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Midnight Magic #2
Midnight Magic
Mangus the Magician must free a princess from a terrifying ghost. Naturally, Mangus doesn't believe in ghosts. He doesn't even believe in magic! However, his servant boy, Fabrizio, is a secret friend of the princess and is determined to prove the ghost is real.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
61 people are currently reading
3191 people want to read
About the author
Avi
349 books1,703 followersAvi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
Nothing but the Truth,
and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
February 3, 2021
Reread as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: Clever, and I can see why I loved it as a kid, but probably not something I'd reread again. I'll send it into the used book world where a young reader can enjoy it.
I did keep having to check myself to remember that this wasn't a Lloyd Alexander book - it has a very similar cast to several of his (well-meaning but clueless male protagonist, clever princess, scheming royal advisor, wise mentor) and a very similar plot - all of which are archetypes which extend beyond these authors, of course, but since I've been rereading old favorites in (mostly) alphabetical order by author, the similarities were striking.
One thing that struck me - I'm not sure where this book would fall in modern distinctions of children's/middle grade/YA. My instinct is middle grade, partly because I think that's around the age when I first encountered it, but the diction and syntax is just a bit more complicated than a lot of today's MG. Now, granted, I don't read a lot of modern middle grade (unless it has dragons in it and my GF shoves an ARC at me) but I've been thinking for a bit that the late 90s-early 2000s period of children's lit had... a certain intermediate level of maturity and complexity that publishers seem to have moved away from. I might be wrong about that, but it's definitely the impression I've gotten from modern marketing, at least.
Anyway. This is a charming little medieval mystery with a castle (improbably) full of secret passages and conspiracies, and definitely a classic. (I mean, it's Avi, so...)
I did keep having to check myself to remember that this wasn't a Lloyd Alexander book - it has a very similar cast to several of his (well-meaning but clueless male protagonist, clever princess, scheming royal advisor, wise mentor) and a very similar plot - all of which are archetypes which extend beyond these authors, of course, but since I've been rereading old favorites in (mostly) alphabetical order by author, the similarities were striking.
One thing that struck me - I'm not sure where this book would fall in modern distinctions of children's/middle grade/YA. My instinct is middle grade, partly because I think that's around the age when I first encountered it, but the diction and syntax is just a bit more complicated than a lot of today's MG. Now, granted, I don't read a lot of modern middle grade (unless it has dragons in it and my GF shoves an ARC at me) but I've been thinking for a bit that the late 90s-early 2000s period of children's lit had... a certain intermediate level of maturity and complexity that publishers seem to have moved away from. I might be wrong about that, but it's definitely the impression I've gotten from modern marketing, at least.
Anyway. This is a charming little medieval mystery with a castle (improbably) full of secret passages and conspiracies, and definitely a classic. (I mean, it's Avi, so...)
March 17, 2012
This book was fantastically entertaining and adventuresome. I really enjoyed the timescale used here. You never really get nice, exciting mystery-type stories from the ancient past. Writing in a time on no technology as simple as the light bulb is an extravagant and hardly touched upon world. So much more is open to what we don't know from personal experience to what we do know in our everyday lives.
The fact that the author had to write this novel from doing research on the time period and from traveling to places to learn about culture and architecture, really enhances the "suspension of disbelief" factor most often seen in live stage productions, but used here, we can really get a sense of the time and place of such a setting in the book. the Characters that are brought to life by the professional words of the author and his skill in his trade make them live in his work and really flow together to form an exciting bunch, when thrown with a problem really work hard to get to the bottom of things. I enjoyed the book fully and found that although it was full of strange sayings and words, it was still and very clever way to write a child/teen fiction adventure. This is one of those books that can take you far away and bring you back again satisfied with everything that has transpired.
The fact that the author had to write this novel from doing research on the time period and from traveling to places to learn about culture and architecture, really enhances the "suspension of disbelief" factor most often seen in live stage productions, but used here, we can really get a sense of the time and place of such a setting in the book. the Characters that are brought to life by the professional words of the author and his skill in his trade make them live in his work and really flow together to form an exciting bunch, when thrown with a problem really work hard to get to the bottom of things. I enjoyed the book fully and found that although it was full of strange sayings and words, it was still and very clever way to write a child/teen fiction adventure. This is one of those books that can take you far away and bring you back again satisfied with everything that has transpired.
