witches of Brooklyn and makes friends with Garance in What the Hex, she starts her magical training and is a little annoyed at how slowly it is going. Now that she has turned 12, however, her aunts take her to a seer who will evaluate the type of magic that she has. This is a bit irritating, but since Effie has some powers that she can't control well, she is looking forward to some guidance. She has flourescent magic, much like Selimene and Carlota. The seer, a mermaid, knows that Effie can talk to animals, but isn't very good at it. Since she also knows that Effie has been talking to some seagulls who seem to know something about the disappearance of her sister, she loans Effie a turtle who helps her learn to modulate her communications with animals. This helps, but Effie and Garance come across some strong magical vibes with the help of the seagulls. They contact the aunts for backup, but because they are tweens, burst into an apartment on their own. They find the missing merrmaid, who is stuck in a spell created by Walter. Walter has created a time loop in order to try to get back his boyfriend, Elliott. The last time the two were happy was when Walter interacted with the mermaid, which is why she is stuck in the spell. It's difficult to unravel this, and the aunts think the best way is to send Effie and Garance back in time to the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island to try to stop the spell from ever being cast. Of course, this is filled with all sorts of problems. Will Effie's ability to harness her magic be enough to save the day?
Strengths: The graphics are particularly fun; colorful, lots of details, and have a great feeling of place, which can be hard to capture. There are a lot of middle school students who secretly believe that they can learn magic and be witches, so Effie's experiences are a great way for them to have a glimpse into that world. The community is supportive, and her aunts are great fun. This has just the right flavor of goofy for middle school, which is a hard thing to get right.
Weakness: Walter has one of those noses that looks like it is going to fall off his face. Very long and thin. I get so distracted by noses in graphic novels. No idea why. Also, I somehow missed book two, so feel like I didn't know enough about the mermaid community.
What I really think: This is a fun graphic novel series that my students really like. It's a great choice for readers who like their stories with a little Steinkellner's The Okay Witch, Fernández's ¡¡Manu!!, or Liu's Wingbearer.
After Effie moves in with her aunts in Witches of Brooklyn and makes friends with Garance in What the Hex, she starts her magical training and is a little annoyed at how slowly it is going. Now that she has turned 12, however, her aunts take her to a seer who will evaluate the type of magic that she has. This is a bit irritating, but since Effie has some powers that she can't control well, she is looking forward to some guidance. She has flourescent magic, much like Selimene and Carlota. The seer, a mermaid, knows that Effie can talk to animals, but isn't very good at it. Since she also knows that Effie has been talking to some seagulls who seem to know something about the disappearance of her sister, she loans Effie a turtle who helps her learn to modulate her communications with animals. This helps, but Effie and Garance come across some strong magical vibes with the help of the seagulls. They contact the aunts for backup, but because they are tweens, burst into an apartment on their own. They find the missing merrmaid, who is stuck in a spell created by Walter. Walter has created a time loop in order to try to get back his boyfriend, Elliott. The last time the two were happy was when Walter interacted with the mermaid, which is why she is stuck in the spell. It's difficult to unravel this, and the aunts think the best way is to send Effie and Garance back in time to the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island to try to stop the spell from ever being cast. Of course, this is filled with all sorts of problems. Will Effie's ability to harness her magic be enough to save the day?
Strengths: The graphics are particularly fun; colorful, lots of details, and have a great feeling of place, which can be hard to capture. There are a lot of middle school students who secretly believe that they can learn magic and be witches, so Effie's experiences are a great way for them to have a glimpse into that world. The community is supportive, and her aunts are great fun. This has just the right flavor of goofy for middle school, which is a hard thing to get right.
Weakness: Walter has one of those noses that looks like it is going to fall off his face. Very long and thin. I get so distracted by noses in graphic novels. No idea why. Also, I somehow missed book two, so feel like I didn't know enough about the mermaid community.
What I really think: This is a fun graphic novel series that my students really like. It's a great choice for readers who like their stories with a little Steinkellner's The Okay Witch, Fernández's ¡¡Manu!!, or Liu's Wingbearer.
September 6, 2023
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Effie and Garance are back, with more magic and more problems (like you do). I obviously knew I was going to have to read this, after enjoying the previous books in this series. The art style is as cute as always, and the story is easy to fall into. What can I say? I just love a cozy, witchy book filled with magic.
