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Jinx #1
Jinx
In the Urwald, you don’t step off the path. Trolls, werewolves, and butter-churn riding witches lurk amid the clawing branches, eager to swoop up the unwary. Jinx has always feared leaving the path—then he meets the wizard Simon Magus.
Jinx knows that wizards are evil. But Simon’s kitchen is cozy, and he seems cranky rather than wicked. Staying with him appears to be Jinx’s safest, and perhaps only, option. As Jinx’s curiosity about magic grows, he learns to listen to the trees as closely as he does to Simon’s unusual visitors. The more Jinx discovers, the more determined he becomes to explore beyond the security of well-trod paths. But in the Urwald, a little healthy fear is never out of place, for magic—and magicians—can be as dangerous as the forest, and soon Jinx must decide which is the greater threat.
Sage Blackwood introduces a daring new hero for an innovative new world as Jinx is joined by friends, battles enemies, and discovers life beyond—and even within—the forest is more complex than he can imagine, and that the Urwald itself needs him more than he could ever guess.
Jinx knows that wizards are evil. But Simon’s kitchen is cozy, and he seems cranky rather than wicked. Staying with him appears to be Jinx’s safest, and perhaps only, option. As Jinx’s curiosity about magic grows, he learns to listen to the trees as closely as he does to Simon’s unusual visitors. The more Jinx discovers, the more determined he becomes to explore beyond the security of well-trod paths. But in the Urwald, a little healthy fear is never out of place, for magic—and magicians—can be as dangerous as the forest, and soon Jinx must decide which is the greater threat.
Sage Blackwood introduces a daring new hero for an innovative new world as Jinx is joined by friends, battles enemies, and discovers life beyond—and even within—the forest is more complex than he can imagine, and that the Urwald itself needs him more than he could ever guess.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 646 reviews
September 2, 2019
This was wonderful. There's a sparseness to the prose that somehow brings the Urwald to life. I found it kind of inspiring. Things there are bleak and terrible, but there's magic too, in the trees. Jinx is a super adorable character who goes through hell but somehow ends up as a sweetheart.
There was some character drama in the middle that felt like forced plotting to me. Luckily, things moved on quickly and became a fresh quest.
Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
There was some character drama in the middle that felt like forced plotting to me. Luckily, things moved on quickly and became a fresh quest.
Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
December 12, 2012
Absolutely recommended! Dare I say it? But I would recommend this to a similar crowd as to those that enjoyed Harry Potter with a trio of friends and a bit of magic. But it's an entirely different story with unique personalities unlike any I've ever read and yet it makes me want to go back for more Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes as well. Jinx, himself is an interesting boy with a bit of mystery about him. He's an orphan in bitter circumstances that leads off on an expected adventure.
Truly overall I find this book to be about fear, moving beyond the fear and learning not only to like yourself but those around you and realizing what you are made of and capable of in shaping your own life. I'm not sure if all of that was meant to be taken from the book, but that indeed is what I was able to glean. Sage Blackwood is an amazing voice that had me from the very beginning and I immediately was finding myself searching for more. At first I was very much saying alas as to this being the first one, but then discovered under a different name there are some historical fiction novels I can look for (by Karen Schwabach) and while usually historical fiction is my genre of choice, I'm so in love with this book that I really hope there will be more to the story.
I was enraptured almost the entire way through, except for a lull I felt when Jinx's companions were being introduced. However I think that was due to the fact that they were not overly nice to him at first and I had become rather attached and protective of his character. I guess that says something about some good personality in the writing. :)
Absolutely recommended. I read this as an Advanced Reader Copy and I definitely plan to add the real thing to my shelves.
*Thanks to HarperCollins for providing an ARC for review.*
scheduled: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Truly overall I find this book to be about fear, moving beyond the fear and learning not only to like yourself but those around you and realizing what you are made of and capable of in shaping your own life. I'm not sure if all of that was meant to be taken from the book, but that indeed is what I was able to glean. Sage Blackwood is an amazing voice that had me from the very beginning and I immediately was finding myself searching for more. At first I was very much saying alas as to this being the first one, but then discovered under a different name there are some historical fiction novels I can look for (by Karen Schwabach) and while usually historical fiction is my genre of choice, I'm so in love with this book that I really hope there will be more to the story.
I was enraptured almost the entire way through, except for a lull I felt when Jinx's companions were being introduced. However I think that was due to the fact that they were not overly nice to him at first and I had become rather attached and protective of his character. I guess that says something about some good personality in the writing. :)
Absolutely recommended. I read this as an Advanced Reader Copy and I definitely plan to add the real thing to my shelves.