February 17, 2009
A medieval mystery based on magic, or more accurately perceived magic.
Fabrizio is the servant of renowned magician Magnus. Magnus is fully aware that he is not really a magician and believes true magic does not exist. He is a master of slight of hand and has gained reputation in the kingdom. After a trial he has renounced the practice of "magic" basically on pain of death. Fabrizio, on the other hand, is superstitious as are most other members of the kingdom and fully believes is magic.
The king summons Magnus to solve the problem of a mysterious "ghost" who has recently began haunting his young daughter.
The story is well written and has unexpected twists
Fabrizio is the servant of renowned magician Magnus. Magnus is fully aware that he is not really a magician and believes true magic does not exist. He is a master of slight of hand and has gained reputation in the kingdom. After a trial he has renounced the practice of "magic" basically on pain of death. Fabrizio, on the other hand, is superstitious as are most other members of the kingdom and fully believes is magic.
The king summons Magnus to solve the problem of a mysterious "ghost" who has recently began haunting his young daughter.
The story is well written and has unexpected twists
February 23, 2025
Fabrizio is a servant to the magician Mangus, who is called to the king's castle to consult on a grave matter. The princess has been seeing apparitions of a ghost that she claims must be her murdered brother. The king believes in ghosts, but Mangus insists that there is no such thing. The king begs Mangus to use his magic to banish the ghost, but Mangus explains that his magic is only illusions and tricks. The evil Count Scarazoni has his own political reasons for wishing that the ghost be banished or proven to be a hoax. Mangus must investigate the apparitions, and he relies on his loyal servant Fabrizio to help him. Fabrizio can go anywhere in the castle, talk to servants, and sneak around secret passageways to find out if the ghost is real or not.
I loved this fun ghost mystery! The adventure and mystery are full of twists and turns. The writing is fast-paced and intriguing. There were so many curious red herrings that had me wondering what on earth was going on!
I liked Fabrizio's character, because, as his master says, he is both dumb and clever at the same time. He is very superstitious, and, like the king, he also believes in magic and ghosts. He even tries using tarot cards to predict the future, although Mangus assures him that tarot cards are all nonsense and silly superstition. But Fabrizio is also scheming and cunning when it comes to helping his master decipher all the mysteries of the castle.
To see the sensitive content in this book, check out the book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/midnig...
I loved this fun ghost mystery! The adventure and mystery are full of twists and turns. The writing is fast-paced and intriguing. There were so many curious red herrings that had me wondering what on earth was going on!
I liked Fabrizio's character, because, as his master says, he is both dumb and clever at the same time. He is very superstitious, and, like the king, he also believes in magic and ghosts. He even tries using tarot cards to predict the future, although Mangus assures him that tarot cards are all nonsense and silly superstition. But Fabrizio is also scheming and cunning when it comes to helping his master decipher all the mysteries of the castle.
To see the sensitive content in this book, check out the book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/midnig...
November 19, 2009
I really enjoyed this historical mystery by Avi. It's been a while since I read anything by him and I wasn't disappointed. For such a short book, his characters were vivid and well-developed.
I loved the bits of history related to the printing press and attitudes toward modern inventions and progress. One of the characters did not want any modern inventions in Pergomontia (the Italian kingdom in which the story took place) and it reminded me that all technology and progress is met with skepticism and sometimes fear from people who want to hold on to their comfortable way of doing things.
I loved the bits of history related to the printing press and attitudes toward modern inventions and progress. One of the characters did not want any modern inventions in Pergomontia (the Italian kingdom in which the story took place) and it reminded me that all technology and progress is met with skepticism and sometimes fear from people who want to hold on to their comfortable way of doing things.
April 26, 2024
This was one of my favorite books as a child. Over 20 years later, and the writing still holds up. I really enjoyed it, and will probably reread it again at some point. Definitely one I will recommend to my kids as well (probably upper elementary age).
