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The Wizards of Once #1
Були собі чаклуни: чари перші
Це оповідь про хлопця-чаклуна та дівчину-воїнку, яких із самого малку вчили люто ненавидіти одне одного. Оповідь починається з появи величезної чорної пір’їн�...
Невже чаклуни та воїни так захопилися битвами поміж собою, що не помітили повернення стародавнього зла?
Невже чаклуни та воїни так захопилися битвами поміж собою, що не помітили повернення стародавнього зла?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
846 people are currently reading
10.4k people want to read
About the author
Cressida Cowell
240books2,335followersCressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,871 reviews
July 23, 2018
The audiobook is narrated by David Tennant and was an Odyssey Award Honoree, and I can see why!
Not only is Tennant so fun as the reader, but there are musical interludes and sound effects. And it's a very fun story, too! I really liked the descriptions of the magic and the people, not to mention the magical creatures. And who knew that a spoon could make a great pet?!
July 2018: Road trippin' with my sister and my three kids, made them all listen to it!
Not only is Tennant so fun as the reader, but there are musical interludes and sound effects. And it's a very fun story, too! I really liked the descriptions of the magic and the people, not to mention the magical creatures. And who knew that a spoon could make a great pet?!
July 2018: Road trippin' with my sister and my three kids, made them all listen to it!
May 22, 2019
Wacky MG fantasy focused on humor and some twists.
The form of illustrations mixed with text worked mostly great (it's rad that the author drew and wrote everything—total creative control like that is a real dream). The story was a bit generic but fun. And while I found the main two characters to be pretty bland and unlikable, the supporting characters were way more imaginative. There's a really thoughtful giant. There are young sprites called hairy fairies that are pretty funny. Whatever's going on with the evil Witches is pretty compelling. All of that kept me reading.
I love a good funny book, but I found the humor here to generally undermine everything else, mostly because the narrator came off as kind of a jerk? Somehow, the little jokes and pokes at the characters made the world feel less fleshed out and pointed out the big gaps to me. That could be personal: I don't like when children's literature seems to treat children as less intelligent readers or less in need of a fully worlded experience. As an aspiring author, what I'll take away here is that it's really hard to balance humor with worldbuilding.
But all that said, this book is a fun and lighthearted adventure if you can roll with the journey and not worry much about the details. I bet the sequel is fun too.
The form of illustrations mixed with text worked mostly great (it's rad that the author drew and wrote everything—total creative control like that is a real dream). The story was a bit generic but fun. And while I found the main two characters to be pretty bland and unlikable, the supporting characters were way more imaginative. There's a really thoughtful giant. There are young sprites called hairy fairies that are pretty funny. Whatever's going on with the evil Witches is pretty compelling. All of that kept me reading.
I love a good funny book, but I found the humor here to generally undermine everything else, mostly because the narrator came off as kind of a jerk? Somehow, the little jokes and pokes at the characters made the world feel less fleshed out and pointed out the big gaps to me. That could be personal: I don't like when children's literature seems to treat children as less intelligent readers or less in need of a fully worlded experience. As an aspiring author, what I'll take away here is that it's really hard to balance humor with worldbuilding.
But all that said, this book is a fun and lighthearted adventure if you can roll with the journey and not worry much about the details. I bet the sequel is fun too.
April 25, 2018
Adorable book. Illustrations that have a sarcastic wit to them which I always love. It’s a children’s book so of course it’s a quick read for an adult. It was a wonderful story though. I find that I love great books no matter their intended audience. Madeleine L’Engle said that she simply wrote A WRINKLE IN TIME. She didn’t write it for children or adults. She simply wrote it. I find my life is endlessly enriched by all sorts of books.
Back to this book. Did I mention adorable? There are two sides in the book: Wizards and Warriors. Each side has polarized so both are wrong. It’s a nice unintentional allegory for the current state of United States politics. Witches are the one thing both sides can agree on. Witches have feathers and are mostly invisible until the instant they’re attacking you. They have green blood. Witches were supposedly put on the extinct list yet there are signs they are back and up to no good.
Feathers. Green blood. A princess. A questionable stone. A magic sword. A kind giant. A book of spells. Selfishness. Selflessness. Hope. Magic.
If there are any more books in this series, I’ll be happily reading them:)
Back to this book. Did I mention adorable? There are two sides in the book: Wizards and Warriors. Each side has polarized so both are wrong. It’s a nice unintentional allegory for the current state of United States politics. Witches are the one thing both sides can agree on. Witches have feathers and are mostly invisible until the instant they’re attacking you. They have green blood. Witches were supposedly put on the extinct list yet there are signs they are back and up to no good.
Feathers. Green blood. A princess. A questionable stone. A magic sword. A kind giant. A book of spells. Selfishness. Selflessness. Hope. Magic.
If there are any more books in this series, I’ll be happily reading them:)
April 18, 2020
Sizzling with magic and wonder in a brilliant world that has completely sucked me in! I cannot wait to read more from this series.
A boy wizard who can't seem to find his magic and a warrior princess who has a knack for adventure cross paths in a world where wizards and warriors are mortal enemies. Long ago, Witches existed, and they are the most evil and most terrifying beings to ever walk the Earth. Are they back?
I was so engrossed in this wonderful story. The illustrations were so great to go along with the story, and I listened to the audiobook as I read along with the physical book which only added to my adventure - David Tennant is a perfect narrator! (Though there were many times I jumped out of my skin when a loud BANG happened)
Characters were fun and easy to follow, and I LOVED the world. The added pages of the Spelling Book were a highlight for me as I love the detail to this world. Cressida Cowell sure knows how to use her imagination and conjure a story so magical, it's enchanted me to pick up the next book.
