4/5 Stars
Emma is used to things going her way. Her father is headmaster of her prestigious boarding school, her friends take her advice as gospel, and she’s convinced that a relationship with her long-time crush is on the horizon. As it turns out, Emma hasn’t seen anything yet. When she finds an old book in an abandoned library, things really start going Emma’s way: anything she writes in the book comes true. But the power of the book is not without consequences, and Emma soon realizes that she isn’t the only one who knows about it. Someone is determined to take it from her―and they’ll stop at nothing to succeed. A new boy in school―the arrogant, aloof, and irritatingly handsome Darcy de Winter―becomes Emma’s unlikely ally as secrets are revealed and danger creeps ever closer.
This book is a boarding school mystery, set in a castle next to the woods in Germany which has magic and fairy tales, oh and has a Pride and Prejudice plot… sounds good right? What I personally liked about this book is how it makes you feel with those bookish vibes, much like Glaser’s previous book, The Book Jumper. Library’s and books play a prominent role in this story, and I don’t know about you but I always enjoy a book about books, and it probably helped that I read this in a cosy bed with hot chocolate while there was a snow storm raging outside… perfection.
I’ll say here that this is a fun, quick and simple read, nothing ground breaking and nothing complex, just a good fantasy story to curl up in a blanket to and read on a Sunday afternoon. As mentioned this book is partly based on Pride and Prejudice, so if you don’t know the plot line of P&P you may enjoy this a little more as it will be less predictable. The book pulls off the P&P aspect in a none- cringey way and the characters are all pretty likeable, although I didn’t love Emma as much as I hoped as the main protagonist, but hey it didn’t make me dislike the book.
It did take a little while to get into the full swing of the plot, and the second half is definitely stronger than the first, but that’s when the fairy-tale aspect comes into play and you know we love a good fairy-tale! I won’t say anything more about that though, as I don’t want to get into spoiler territory and its probably best going into this book blind. Just know that this is a cosy read which incorporates fairy-tales, magic and pride and prejudice, and if that sounds good to you then what are you waiting for?
Until next time book friends,
Star x
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