Witches of Brooklyn: Spell of a Time is book four in the Witches of Brooklyn graphic novel series. In it, Effie has to learn to talk to animals, control her magic, and go back in time to fix magical mistakes.
I will say that the first part of this book started rather slow and sounded a bit like an after-school special about recycling and plastics and cleaning the Earth. Don't get me wrong, suuuuper important topics (obviously . . . I live here, too!). It did kind of feel smooshed in there, though, and didn't really tie in to the rest of it. Aside from the rocky start, though, this book was every bit as fun as the previous ones!
My Thoughts:
✿ Effie is still coming to grips with her magic and learning what exactly it means to be a witch. Makes sense, given that she's 12. Heck, I'm in my 30s and still don't have a grasp of magic, soooo . . . can't really blame her. It's fun to see Effie's progress on this front as the story continues. Magic comes in a lot of different forms, and not all of them positive, which she's quickly finding out. Even positive magic can sometimes go awry!
✿ Effie is learning that talking to animals isn't as easy as it first appears. I mean, to be fair, it doesn't sound particularly easy, if I'm honest. I've certainly never done it successfully. Effie's got a leg up on me, though, and some pretty great teachers in this book. I'm sure you can imagine how handy talking to animals can be, even if it takes practice.
✿ There's a fun little adventure in this that involves mermaids, time travel, and, of course, magic. Wouldn't be a Witches of Brooklyn book if it didn't involve magic, now would it? There's a missing mermaid, though, and no one has any idea where she is. Somehow, Effie and Garance need to figure out how to find her and, more importantly, how to bring her back safely. I can't say much more than that (you'd have to read it), but once the action gets going, it's a steady ride to the end!
Effie and Garance are back, with more magic and more problems (like you do). I obviously knew I was going to have to read this, after enjoying the previous books in this series. The art style is as cute as always, and the story is easy to fall into. What can I say? I just love a cozy, witchy book filled with magic.
Witches of Brooklyn: Spell of a Time is book four in the Witches of Brooklyn graphic novel series. In it, Effie has to learn to talk to animals, control her magic, and go back in time to fix magical mistakes.
I will say that the first part of this book started rather slow and sounded a bit like an after-school special about recycling and plastics and cleaning the Earth. Don't get me wrong, suuuuper important topics (obviously . . . I live here, too!). It did kind of feel smooshed in there, though, and didn't really tie in to the rest of it. Aside from the rocky start, though, this book was every bit as fun as the previous ones!
My Thoughts:
✿ Effie is still coming to grips with her magic and learning what exactly it means to be a witch. Makes sense, given that she's 12. Heck, I'm in my 30s and still don't have a grasp of magic, soooo . . . can't really blame her. It's fun to see Effie's progress on this front as the story continues. Magic comes in a lot of different forms, and not all of them positive, which she's quickly finding out. Even positive magic can sometimes go awry!
✿ Effie is learning that talking to animals isn't as easy as it first appears. I mean, to be fair, it doesn't sound particularly easy, if I'm honest. I've certainly never done it successfully. Effie's got a leg up on me, though, and some pretty great teachers in this book. I'm sure you can imagine how handy talking to animals can be, even if it takes practice.
✿ There's a fun little adventure in this that involves mermaids, time travel, and, of course, magic. Wouldn't be a Witches of Brooklyn book if it didn't involve magic, now would it? There's a missing mermaid, though, and no one has any idea where she is. Somehow, Effie and Garance need to figure out how to find her and, more importantly, how to bring her back safely. I can't say much more than that (you'd have to read it), but once the action gets going, it's a steady ride to the end!
February 14, 2024
My Rating 4/5
CAWPILE Rating 9.21/10
While picking up trash at Coney Island, Effie and Garance speak with some talkative seagulls that warn them of a missing mermaid. Only looking to help, Effie and Garance end up almost putting themselves in a dangerous situation before the cavalry arrives. Effie learns more about herself as a witch and where she falls within her world, specifically, what type of witch she is—a fluorescent one, whatever that means. As Effie struggles with her newest skill—speaking with animals—her and Garance go on the quest of a lifetime to help save this missing mermaid. Up against a time limit, the duo must rescue the mermaid without being seen—or otherwise risk grave danger.