A boy wizard who can't seem to find his magic and a warrior princess who has a knack for adventure cross paths in a world where wizards and warriors are mortal enemies. Long ago, Witches existed, and they are the most evil and most terrifying beings to ever walk the Earth. Are they back?
I was so engrossed in this wonderful story. The illustrations were so great to go along with the story, and I listened to the audiobook as I read along with the physical book which only added to my adventure - David Tennant is a perfect narrator! (Though there were many times I jumped out of my skin when a loud BANG happened)
Characters were fun and easy to follow, and I LOVED the world. The added pages of the Spelling Book were a highlight for me as I love the detail to this world. Cressida Cowell sure knows how to use her imagination and conjure a story so magical, it's enchanted me to pick up the next book.
March 5, 2019
“Surely, just because SOME Magic is bad, it doesn't mean that ALL Magic is bad?�
Wizards, warriors, sprites, witches, giants and lots more. Where do I sign up!?!?!
I've had the pleasure of reading this story twice now and I thoroughly enjoyed it both times. Wizards of Oncefeatures a young girl warrior and a young boy wizard. They are both complete and utter failures and outcasts in their tribes eyes but are constantly trying to prove their worth, for better or worse.
The boy, Xar is a wizard who was supposed to have his magic come in at 13 but it seems to have passed him by. He is incredibly desperate to get magic (by any means), so he can prove to everyone that he is truly "a boy of destiny." I had a completely hate to love relationship with this character because he's so arrogant and selfish that he makes it really hard for you to not want to smack him many times over. However, the parts where he is a little vulnerable were enough to show me that he really does care deeply for his family and friends - he's just a bit of a wild child.
On the other hand, Wish, who is from the warrior tribe is the exact opposite. She doesn't think she is anything special and knows how different she is but she still wants to impress her mother. She is always searching for that approval. Wish is very kind-hearted and willing to hear other sides and not just jump to conclusions. I also love that no matter what her mother does and how evil it may be, Wish always thinks the best of her. That could be a flaw but I found it really endearing. She just sees the best in people. I love her so much. We also get some Dyslexia representation in this book, as Wish. It is never identified as such, because of the time period and world the book takes place in. However, it's very clear it's Dyslexia as they go into detail about the letters being mixed up in her head and struggling with reading and writing because of it. We also see her write a couple of things and the letters are all out of order. I think the rep seems well done and it's not something that holds her back - she knows she struggles with it but keeps trying.
Xar has decided the way to prove himself is to catch a witch, who are supposed to be extinct and make them give him their magic. Not the best of plans but he does have a good (if oddball) bunch of followers that comprise of sprites, giants, snowcats, a crow, a bear and a wolf. It's quite the entourage but they are willing to do just about anything for him, even if he is being completely nuts. On his journey to find a witch, a bunch of chaos breaks out and he bumps into Wish and the story goes from there.
I dont't want to give too much away but, obviously witches do come in to play in this story and they aren't at all friendly or nice. Wish and Xar have to work together to try and defeat them, even though they have been taught to hate each other. There is tons of adventure and fun characters. Lots of societal commentary about the roles of girls and boys and what is expected of them. I really liked what roles they ended up playing and how it all turned out. Xar and Wish are fantastic protagonist and kids are bound to cozy right up to them.
There are also really fun illustrations all through-out this book, that make the story come alive even more. If you enjoy a good, fun adventure then I would certainly pick up this one. Younger kids could surely enjoy this one as early as probably five or six. There's nothing too scary in the book, just lots of fun times.
Wizards, warriors, sprites, witches, giants and lots more. Where do I sign up!?!?!
I've had the pleasure of reading this story twice now and I thoroughly enjoyed it both times. Wizards of Oncefeatures a young girl warrior and a young boy wizard. They are both complete and utter failures and outcasts in their tribes eyes but are constantly trying to prove their worth, for better or worse.
The boy, Xar is a wizard who was supposed to have his magic come in at 13 but it seems to have passed him by. He is incredibly desperate to get magic (by any means), so he can prove to everyone that he is truly "a boy of destiny." I had a completely hate to love relationship with this character because he's so arrogant and selfish that he makes it really hard for you to not want to smack him many times over. However, the parts where he is a little vulnerable were enough to show me that he really does care deeply for his family and friends - he's just a bit of a wild child.
On the other hand, Wish, who is from the warrior tribe is the exact opposite. She doesn't think she is anything special and knows how different she is but she still wants to impress her mother. She is always searching for that approval. Wish is very kind-hearted and willing to hear other sides and not just jump to conclusions. I also love that no matter what her mother does and how evil it may be, Wish always thinks the best of her. That could be a flaw but I found it really endearing. She just sees the best in people. I love her so much. We also get some Dyslexia representation in this book, as Wish. It is never identified as such, because of the time period and world the book takes place in. However, it's very clear it's Dyslexia as they go into detail about the letters being mixed up in her head and struggling with reading and writing because of it. We also see her write a couple of things and the letters are all out of order. I think the rep seems well done and it's not something that holds her back - she knows she struggles with it but keeps trying.
Xar has decided the way to prove himself is to catch a witch, who are supposed to be extinct and make them give him their magic. Not the best of plans but he does have a good (if oddball) bunch of followers that comprise of sprites, giants, snowcats, a crow, a bear and a wolf. It's quite the entourage but they are willing to do just about anything for him, even if he is being completely nuts. On his journey to find a witch, a bunch of chaos breaks out and he bumps into Wish and the story goes from there.
