Secondhand Charm - Review

Title ~ Secondhand Charm
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Julie Berry
Release Date ~ October 12, 2010
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
Source ~ Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books






   

GOODREADS SUMMARY

In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

REVIEW

Secondhand Charm is magical and full of surprises. At first, it feels like the only magical element will be Evie’s power to heal which is hi-lighted by the gypsy’s charms. Then, a paranormal element is introduced with serpentinas and leviathans. Don’t worry – they aren’t all as evil as you may think. I had never even heard of these creatures before and I loved hearing about their history. Very cool.

I loved the setting that Julie Berry created. The kingdom with its big city and small villages were described so well. I liked that she made this make-believe historical fiction land come to life.

Evie wanted to help heal others, she was a fighter, and she was a good friend. Overall, I really liked her as a main character. I wish she would not have given up on one of her dreams so easily. I won’t say what it is, but you will know when you read it.

The pacing on the plot was a little off for me. It moved so slowly the first half and then really quickly the second half. Maybe that was done to give background information and build to the conclusion, but I would have liked a little more action in the first half.

RATING

3 So-So

COVER COMMENTS

The serpent charm fits in perfectly with the story. I love that is the main focus of the cover. The shiny font mixes just right with the little magical stars coming from the charm. Ssssss!