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Sunday, March 17, 2013

{REVIEW} THE ART OF WISHING by LINDSAY RIBAR

The Art of WishingGenre: 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%
 
Purchase The Art of Wishing at: 
 
 
 
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21 comments:

  1. This book sounds so cute!! I had requested it, but got declined. I am glad you liked it. I will have to check it out for sure. I don't think I have ever read a Genie story either. It sounds so unique!

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  2. I thought that this book was great too! Margo and Oliver are oh so very cute together, LOL. And don't worry, the ending had me freaking out as well! But I'm glad that it's going to be a trilogy. Terrific review, Andrea! (:

    Loves,
    Megan@The Book Babe

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  3. Oh I've had my eye on this book forever Andrea, so I'm glad that this book surprised you with it's cuteness! I also didn't know that it was part of a trilogy! That is great news! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy this week! Lovely review! :)

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  4. this sounds fun and really interesting! I agree, the cover is gorgeous!! I love original stories and this whole Genie thing sounds right up my alley!

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  5. Oh genies. That sounds interesting. This sounds like a really cute read.

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  6. I want this book sooo badly. You just don't hear about genies, like ever, in YA books. Phew! You almost made me nervous when you started talking about the open-ended ending. I'm so happy there's a trilogy planned!

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  7. This does sound really cute, Andrea. Like you, I don't think I've ever read a story where a genie was the love interest. I'll have to pick this up. Wonderful review. :)

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  8. This sounds cute and what a great concept-Genies! I love the cover, too! Adding to my pile!

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  9. This book sounds really fun! And I love great banter between characters, so that's a win! ;) Thanks for sharing, Andrea! Oh, and enjoy your spring break!! A few of my Texans are coming here. :)

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  10. I've been looking forward to this book for SO long, like a year, because it was repped by my former agent. I have it on hold at the library, and I'm glad you liked it!

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  11. Dang. I really need to read this. I'm behind and I keep sneaking other books in. Must stop doing that and get back on schedule. Glad you liked it. Excited to get to it especially with that ending.

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  12. This one didn't catch my eye right at first, your review has me changing my mind. Its hard to say how books about mythical creatures such as genies will be. I am glad to see you like it.

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  13. Aw man I am not a fan of being left hanging, but it does sound like you got at least some satisfaction out of the end. The cover for this one had caught my eye for a while now but I had no idea what it was about. I really want to get my hands on it, it takes a lot for something to be unlike anything I've ever read and I think a genie would definitely accomplish that. Great review!

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  14. I really really want to read this book. Awesome review!

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  15. This sounds good! I haven't read a genie story before (unless you count Disney's Aladdin, which I don't).

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  16. I am so excited to read this one! It looks so cute and I LOVE the genie aspect to it. Very different and I am very much looking forward to the romance! I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Andrea! :D

    Awesome review!

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

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  17. Great review. This sounds like a cute book.

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  18. Oliver is a GREAT book-boy name! ;) I've never read a book about a genie but I'm very intrigued! Glad you liked this one...it sounds really cute!

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  19. Aw this one sounds really great. It almost seems like it would be similar to The Ghost and the Goth and if you haven't read that series I would highly recommend it.

    Thanks for the great review! I'm glad that you really liked the story and I hope you get more answers in the next book.

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  20. I was shocked at how much I loved this book, but I flat-out could not put it down. I don't usually read non-contemporary but this was the perfect way for a contemp lover to dip her toe into Fantasy. Great characters, great romance, great pacing, fun setting, and left me dying for the next installment!
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