I dont't want to give too much away but, obviously witches do come in to play in this story and they aren't at all friendly or nice. Wish and Xar have to work together to try and defeat them, even though they have been taught to hate each other. There is tons of adventure and fun characters. Lots of societal commentary about the roles of girls and boys and what is expected of them. I really liked what roles they ended up playing and how it all turned out. Xar and Wish are fantastic protagonist and kids are bound to cozy right up to them.
There are also really fun illustrations all through-out this book, that make the story come alive even more. If you enjoy a good, fun adventure then I would certainly pick up this one. Younger kids could surely enjoy this one as early as probably five or six. There's nothing too scary in the book, just lots of fun times.
November 10, 2017
DAVID TENNANT MUST READ EVERY BOOK EVER EXISTS! AUDIBLE HIRE HIM ON A PERMANENT BASIS PLEASE!
September 28, 2017
Cressida Cowell is best known for her, “How to Train Your Dragon,� series, which was a big hit with my thirteen year old son, when he was younger. My ten year old daughter has never really shown interest in those books, but she read this very happily and enjoyed it immensely. The cover attracted her, with the words, “Once there was Magic…� intriguingly written across the back of the book.
The story revolves around the conflict of a young wizard boy, named Xar, whose magic has not yet arrived at the expected age, and a warrior girl, named Wish, who is all too keen to cover up the fact that she has magic and a wish which brings them together. The novel is set in Ancient Britain, a land of forests, magic, giants and really scary witches� The illustrations are a little dark, so this is probably best for children aged 8+ and it has lots of appeal to both boys and girls.
This is obviously going to be one of a series and my daughter is keen to read on. She says that she liked the characters and setting very much and has noticed a few children in her year reading it, so I am sure this will be a great success. At nearly 400 pages, it is for confident readers, but the illustrations help make this an excellent choice for children and great fun to read aloud.
The story revolves around the conflict of a young wizard boy, named Xar, whose magic has not yet arrived at the expected age, and a warrior girl, named Wish, who is all too keen to cover up the fact that she has magic and a wish which brings them together. The novel is set in Ancient Britain, a land of forests, magic, giants and really scary witches� The illustrations are a little dark, so this is probably best for children aged 8+ and it has lots of appeal to both boys and girls.
This is obviously going to be one of a series and my daughter is keen to read on. She says that she liked the characters and setting very much and has noticed a few children in her year reading it, so I am sure this will be a great success. At nearly 400 pages, it is for confident readers, but the illustrations help make this an excellent choice for children and great fun to read aloud.
January 1, 2018
This story was so cute!! I really enjoyed it! My one complaint (and I'm not sure if it's because of anything with the book or if it's just because it's middle grade) is that I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I kind of found my indifferent on what actually happened to them. But I still enjoyed the story and there were a bunch of twists that I didn't seem coming that kept me entertained! I still recommend this, especially to people who like fantasy stories and stories aimed at younger audiences.
April 5, 2020
3.5 stars.
This was funny, scattered and bonkers. I still can't really tell you what the plot was, other than it involved a bit of special magic and witches, but the characters are an absolute delight.
Wish is a warrior princess. But not a very good one. In fact, she's a bit of a disappointment to her mother the Queen, because she's a little.... odd. I mean, her only friend is an enchanted spoon. Xar is a wizard. Or he should be - except he has no magic. Wish and Xar should be mortal enemies, raised to hate each others clans. But Wish has discovered something magic, something she needs to conceal, and her only help comes in the form of this mouthy wizard with no magic and his motley crew of sprites and hairy fairies.
The plot, as I've mentioned, is a little lack lustre. We fly from one situation to the next without much world building or explanation, although given that this is a children's book I can forgive this. However, it's the characters that really stand out here. They're hilarious, each with their own little quirks to make them feel fully fleshed out and well developed. We have Bodkin the assistant bodyguard to Wish who has a habit of falling asleep at 'just' the wrong moment. And Calliban, the enchanted crow who is the reluctant babysitter of Xar. The various sprites, with their utter devotion of Xar, are hilarious - especially Squeezjoos. There's also a strong message of parenthood, and how difficult it is to parent a child who doesn't live up to the standards set by society, which I found endearing.
A fun romp through enchanted forests with a delightful cast of characters I quickly grew to love, I'll definitely be continuing the story.
This was funny, scattered and bonkers. I still can't really tell you what the plot was, other than it involved a bit of special magic and witches, but the characters are an absolute delight.
Wish is a warrior princess. But not a very good one. In fact, she's a bit of a disappointment to her mother the Queen, because she's a little.... odd. I mean, her only friend is an enchanted spoon. Xar is a wizard. Or he should be - except he has no magic. Wish and Xar should be mortal enemies, raised to hate each others clans. But Wish has discovered something magic, something she needs to conceal, and her only help comes in the form of this mouthy wizard with no magic and his motley crew of sprites and hairy fairies.
The plot, as I've mentioned, is a little lack lustre. We fly from one situation to the next without much world building or explanation, although given that this is a children's book I can forgive this. However, it's the characters that really stand out here. They're hilarious, each with their own little quirks to make them feel fully fleshed out and well developed. We have Bodkin the assistant bodyguard to Wish who has a habit of falling asleep at 'just' the wrong moment. And Calliban, the enchanted crow who is the reluctant babysitter of Xar. The various sprites, with their utter devotion of Xar, are hilarious - especially Squeezjoos. There's also a strong message of parenthood, and how difficult it is to parent a child who doesn't live up to the standards set by society, which I found endearing.
A fun romp through enchanted forests with a delightful cast of characters I quickly grew to love, I'll definitely be continuing the story.
January 14, 2018
"You have to listen to the stories, for stories always mean something. But what worries me is...what exactly DO they mean?"
