Once upon a time, in a small village nestled by a quiet river, there was a young boy named Jack. Jack was no ordinary boy. He possessed a unique ability - he could turn ordinary objects into magical creations with a flick of his wrist. Jack's village was filled with wonder and amazement whenever he showcased his magical talents. The villagers would gather around, eagerly waiting to see what enchanted creation Jack would bring to life next. Some days, he would transform a simple stone into a sparkling diamond, leaving everyone in awe.
Page Count: 432
Despite the stale fat-to-curvy pattern, compelling world building with a Southern European, pseudo-Christian feel, reminiscent of Naomi Kritzer s Fires of the Faithful 2002 , keeps this entry fresh. There once was a Ladybug who had the heart of a dragon, but everybody in her village told her to act more Ladybug-like that is until one day a real dragon flew down to burn her village to the ground, and the courageous little Ladybug was the only one who would stand up to it.
Some days, he would transform a simple stone into a sparkling diamond, leaving everyone in awe. Other days, he would turn a dull flower into a breathtaking bouquet of vibrant colors. Word of Jack's extraordinary powers spread far and wide, reaching the ears of a powerful sorcerer named Malachi.
MAGICAL BOY
A fast-paced magical story whose protagonist endures intense transphobia.
Descendant and heir to Aurora, the fallen Goddess of Light, a transgender boy reluctantly steps into his destiny of fighting monsters and guarding the world from an ancient evil.
Biracial (White and Japanese) Max has two secrets that only his best friend, Jen, knows—his gender identity and his power to see colorful auras of emotion around people. On his 16th birthday, Max decides to come out to his parents as trans, but before he can explain, his mother reveals his magical lineage and insists that he take up the mantle of the Goddess of Light and do his part to protect the world. Monsters that feed on negative energy are already attacking, so Max must quickly embrace his emerging abilities in order to prevent destruction. The plot revolves around the binary of lightness, standing for good, and darkness, representing evil. Max is frequently misgendered and referred to by his deadname, and his powers force him into frilly clothes that cause him dysphoria. Even his father, Kai, who doesn’t aggressively police his gender like his mother, Hikari, is little more than a bystander to the maternal abuse. The manga-style art is intensely expressive, but the page layouts are chaotic and sometimes hard to follow. Jen and Sean (an anime-style delinquent at Max’s school) are the only primary characters depicted with brown skin.
A fast-paced magical story whose protagonist endures intense transphobia. (Graphic fantasy. 12-17)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-77552-5
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2021
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
Intrigued by the tales he had heard, Malachi sought out Jack, hoping to harness his magical abilities for his own gain. One fateful day, as Jack was practicing his enchantments by the river, Malachi approached him, disguised as an old beggar. He promised Jack unimaginable riches and endless power if only he would agree to join forces with him. Tempted by the promises, Jack hesitated. He longed for the glory and recognition that came with his magical talents. As days turned into weeks, Jack found himself torn between the allure of Malachi's promises and his own conscience. Deep down, he knew that using his powers for personal gain would have dire consequences. One night, Jack had a vivid dream in which an ancient wise owl appeared to him. The owl spoke words of wisdom and warned him of the darkness that would consume him if he succumbed to Malachi's temptations. Woken from his dream, Jack knew what he had to do. He decided to confront Malachi and reject his offer. With determination in his eyes, Jack sought out the sorcerer and stood his ground. Malachi, angered by Jack's defiance, unleashed a powerful spell, hoping to strip Jack of his magical abilities. But to his surprise, the spell had no effect on Jack. His pure heart and unwavering resolve to do what was right had protected him. With a newfound sense of confidence, Jack used his magic to neutralize Malachi's powers, leaving him powerless. In that moment, Jack realized that true magic came not from transformation or enchantment, but from the choices we make and the values we hold dear. From that day forward, Jack dedicated his abilities to making the world a better place. He used his magic to bring joy, hope, and wonder to those around him, leaving a lasting legacy of goodness and light. And so, the tale of Jack, the magical lad, spread far beyond the borders of his village, inspiring generations to follow their hearts, embrace their gifts, and use their powers for the greater good. **The main idea of this magical lad illustrated story is that true magic comes from the choices we make and the values we hold dear.**.
Reviews for "The Unforgettable Journey of a Magical Lad: An Illustrated Story to Remember"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Magical Lad Illustrated Story" as I had heard so many great reviews about it. However, I was thoroughly disappointed. The plot was weak and felt choppy, with underdeveloped characters and predictable twists. The illustrations were also lackluster, lacking the magical and vibrant elements that were promised. Overall, the book did not live up to the hype and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. John - 1 star - "Magical Lad Illustrated Story" was a complete letdown for me. The storyline seemed disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to fully grasp what was happening. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any depth or relatability. Additionally, the illustrations were subpar and did not add any value to the overall reading experience. It felt like a rushed and half-hearted attempt at creating a magical tale. I do not recommend this book.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magical Lad Illustrated Story," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was overly simplistic and lacked complexity, leaving me wanting more. The illustrations, although nicely done, didn't feel cohesive with the story and seemed like an afterthought. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and not worth the time or investment. I would advise others to look elsewhere for a truly captivating magical read.
4. David - 1 star - I regret wasting my time on "Magical Lad Illustrated Story." The story lacked any originality or creativity, presenting a tired and cliché narrative. The characters were one-dimensional and unmemorable, failing to evoke any emotional connection. The illustrations, while decent, couldn't save this book from its lackluster content. It felt like a cheap imitation of better magical tales out there. Do yourself a favor and skip this disappointing read.