Publishers Weekly
09/09/2019
In this entertaining fantasy series opener, billed as a prequel to Colfer’s Land of Stories series, a girl pursues her destiny, defying the rigid gender roles and draconian laws of a kingdom that has outlawed magic and forbidden women from reading. Diehard bibliophile Brystal Evergreen, 14, is disowned by her family after she manifests magical talents and is sentenced to a workhouse; shortly afterward, the enigmatic Madame Weatherberry rescues her to study at her newly established Academy of Magic, in an attempt to reverse public prejudice against benevolent magic users, whom she calls fairies to differentiate them from very real, very wicked, witches. At the Academy, Brystal learns to embrace her inner self, achieve her full potential, and reconcile the disparate parts of her identity. When a deadly conflict brewing in the north forces Madame Weatherberry to leave, it’s up to Brystal and her newfound school friends to harness their powers and save the day. With its focus on chosen family, accepting one’s true self, and changing public perception through normalization, it’s easy to spot Colfer’s gentle, if unsubtle, metaphors for marginalized experiences (“Someone’s existence is never a choice, or a fault, and it’s certainly not a crime”). Strong characters and an engaging story line make this a thoroughly satisfying adventure that can stand alone for Colfer newcomers. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Praise for A Tale of Magic...
"A dynamic, engrossing fantasy that will have readers staying up late and dreaming big."—School Library Journal
"...a thoroughly satisfying adventure..."—Publishers Weekly
"...will please fans of the series while offering an entry for new readers as well."—Booklist
Praise for the Land of Stories series:
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A Barnes & Noble Best Kids' Book of the Year
"A magical debut."—Family Circle
"Captivating"—Teen Vogue
"In The Land of Stories, Colfer showcases his talent for crafting fancifully imaginative plots and multidimensional characters."—Los Angeles Times
"There's more in Colfer's magic kingdoms than Disney has dreamt of."—USA Today
"It will hit big with its combination of earnestness and playful poise."—The New York Times Book Review
"It's hard not to love a book dedicated to the Glee star's grandmother...Colfer gets off many good lines [and] the nifty ending ties the plot's multiple strands up while leaving room for further fairy tale adventures."—Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
09/01/2019
Gr 5–7—In the oppressive Southern Kingdom, magic is outlawed and women have only one option: become wives and mothers. But 14-year-old Brystal Evergreen thinks big: she sneaks books, she listens to the men's discussions, and she dreams of escaping. When she gets caught with a magical book, Brystal fears her life is over—until a surprise visitor whisks her away to an academy of magic. While there, Brystal discovers a sinister plot brewing in the Northern Kingdom, fueled by the terrifying Snow Queen. As the situation worsens, the academy students realize that stopping the Snow Queen may be up to them. This is an exciting, seamless reintroduction to the fairy-tale world Colfer introduced in his first series, "The Land of Stories," but prior knowledge isn't a requirement. This fresh, original page-turner perfectly integrates the story of the Snow Queen. Colfer draws parallels between the narrative and the current political climate, which will feel less heavy-handed to younger readers and spark discussion about empathy and open-mindedness. The occasional scene or phrase may make this book more appropriate for slightly older readers than the audience of "The Land of Stories," but it will still fit into an elementary collection. Some stilted dialogue and one-dimensional characters detract at times, but the plot is engaging enough that most readers won't mind. VERDICT A dynamic, engrossing fantasy that will have readers staying up late and dreaming big.—Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elementary School, Arlington, VA