Πολύ όμορφη ιστορία, γεμάτη αστεία και περιπέτειες! Ανυπομονώ για τη συνέχεια! 😄
Πολύ όμορφη ιστορία, γεμάτη αστεία και περιπέτειες! Ανυπομονώ για τη συνέχεια! 😄
September 17, 2018
Lectura infantil, perfecta para niños de 10 a 12 años, una buena dosis de magia, valor y amistad. Personajes muy divertidos y unas ilustraciones preciosas.
March 5, 2018
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I anticipated. The writing wasn't that good, the charcaters weren't special. The world and the atmosphere was great but I don't think this was the strongest magic book I've read.
January 3, 2021
[3.5-4 Stars] I flew through this one! This is the first book I've read in months, and it fit the bill completely. I needed something quick and fun, which is what this was. I enjoyed the magic and the conversations that, to me, seemed to touch on ethnocentrism. The warriors and the wizards have been enemies for so long that the main characters are starting to question if it's fair to judge an entire group of beings based on some preconceived notions that their respective societies have given them.
I can see how this world is going to be explored more as the series goes along, and I'm excited to see where these characters will go and what trials they'll have to go through. Xar can be incredibly annoying at times, being quite self-centered and very "pick me!" But, I'm looking forward to seeing his process as he begins to mature and realize that not everything is about him. Wish also has so much room to grow, especially as she uncovers more of the terrors the warriors have inflicted on all the other groups of beings. I'll definitely be continuing with the series.
I will say that because I read this so quickly, I don't have all the names nailed down to each of the side characters, but the narrator of the audiobook did a good job of giving a lot of the side characters distinctive voices.
I can see how this world is going to be explored more as the series goes along, and I'm excited to see where these characters will go and what trials they'll have to go through. Xar can be incredibly annoying at times, being quite self-centered and very "pick me!" But, I'm looking forward to seeing his process as he begins to mature and realize that not everything is about him. Wish also has so much room to grow, especially as she uncovers more of the terrors the warriors have inflicted on all the other groups of beings. I'll definitely be continuing with the series.
I will say that because I read this so quickly, I don't have all the names nailed down to each of the side characters, but the narrator of the audiobook did a good job of giving a lot of the side characters distinctive voices.
November 2, 2017
"This is the problem with adventures. They bring out parts of you that you never ever knew were there."
3.5 stars. That was entertaining!
This book is set in a world where there were wizards who are Magic and warriors who are not. But our two main characters, Xar, who is a Wizard, doesn't have any magical ability. And Wish, who is a Warrior princess, tries to hide her magical objects, because she doesn't believe that magical things are harmful.
The book was entertaining definitely, but there were parts which I felt were unnecessary and made the book long when it could have been shorter. And it had slower parts which made the pacing a little bit off for me. And this is my only complaint about the book.
However, this book has good messages for younger readers, and it touches upon the son/father relationship in a very beautiful way.
You get the frustration of Xar and how he feels disappointed in himself and him wanting to make his father and nation proud of him. You feel the pressure he puts on himself in able to reach his goal.
The book also has beautiful friendships! I loved to see how Xar acted to save his friend, and it was so much fun seeing the quirkiness of Xar to get them out of the tough situation they were in.
The end of the book was amazing and I didn't see that coming, and it had a feminist message to it which I thought was powerful and beautiful to read in a middle grade book.
The book has beautiful pencil drawings (I think) in it which goes along with the story..
And a full page illustrations (which is stunning!)
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book! And I feel it is going to be a series/trilogy because the end didn't completely wrap up the story, that's how I felt. So, that makes me so excited to read the next book in the series once it comes out!
September 19, 2018
I expected nothing and still, it disappointed me at the highest level.
I've been seduced in store by the fame of the author, the promise of original drawings and a magical middle grade story. In the end, I suffered for almost 400 pages of a boring plot punctuated by lazy drawings.
The story itself could have been ok (and here I don't say "good", I say "ok") but it was not worth the volume and could have been told in less than 150 pages. There is no need to waste time and space to tell endlessly the same things again and again. And again. The author's writing style also didn't help me to dig into the book, you love it or you hate it. In my case, I hate it. English vocabulary is rich enough to produce a large panel of emotions (even in a chidlren book), I truly think anybody can do better than simply using caps or bold to describe strong feelings. I never ask a book to be pompous, but I ask it to provide a minimum of quality.
To finish, let's talk quickly about the characters, they don't deserve more than a few lines. Wish, the warrior princess was pretty much ok with a spark of bravery and good sense but she had nothing good enough to me to truly care about her fate. Xar on the other hand was the most despicable person (fictional or not) I ever encountered. I know sometimes people like rude disgusting brats but I don't, and following the adventures of the Moron-King for 400 pages was too much to ask of me.
I've been seduced in store by the fame of the author, the promise of original drawings and a magical middle grade story. In the end, I suffered for almost 400 pages of a boring plot punctuated by lazy drawings.
The story itself could have been ok (and here I don't say "good", I say "ok") but it was not worth the volume and could have been told in less than 150 pages. There is no need to waste time and space to tell endlessly the same things again and again. And again. The author's writing style also didn't help me to dig into the book, you love it or you hate it. In my case, I hate it. English vocabulary is rich enough to produce a large panel of emotions (even in a chidlren book), I truly think anybody can do better than simply using caps or bold to describe strong feelings. I never ask a book to be pompous, but I ask it to provide a minimum of quality.
To finish, let's talk quickly about the characters, they don't deserve more than a few lines. Wish, the warrior princess was pretty much ok with a spark of bravery and good sense but she had nothing good enough to me to truly care about her fate. Xar on the other hand was the most despicable person (fictional or not) I ever encountered. I know sometimes people like rude disgusting brats but I don't, and following the adventures of the Moron-King for 400 pages was too much to ask of me.
