This buoyant fantasy sequel, the followup to the memorable The Last Halloween, blends the fun, camaraderie, mysteries, and tension of magic and boarding school settings with chatty gargoyles and inspiration drawn from Arthurian legend, all set in a town, Spraksville, with an exciting witch-y history. Goff is at a new prestigious school with his two "imperfectly perfect friends,” Halstrom and Lydia, trying to forget his past with magic. However, upon discovering a coven at his new school and being haunted by an adversary of his past—The Mosaic Man—Goff and “the Spraksville world-saving team” must join forces with magic and shady benefactors as he endeavors again to save the world from the darkness that lurks in the shadows. Filled with adventure, heroic leading characters, budding romances, and a spirit of play that never undercuts the narrative’s stakes, this spirited supernatural caper follows an eclectic band of offbeat adolescents into the ominous world of magic, monsters (wraiths, shades, vampires), and the kind of spooky magic that’s as fun as it is shiver-inducing: here’s a creepy castle whose scale the heroes can’t fathom, an inn of lost souls, and a tome untouched by human hands for millennia. The reluctant hero and his friends—some of whom don’t know the extent of the danger they face—must agree to "be magical guinea pigs" for the Bureau of Supernatural Investigations (BSI), as part of a top-secret mission whose secrets even they are not privy to.
With exciting twists and turns, sharp-witted characters whose jokes pepper the pages, and immersive imagery and world-building, Gracely offers the exciting thrill ride full of intrigue and mystery that readers hope for from the genre. Continually inventive, this fast-paced, action-packed sequel will keep young readers entertained until a satisfying conclusion that tests its heroes, a relatable and wholly unique band of the unique and socially awkward who throughout display bravery, moral fiber, and a bit of recklessness.
Takeaway:Delightful offbeat fantasy of unlikely heroes and inventive magic.
Comparable Titles: Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On, Chris Rylander’s Epic Series of Failures series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
"...a must-read for those seeking a well-crafted, urban fantasy novel with a rich plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes."
Misfit's Magic by Fred Gracely is a captivating young adult urban fantasy that draws readers into a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. The story revolves around Goff, a young man who believed he had left the world of magic behind after saving the world previously, only to find himself thrust back into its midst. At the boarding school of his dreams, he and his friends become entangled in a sinister scheme to establish a new magical empire with the backing of wealthy and influential individuals. To protect the people he cares about, Goff must unravel the plot and put an end to it before it's too late. The book is sure to enchant both young and mature readers who are fans of urban fantasy as it offers a thrilling and enchanting adventure that keeps you turning the pages.
Fred Gracely showcases exceptional storytelling skills in Misfit's Magic. The plot is well-crafted, offering a compelling mix of suspense and excitement. The pace of the story keeps readers engaged, with a perfect balance between moments of action and character development. The characters are vibrant and memorable, each with their unique qualities and contributions to the story. Themes of friendship, the battle between good and evil, and the power of magic are expertly woven into the narrative, providing depth and resonance. Gracely's writing style is immersive and evocative, making it easy to become engrossed in the magical world he has created. Overall, Misfit's Magic is a must-read for those seeking a well-crafted, urban fantasy novel with a rich plot, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes.
"...a mighty sequel that keeps you engaged from start to finish with its rich world-building and compelling storytelling...I would highly recommend it to fantasy fans everywhere."
Misfit's Magic: Shades of Winter is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and it serves as the second book in the series after The Last Halloween. It is intended for young adult readers but can also be enjoyed by mature middle-grade readers and the young at heart. Penned by author Fred Gracely, this enthralling urban fantasy takes readers on a spellbinding journey filled with magic, humor, and suspense. The story revolves around Goff, who believed he had left the world of magic behind. However, fate has other plans, and he's pulled back into a world he thought he'd escaped. Attending a boarding school that felt like home, Goff and his friends find themselves thrust into a sinister plot to create a new magical empire backed by wealthy and influential figures. They must uncover a way to thwart these malevolent plans, or everything they hold dear will be in jeopardy.
Author Fred Gracely has crafted a compelling fantasy tale that's brimming with humor, magical intrigue, and the deeply enjoyable drama of boarding school life. The narrative is full of epic battles, monstrous creatures, and memorable characters, and the author brings these to life with descriptive lexis that goes beyond the cinematic to give a multi-sensory, immersive experience. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and moves at a pace where there’s never a dull moment, yet everything works smoothly within the internal logic and worldbuilding of the tale so that you always feel satisfied with the outcomes. Overall, Misfit's Magic: Shades of Winter is a mighty sequel that keeps you engaged from start to finish with its rich world-building and compelling storytelling, and I would highly recommend it to fantasy fans everywhere.