*Thanks to HarperCollins for providing an ARC for review.*
scheduled: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
January 26, 2013
JINX is good. JINX is really, really good. JINX is an example of everything middle grade fantasy can be, one of those books that will appeal to both parents and their children, as well as other people who just want a good book with curses and enchanted forests and plucky orphans.
Jinx is raised by the wizard Simon after his stepparents attempt to abandon him in the forest. You're safe as long as you stay on the path in the Urwald, but even then it's not an easy place to survive. It's easier if you're clever and kind, but there are many dangers lurking for the unsuspecting. Unfortunately for Jinx, he trusts Simon and ends up losing some of his magic as a consequence. When he goes out to claim it, he meets two other cursed orphans: Elfwyn and Reven. Elfwyn is a fellow child of the Urwald and Reven is an outsider who could bring great danger considering how he never quite manages to understand the place.
Did I mention how good JINX is? Because it's great. It's full of moral complexity, from witches and wizards who might be evil to fellow plucky orphans who have motives that might be at odds with Jinx's own. He relied on his ability to see people's feelings when he was younger and never learned to look much beyond that surface. Part of JINX is his growing up and learning who to trust and when to trust them. It can be hard, when some people seem more affable and decent than others, but might be nastier inside.
Beyond the subtle, detailed characters is a rich, fertile world. In fact, there's far more to the world than just the menacing, yet nurturing Urwald and Jinx longs to explore it. Sage Blackwood was clearly influenced by a variety of fairytales and other folklore, but she's created a fantasyland of her own. There's a touch of Hansel and Gretel here, a sprinkle of Baba Yaga there, but there's enough invention to make JINX feel fresh.
Do you love middle grade fantasy? Or do you just love fantasy, period? Then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of JINX. Blackwood's debut is an absolute standout, and I cannot wait to read about Jinx's future adventures.
Jinx is raised by the wizard Simon after his stepparents attempt to abandon him in the forest. You're safe as long as you stay on the path in the Urwald, but even then it's not an easy place to survive. It's easier if you're clever and kind, but there are many dangers lurking for the unsuspecting. Unfortunately for Jinx, he trusts Simon and ends up losing some of his magic as a consequence. When he goes out to claim it, he meets two other cursed orphans: Elfwyn and Reven. Elfwyn is a fellow child of the Urwald and Reven is an outsider who could bring great danger considering how he never quite manages to understand the place.
Did I mention how good JINX is? Because it's great. It's full of moral complexity, from witches and wizards who might be evil to fellow plucky orphans who have motives that might be at odds with Jinx's own. He relied on his ability to see people's feelings when he was younger and never learned to look much beyond that surface. Part of JINX is his growing up and learning who to trust and when to trust them. It can be hard, when some people seem more affable and decent than others, but might be nastier inside.
Beyond the subtle, detailed characters is a rich, fertile world. In fact, there's far more to the world than just the menacing, yet nurturing Urwald and Jinx longs to explore it. Sage Blackwood was clearly influenced by a variety of fairytales and other folklore, but she's created a fantasyland of her own. There's a touch of Hansel and Gretel here, a sprinkle of Baba Yaga there, but there's enough invention to make JINX feel fresh.
Do you love middle grade fantasy? Or do you just love fantasy, period? Then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of JINX. Blackwood's debut is an absolute standout, and I cannot wait to read about Jinx's future adventures.
January 18, 2014
** I wish every book written for Middle-graders was this good**
What a delightful book. The story is just great and the characters are well developed for middle-grade fiction (telling you enough without going on and on), and the voice that the author (Sage Blackwood) has chosen is absolutely wonderful; by which I mean that the story is told with a crisp 'British-style' humor.
The story revolves about Jinx. He has the fortune (or misfortune) to be born in the Urwald. It's the type of place where life is difficult, and even when the trolls and werewolves don't get you, other things do. And so, Jinx finds himself in a family where no one is related to him, because his father died and his mother remarried and then she died, and his step-father remarried. And he's still a little kid.
In any case, one day the father takes him off to leave in the Urwald, and that's where Jinx's life changes drastically, because the pair runs into a wizard.
From there the story takes off, and Jinx gathers up a collection of interesting people that we have the privilege to learn about.
I really like the story. Liked the world-building, and loved that the author didn't write-down to her audience. This is a book that even adults can be engaged by.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to people wanting a fun, engaging read. If you have a Tween that's impatient and needs things to start off running, then you might want to wait a bit. But overall, this is a well written book.