June 17, 2020
”Magic can never be destroyed, it can only be hidden.�
This was a quick and fun read about a young boy, Xar of a Wizards guild and a young girl, Wish from a Warriors guild. They are destined to hate one another but end up bumping into each other and working together through an unheard of situation - especially since witches are supposed to be extinct but Xar and Wish stumble across one...
They come together and ignore what they’ve been taught about the other guild to fight through the situation together. Although they have quite a few blame games and squabbles along the way 😂
Very funny and interesting story for a middle-grade.
This was a quick and fun read about a young boy, Xar of a Wizards guild and a young girl, Wish from a Warriors guild. They are destined to hate one another but end up bumping into each other and working together through an unheard of situation - especially since witches are supposed to be extinct but Xar and Wish stumble across one...
They come together and ignore what they’ve been taught about the other guild to fight through the situation together. Although they have quite a few blame games and squabbles along the way 😂
Very funny and interesting story for a middle-grade.
December 15, 2020
Wow this book started with a bang and ended with one. This is a story of finding out who you are and finding friends in unlikely people. It’s not about where someone comes from but who they are inside.
This is a story full of magic, adventures and loads of different beings just trying to survive.
The writing was so easy to get in to and kept me gripped the whole time.
Will be picking up the next one straight away. Can’t wait to get the other two for Christmas 💝
This is a story full of magic, adventures and loads of different beings just trying to survive.
The writing was so easy to get in to and kept me gripped the whole time.
Will be picking up the next one straight away. Can’t wait to get the other two for Christmas 💝
July 9, 2018
I love this story. It's funny and really interesting. I really love when the characters are cursing or latah...
July 11, 2019
I am so disappointed.
I enjoyed the entire How to Train Your Dragon series immensely. There were some weaker volumes, but for the most part, I completely forgot I was listening to books intended for children and enjoyed them for what they were - magical entertainment.
This book, unfortunately, seems to have been relying on nostalgia to pull it through. It makes several references that those who've read HtTYD will recognize, but fails on almost everything that its predecessor did well - characterization, worldbuilding, and action.
We're thrust immediately into a world of magic, wizards, warriors, witches, etc., etc., ad nauseum. If there has ever been an imaginary magic creature, it is shoehorned into this book. The two main characters, Wish and Xar, are flat and one-dimensional creatures and you can predict their actions throughout the book just by their descriptions on first appearance.
The worldbuilding is nearly nonexistent, and relies entirely on the imaginations of people who have read multiple stories featuring warriors and wizards - hello, HP fandom - and sprites and fairies etc. etc. There's no background or history or explanation for anything. That's all you get - names of things from other stories.
The action is very limited in this book, too. There are two main confrontations, and everything else is filler. Dialogue-heavy filler.
The one redeeming factor of this book was the narration - David Tennant is my all-time favorite narrator. Alas, even he could not save this sinking ship.
Guys, I am disappoint.
2 stars, and I have no plans to continue this series. I'll just reread Hiccup from now on.
I enjoyed the entire How to Train Your Dragon series immensely. There were some weaker volumes, but for the most part, I completely forgot I was listening to books intended for children and enjoyed them for what they were - magical entertainment.
This book, unfortunately, seems to have been relying on nostalgia to pull it through. It makes several references that those who've read HtTYD will recognize, but fails on almost everything that its predecessor did well - characterization, worldbuilding, and action.
We're thrust immediately into a world of magic, wizards, warriors, witches, etc., etc., ad nauseum. If there has ever been an imaginary magic creature, it is shoehorned into this book. The two main characters, Wish and Xar, are flat and one-dimensional creatures and you can predict their actions throughout the book just by their descriptions on first appearance.
The worldbuilding is nearly nonexistent, and relies entirely on the imaginations of people who have read multiple stories featuring warriors and wizards - hello, HP fandom - and sprites and fairies etc. etc. There's no background or history or explanation for anything. That's all you get - names of things from other stories.
The action is very limited in this book, too. There are two main confrontations, and everything else is filler. Dialogue-heavy filler.
The one redeeming factor of this book was the narration - David Tennant is my all-time favorite narrator. Alas, even he could not save this sinking ship.
Guys, I am disappoint.
2 stars, and I have no plans to continue this series. I'll just reread Hiccup from now on.
November 23, 2017
I find myself shying away from Middle Grade novels more often than not because I tend to find them a bit juvenile for my tastes, and I know that's the point but I just generally don't enjoy them.
I absolutely loved this one. I loved the plot, the characters, and the low key hidden meanings and social commentary. I think that it is a fun story for children, especially around the Halloween season, but I also think that it can teach kids a lot.
It's a fun plot, a world where wizards are being killed by warriors who are coming over to take their land. Two children, one from each side, meet one day and a whole bunch of shenanigans happen.
I didn't ever imagine myself giving a Middle Grade novel 5 stars, but I enjoyed it a lot and I just didn't see any thing wrong with it. The only issue I had was with the main male character, but then again like he was understandably irritating and I think his character growth was pretty good and will obviously continue to grow in further books.
Just a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I was reading this.
I absolutely loved this one. I loved the plot, the characters, and the low key hidden meanings and social commentary. I think that it is a fun story for children, especially around the Halloween season, but I also think that it can teach kids a lot.
It's a fun plot, a world where wizards are being killed by warriors who are coming over to take their land. Two children, one from each side, meet one day and a whole bunch of shenanigans happen.
I didn't ever imagine myself giving a Middle Grade novel 5 stars, but I enjoyed it a lot and I just didn't see any thing wrong with it. The only issue I had was with the main male character, but then again like he was understandably irritating and I think his character growth was pretty good and will obviously continue to grow in further books.