- all the fun and imagination of summer, but now with magic!
- expands the ever-growing world and mythos in the Witches of Brooklyn series
- problem solving in interesting and creative ways
Read if you enjoy:
hijinks, magic, and mermaids
"Problems arise when the balance is broken, and that's when we see "bad magic," as you put it. When corners of your soul have stayed in the shade for too long."
Intended Audience: Middle Grade
LGBTQIA+: Not Stated
Romance: Not Present
Diversity: Yes
#OwnVoices: Not Stated
CAWPILE Rating 9.21/10
While picking up trash at Coney Island, Effie and Garance speak with some talkative seagulls that warn them of a missing mermaid. Only looking to help, Effie and Garance end up almost putting themselves in a dangerous situation before the cavalry arrives. Effie learns more about herself as a witch and where she falls within her world, specifically, what type of witch she is—a fluorescent one, whatever that means. As Effie struggles with her newest skill—speaking with animals—her and Garance go on the quest of a lifetime to help save this missing mermaid. Up against a time limit, the duo must rescue the mermaid without being seen—or otherwise risk grave danger.
- all the fun and imagination of summer, but now with magic!
- expands the ever-growing world and mythos in the Witches of Brooklyn series
- problem solving in interesting and creative ways
Read if you enjoy:
hijinks, magic, and mermaids
"Problems arise when the balance is broken, and that's when we see "bad magic," as you put it. When corners of your soul have stayed in the shade for too long."
Intended Audience: Middle Grade
LGBTQIA+: Not Stated
Romance: Not Present
Diversity: Yes
#OwnVoices: Not Stated
March 18, 2023
I do find this series really interesting. It's unique in the way that witchcraft and magic are incorporated into our world, and the stories are built with multiple layers. There is always an environmental back story of sorts as well as lessons to be learned by Effie and her friends. Effie figuring out how to communicate with animals - still not sure how the link to the dragon works because it's not well explained really - and the introduction of the mermaids was fun. I do wish that the book hadn't quite covered so much because we got the mermaids, time travel (always a hard one for me), fluorescent magic, and the guy looking to rekindle his romance. Not to mention the environmental link, learning to talk to animals, etc. Just a lot. To the point where we could have probably doubled the page count or split this into two books.
The artwork is consistent with the previous books, and the characters are continuing to develop. Of the series to date, I think that this book is the one that stands alone the least effectively. I would strongly recommend starting the series in order, but if you don't then at least reading the previous book before you get to this one. Yes, the book does make notes where reading previous volumes would be appropriate (i.e. where they mention the dragon) but there were gaps that even I had to go back and thumb through the previous series to fill in. Things like remembering who everyone was from book to book - I'm getting old so memory isn't what it was. My daughter, who is an adult now, still devours these books because she remembers reading them when they first came out, and she's very much looking forward to when this one releases in September so she can catch up.
My favourite character here was definitely the turtle. Wish he was featured more, but I also get that there was only so many pages and a lot of story to tell.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
The artwork is consistent with the previous books, and the characters are continuing to develop. Of the series to date, I think that this book is the one that stands alone the least effectively. I would strongly recommend starting the series in order, but if you don't then at least reading the previous book before you get to this one. Yes, the book does make notes where reading previous volumes would be appropriate (i.e. where they mention the dragon) but there were gaps that even I had to go back and thumb through the previous series to fill in. Things like remembering who everyone was from book to book - I'm getting old so memory isn't what it was. My daughter, who is an adult now, still devours these books because she remembers reading them when they first came out, and she's very much looking forward to when this one releases in September so she can catch up.
My favourite character here was definitely the turtle. Wish he was featured more, but I also get that there was only so many pages and a lot of story to tell.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
March 19, 2023
Fortune tellers, mermaids, time travel, talking animals, and a mystery - this was a fun installment!
It's summer and Effie has just turned 12, which means it's time for her to learn what kind of magic she possesses. She's not so sure she wants to know, though. What if she has dark magic?
She agrees to go to the fortune teller who will tell her about her magic, but she gets more than expected while there. A mystery unfolds and Effie must help solve it, while at the same time learning to master her new gift (from the dragon she encountered in the last volume) of talking to (some) animals.
