Book Review: Wand

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Howdy Bookworms,

Today I’m taking another deep dive into some portal fantasy with my review of Wand by Landra Jennings. 

There’s something so mesmerizing about portal fantasy that really speaks to the escapist in me. So when I read the cover and blurb for this book I just knew I had to try it out. Let’s see how this one went. On to the review!

 

Blurb

A dazzling story of grief and found family wrapped in a spellbinding fairy tale, perfect for fans of Anne Ursu and Jodi Lynn Anderson. Eleven-year-old Mira wishes everything could go back to the way it was. Before she changed schools and had to quit gymnastics. Especially before Papa died. Now she spends her days cooking and cleaning for her stepsisters and Val—who she still won’t call mom and still won’t forgive for the terrible thing she did. When a mysterious girl named Lyndame appears out of the woods wielding a powerful wand, she makes Mira an offer she can’t she will grant Mira three wishes. What if magic isn’t just pretend after all? What if these wishes could fix everything? But in the quiet town of Between, Georgia, where secrets lurk and rumors swirl of strange creatures, nothing is as it seems, and everything comes at a price. Rising talent Landra Jennings weaves together an enchanting, modern fairy tale with eloquence and compassion about finding hope after loss—and finding belonging in the places we least expect.

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***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the Amazon links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

 

The Review

What a fun middle-grade portal fantasy adventure!

Mira lives with her stepmother and stepsisters Sarah and Beans after her father died. As she helps out with chores around the house she finds herself wanting more from the life she has. When a strange woman appears in the woods beyond her backyard offering wishes to make Mira’s life better, Mira is ecstatic. But her wishes turn sour, and as she tries to get things to go back to the way they were she finds herself on a fantasy-filled adventure.

This book had a sense of magic from front to back. Pixies, magical creatures, wands with magic powers, it had it all. I think younger readers will love all the magic in every page, and the tone was positive throughout with nothing too terribly dark.

Mira was interesting to figure out. We learn more about her tragic backstory involving her father’s death along the way, and Mira herself is brave and determined. I loved the support that Sarah and Beans provided, and their characters felt very real. Val, Mira’s stepmother, had more of a realistic feel to her for a mother and her involvement wasn’t overly sugar-coated.

I liked the sense of mystery and magic in each chapter, and the plot moves fast and keeps your attention. No big complaints here. This was a great book, perfect for a young reader looking to dip their toes into portal fantasy.

 

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

 

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