-->
young adult book reviews & more

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

WishOlivia hasn’t quite been herself since the death of her twin sister Violet. When her parents decide to move what’s left of the family across the country to San Francisco, Olivia feels awkward both at home and in her new school. Without her lively sister to forge the way, Olivia doesn’t know how to start her new life. When Olivia stumbles upon a small dressmaker’s shop and learns that the dress she gets there is somehow magical, the sky’s the limit, because with the dress, Olivia also gets a wish, a wish that could bring her beloved sister Violet back. And with two more magical dresses at her disposal, it seems all Olivia has to do to make her life perfect again is wish. But Olivia has to be careful because magic isn’t the solution to everything, and what she thinks she wants may not be what she needs to be whole again.

Wish is a cute story of when fairytale collides with real life. Olivia is a grieving, scared girl who’s nothing without her twin sister. However, through a very unique fairy godmother, Olivia is allowed more time with her dead sister. Olivia’s tale is sad but ultimately sweet coming of age story of loss and learning to stand on one’s own legs. It’s about making the right choices and fixing mistakes, and it’s a story that’s extremely accessible because of how easy Olivia is to relate to. Her character may seem uninteresting at first because of her overwhelming grief, but Olivia quickly proves to be a thoughtful and well intentioned girl. Her insecurity and fear of moving on makes readers genuinely care for her. Wish may not be the most romantic or exciting story, but it is one that will touch readers and bring a smile to their faces.

Wish will be enjoyed by fans of traditional fairytales and fairytale retellings as well as by those who liked Saving Zoë by Alyson Noël and A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell. I look forward to more writing from this promising new author.

Rating: 4.0

Review copy from publisher Scholastic

12 munch(es) :

Allison said...

What a coincidence that I just got A Map of the Known World from the library! Now I must get my hands on Wish. I thought the wish would bring her sister back to her forever. I'm a sucker for coming of age stories :)

YA Book Queen said...

Sounds like a cute novel! It's always good too when it's easy to relate to the mc. Awesome review ;)

ossmcalc said...

It may be a coming of age story, but it is also a book that deals with the acceptance of death and being able to move on with one's life. I feel a need to read this book since reading your review.

Mitzy said...

I want to read this! Love the cover

CrystalGB said...

Sounds good. I love the cover.

Cherie J said...

Sounds like a really good story.

Jessy said...

It sounds really cute! I love the cover. Her dress really stands out.

Kate at Read This Book! said...

Love your review! It's honest and straight to the point. I just adore the cover for Wish!

Lena1xoxo said...

OOOOH, I've been meaning to read this! Great review! Sounds adorable!

BoOkFaErY said...

I've been wanting to read this book. The cover is awesome!

Violet said...

I've been curious about this book since I first set eyes on the cover, and your review makes me want to read it even more.

S.F. Robertson said...

Sounds like a great book. I can't wait to read it!

Post a Comment

Let the munching begin.