December 2012, Eggplant Literary Productions, 30+ pages, Review copy
Themes: poems, short stories, genie, wishes, ring,
magic, spells, a way with words, knowledge of classic fantasy story elements,
peaches, nature, greed, selfishness, hard work, hearthstones, birds,
Content: oodles of humour, a smidge of tragedy
Summary from Eggplant Literary Productions
We have stories about magical books and wishes, poems about kings, rings
and wistful mirrors. All of that with gorgeous artwork sprinkled
throughout the issue. Also included, a recommended reading list
and an article on the various magical items every adventurer needs
before starting out on her quest. We’ve even have a lesson plan to go
along for teachers to use.
Nayuleska's thoughts
This is the first magazine filled only with
stories, poems, and illustrations, which I have read since I was under 13 years
old, which was a while ago. I was invited to read the most recent issue but I declined. I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover (especially
as 1 book I'm reading now is awesome despite the scary to me cover), but Spellbound's latest
edition's cover and topics didn't appeal to me. As is becoming the norm, if I'm
not keen on what I've been invited to review I take a lot at what else is
available. This was the only cover and topic which sang out to me. This could
easily be from manga or anime - yes it was designed by Chanoa who is a Japanese illustrator!
Note: I'd probably put this as a magazine for older readers, rather than 9 years old, not because of content but it's how the magazine felt, if that makes sense.
I loved it! The cover and the magazine. I
adored the highly appealing illustrations which I stared at for a fair while,
before reading a bit more then tapping the pages back to see them again. One or
two had elements that I didn't like, which along with one or two poems I wasn't
entirely keen on is why it didn't get a top grade. For new blog readers I have
to point out I'm not overly fond of poetry, which is probably why I like to
review children's poetry books every now and then just to see if I enjoy it any
better. Everyone needs a challenge! Most of the poems here were better than
bearable because I recognised the magical elements and I enjoy the style of
humour which is in this magazine by the cauldron load.
To be honest - that's just a phrase as all
my views are truthful - I was a little apprehensive before I started reading
the stories. Like poetry, I'm not a frequent short story reader. I always want
to know what happens after the story ends for any book, and since short stories
end sooner rather than later that would mean a lot more frustration. But, yet
again, that wasn't the case. The stories are so vibrant and comprehensive that
I easily imagined the High Court Wizard continuing to get what he deserved for
as long as the characters remained mad at him, and the girl whose wishes didn't
come true still being really happy with her fate. This magazine is chock full
of the side of fantasy which I love, the humour, magic used for common day
tasks, magic going comically wrong...If you are intrigued by other editions which
can be previewed here, do check them out, as I'm certain they the same high
quality as this one. I'll end by commenting on the end: having the biographies
of the writers, poets, and illustrators as well as a list of suggested reading
(full blown books!) end the book provides readers with a stepping stone to
discovering more fantasy delights.
Suggested read
I can't suggest a magazine because I haven't
read any others, but I can suggest a hilarious magical read, A Princess of Landover by Terry Brooks (Fantasy, 10E/10E)
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