This volume shows us more about how the community of witches works, we get a time travel adventure, along with fun summer vibes.
I've enjoyed all of these volumes immensely. This is a great one for middle schoolers, or for adults who are looking for a cozy magical read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 7, 2023
The fourth book in a series I haven’t read seems like an odd introduction to these delightful young witches, but it works. Because somethings are universal, such as best friends, and middle school, even if you are an apprentice witch.
In this story, Effie learns that she can understand any animal that is sort of like a dragon. That turns out to be sea gulls, because they can fly, and cats, because they have claws, and turtles, because they have scales. And in listening to the seagulls, she learns that they have found a mermaid. Turns out that is important news, and there is a mermaid missing, and she and her best friend are gong to have to help rescue her.
Effie’s family has two magical aunts who help her with her new powers, and they work through with the help of other witches, how to carry out the plan to save the mermaid, by going back in time.
Quick story, loads of fun. Great illustrations. I did not feel I had missed anything by coming in on the series, because enough backstory was given that it all made sense.
This graphic novel comes out September 5, 2023. Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
In this story, Effie learns that she can understand any animal that is sort of like a dragon. That turns out to be sea gulls, because they can fly, and cats, because they have claws, and turtles, because they have scales. And in listening to the seagulls, she learns that they have found a mermaid. Turns out that is important news, and there is a mermaid missing, and she and her best friend are gong to have to help rescue her.
Effie’s family has two magical aunts who help her with her new powers, and they work through with the help of other witches, how to carry out the plan to save the mermaid, by going back in time.
Quick story, loads of fun. Great illustrations. I did not feel I had missed anything by coming in on the series, because enough backstory was given that it all made sense.
This graphic novel comes out September 5, 2023. Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
August 27, 2023
Spell of a Time was my first adventure into the Witches of Brooklyn series but it won't be my last - the story was fun, the characters were easy to relate to and the illustrations really made the book come alive. On their latest adventure, Effie turns 12 and is off to the seer to find out about what type of magic she has. She also needs to figure out this hearing/taking to animals situation because it isn't going well on her own.., Like when she tried to talk to the seagulls about a missing mermaid they were talking about. To her surprise, the seer is a mermaid and her sister is the one missing...
Effie and Garance learn more about mermaids and time-travel as they go on an adventure to use their magic to save the day. I was thrilled to learn that you can read the series out of order and still enjoy the book (though I do look forward to reading the others now as well!). I can easily see why this fast-paced series appeals to young readers and I have no doubt the newest book will be well received.
Effie and Garance learn more about mermaids and time-travel as they go on an adventure to use their magic to save the day. I was thrilled to learn that you can read the series out of order and still enjoy the book (though I do look forward to reading the others now as well!). I can easily see why this fast-paced series appeals to young readers and I have no doubt the newest book will be well received.
March 21, 2023
Much thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc!
I've come to love this series because there's not only lessons to learn from the adventures of Effie (and later Garance), but their zany adventures often make me laugh even in the midst of the peril they get into sometimes. I found myself laughing quite a bit in this book because there were parts that were generally hilarious. As for the story, I felt like it had less of one than the previous books. I mean, Effie and Garance helped find a lost mermaid, but I felt like there wasn't a really integral A and B storyline. It just felt like just another day which isn't necessarily a bad thing! This book almost felt like it could've been tacked on to book 3 as a mega volume because it just continues Effie's journey of discovering more about her powers and her potential. But don't get me wrong, I did love it because it was light and fun and I needed that.
I've come to love this series because there's not only lessons to learn from the adventures of Effie (and later Garance), but their zany adventures often make me laugh even in the midst of the peril they get into sometimes. I found myself laughing quite a bit in this book because there were parts that were generally hilarious. As for the story, I felt like it had less of one than the previous books. I mean, Effie and Garance helped find a lost mermaid, but I felt like there wasn't a really integral A and B storyline. It just felt like just another day which isn't necessarily a bad thing! This book almost felt like it could've been tacked on to book 3 as a mega volume because it just continues Effie's journey of discovering more about her powers and her potential. But don't get me wrong, I did love it because it was light and fun and I needed that.
