{REVIEW} THE ART OF WISHING by LINDSAY RIBAR

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 3/21/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 314
Source: Received from publisher, via NetGalley

He can grant her wishes, but only she can save his life.

Margo McKenna has a plan for just about everything, from landing the lead in her high school play to getting into a good college. So when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the chance to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Why should she put her life into someone else's hands?

But Oliver is more than just a genie -- he's also a sophomore at Margo's high school, and he's on the run from a murderer. As he and Margo grow closer, she discovers that it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

The Art of Wishing will have you believing in magic, and cheering for love.

Aw, this was such a charming story! I don't remember reading a book with a genie before, but I'm so happy this is my first. The story really managed to capture my attention right away. It doesn't hurt that the cover is beyond gorgeous, and the whimsy truly fits the story. The story flowed at such a nice, brisk pace that I found myself flying through the pages. There were so many questions: What would Margo wish for? Would getting her wishes granted truly make her happy? What happens when a human girl falls for a genie? And who the heck is this madman after Oliver? I had fun discovering the answers one by one. I think that is why I enjoyed The Art of Wishing so much, it was a truly fun, charming fantasy.

Margo and Oliver were the sweetest leading characters. Margo is a high school senior who is feeling left out in her own family, but finds happiness in singing, performing in the school play, and hanging out with her best friend. She had such a sweet air about her that really endeared her to me. She wasn't saccharine sweet, but you can just tell that Margo is a great kid. Oh, Oliver....what is it with book boys named Oliver being so great? Oliver is a genie, with the appearance of a high school boy, who has gone from master to master for centuries, granting wishes and moving on. He was such a charming guy, who was genuine and caring towards Margo. Being a genie would seem to be fun, but Oliver has carried on an existence bound to the whims of his masters. They've made him grant trivial wishes, fun wishes, cruel wishes, murderous wishes. He's gotten involved with a few of his masters, but none like Margo. I loved the banter between the two, and have to say, that was my favorite aspect to The Art of Wishing.

The only part of the story that didn't completely win me over was the end. I actually really liked the end. Things did not go the way I had expected, and it was a pleasant surprise. The issue was What Happens Next? It sort of just ended at a pivotal moment, and I was left hanging. It wasn't until I read the Acknowledgements that I learned this book was the start of a trilogy. That helped me feel content, for now. I can't wait to see what happens next!


Favorite Quote:

  "Are you...?" But I couldn't quite bring myself to say the word. It was too impossible--and I would feel too stupid if he told me I was wrong.
  "I'm a genie." Oliver's face shone with pride. "Which means I have the power to grant you three wishes. Now, where are my waffles?"  ~eARC, 13%


   There was a pause. When I finally chanced a look up at him, he was biting his lip, like he was trying really hard not to laugh.
  "What?" I asked defensively.
  "You're in love with me?"
  "Pfft. No. I've known you for like a week." Another pause. "You're a really good kisser, though."
  Finally he laughed. "As are you."  ~eARC, 55%

 

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