August 29, 2017
I must have read this book at least five times when I was younger. In hindsight, I don't even know why I liked it so much, but I think it was just the combination of mystery and magic that really sucked me in.The characters are interesting and likeable and I suppose I loved the cover too;)
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
April 16, 2011
Just finished reading this book out loud to my class!!!! Everyone loved it! It was a great mystery! Although, this is the second book in the series.... Oops! Should have read Murder at Midnight first! Guess I'll have to back track!
October 8, 2024
By 1999 when Midnight Magic debuted, Avi's interest in writing about the late Middle Ages was in full swing. Three years later he released Crispin: The Cross of Lead, earning the Newbery Medal that had eluded him for years. Twelve-year-old Fabrizio is the only servant to the once great Mangus the Magician of the Kingdom of Pergamontio in 1491. Less than a year ago, Count Scarazoni criminally charged Mangus as a wielder of dark magic, despite the old man's protestations that he is only a sleight-of-hand artist. King Claudio spared Mangus a death sentence, but he was banished from polite society. On a stormy night as this book opens, that's about to change.
"He who has power has merely taught others they have none."
—Mangus, Midnight Magic, P. 126
"(B)eware the man who first condemns you for your wits, then begs you to use those wits to save him!"
—Mangus, P. 43
Fabrizio is terrified when Count Scarazoni shows up and demands Mangus come with him to King Claudio's castle. The king has a dreadful problem: ten-year-old Princess Teresina has seen a ghost on multiple occasions, always alone when she does. The king has summoned Mangus to discern whether Teresina has indeed witnessed a specter. Mangus and Fabrizio are restricted to their castle bedroom when not investigating, but Fabrizio finds ways to slip out and explore. He can hardly believe when he meets Teresina face to face and she treats him as a friend.
"If you dance with the Devil, your feet will feel the heat."
—Count Scarazoni, P. 29
Mangus commissions Fabrizio as his chief fact finder, and nothing helps more than conversing with Teresina about her ghost sightings. Mangus doesn't believe in ghosts, and as Fabrizio pieces together a clear picture of the paranormal happenings, his own belief wanes. King Claudio's court is awash in political drama, mostly from Count Scarazoni; Teresina is convinced the count murdered her brother, Prince Lorenzo, so he can seize the crown when King Claudio passes. Are the ghost sightings a scam to somehow further this plot? Mangus has little time to solve the mystery before the count loses patience and sentences him to death, but the future of Pergamontio rides on the feeble old magician's deductive skills.
"(M)y life's work is to search for truth with reason. Quite often, reason leads us to places neither expected nor wanted...Can I turn from reason just because it does not please me?"
—Mangus, P. 84
Avi's employment of old-fashioned vocabulary fits the story well, but I felt frustrated by the lack of atmosphere. Midnight Magic is a rather humdrum whodunit; it rarely feels exciting and the characters are nothing special. If this story idea had been placed in another author's hands the book could be a barnburner, and that can't reflect positively on Avi. Midnight Magic has a potentially powerful theme: society allowed an intelligent, imaginative thinker like Mangus to be criminally railroaded despite doing nothing wrong. People believed the accusations because that's what they do, and it nearly destroyed a man with great things to contribute to the kingdom. If that theme were drilled into deeply, Midnight Magic could be a classic, but such was not meant to be.
"He who has power has merely taught others they have none."
—Mangus, Midnight Magic, P. 126
"(B)eware the man who first condemns you for your wits, then begs you to use those wits to save him!"
—Mangus, P. 43
Fabrizio is terrified when Count Scarazoni shows up and demands Mangus come with him to King Claudio's castle. The king has a dreadful problem: ten-year-old Princess Teresina has seen a ghost on multiple occasions, always alone when she does. The king has summoned Mangus to discern whether Teresina has indeed witnessed a specter. Mangus and Fabrizio are restricted to their castle bedroom when not investigating, but Fabrizio finds ways to slip out and explore. He can hardly believe when he meets Teresina face to face and she treats him as a friend.
"If you dance with the Devil, your feet will feel the heat."
