The Wishing Spell (Land of Stories #1) by Chris Colfer is a captivating read for children and adults alike! The story beautifully weaves well known fairytales together to create a unique story that stands on its own.
Now I know what you’re thinking, an actor wrote a book, right. However, Chris Colfer started writing this when he was ten years old. It is based on his experience from childhood when his mother would read him fairy tales at bedtime. It is evident in the writing that this is a story that has been nurtured and crafted for years. Check out the video at the end of the post where Chris discusses his writing journey at BEA.
The story is about twins, Alex and Conner, who literally fall into the family’s book of fairytales. The twins land in The Land of Stories where they meet several fairy tale characters. Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood are all Queens now; Goldilocks is a fugitive from justice and the Big Bad Wolf Pack is out for bloody revenge on those who have wronged them. In order to get home, Alex and Conner must collect several items that will activate the Wishing Spell. The twins must travel through all of The Land of Stories to obtain the items. They aren’t the only ones who seek to use the Wishing Spell; a dangerous prisoner has escaped and seeks to use the spell for himself. Alex and Conner find themselves in more danger than they could have ever imagined.
The characters are well drawn out and supported throughout the novel. Colfer does an amazing job of building a world that is enticing and unique and considering the amount of fairy tale stories out there, it is no small feat to be unique. While this is definitely a first novel and has some hiccups along the way readers will be drawn in by the characters and amount of heart in the story.
Chris Colfer definitely has talent beyond singing and acting and The Land of Stories is proof of that. This story will definitely appeal to a broad audience but older readers will most likely recognize the minor flaws in plot and pacing. It will be interesting to see his next book and the growth he makes as a writer.
Now here is your chance to win an advanced readers copy of The Wishing Spell signed by Chris Colfer as well as a Wishing Spell tote bag. Complete the rafflecopter below to be entered. The giveaway will end on July 13th at 11:59PM.