Pam T~
What a delightful book. The story is just great and the characters are well developed for middle-grade fiction (telling you enough without going on and on), and the voice that the author (Sage Blackwood) has chosen is absolutely wonderful; by which I mean that the story is told with a crisp 'British-style' humor.
The story revolves about Jinx. He has the fortune (or misfortune) to be born in the Urwald. It's the type of place where life is difficult, and even when the trolls and werewolves don't get you, other things do. And so, Jinx finds himself in a family where no one is related to him, because his father died and his mother remarried and then she died, and his step-father remarried. And he's still a little kid.
In any case, one day the father takes him off to leave in the Urwald, and that's where Jinx's life changes drastically, because the pair runs into a wizard.
From there the story takes off, and Jinx gathers up a collection of interesting people that we have the privilege to learn about.
I really like the story. Liked the world-building, and loved that the author didn't write-down to her audience. This is a book that even adults can be engaged by.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to people wanting a fun, engaging read. If you have a Tween that's impatient and needs things to start off running, then you might want to wait a bit. But overall, this is a well written book.
Pam T~
June 11, 2013
Wow. It's hard to even get across how much I loved this book. It was a perfect mix of powerful magic spells, peculiar wizards and witches, interesting realms and a likable character at the center of it all - that concoction is almost guaranteed to be a favorite of mine if it's well written, and this was. It was very much like reading something by Diana Wynne Jones, who I utterly and completely adore. It's also well worth a read for any fantasy fan or any fan of excellent middle grade books. It would make a wonderful read aloud as well.
So, what did I love so much? The plot was engaging, the characters were nuanced, and the writing was excellent. The book starts with Jinx, a child living in the Urwald, a dark forest full of trolls, werewolves, and wizards and witches. I don't want to spoil much of the plot, but Jinx is taken in by a mentor whose motives keep the reader guessing. Simon, who raises Jinx, is both good and bad: he's a complex and real character. He is also a wizard with lots of ambition. As Jinx grows up in Simon's home, he gradually learns a lot more of his world: magic is more complicated than he had thought, there is much more outside the Urwald than he would have guessed, and he himself is more unique than he knows at the book's start. I can't wait to see where book 2 takes the story!
So, what did I love so much? The plot was engaging, the characters were nuanced, and the writing was excellent. The book starts with Jinx, a child living in the Urwald, a dark forest full of trolls, werewolves, and wizards and witches. I don't want to spoil much of the plot, but Jinx is taken in by a mentor whose motives keep the reader guessing. Simon, who raises Jinx, is both good and bad: he's a complex and real character. He is also a wizard with lots of ambition. As Jinx grows up in Simon's home, he gradually learns a lot more of his world: magic is more complicated than he had thought, there is much more outside the Urwald than he would have guessed, and he himself is more unique than he knows at the book's start. I can't wait to see where book 2 takes the story!
October 5, 2020
Dah lama tak baca novel fantasi omputeh. Jadi try pick satu tajuk secara random utk dibaca. Not bad... Walaupun ramai kata cerita ni sama macam siri Harry Potter, tapi sebenarnya ia punya latar cerita yg berbeza serta ada kekuatan yg tersendiri. Plotnya xdelah berat sangat, sebab rasanya target pembaca adalah golongan remaja. Penulis pandai sembunyikan siapa antagonist yg sebenar, last2 baru tahu siapa yg paling jahat dan misteri disebaliknya. Cerita akhirnya bersambung dalam buku ke-2...
Novel ni mengisahkan tentang Jinx, seorang budak lelaki yg dibuang oleh ayah tirinya ke dalam Hutan Urwald yg dihuni oleh pelbagai makhluk menakutkan kerana kemiskinan. Dia telah diselamatkan oleh seorang ahli sihir lelaki yg bernama Simon Magus, dan kemudian menjadi apprentice-nya. Jinx mempunyai 2 kebolehan istimewa iaitu dapat membaca fikiran orang lain dan dapat bercakap dengan pokok. Satu hari, semuanya berubah apabila Simon mencuri satu kebolehan Jinx iaitu kebolehan membaca fikiran orang lain. Jinx akhirnya meninggalkan rumah Simon kerana ingin mencari jalan untuk mendapatkan kembali kebolehannya itu. Dalam perjalanan, dia telah bertemu dengan dua orang individu lain yg turut mempunyai sumpahan. Elfwyn disumpah untuk sentiasa bercakap benar, manakala Raven disumpah untuk tidak dapat bercakap mengenai dirinya sendiri. Mereka bertiga akhirnya merancang untuk mencari Bonemaster, ahli sihir yg paling ditakuti di Hutan Urwald untuk merungkai sumpahan mereka itu...
