Title: The Wishing Spell
Author: Chris Colfer
Published: 2012 by Little, Brown Young Readers
438 pages
First in The Land of Stories series
Click here to find it on Goodreads
I have watched the first couple seasons of Glee and Chris Colfer was always my favourite actor on that show. After reading this book I am now an even more massive fan of him.
Alex and Conner Bailey are teenage twins going through a hard time in their life. The twins grandmother gives them the story book they used to always read as small children and then one night they both accidentally fall into the story book. They find themselves in a strange place full of magic and creatures and they meet the famous characters of the classic fairy tales they read while growing up. But unfortunately leaving is not going to be as easy as they thought.
First I want to talk about the overall presentation of this book. The front and back covers are absolutely stunning and draws you in immediately. We are also provided with a map of The Land of Stories which always earns bonus points.
Colfer absolutely sucks you into the story. He mixes the classic fairy tales with modern day and it is a perfect combination. The characters are all so well done that you can’t help but fall in love with each and every one of them. It is fast paced and an absolutely charming story that I never wanted to end. Thankfully this is a series so I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book as I know I am going to devour it and love every minute of it.
My favourite quotes:
“Right now, we’re living in an ugly chapter of our lives, but books always get better!”
“Even in the worst of situations – even when it seems no one in the world appreciates you – as long as you have hope, everything can get better”
“Sometimes we forget about our own advantages because we focus on what we don’t have. Just because you have to work a little harder at something that seems easier to others doesn’t mean you’re without your own talents”
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I highly suggest if you are wanting to read this one to get the audiobook to go along with it. Colfer reads it himself and it is perfection. He personifies each character so well and puts a lot of emotion into the story telling. Needless to say, I will not hesitate to check out any of his work in the future.
An easy 5/5 star rating from me. Now let’s hope the rest of the series is just as exciting and fabulous!
Mallory
readsbymandm 