April 2, 2023
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's a new school year, and while some of her friends are going to different schools, Effie and Garance practice more witch training. When Effie meets the fortune teller (a mermaid), she's frantic because her sister is missing. Effie and Garance take charge, and with the help of a talking turtle, they might just save the day. Time travel mixed with rambunctious seagulls makes for a fun adventure in this fourth book in the Witches of Brooklyn series.
She's a bright and curious witch in training. I loved Effie's relationship with her two aunts and her friendship with Garance. Fast-paced and a lot of fun, Spell of a Time, the fourth adventure for Effie, is magical with a bit of mayhem. Fantastic colors and witty dialogue come together for one thrill ride of an adventure for Effie and her friends. Effie has her hands complete from the sister mermaids to magical spells, but they can overcome anything with Garance.
It's a new school year, and while some of her friends are going to different schools, Effie and Garance practice more witch training. When Effie meets the fortune teller (a mermaid), she's frantic because her sister is missing. Effie and Garance take charge, and with the help of a talking turtle, they might just save the day. Time travel mixed with rambunctious seagulls makes for a fun adventure in this fourth book in the Witches of Brooklyn series.
She's a bright and curious witch in training. I loved Effie's relationship with her two aunts and her friendship with Garance. Fast-paced and a lot of fun, Spell of a Time, the fourth adventure for Effie, is magical with a bit of mayhem. Fantastic colors and witty dialogue come together for one thrill ride of an adventure for Effie and her friends. Effie has her hands complete from the sister mermaids to magical spells, but they can overcome anything with Garance.
January 11, 2024
This is such a great MG series. I just want to live with Selimene, Carlota, Francis and Effie- I’d have to be a witch too of course (please) and I’d be happy to have fluorescent magic (I think -I don’t think we’ve heard the last of this!).
I love everything from the world building and all of the quirky witchcraft which is presented as so run-of-the-mill. (I love this juxtaposition of the hyper contemporary world with supposed millennia old practices!) I love the word play in the titles and the representation in the cast list.
I loved the scenes with the seagulls (I live in a seaside town and I can totally imagine them being such jerks) and a special mention for Professor Sir, the unlikely all-action hero.
I definitely think a knowledge of the previous installments is useful when reading this volume (book 4 of the series). And without it, I think it’d seem like a more superficial read.
There’s also a lot of foreshadowing of things to come in future volumes.
I love everything from the world building and all of the quirky witchcraft which is presented as so run-of-the-mill. (I love this juxtaposition of the hyper contemporary world with supposed millennia old practices!) I love the word play in the titles and the representation in the cast list.
I loved the scenes with the seagulls (I live in a seaside town and I can totally imagine them being such jerks) and a special mention for Professor Sir, the unlikely all-action hero.
I definitely think a knowledge of the previous installments is useful when reading this volume (book 4 of the series). And without it, I think it’d seem like a more superficial read.
There’s also a lot of foreshadowing of things to come in future volumes.
August 8, 2023
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Everyone is gathered to celebrate Effie's 12th birthday when the story begins. Twelve is a special year for a young witch as they visit the seer to learn about their type of magic and their future. Once Effie learns this information, she shares about overhearing seagulls talk about a missing mermaid being seen again. From here, readers see Effie and Garance search for, find and rescue the mermaid. Along the way, Effie surprises herself with a magic explosion, and they both learn to time travel.
Escabasse spins magic and humor together as we learn more about her characters. Effie's aunts are as charming and eccentric as ever. The new characters add to the drama and comedy as they help with this mission.
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Everyone is gathered to celebrate Effie's 12th birthday when the story begins. Twelve is a special year for a young witch as they visit the seer to learn about their type of magic and their future. Once Effie learns this information, she shares about overhearing seagulls talk about a missing mermaid being seen again. From here, readers see Effie and Garance search for, find and rescue the mermaid. Along the way, Effie surprises herself with a magic explosion, and they both learn to time travel.
Escabasse spins magic and humor together as we learn more about her characters. Effie's aunts are as charming and eccentric as ever. The new characters add to the drama and comedy as they help with this mission.
September 6, 2023
I have loved anything witch-related ever since I was young and this series was definitely one of those that caught my attention. The drawings are unique and storyline is also appealing. I've enjoyed the past books of these series, because it was fresh and new. It took some time for me to review this one, though, as there wasn't much happening in the first half of the book. Truthfully speaking, this book is my least favorite one. I would have thought something interesting would happen since the book title seems to revolve around time, which is also another feature I really enjoy reading in literature.