Novel ni mengisahkan tentang Jinx, seorang budak lelaki yg dibuang oleh ayah tirinya ke dalam Hutan Urwald yg dihuni oleh pelbagai makhluk menakutkan kerana kemiskinan. Dia telah diselamatkan oleh seorang ahli sihir lelaki yg bernama Simon Magus, dan kemudian menjadi apprentice-nya. Jinx mempunyai 2 kebolehan istimewa iaitu dapat membaca fikiran orang lain dan dapat bercakap dengan pokok. Satu hari, semuanya berubah apabila Simon mencuri satu kebolehan Jinx iaitu kebolehan membaca fikiran orang lain. Jinx akhirnya meninggalkan rumah Simon kerana ingin mencari jalan untuk mendapatkan kembali kebolehannya itu. Dalam perjalanan, dia telah bertemu dengan dua orang individu lain yg turut mempunyai sumpahan. Elfwyn disumpah untuk sentiasa bercakap benar, manakala Raven disumpah untuk tidak dapat bercakap mengenai dirinya sendiri. Mereka bertiga akhirnya merancang untuk mencari Bonemaster, ahli sihir yg paling ditakuti di Hutan Urwald untuk merungkai sumpahan mereka itu...
December 18, 2017
This was an incredibly charming and clever middle-grade novel that is very reminiscent of Diana Wynne Jones (my highest compliment!) and Patricia Wrede, but it has a flavor all its own. I loved Jinx, the young protagonist of this book, who sees feelings as colors and grows up as a wizard's apprentice in a dark, dark forest. I also loved Simon, the wizard, who manages to be both a flawed and interesting adult, and Jinx's friends, who join Jinx on his journey to the castle of the appropriately named Bonemaster. The writing is whimsical, but still captures the emotional and messy business of growing up. Very highly recommended.
July 22, 2015
Starts out strong, with strong characters and concepts, but slowly deteriorates into a boring, uneventful mess with no conclusion.
July 8, 2013
Jinx is an interesting little tale.
One thing I liked about it was how it sort of evoked various different folk and fairy tales. Hansel & Gretel is evoked twice - once by step-parents leading their children into the forest to abandon then, and then a more direct reference to gingerbread houses. Ellwyn's red hood and her travelling through the forest to get to her grandmother obviously evokes Red Riding Hood. The witches travelling by butter-churn reminded me of Baba Yaga and her mortar and pestle and, conversely, also has interesting parallels in the idea of witches preventing butter from being made.
So on and so forth.
Another interesting thing was the level of moral ambiguity. Some of the shades of grey touched on in this book are not always found in adult books, let alone books at this grade level.
And, aside from all that, it was a pretty decent adventure story which kept me interested enough to keep reading.
But there still felt like there was something missing. Maybe it's because it takes awhile from the story to start. Not to say that I was ever bored, 'cause I found the early bits with Jinx interesting enough if a bit unbelievable - I mean, it's one thing for the forest or magic to speak to you, but to be able to quickly pick up multiple languages because the book speaks to you? - but it's not until about 2/3 through the story that the adventure part takes off, and then those bits felt kind of rushed.
But the biggest thing was that I just never really jived with any of the characters. There were moments but, overall, they were sort of there to fill their roles in the story and never really seemed to amount to more than that.
I'm not sure I'll read a sequel, assuming there is one. (It's certainly left open enough for there to be one.) I'm not adverse to reading it, per se. I'd even go so far as to say I might recommend it to some people. But I'm just not sure it left enough of an impression that I'll even remember about it in a month or two, let alone a year or more...
One thing I liked about it was how it sort of evoked various different folk and fairy tales. Hansel & Gretel is evoked twice - once by step-parents leading their children into the forest to abandon then, and then a more direct reference to gingerbread houses. Ellwyn's red hood and her travelling through the forest to get to her grandmother obviously evokes Red Riding Hood. The witches travelling by butter-churn reminded me of Baba Yaga and her mortar and pestle and, conversely, also has interesting parallels in the idea of witches preventing butter from being made.
So on and so forth.
Another interesting thing was the level of moral ambiguity. Some of the shades of grey touched on in this book are not always found in adult books, let alone books at this grade level.
And, aside from all that, it was a pretty decent adventure story which kept me interested enough to keep reading.
