Midnight Magic Carpet Imagine being whisked away to far-off lands on a magical carpet that flies through the night sky under the cover of darkness. This enchanting idea is the premise of the midnight magic carpet, a concept that has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. The midnight magic carpet is often depicted as a large, intricately designed rug that possesses the ability to defy gravity and transport its passengers to any destination they desire. In literature and folklore, this enchanted carpet is said to be controlled by a spell or a magical incantation, allowing the rider to command its movements and speed. Stories of the midnight magic carpet can be traced back to ancient Persian and Arabian tales, such as "One Thousand and One Nights." In these tales, the carpet becomes a symbol of freedom and adventure, enabling the protagonist to escape the confines of their everyday lives and embark on extraordinary journeys.
" In these tales, the carpet becomes a symbol of freedom and adventure, enabling the protagonist to escape the confines of their everyday lives and embark on extraordinary journeys. The allure of the midnight magic carpet lies in its ability to transcend borders and boundaries. It represents a form of travel that is not bound by conventional restrictions, such as time or distance.
The Vanishing Trick
This utterly mesmerising tale ensnared me like a willing moth to a flame and held me in its dark enchantment from start to finish. The mystery, magic, superstition and unexpected twists are perfectly cloaked in a richly portrayed Victorian society with fascinating characters who grabbed my attention from the opening.
Leander has recently been orphaned and is finding his new life a real struggle, sometimes having to resort to stealing in order to stave off his desperate hunger. After one such theft, he finds himself running from his pursuer and, eager to escape, discovers a rather unusual carriage – and the enigmatic Madame Pinchbeck. She offers to help him by buying his mother’s locket but, after an intriguing warning, he refuses to sell it.
Dire circumstances, however, lead him back to Madame Pinchbeck. She preys on his desire to speak to his mother again, telling him that she can make his dearest wish come true as she is a medium. Unable to resist and desperate for some kindness, Leander hands over his most precious possession, and finds himself cruelly caught by Pinchbeck’s magical ability. Too late, he realises that he has made a terrible mistake, and finds himself vanished into his mother’s locket which is now his prison (known as a ‘cabinet’) where a piece of his soul has been trapped, leaving him vulnerable and at the mercy of Madame Pinchbeck.
Leander is not the only child trapped by this dark magic. He soon meets Charlotte and Felix who apprise him of his new situation. They are inextricably bound to Madame Pinchbeck who uses them as part of her act to trick her rich Victorian clients during seances. So begins an incredibly atmospheric, tension-filled, dark and dangerous tale as the children race to escape from the clutches of Madame Pinchbeck before one of them might disappear forever …
Oh my goodness! I was instantly captured by the absorbing plot which is enticingly intricate and intriguing and so very, very clever! My heart was racing as I turned the pages to find out how all the layers were woven together and I was not disappointed. I don’t want to go into details for fear of giving away spoilers but, suffice to say, this is a story that will take you on an enthralling and sinister adventure, revealing secrets, twists and shocks galore along the way. I am in awe of how all the threads in this story came together so perfectly and with such heart-warming satisfaction.
The Victorian setting for the story is richly imagined with its portrayal of the lives of the rich and poor in society and its dual fascination with spiritualism and technology, both used to sinister effect by Madame Pinchbeck.
What can I say about Madame Pinchbeck? She is a deliciously dark and complex villain who appears sugary sweet in her fake sincerity on the outside in order to ensnare her victims, but has an insidious darkness inside: vengeful, sinister and hungry for riches and fame. She is a child snatcher on par with the Pied Piper of Hamelin and the Child Catcher.
The three children, Leander, Charlotte and Felix, are incredibly endearing and courageous. They are all suffering from heart-breaking loss, are desperately searching for something which is precious to them and, having found each other, come to develop wonderfully sincere friendships full of trust, loyalty and love. They work as a team in order to survive, supporting and helping each other despite the great risks they take and their terror of their captor. My heart broke for them, but was also filled with warmth as I understood that, even in their moments of greatest danger, they would never give up on each other.
The Vanishing Trick is an utterly gripping mystery brimming with peril, eeriness and spine-tingling darkness, but also with friendship, warmth and hope. This really is a must-read which I cannot recommend highly enough.
Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Marysimms middle grade 7 Comments 30th April 2020 3 MinutesWith the carpet, one can soar above mountains, traverse vast deserts, and explore hidden landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible. In popular culture, the midnight magic carpet has been featured in countless books, movies, and artworks. It continues to captivate audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of wonder and escapism. The idea of flying through the night sky on a magical carpet taps into our desire for exploration, adventure, and the unknown. While the midnight magic carpet may be a product of the imagination, it symbolizes the timeless human longing for freedom and the yearning to break free from the constraints of reality. It reminds us that there is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered, and that sometimes, all we need is a little bit of magic to make it happen..
Reviews for "Tarot of the Night: Unlocking the Magick of Midnight Magic Tarot"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Midnight Magic Tarot". The artwork just didn't appeal to me at all. The colors were dull and the illustrations lacked detail. I found it difficult to connect with the cards and found the symbolism to be confusing. The guidebook didn't provide enough clarity either. Overall, I felt like this deck was lacking in both aesthetic beauty and intuitive guidance. I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Jack - 1/5 - I regret purchasing the "Midnight Magic Tarot". The cards were flimsy and cheaply made, and the edges were already starting to fray after just a few uses. The design of the cards also seemed too busy, making it hard to focus and interpret the readings. Additionally, the guidebook felt rushed and didn't offer enough depth or insights into the meanings of the cards. Save your money and invest in a higher quality deck instead.
3. Emily - 2/5 - "Midnight Magic Tarot" was a letdown for me. The artwork, while unique, didn't resonate with my personal tastes. I found the style to be too abstract and the color palette didn't evoke the mystical atmosphere I was hoping for. The guidebook provided some basic interpretations, but I felt like it lacked the depth and nuances that I prefer in tarot decks. It just didn't capture my imagination or offer the intuitive experience I was looking for.
4. Liam - 3/5 - While "Midnight Magic Tarot" had some interesting elements, I found it to be inconsistent in terms of symbolism. Some cards had clear imagery and symbolism, while others felt completely abstract and confusing. The quality of the cards and guidebook was decent, but I just wish there was more coherence in the artwork and meanings. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly captivating and insightful deck. I would recommend it to those who enjoy abstract art, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
5. Sarah - 2/5 - I found "Midnight Magic Tarot" to be a bit underwhelming. The artwork was indeed unique, but it felt too chaotic and busy for my taste. I prefer decks that have a sense of harmony and balance in their design. Additionally, some of the cards had unclear symbolism, making it difficult to interpret them accurately. The guidebook provided some helpful explanations, but overall, I didn't feel a strong connection with this deck. I'll be sticking to my other trusted tarot decks instead.