There was hardly any magic happening either, other than Effie being taken to see what kind of magic she has, but that was pretty much it... just the concept of witches, but no real magic.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing access to a digital copy in advance.
There was hardly any magic happening either, other than Effie being taken to see what kind of magic she has, but that was pretty much it... just the concept of witches, but no real magic.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing access to a digital copy in advance.
April 19, 2023
Effie's turning 12, so it's time for her to take the next step in her witch training and visit a seer to find out her future as well as her magical skills. It's also time for her to return to school, along with her witchy friend Garance, and on their field trip to Coney Island to clean up the beach, Effie overhears seagulls talking about a missing mermaid -- who turns out to be the seer's sister.
Another delightful outing in the Witches of Brooklyn series. I'm glad to see that Effie is growing up a bit more, curbing some of her attitude and really working on developing her powers.
As always, great graphics, fun characters, and a good story. 4 stars.
Thank you, Penguin Random House and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Another delightful outing in the Witches of Brooklyn series. I'm glad to see that Effie is growing up a bit more, curbing some of her attitude and really working on developing her powers.
As always, great graphics, fun characters, and a good story. 4 stars.
Thank you, Penguin Random House and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
August 30, 2023
You know, what I like best about these books is that they’re moral without being preachy or about the moral being shown. It’s just part of the story in a very natural way. The stories are cute, fairly gentle and grade school appropriate. It’s just that there’s always something in there where the right and decent thing to do is shown without a big deal being made of it. Each one of these books has really flowed just beautifully around that point or points. Really enjoyable series. And the more I think on it the more I’m inclined to round this up to five stars just for the quality of the series as a whole and the way the characters are developing and growing along with the story progression.
March 18, 2023
I received an e-arc from NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Graphic!
4.5 stars
This novel is a perfect addition to the Witches of Brooklyn series. Where the last three entries focused on more interpersonal uses of magic, this book helps develop the magical world of Brooklyn even further. With an ever-diverse cast of characters, Effie confronts newly burgeoning powers and the legacy left by witches before her.
With the expected WoB hijinks, there were some great comedic beats that made me lol and wonderful world-building that makes this world even more interesting.
Overall, it’s a fun middle grade read and worth your time.
4.5 stars
This novel is a perfect addition to the Witches of Brooklyn series. Where the last three entries focused on more interpersonal uses of magic, this book helps develop the magical world of Brooklyn even further. With an ever-diverse cast of characters, Effie confronts newly burgeoning powers and the legacy left by witches before her.
With the expected WoB hijinks, there were some great comedic beats that made me lol and wonderful world-building that makes this world even more interesting.
Overall, it’s a fun middle grade read and worth your time.
October 26, 2023
On a trip to Coney Island Effie overhears some seagulls talking....yes, she can hear some animals but can't talk back to them. They're talking about a missing mermaid. When Effie turns 12 she has to go to a seer....who happens to be a mermaid whose sister has recently gone missing. Effie must learn....from a turtle....how to communicate with the birds to find out where the missing mermaid may be. Of course, Effie and her co-witch Garance get into trouble when they jump in where they shouldn't. Patience is not Effie's strong point. This is just the beginning to their adventure to save the mermaid who has been taken captive.
March 14, 2023
This was a fun addition to the Witches of Brooklyn series. I really enjoyed Effie learning about a new facet of her magic, and this definitely leaves room for more in the series. This adventure takes Effie and Garance back in time to Coney Island to help stop a time loop. I loved seeing familiar characters and getting to meet new ones. This one wasn’t quite as charming as previous titles in the series. I was hoping for more magic learning with the grandmas. Still an excellent and fun middle grade graphic novel.
January 12, 2024
This one was... a lot. A birthday, a seer, a missing mermaid, time travel, learning to talk to animals, rogue witchery, and, some how, STILL GOING TO SCHOOL. But... I still love the characters and the way this series continues to build its story and the world it operates in. At this point, the characters are only ever surprised by things that are completely out of their norm; they exist so normally in a world of magic. I would have liked a tighter story, but I can feel bigger and better things coming!
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