But there still felt like there was something missing. Maybe it's because it takes awhile from the story to start. Not to say that I was ever bored, 'cause I found the early bits with Jinx interesting enough if a bit unbelievable - I mean, it's one thing for the forest or magic to speak to you, but to be able to quickly pick up multiple languages because the book speaks to you? - but it's not until about 2/3 through the story that the adventure part takes off, and then those bits felt kind of rushed.
But the biggest thing was that I just never really jived with any of the characters. There were moments but, overall, they were sort of there to fill their roles in the story and never really seemed to amount to more than that.
I'm not sure I'll read a sequel, assuming there is one. (It's certainly left open enough for there to be one.) I'm not adverse to reading it, per se. I'd even go so far as to say I might recommend it to some people. But I'm just not sure it left enough of an impression that I'll even remember about it in a month or two, let alone a year or more...
March 19, 2013
I LOVED Jinx. I was hooked in the first paragraph:
"In the Urwald you grow up fast or not at all. By the time Jinx was six he had learned to live quietly and carefully, squeezed into the spaces left by other people, even though the hut he lived in with his stepparents actually belonged to him. He had inherited it after his father died of werewolves and his mother was carried off by elves."
Hold onto your hats! What follows is his stepfather trying to abandon him to die off the path, and being taken in by a possibly evil wizard. There is so much magic and flights and suspense and heart and nonstop action in this book. And though there will clearly be a sequel involving a promise Jinx makes with the trees (thank goodness!), it stands alone. I really appreciate this - I get so frustrated with books that leave you hanging with a zillion balls in the air. I highly recommend it to lovers of fantasy.
"In the Urwald you grow up fast or not at all. By the time Jinx was six he had learned to live quietly and carefully, squeezed into the spaces left by other people, even though the hut he lived in with his stepparents actually belonged to him. He had inherited it after his father died of werewolves and his mother was carried off by elves."
Hold onto your hats! What follows is his stepfather trying to abandon him to die off the path, and being taken in by a possibly evil wizard. There is so much magic and flights and suspense and heart and nonstop action in this book. And though there will clearly be a sequel involving a promise Jinx makes with the trees (thank goodness!), it stands alone. I really appreciate this - I get so frustrated with books that leave you hanging with a zillion balls in the air. I highly recommend it to lovers of fantasy.
March 27, 2013
Great fun. Interesting world, delightful characters, and intriguing plot. More than once thought of Diana Wynne Jones; for example, wizard Simon's crankiness had a tinge of Howl. There were a number of throwaway lines in the style of Princess Bride. All in all very entertaining; I look forward to the next one.
July 16, 2022
[puts jinx in my pocket]
May 9, 2013
The Chinese narrator's words emitting from the television are nonsensical to my thick ears until I hear "Niu Rou." This means "beef" in Mandarin but my western brain hears the Roman emperor's name, "Nero." The sound comes from the back of the throat and whenever I try to pronounce it I either elicit a laugh or quirked brow. Such is my language life. Not so for Jinx where learning languages is like breathing in and breathing out. He's fluent in months and has taught himself six languages in about five years. Sigh... don't you love fantasy... you can do the unthinkable! Of course, Jinx has magical powers within himself that grant him this unique ability.
Jinx can read people's minds by seeing the colors of their thoughts. When his stepfather brings him to the Urwald forest to abandon him, Jinx is rescued by Simon, a crotchety wizard, who cares for Jinx and welcomes him to his home. He's absent minded and his motives for taking Jinx are questionable at times, but he's not cruel to Jinx and feeds him in exchange for his assistance. When Simon takes Jinx's magic from him without asking, Jinx goes on a quest to a powerful wizard to get it back along with the help of two friends, Reven and Elfwyn, who also need the wizard's help from curses of their own. This powerful wizard is evil and their success depends on how clever they are in manipulating him, but he has his own plans with no qualms at killing three kids.
I thought the start was slow. Jinx's stepfather is carted off by trolls and Simon is gruff and prickly. He's ornery toward Jinx. He's married to Sophie but they don't live together and she travels in a mysterious way to and from Simon's home. When he takes Jinx's magic it is unclear if he is an evil or good wizard. This adds wonderful tension to the plot. Simon doesn't do the right thing and it is a not really clear until the end why he did. The plot twist was nice and the untrustworthy adults with magical skills.
The stepfather scene where he crops up later is not resolved. The ending suggests a sequel and maybe it will be addressed then. I can't really get into the details or I'll spoil the fun but it is left hanging. Elfwyn's curse is like Ella Enchanted but not nearly as funny. I thought the author could have made her situations more humorous.
