Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic is a children's fantasy book written by Thom Pico and illustrated by Karensac. Published in 2020, the book follows the adventures of a young witch named Aster who embarks on a journey to save her family's magical powers. The story is set in the isolated Land of Hex Vet, where magical creatures and spells are commonplace. Aster comes from a long line of witches and is eager to prove herself as a talented sorceress. However, her family's magical abilities mysteriously disappear, leaving them powerless and in danger of losing their home. Determined to restore her family's magic, Aster embarks on a quest to find the mythical Red Wand, a magical artifact said to possess incredible powers.
By Off the Shelf Staff | August 26, 2022
Mai, one of Oanh s descendants, can t help but think the curse must be real, since she finds herself divorced, estranged from her two sisters, and worried over her own three daughters, who, though successful, can t seem to find happiness. It started with their ancestor, Oanh, who dared to leave her marriage for true love so a fearsome Vietnamese witch cursed Oanh and her descendants so that they would never find love or happiness, and the Duong women would give birth to daughters, never sons.
Determined to restore her family's magic, Aster embarks on a quest to find the mythical Red Wand, a magical artifact said to possess incredible powers. Along her journey, she encounters a variety of interesting characters, from talking animals to mischievous fairies. As Aster travels through enchanting landscapes and faces numerous challenges, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the true meaning of magic.
8 Magical Reads Brewing with Spells, Curses, and Hexes
Whether you like October for its shiver-inducing scares or its surreal sense of magic, you’ll love these eight books that all center on spells, curses, and hexes. Captivatingly atmospheric and filled with moody intrigue, these books include everything from multigenerational family sagas to eerie tales that will haunt you. The curses in these books might not be real, but their ability to enchant certainly is!
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida CórdovaIn this spellbinding family saga, the Montoya family has never questioned the magical occurrences that happen around their reclusive matriarch, Orquídea Divina. But when they attend her funeral and discover that she has become a ceiba tree that infuses three of her descendants with unexplainable gifts, it seems the magic in their blood is beyond even their own imagining. Years later, when a mysterious figure begins destroying Orquídea’s bloodline one at a time, descendants Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon must travel to Ecuador to discover the secrets of their matriarch’s past.
The Inheritance of Orquídea DivinaZoraida Córdova
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Isabel Allende, and Sarah Addison Allen, a family searches for the truth hidden in their past in this “expertly woven tale of family power, threaded with as much mystery as magic” (V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home in Four Rivers—not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed into a ceiba tree, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings and powers. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea’s line. Determined to save what’s left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, her descendants travel to Ecuador—to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.
Alternating between Orquídea’s past and her descendants’ present, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a “spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love” (Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author).
She discovers that magic is not simply about using spells, but also about self-belief and the power within oneself. The book's illustrations by Karensac bring the story to life, capturing the whimsical and magical elements of the Land of Hex Vet. The vibrant and detailed artwork enhances the reader's immersion into the enchanting world, making it a visually captivating reading experience. This book is a delightful and charming tale that will capture the imaginations of young readers. It features themes of self-discovery, family bonds, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It teaches valuable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the strength that lies within each individual. Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic is a perfect read for children who love fantasy stories and enchanting worlds. It entertains while also imparting important life lessons in a accessible and engaging manner. Overall, this book is a magical adventure that will leave readers enchanted and eager for more tales featuring Aster's adventures. It is a testament to the power of imagination and the joys of discovering one's own inner magic..
Reviews for "The Unforgettable Journey of Aster and the Mixed-Up Magic"
1. Ethan - 2 out of 5 stars
I have to admit, I was really disappointed with "Aster and the Mixed Up Magic". The plot seemed promising from the description, but the execution fell flat for me. The story felt drawn out and lacked depth, leaving me feeling disconnected from the characters and their struggles. Additionally, the writing style felt amateurish and inconsistent, which made it difficult for me to immerse myself in the story. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy adventure.
2. Olivia - 1 out of 5 stars
I found "Aster and the Mixed Up Magic" to be incredibly unoriginal and predictable. The story followed the same tired tropes and cliches that we've seen countless times before in children's fantasy books. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development, making it difficult for me to form any emotional connection or investment in their journeys. The writing itself was uninspiring and lacked the descriptive power to bring the magical elements to life. I was bored throughout and couldn't wait to finish the book. Definitely not recommended.
3. Liam - 2 out of 5 stars
I was excited to dive into "Aster and the Mixed Up Magic" as it promised a unique world of magic and adventure, but I ended up feeling let down. The story was filled with unnecessary plot holes, inconsistent world-building, and underdeveloped magical systems. The pacing was all over the place, with slow sections that dragged on and rushed resolutions that left me feeling unsatisfied. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, leaving me feeling underwhelmed and disengaged. I'm afraid I can't recommend this book as there are far better fantasy options out there.