Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Be careful what you wish for...., 12 May 2007
This is a story about dreams and hopes, about trying to do the right thing and how that might not always work out the way you expected. This a darker novel than "Fly by Night", set in the here and now. The world unravels for three teenagers when they miss their bus home and the supernatural begins to impinge.
Hardinge is a consummate wordsmith, her writing contains beautifully observed wry turns of phrase that will strike a chord with adult and teen readers alike. Another innovative, finely crafted book from one of Britain's most talented writers.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wish carefully, because it may come true, 11 Aug 2007
After reading really good reviews for this book, I decided I had to see if they were justified. Having now just frinished the book, I can happily say that every positive review this book gets is fully deserved.
The story is about 3 children; Ryan, Josh and Chelle. One evening they miss their buss home. Without any money for another fare, they go to extreme lengths, stealing money from an old wishing well. It is then not long afterwards that strange things start happening - Ryan has unusual growths on his hands; Josh seems to make lightbulbs explode whenever he is near; and Chelle cannot stop barrages of words from spilling out of her mouth, even though the words do not belong to her. The Ryan is visited by the Well Witch, a weird lady who has water gushing from her eyes and hides the words she speaks. From a mixture of guesswork and luck, the kids are able to help Ryan in establishing what she was after - she wants them to grant the wishes that they have taken from her well. Sounds simple enough in some ways, but unfortunately they soon learn that wishes are complex things, you never quite know what may be hidden behind the words - after all, the people that made them are complex, with different motives and desires urging them on. Soon, the business of granting wishes becomes more like a curse for the youngsters, but how do they get out of the debt of a Well Witch?
Although I am in my late twenties, I do enjoy literature for young adults and children. This, the first book I have read by Hardinge, was a breath of fresh air. Although there is a magical element it is quite different to what you will have encountered in the favourites such as Harry Potter. The three main characters are well developed - I particularly liked Chelle, who develops as the novel progresses. Each of the characters had their own problems or issues, and how these benefit the main story is very well done. There is comedy, friendship, betrayal, the darker side of humans and what they wish for and the consequences that this will then bring.
This is a highly recommended book, for both young and old.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The first, but not the last., 18 Jun 2007
This is the first novel by this author that I have read, but it will certainly not be the last. Oh my gosh is it addictive! I have recommended it to all and sundry. The twists and turns are clever and keep the plot moving forward rather than holding it back.
For all those Harry Potter addicts (like me) who are stuck for something to read after book 7, I suggest you start with Verdigris Deep and move on from there. Sheer brilliance.
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