This entertaining book ends on a strong note with the pacing and tension picking up and some unexpected character revelations. While it has flaws, the world building exists and the characters are distinct. The witch is a strong supporting character using nicknames such as, "chickabiddies," and "chipmunk" for the children with a creepy grin that suggests she wants to eat them she teases about cooking them in the oven like the famed, Hansel and Gretel.
I'm always embarrassed by my poor language skills and am fascinated working with students who know two or more languages. They are like sponges when they are really little and it always takes longer to read than speak. The four and five years suck up the words like vacuums, not saying much at first. Then their brains sort it out and they start putting the sentences together. I wished I had been able to learn a second language at a young age. Maybe Jinx can give me a bit of that language magic. Lord knows I need it. Sigh...
Jinx can read people's minds by seeing the colors of their thoughts. When his stepfather brings him to the Urwald forest to abandon him, Jinx is rescued by Simon, a crotchety wizard, who cares for Jinx and welcomes him to his home. He's absent minded and his motives for taking Jinx are questionable at times, but he's not cruel to Jinx and feeds him in exchange for his assistance. When Simon takes Jinx's magic from him without asking, Jinx goes on a quest to a powerful wizard to get it back along with the help of two friends, Reven and Elfwyn, who also need the wizard's help from curses of their own. This powerful wizard is evil and their success depends on how clever they are in manipulating him, but he has his own plans with no qualms at killing three kids.
I thought the start was slow. Jinx's stepfather is carted off by trolls and Simon is gruff and prickly. He's ornery toward Jinx. He's married to Sophie but they don't live together and she travels in a mysterious way to and from Simon's home. When he takes Jinx's magic it is unclear if he is an evil or good wizard. This adds wonderful tension to the plot. Simon doesn't do the right thing and it is a not really clear until the end why he did. The plot twist was nice and the untrustworthy adults with magical skills.
The stepfather scene where he crops up later is not resolved. The ending suggests a sequel and maybe it will be addressed then. I can't really get into the details or I'll spoil the fun but it is left hanging. Elfwyn's curse is like Ella Enchanted but not nearly as funny. I thought the author could have made her situations more humorous.
This entertaining book ends on a strong note with the pacing and tension picking up and some unexpected character revelations. While it has flaws, the world building exists and the characters are distinct. The witch is a strong supporting character using nicknames such as, "chickabiddies," and "chipmunk" for the children with a creepy grin that suggests she wants to eat them she teases about cooking them in the oven like the famed, Hansel and Gretel.
I'm always embarrassed by my poor language skills and am fascinated working with students who know two or more languages. They are like sponges when they are really little and it always takes longer to read than speak. The four and five years suck up the words like vacuums, not saying much at first. Then their brains sort it out and they start putting the sentences together. I wished I had been able to learn a second language at a young age. Maybe Jinx can give me a bit of that language magic. Lord knows I need it. Sigh...
November 17, 2015
This is MG fiction. Fun, well-written, fast-pasted without skimping on story and character development. The writing voice really captured me as well. Told with a fairy tale flavor, it had me smiling in so many places. There are dark bits, of course, as any good fairy tale has, but they're not told in gruesome detail.
The story world has a lot of familiar tropes--witches, wizards, werewolves, etc.--but all handled in unique ways. The magic system is really cool, as are Jinx's particular abilities. I totally connected to Jinx and LOVED Simon the wizard--and the way the author shows the good and bad in all the characters impressed me.
Love the cover art, too!
Highly recommended.
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My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
The story world has a lot of familiar tropes--witches, wizards, werewolves, etc.--but all handled in unique ways. The magic system is really cool, as are Jinx's particular abilities. I totally connected to Jinx and LOVED Simon the wizard--and the way the author shows the good and bad in all the characters impressed me.
Love the cover art, too!
Highly recommended.
My Website
Find me on Facebook
My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
March 19, 2013
So, so good! I'll be honest that I wasn't really expecting much from this one. Even with all the five star ratings, I just kind of assumed it would be another ho-hum middle-grade fantasy novel with all the usual characters and plot points. I figured it would be kind of fun, but that's it. But I got totally sucked in almost immediatey and am missing it now that I'm finished!
I'm not even sure I can really point to what exactly won me over so completely. Possibly it's that the characters are so darn likable. And complicated. Or maybe that the plot was actually somewhat unpredictable. Or possibly the fairy tale references and the hints of what's to come in the next book (if there is a next book--please, please be a next book!). In any case, it all just worked together to create a world and a cast of characters that I unexpectedly fell in love with.
I might just have to read this one again...