Just a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I was reading this.
January 15, 2018
2.5 stars
DNF @ 60%. Idk this just felt flat for me. I was bored and the characters weren’t super interesting. The only thing that made me get this far was David Tenant’s narration (flip pin� AMAZING) but I can’t do it anymore.
DNF @ 60%. Idk this just felt flat for me. I was bored and the characters weren’t super interesting. The only thing that made me get this far was David Tenant’s narration (flip pin� AMAZING) but I can’t do it anymore.
October 10, 2017
Couldn't guess the narrator of the story
Guess I'll have to find out when the next book comes out...
Guess I'll have to find out when the next book comes out...
April 4, 2020
Encantada con esta historia. Me hizo volver a tener 10 años, cuando empezaba mis lecturas de fantasía, allá en un pasado lejano.
May 5, 2019
Crackling with magic, adventure and humour. But it was the wonderful characters and they way they collided with each other that made this so much fun.
December 1, 2020
1.) The Wizards of Once ★★★★�
2.) Twice Magic ★★★★
3.) Knock Three Times ★★★★
4.) Never and Forever [ON TBR]
-----------------------------------------------
“Keep hoping, keep guessing, keep dreaming.�
representation: none that i can remember!
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★�
ohhhhh this was so much fun. the audiobook is narrated by david tenant and is just FANTASTIC! The way this is formatted with all the pictures and different fonts and stuff is so good too! Defs a new fave!
trigger warnings: fantasy violence, loss of loved ones (in the past).
2.) Twice Magic ★★★★
3.) Knock Three Times ★★★★
4.) Never and Forever [ON TBR]
-----------------------------------------------
“Keep hoping, keep guessing, keep dreaming.�
representation: none that i can remember!
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★�
ohhhhh this was so much fun. the audiobook is narrated by david tenant and is just FANTASTIC! The way this is formatted with all the pictures and different fonts and stuff is so good too! Defs a new fave!
trigger warnings: fantasy violence, loss of loved ones (in the past).
January 30, 2018
�4/5�
▪Plot 4.75/5
▪Details 4.75/5
▪Characters 2.5/5
▪World building 4.75/5
▪Magic system 4/5
▪Logic 4.5/5
▪Enjoyment 4.5/5
▪Narrator 4.75/5
I listened to an audio book and a narrator was amazing. However, it was annoying sometimes, because of all the accents. But still very good, tho. I like the old raven especially. �
The world building, magic system are really nice, something similar, but different at the same time.
But but.. The main problem for me that I didn't care for characters at all. I felt nothing for them. I still can't answer why. :?
▪Plot 4.75/5
▪Details 4.75/5
▪Characters 2.5/5
▪World building 4.75/5
▪Magic system 4/5
▪Logic 4.5/5
▪Enjoyment 4.5/5
▪Narrator 4.75/5
I listened to an audio book and a narrator was amazing. However, it was annoying sometimes, because of all the accents. But still very good, tho. I like the old raven especially. �
The world building, magic system are really nice, something similar, but different at the same time.
But but.. The main problem for me that I didn't care for characters at all. I felt nothing for them. I still can't answer why. :?
January 3, 2022
This didn't quite work for me, couldn't get invested in it. The writing wasn't bad but not my cup of tea
April 25, 2020
Поговорімо про те, як ŷ впливає на наші життя. Чом би й ні?
От я, скажімо, під впливом однієї з улюблених наших тутешніх оглядачок більше не можу ані говорити, ані навіть думати про шотландський акцент, не додавши перед тим "казковий".
Так от, ця аудіокнижка � це шість солодких годин казкового шотландського акценту, і вона наповнила мене чистою, непідробною радістю. Здається, я всі шість годин усміхалася. Серйозно, мені вже аж болять "усміхальні" м'язи. Девід Теннент, окрім того що він гордий носій казкового шотландського акценту, має ще й чудернацький голос, який у рендомних місцях видає дивні писки (хто чув, той зрозуміє). До того ж, це дитяче фентезі, яскравий набір колоритних фантастичних персонажів дає йому можливість добряче відтягнутися і посяяти всіма гранями свого обдарування: від протяжних тягучих по-віль-них велетнів до тонкоголосих крихітних створіннячок. The Wizards of Once � це ще й багато гумору і тут є звороти на кшталт hairy fairy, так що в деяких місцях я аж просльозилася зо сміху. Це все доповнюється музикою і звуковими ефектами � ото слухаєш собі, нічого не підозрюючи, а тут я-а-ак грюкне!.. А в одному місці оповідач навіть співає (а співає Девід Теннент жахливо, хоча це мене теж чомусь потішило). Тож можете собі уявити мою радість, коли я виявила, що Девід Теннент � штатний начитувач Крессіди Ковелл: він прочитав не лише цю трилогію, але й величезну серію про драконів, отож я неодмінно продовжу цей прекрасний експіріенс. ))
Може, щось ще власне про книжку розказати, га?
Ми маємо хлопчика Зара, чарівника, і дівчинку Віш (в українському перекладі Бажана), войовницю.
От тільки Зар чарівник дещо неправильний � у цьому світі чари вперше проявляються приблизно у 12 рочків, і Зару оно тринадцятий минає, а чарів як не було, так і нема. Тож він вирішує взяти доленьку у власні руці і знайти зовнішнє джерело чарівницької сили. На початку історії Зара можна досить точно описати терміном "зарозумілий кретин".
Віш теж не дуже вдатна войовниця: дрібненька, худенька, з пов'язкою на оці, не те що її дужа і сувора мама. Бідолашна Віш відчуває, що не вписується серед мужніх воїнів.
