A Sprinkle of Sorcery

July 1, 2021
In this sequel to A Pinch of Magic (2020), Betty Widdershins and her sisters search for a secret island. Thirteen-year-old Betty; her older sister, Fliss; and younger sister, Charlie, still live and work at the Poacher's Pocket inn on the island of Crowstone. They discover 9-year-old Willow hiding, shadowed by a sinister glowing wisp, and learn she has escaped from the island of Torment, where she was banished after her father's murder conviction. When warders arrive searching for Willow, Betty makes her invisible using magical nesting dolls--and, in a case of mistaken identity, the warders take Charlie away instead. Betty, who longs for more excitement, now embarks on a quest to rescue Charlie and locate a secret island, guarded by a one-eyed witch and a talking raven, where Willow hopes to find evidence exonerating her father. Relying on ingenuity, magic, and sheer bravery, Betty and her sisters encounter marauding wisps, a haunted shipwreck, greedy treasure hunters, and a scheming pirate. They confront perilous choices, forcing them to trust themselves and one another. Portions of a cautionary tale interspersed throughout the text add richness while eerie descriptions of the shipwreck, wisps, and island caves promote suspense. Throughout, the plucky Widdershins sisters remain true to their mission and to one another. Charming spot art reinforces textual themes. With the exception of pirates described as having gold or tan skin, characters are cued as White. Atmospheric, nail-biting, and perilous fantasy adventure. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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August 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-Fliss, Betty, and Charlie Widdershins live with their father and granny on Crowstone Island. Having just returned from their last adventure, they are not prepared for the appearance of a ghostly pale girl named Willow, accompanied by a wisp. Willow has escaped from the neighboring island of Torment, the home for banished residents where she has been unjustly imprisoned with her family. With a gift for calming wisps, she is being hunted by two ill-willed men in search of lost treasure. These men kidnap Charlie, mistaking her for Willow, prompting the start of a rescue mission. Fliss, Betty, and Willow set off to save Charlie, encountering a group of pirates along the way. While they befriend a young pirate named Spit, the ship's captain Ronia becomes their most feared adversary. Led by tales from their childhood and a magical map, they navigate and conquer each challenge they encounter. The Widdershins sisters are a strong group of young women, and Betty's motto-"she who tries triumphs"-will resonate with many readers. References to the first novel are sprinkled throughout, but the book is readable as a standalone adventure. The novel moves at a fast pace, and the parallels to a fictional tale from the girls' childhood makes the ending predictable. Most main characters are cued as white. Skip is described as having skin "the shade of burnt gold" and Ronia's skin is tan. VERDICT A recommended purchase for middle grade collections where sisterhood tales, fantasy, and high sea adventures are in high demand.-Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH

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