I'm not even sure I can really point to what exactly won me over so completely. Possibly it's that the characters are so darn likable. And complicated. Or maybe that the plot was actually somewhat unpredictable. Or possibly the fairy tale references and the hints of what's to come in the next book (if there is a next book--please, please be a next book!). In any case, it all just worked together to create a world and a cast of characters that I unexpectedly fell in love with.
I might just have to read this one again...
January 18, 2015
This is really charming! But with just enough death-magic to give it depth. The tone is very like Howl's Moving Castle, what with the banter between characters (Blackwood is especially good at funny dialogue), and the often-whimsical rules or customs of the Urwald. And like that series, it's enjoyable for anyone from 12-ish on up, I would say. As someone who loves trees, I especially appreciated the deep dark forest as a setting and a source of important magic (if also danger). And for what it's worth, I totally pictured Christopher Lee in Saruman costume as The Bonemaster. How can you not?
Adding the sequels to my TBR stack!
Adding the sequels to my TBR stack!
August 11, 2016
I read this some time ago and really, really didn't care much for it at all. The content of the book (especially the violence) doesn't match up with the intended age group, but more importantly, I found the book to be an an absolute slog to complete. The amount of effort it took me to finish this book is rather shocking considering, and it really left a lot to be desired.
This book does seem to be popular for a number of readers, but, as for me, I can't even come close to recommending this. Really not a success in any regard for me.
This book does seem to be popular for a number of readers, but, as for me, I can't even come close to recommending this. Really not a success in any regard for me.
January 4, 2013
Review on A Write to Review - http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2012/...
This is a refreshing take on a fantasy novel with an intriguing plot and unique world.
Jinx has a bit of mystery surrounding him with a wonderfully fresh personality on an epic adventure. As Jinx struggles through his adventures he, along with the reader, learns important lessons along the way. The concept of overcoming ones fear was very intriguing for me and I enjoyed how it was handled in the book.
Note: I won this book from Goodreads Early reviews
This is a refreshing take on a fantasy novel with an intriguing plot and unique world.
Jinx has a bit of mystery surrounding him with a wonderfully fresh personality on an epic adventure. As Jinx struggles through his adventures he, along with the reader, learns important lessons along the way. The concept of overcoming ones fear was very intriguing for me and I enjoyed how it was handled in the book.
Note: I won this book from Goodreads Early reviews
April 6, 2014
One Sentence Review: Rather pleasant, this jaunt into a new fantasy world reads most smoothly when our hero is feeling the most incensed (and fortunately there are plenty of opportunities for THAT to occur).
Read
March 18, 2014DNF @24%
I couldn't handle the sad part.
I couldn't handle the sad part.
February 9, 2021
Auftakt einer Reihe, die in deutscher Übersetzung nicht weiter geführt wurde.
October 30, 2020
It’s a good book but I’m not gonna write a review rn
April 14, 2014
Jinx is an entertaining twist of a coming-of-age fairy tale. There are wizards and witches and ogres and distant kings and curses and magic. There are even hints of some well-known fairy tales mixed in, just to add a bit of familiar spice.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Jinx was the idea that you should never stop questioning those around you--even those you trust, even those in power. Their truths may not be the truths you know and understand, and part of growing up is exploring the world and establishing your own truths. I thought Jinx handled it deftly, without too much monologue-ing or sermonizing or anything like that.
I had a few minor quibbles: 1) I'm not sure Blackwood knew where this book was going in the first few chapters, and that fuzziness definitely kept me from latching on sooner. 2) While I was content with the story, and even with the unresolved nature of some of the plot-threads, I do wish I had known it was going to be such a sequel-bait. I...am just not in the mood for "TO BE CONTINUED...?" style endings right now. 3) Really? No Sophia/Simon backstory? HOW DID THOSE CRAZY KIDS MEET?
One of the things I enjoyed most about Jinx was the idea that you should never stop questioning those around you--even those you trust, even those in power. Their truths may not be the truths you know and understand, and part of growing up is exploring the world and establishing your own truths. I thought Jinx handled it deftly, without too much monologue-ing or sermonizing or anything like that.
I had a few minor quibbles: 1) I'm not sure Blackwood knew where this book was going in the first few chapters, and that fuzziness definitely kept me from latching on sooner. 2) While I was content with the story, and even with the unresolved nature of some of the plot-threads, I do wish I had known it was going to be such a sequel-bait. I...am just not in the mood for "TO BE CONTINUED...?" style endings right now. 3) Really? No Sophia/Simon backstory? HOW DID THOSE CRAZY KIDS MEET?