І от одного разу Зар і Віш зустрічаються у лісі за дивних обставин (тут ще треба додати, що чарівники і воїни здавна ненавидять одне одного, а воїни ще й затято знищують будь-які прояви магії). Ясен пень, це стає початком unlikely friendship. Це, звичайно, кліше, але якщо вже я готова миритися з якимось кліше, то саме з unlikely friendship, особливо у дитячій книзі. Воно ж бо вселяє віру в те, що завжди можна знайти спільну мову, а це гарний посил.
До речі, хочу підкреслити, що це саме дитяча книга, і, на відміну від деяких інших видань для середнього шкільного віку, вона не заграє з дорослими, не прикидається чимось складнішим, тим, чим вона не є. Це така собі пригода для мацьоп, у якій сміху більше, ніж страху (хоча й не без цього: є сцени, де нашим героям загрожує смертельна небезпека, а лиходії справді моторошні, та ще й мало не безсмертні).
Я сьогодні в книгарні погортала українське видання. Не беруся сказати, чи воно таке ж класне, як аудіокнижка, але в нього є своя перевага: воно багато ілюстроване. Мені аж захтілося купити. Ото поки думаю, чи підійде ця книжка для мого 6-річного небожа, бо він наразі таки надає перевагу кольоровим ілюстраціям. ))
Хоча The Wizards of Once завершується святковими гульками, нам прямим текстом повідомляють, що це ще не кінець історії, адже лиходія не повалено. Та це ми й самі знаємо, бо ж уже є друга книга, а третя виходить восени. Ура! Буду слухати далі і тішитися.
Між іншим, на початку книжки оповідач каже нам, мовляв, я є героєм цієї історії, а от ким саме, самі здогадайтеся. А наприкінці він (вона?) такий: ага, ви думали, я зізнаюся вам, хто я? Дзуськи! Читайте далі, то там може. )) У мене є здогадки, а чи вгадала я, видно буде. ;)
От я, скажімо, під впливом однієї з улюблених наших тутешніх оглядачок більше не можу ані говорити, ані навіть думати про шотландський акцент, не додавши перед тим "казковий".
Так от, ця аудіокнижка � це шість солодких годин казкового шотландського акценту, і вона наповнила мене чистою, непідробною радістю. Здається, я всі шість годин усміхалася. Серйозно, мені вже аж болять "усміхальні" м'язи. Девід Теннент, окрім того що він гордий носій казкового шотландського акценту, має ще й чудернацький голос, який у рендомних місцях видає дивні писки (хто чув, той зрозуміє). До того ж, це дитяче фентезі, яскравий набір колоритних фантастичних персонажів дає йому можливість добряче відтягнутися і посяяти всіма гранями свого обдарування: від протяжних тягучих по-віль-них велетнів до тонкоголосих крихітних створіннячок. The Wizards of Once � це ще й багато гумору і тут є звороти на кшталт hairy fairy, так що в деяких місцях я аж просльозилася зо сміху. Це все доповнюється музикою і звуковими ефектами � ото слухаєш собі, нічого не підозрюючи, а тут я-а-ак грюкне!.. А в одному місці оповідач навіть співає (а співає Девід Теннент жахливо, хоча це мене теж чомусь потішило). Тож можете собі уявити мою радість, коли я виявила, що Девід Теннент � штатний начитувач Крессіди Ковелл: він прочитав не лише цю трилогію, але й величезну серію про драконів, отож я неодмінно продовжу цей прекрасний експіріенс. ))
Може, щось ще власне про книжку розказати, га?
Ми маємо хлопчика Зара, чарівника, і дівчинку Віш (в українському перекладі Бажана), войовницю.
От тільки Зар чарівник дещо неправильний � у цьому світі чари вперше проявляються приблизно у 12 рочків, і Зару оно тринадцятий минає, а чарів як не було, так і нема. Тож він вирішує взяти доленьку у власні руці і знайти зовнішнє джерело чарівницької сили. На початку історії Зара можна досить точно описати терміном "зарозумілий кретин".
Віш теж не дуже вдатна войовниця: дрібненька, худенька, з пов'язкою на оці, не те що її дужа і сувора мама. Бідолашна Віш відчуває, що не вписується серед мужніх воїнів.
І от одного разу Зар і Віш зустрічаються у лісі за дивних обставин (тут ще треба додати, що чарівники і воїни здавна ненавидять одне одного, а воїни ще й затято знищують будь-які прояви магії). Ясен пень, це стає початком unlikely friendship. Це, звичайно, кліше, але якщо вже я готова миритися з якимось кліше, то саме з unlikely friendship, особливо у дитячій книзі. Воно ж бо вселяє віру в те, що завжди можна знайти спільну мову, а це гарний посил.
До речі, хочу підкреслити, що це саме дитяча книга, і, на відміну від деяких інших видань для середнього шкільного віку, вона не заграє з дорослими, не прикидається чимось складнішим, тим, чим вона не є. Це така собі пригода для мацьоп, у якій сміху більше, ніж страху (хоча й не без цього: є сцени, де нашим героям загрожує смертельна небезпека, а лиходії справді моторошні, та ще й мало не безсмертні).
Я сьогодні в книгарні погортала українське видання. Не беруся сказати, чи воно таке ж класне, як аудіокнижка, але в нього є своя перевага: воно багато ілюстроване. Мені аж захтілося купити. Ото поки думаю, чи підійде ця книжка для мого 6-річного небожа, бо він наразі таки надає перевагу кольоровим ілюстраціям. ))
Хоча The Wizards of Once завершується святковими гульками, нам прямим текстом повідомляють, що це ще не кінець історії, адже лиходія не повалено. Та це ми й самі знаємо, бо ж уже є друга книга, а третя виходить восени. Ура! Буду слухати далі і тішитися.
