A Tale of Magic... (A Tale of Magic..., 1)

Man it was so good to be back with Chris Colfer’s writing. The Land of Stories series is what got me into MG, & will always have a special place in my heart. This 1st book in a series that is a prequel series to TLOS was PHENOMENAL. It’s characters are a little older MG, & I flew through it. This completed prompt 3 for Series September:series you started a long times ago. I loved this. I loved seeing the very beginnings to a certain aspect of this world. As usual, the author has such a talent for writing- engaging writing, with well thought out plots, full of magic & imagination. He writes the most amazing & endearing characters that you just fall in love with. He also manages to also weave so many amazing messages throughout his books. One of my favorite paragraphs was: “‘We're all just a couple of mistakes away from becom-ing the people we despise,’ she said. ‘So don't think worse of yourself, but let this change how you think of yourself. Start valuing who you are, more than what you are. Prove you're better than most people by showing more acceptance and empathy. And fuel your pride with what you earn and create, instead of what you're born with.’” I also noticed of all 4 kids, the only totally accepting & loving parents were ones who adopted the child after she was discarded by the humans. The adopted parents being a species banned by said humans for being evil/awful. So many messages in there alone lol. I loved all our main kids, & all their different magical talents were incredible. Our MC Brystal is superb though. Her kindness & compassion are written so well. It doesn’t come off cheesy or..wrong in anyway. It’s in a way to where you wish the world was full of people like her. She’s truly exceptional. The last piece of dialogue for the chapter on page 468? I was so dang proud of her, & that scene gave me goosebumps. The twists at the end had me speechless, & I was just shocked! Such a great ending though. This is full of adventure, magic, friendship, danger, imagination, atmosphere, & another found family aspect that will warm your heart. Also, Lucy is just the best lol When I realized who she becomes, I laughed so hard. Because it’s perfect, & clicks into place perfectly lol. HIGHLY recommend. STUNNING cover by Brandon Dorman too. The naked hardback is also so BEAUTIFUL!💜

I bought this set of books for my Granddaughter. She has told me she loves the books. She could have probably gotten them at the Library, but she wanted to be able to read them whenever she wanted to. I decided that if she was really that into these books, I would get them for her. I personally love to read, so I encourage my Grandchildren to read what interests them. I will help when I can. (This granddaughter is in her 30's but is also mentally & physically challenged.)

The book took a while to get interesting but once you reach Chapter 4, it's really hard to stop reading. I can't wait to finish it and start the next one.

This book surpassed what I had imagined. It a very good book full of inspirational quotes that are weirdly relatable to real life.

OK, I got the kindle edition not realizing it was aimed at a young audience, and I'm in my 70s. Some of the relationships and actions are therefore naive or simplistic to an adult reader. In spite of that, it was a decent story, and nice light entertainment. Mr. Colfer has a nice touch as a writer.But the thing that struck me was one short passage early in the book, where there is a family scene with the protagonist, (female, 14) and her two older brothers that was so pitch perfect, and gave such a solid feel for the characters and their personalities, that I was impressed.Heinlein was once asked "how do you write juveniles?" (the old name for books about teens and tweens) and he replied, " I make the characters teenagers, then write the best damn novel I know how." Well this is a strong attempt at that ideal.

An amazing prequel to land of stories!

These books take your typical fairy tale stories and weave the characters together into new roles through the adventures of a a family with roots in the fairy tale world. My kids enjoyed the entire series.

Bottom line: disappointing. The story is told from Brystal Evergreen’s point of view. She is coming of age in a society where girls and women are expected to be subservient and happy about it. She is a bright and secretly educated young woman who is not content with her prospects. Her family is ruled by her abusive father. The plot is not the problem. Brystal faces adventures, punishments, and dangers as she risks everything in the pursuit of knowledge. Magic is outlawed and harshly punished so when she discovers her affinity for magic, the punishment is worsened. But never fear, her fairy godmother appears to sweep her off to a school of magic while leaving the other children behind at the correctional center to be abused by the wardens. The book is a long book that seems longer. The pacing is deliberate, and the writing is didactic. The reader would easily have gotten the message from the story without the extensive preaching and teaching. The world building is sketchy with multiple superficial settings. The characters remain two-dimensional stereotypes. The dialogue is particularly awkward. I frequently read young adult books looking for a thoughtful and engaging story. If you are looking for better young adult books with a resourceful female heroine there are many books that are much better and more entertaining. A few recommendations: Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George, The Legendary Inge by Kate Stradling, and The Namesake by Kate Stradling. Also, the Queen’s Thief young adult series by Megan Whalen Turner featuring strong make and female characters is hard to beat.

Highly recommended for teens. That said I took a chance and got this for my 7 year old daughter. I feared the wording and the terminology might be too complicated for her to appreciate. Needless to say, she was hooked after chapter one and so was I as we read it together. Brystal Evergreen is a great heroine who shows true grit throughout. It's fair to state that the story is hardly original and comparisons with Harry Potter and the like are inevitable. But 'A Tale of Magic' is unique in it's own right as it feels like a brilliant hybrid of the Harry Potter verse and the Jane Austen world (in particular Pride and Prejudice). The chapters may be slightly too long, but this is a minor quibble. The story keeps you so engrossed you fly through the pages. All of which lead you to a brilliant conclusion and totally leave you wanting more. Long may this franchise continue 👌

A beautifully written book that I couldn’t put down. A wonderful way to approach and open a discussion with children about prejudice in many forms. Very cleverly written, wonderful characters, excellent world building. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and this is the first book that has come close to filling the void since HP ended. I haven’t read The Land of Stories (have ordered and they’re on their way) but didn’t feel lost at any point, this series is a stand-alone. My friend recommended this book and I loved the cover (I know never judge a book by its cover but it is beautiful!) so thought I’d give it a go, am so glad I did!

Daughter loves the land of stories series and very excited to read spin off. Complex world building that challenges conventional thinking. Tackles topics with wit and compassion you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find in a children’s series. This is a prequel to the main series and didn’t disappoint - also fun to stumble across characters we have already met.

This book is perfect for every reader who like a good book. I would recomend it for 7-12. I think this is one of the best book I have ever read and that is hard to beat since I read a lot. If you have no book to read and are bored this is the perfect book for you. It is action packed and is very hard to take your hands off. (I never stoped reading until I finished the book.) This is also the perfect gift to a kid or family member. You can also give them the second book which is also one of the best books I read. It is called A Tale of Witchcraft by Chris ColferHope you like the book!

I have read all the chris colfer books from the land of stories and loved them! This story is sort of a eipoulige from the wishing star , colfers book 1, and explains how the fairy council forms. There is a new sequel coming out in october 2020 tale of witchcraft. I will make sure to look out for it!Five stars!