May 24, 2021
Newer: 5.2 stars in my ridiculous rating system. I’ve gained more love and respect for this book this time around.
New: 5 stars in my insane rating system. I love the whimsical yet scary quality of the book, and the story is well crafted. The start is slow, but great. I also want to point out that Jinx’s resurrection isn’t bad, it’s actually rather good. There is a good setup, and the payoff is good too.
Early: No surprise. 1 day reread, but still not as charming as the other two
For some reason goodreads says I finished this before the giver, but I finished them on the same day so I can't do anything about it.
Later: Update 2020, January: Again, I flerping love this. Whatever incompetent dastard dislikes this is crazy. This one day reread was not challenging at all, since I used a 3 day weekend to read these books.
But I need more, Blackwood. I NEED MORE. Why is Dame Glammer able to see dead Jinx? Why does she have invisible emotions?
How is Karen Schwabach so godly as to have written a beautifully crafted trilogy?
No one knows, but that doesn’t matter.
New: 5 stars in my insane rating system. I love the whimsical yet scary quality of the book, and the story is well crafted. The start is slow, but great. I also want to point out that Jinx’s resurrection isn’t bad, it’s actually rather good. There is a good setup, and the payoff is good too.
Early: No surprise. 1 day reread, but still not as charming as the other two
For some reason goodreads says I finished this before the giver, but I finished them on the same day so I can't do anything about it.
Later: Update 2020, January: Again, I flerping love this. Whatever incompetent dastard dislikes this is crazy. This one day reread was not challenging at all, since I used a 3 day weekend to read these books.
But I need more, Blackwood. I NEED MORE. Why is Dame Glammer able to see dead Jinx? Why does she have invisible emotions?
How is Karen Schwabach so godly as to have written a beautifully crafted trilogy?
No one knows, but that doesn’t matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2013
In the style of Diana Wynn-Jones and J.K. Rowling, there's a lot of moral ambiguity in this fantasy, buoyed by great characters and sly humor. The plot is satisfyingly wrapped up, but Jinx himself remains a bit of a mystery at the end, so we can expect sequels. Here's how I'd book talk it:
After being abandoned in the Urwald forest by his uncaring stepfather, Jinx is adopted by a cranky wizard named Simon. As he grows up in the wizard's strange home, he learns some magic and makes friends with two other kids, Elfwyn and Reven, who have mysterious curses on them. Jinx is no ordinary boy himself: He has the strange ability to see the color of people's thoughts. Together they search for a way to lift their curses and discover the secrets of the Urwald.
After being abandoned in the Urwald forest by his uncaring stepfather, Jinx is adopted by a cranky wizard named Simon. As he grows up in the wizard's strange home, he learns some magic and makes friends with two other kids, Elfwyn and Reven, who have mysterious curses on them. Jinx is no ordinary boy himself: He has the strange ability to see the color of people's thoughts. Together they search for a way to lift their curses and discover the secrets of the Urwald.
November 12, 2016
This book was actually quite good. i'm going to be honest, i didnt think it would be. i thought i'd be reading a harmless children's book when i started, i mean look at how cute and unsuspecting the book cover is, boy was i wrong. It felt like it wanted to be a children's book but then at some points the author was like screw that "i'm going to put in this disturbing scence, lets see how the parents explain this"and then the author goes again like "oh yeah its a kid's book" on and on it goes like that.
One minute everything in the book is well, normal and the next minute it's going like
October 15, 2012
Refreshing new take on fantasy. New idea, new story, and really well done. Kinda like Angie Sage and "Septimus Heap" this will delight your 8-12 year old, your 14 year old and even the adults. Jinx lives in a world of magic and darkness. Go off of the path and bad things happen, or do they? This has so much potential for a really good trilogy that I do look forward to more about Jinx and his pals.
September 7, 2013
I mostly dragged myself through this book and I tried to figure out why. The writing style seemed more declarative than descriptive. There were settings (a mysterious woods, a castle of bones) and characters (wizards, witches, and a protagonist with unusual powers) that begged for detailed descriptions but didn't deliver. The plot dragged until near the end. Other readers may enjoy this but it wasn't for me. I like my fantasies to be thick with description.
January 17, 2014
This was one I picked up on a whim and ended up enjoying beyond what I had imagined. I loved Jinx and Simon and their tricky, prickly relationship. I cannot wait to read Jinx's Magic!
February 23, 2014
What a fabulous surprise this was. I seem to be comparing books to earlier works this weekend, so I'll say that contrary to the cover blurb, this book didn't remind me of Septimus Heap - it reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle. In a really good way.
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