Між іншим, на початку книжки оповідач каже нам, мовляв, я є героєм цієї історії, а от ким саме, самі здогадайтеся. А наприкінці він (вона?) такий: ага, ви думали, я зізнаюся вам, хто я? Дзуськи! Читайте далі, то там може. )) У мене є здогадки, а чи вгадала я, видно буде. ;)
November 3, 2017
This might be my newest favorite children's book. I've always been a fan of the fun, witty writing found in Cowell's "How to Train Your Dragon" series and that allure drew me to this book as well. Needless to say, she did not disappoint. That same prose of writing can be found within the pages of this book, from the way the characters interact with one another to "The Unknown Narrator" who speaks directly to the reader at certain times throughout. There is a tiny spark of magic hidden within the way Cowell writes that makes her unique and appealing to me.
Being the first book in a series it is always important to hook the reader and leave them wanting more. So much is unfolded in this story, in a way that is not at all confusing (sometimes a downfall at the start of a series), and the way this book ends has me screaming screaming screaming for more. I'm super disappointed that I have to wait for the next book to be released. Cowell crank that puppy out quick and get it on the shelves, like NOW!!!!!
I love the complexity of the characters, but also the simplicity that is around them as well. This book is appealing to such a broad age group because of that. Morals and themes are woven throughout and can elicit strong discussion for older children (and adults), but for younger kids, they will simply enjoy the adventure of the story.
To me the heart of the deep discussion resides in this conversation with the narrator held at the end of the book:
"I am still trying to figure out the moral of it. You have to listen to the stories, for stories always mean something. But what worries me is...what exactly DO they mean?"
Sitting down and reflecting I'm not sure if I could really pinpoint what lessons this story is trying to teach. There are some hidden here and there, but I think on the surface this book is just meant to be fun and entertaining and the reader will have to continue with the series to find out what is really hiding within the pages.
I told a friend when I was 2/3 of the way done with this book that I loved it and she responded, "Let me know how it is when you finish because you always change your opinion at the end of a book." My response to that statement is this:
I love it even more!!!!!
Being the first book in a series it is always important to hook the reader and leave them wanting more. So much is unfolded in this story, in a way that is not at all confusing (sometimes a downfall at the start of a series), and the way this book ends has me screaming screaming screaming for more. I'm super disappointed that I have to wait for the next book to be released. Cowell crank that puppy out quick and get it on the shelves, like NOW!!!!!
I love the complexity of the characters, but also the simplicity that is around them as well. This book is appealing to such a broad age group because of that. Morals and themes are woven throughout and can elicit strong discussion for older children (and adults), but for younger kids, they will simply enjoy the adventure of the story.
To me the heart of the deep discussion resides in this conversation with the narrator held at the end of the book:
"I am still trying to figure out the moral of it. You have to listen to the stories, for stories always mean something. But what worries me is...what exactly DO they mean?"
Sitting down and reflecting I'm not sure if I could really pinpoint what lessons this story is trying to teach. There are some hidden here and there, but I think on the surface this book is just meant to be fun and entertaining and the reader will have to continue with the series to find out what is really hiding within the pages.
I told a friend when I was 2/3 of the way done with this book that I loved it and she responded, "Let me know how it is when you finish because you always change your opinion at the end of a book." My response to that statement is this:
I love it even more!!!!!
June 8, 2024
5/5
🍊🍊🍊
تا اسم نویسنده رو دیدم قاپش زدم! محض اطلاع بگم که نویسنده� "کرسیدا کاول"هست؛ نویسنده� مجموعه� "چگونه اژدهایتان را تربیت کنید"🪶📜
موقع خوندنش حس معتادی رو داشتم که بعد از مدته� دوباره داره مخدر مورد علاقش رو تزریق میکن�!
جز اینک� تقریباً همه چیزش من رو یاد "چگونه اژدهایتان را تربیت کنید" میانداخت� خود داستان و روند داستان و شخصیت پردازی نویسنده هم خیلی دلنشین بود. پایان بندی خیلی جالبی داشت که شدیداً بهم چسبید.
یه نکته� جذابی هم که داشت این بود که راوی داستان، خودش یکی از شخصیتها� داستانه ولی ما نمیدونی� کی! این کِرمیه که نویسنده داره روی مخاطب میریز� و من هم از این کرم ریختنش راضیم :))
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اسم مجموعه هست "زمانه� جادو"، نوشته� کرسیدا کاول، ترجمه� چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊
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تا اسم نویسنده رو دیدم قاپش زدم! محض اطلاع بگم که نویسنده� "کرسیدا کاول"هست؛ نویسنده� مجموعه� "چگونه اژدهایتان را تربیت کنید"🪶📜
موقع خوندنش حس معتادی رو داشتم که بعد از مدته� دوباره داره مخدر مورد علاقش رو تزریق میکن�!
جز اینک� تقریباً همه چیزش من رو یاد "چگونه اژدهایتان را تربیت کنید" میانداخت� خود داستان و روند داستان و شخصیت پردازی نویسنده هم خیلی دلنشین بود. پایان بندی خیلی جالبی داشت که شدیداً بهم چسبید.
یه نکته� جذابی هم که داشت این بود که راوی داستان، خودش یکی از شخصیتها� داستانه ولی ما نمیدونی� کی! این کِرمیه که نویسنده داره روی مخاطب میریز� و من هم از این کرم ریختنش راضیم :))
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اسم مجموعه هست "زمانه� جادو"، نوشته� کرسیدا کاول، ترجمه� چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊
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