Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
As people get older, magic often loses it spark. This is the case for Carter. After his parents “disappear” in their final vanishing act, Carter is forced onto the streets with his distant Uncle Sly. But life with Sly is short of being wonderful and magical; no, it’s obscene and heart-wrenching. When Carter has enough, he flees, and hops on a train to the town of Mineral Wells. While this town is every Carter has dreamed of, there is something rotten afoot with a group of carnies heralded by B.B. Bosso. Can Carter and his new friends foil Bosso’s plans?
In a fun, enchanting novel written by actor Neil Patrick Harris, we are shipped off into Carter’s journey not only to escape his uncle, but also to rediscover his love and passion for magic. Is magic real, or is it all a trick? That is for you as the reader to decide. But, this story is magical all the same. Each character is so uniquely defined, that both children and adults will find themselves drawn into this book. While Carter is the typical protagonist, you have the elusive Mr. Vernon, his daughter the adventurous Leila, and her friends, the kindhearted Theo, skeptical Riley, and the twin comedians Otto and Izzy. Each one pulls you into the story, and you’ll be cheering for them to out B.B. Bosso at the end.
While the story itself is mostly predictable, as most children’s stories are to adults, the way Harris provides a diverse cast, likable characters, and an intriguing plot about magic, trickery, and friendship makes this story all the better. Listening to this as an audio book really brought it to life as well; Neil Patrick Harris is a performer, and if you are familiar with him you know he cannot only just act, he can sing and enchant the imagination. That being said though, even if you read the book, I think you will still be captivated by the storytelling.
I cannot wait to get my hands onto the other books in the series! I listened to it all in one day, and I have no doubt I’ll feel the same about the remaining books.
So whether it is you or your kids who need a little bit of magic, why not join this band of misfits? You won’t be sorry.
What’s it about?
When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on.
After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded illusionists. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they’ll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso’s villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series.
(Psst. Hey, you! Yes, you! Congratulations on reading this far. As a reward, I’ll let you in on a little secret… This book isn’t just a book. It’s a treasure trove of secrets and ciphers and codes and even tricks. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll discover more than just a story–you’ll learn how to make your own magic!)
E.S. Barrison 