—Count Scarazoni, P. 29
Mangus commissions Fabrizio as his chief fact finder, and nothing helps more than conversing with Teresina about her ghost sightings. Mangus doesn't believe in ghosts, and as Fabrizio pieces together a clear picture of the paranormal happenings, his own belief wanes. King Claudio's court is awash in political drama, mostly from Count Scarazoni; Teresina is convinced the count murdered her brother, Prince Lorenzo, so he can seize the crown when King Claudio passes. Are the ghost sightings a scam to somehow further this plot? Mangus has little time to solve the mystery before the count loses patience and sentences him to death, but the future of Pergamontio rides on the feeble old magician's deductive skills.
"(M)y life's work is to search for truth with reason. Quite often, reason leads us to places neither expected nor wanted...Can I turn from reason just because it does not please me?"
—Mangus, P. 84
Avi's employment of old-fashioned vocabulary fits the story well, but I felt frustrated by the lack of atmosphere. Midnight Magic is a rather humdrum whodunit; it rarely feels exciting and the characters are nothing special. If this story idea had been placed in another author's hands the book could be a barnburner, and that can't reflect positively on Avi. Midnight Magic has a potentially powerful theme: society allowed an intelligent, imaginative thinker like Mangus to be criminally railroaded despite doing nothing wrong. People believed the accusations because that's what they do, and it nearly destroyed a man with great things to contribute to the kingdom. If that theme were drilled into deeply, Midnight Magic could be a classic, but such was not meant to be.
March 30, 2021
I first read this in fifth or sixth grade, and--after spying a used and heavily discounted copy at Second and Charles--I revisited it recently as a trip down memory lane.
In terms of plot, it isn't quite as good as I thought it was back then. The plotline definitely invokes common tropes.
However, the characters are charming and engaging, and the witty sayings that Fabrizio keeps mentioning are fantastic.
This has a fond place in my heart since it's probably the first mystery I ever read.
In terms of plot, it isn't quite as good as I thought it was back then. The plotline definitely invokes common tropes.
However, the characters are charming and engaging, and the witty sayings that Fabrizio keeps mentioning are fantastic.
This has a fond place in my heart since it's probably the first mystery I ever read.
February 10, 2016
Ok, before I say anything else I have to point out that this appears to be the second book in the Midnight Magic series and that I have not read the first one because I found this in a cozy café/book shop for second-hand books. So please excuse me if any of my comments would be void if I had actually read the first book. :)
That left aside, however, I thought the book was ok but not great. Apart from the clumsy and repetitive language which may, after all, be a problem of the German translation, the main points that put me off were the incredibly limited, almost non-existent world building and character development. Maybe this is due to this being the second book of the series and all these things were discussed in length in the first book but in that case that could probably have benefitted from a quick touch-up. As it is, I only learned that there is a medieval country called Pergamontia which appears to be Christian, has outlawed magic and is ruled by a king who allows his power-hungry first advisor to direct all his actions. When the prince and heir goes (mysteriously) missing, the advisor persuades the king to give him the princess's hand in marriage to placate the people who he argues might otherwise start a rebellion. Unsurprisingly, the princess isn't thrilled. And that's that. Honestly, maybe that's as much world building as the story needs because it all takes place in the confines of the castle but since all these hints of rebellion and adventure were consistently thrown in, I personally would have loved to learn more about that particular world.
Following on that note, I would also have loved to learn more about the characters. Yet, all that was revealed were a few tidbits here and there that were necessary to advance the plot. Again, maybe the characters were introduced in detail in the first book, but it would still have been nice to know their fears and dreams and watch them grow throughout the story. Unfortunately, they don't. Instead they keep saying and promising things just to forget about them and do the exact opposite on the next page. Fabrizio, for example, promises his master not to do any tricks in the castle because it might cost them their lives. He then hurries up into his room to retrieve his magic utensils which he promptly uses upon arriving at the castle to astonish a group of guards who were not supposed to know their identities which, by the way, was a futile effort once the master (who for some unexplained reason always feels cold) removed his hood the moment they were left waiting for their audience with the king… Go figure. Well, in the end all those small things added up to the result that I could not sympathize with any of the characters. In the end of the book they had not grown or changed at all from how they were in the beginning and I did not care whether or not they solved their problems or "who won".
However, I did enjoy the plot and the mystery about the ghost. Even though I do believe that they could have solved the riddle much faster if Fabrizio had actually been as loyal to his master as he liked to believe himself to be. It was an entertaining little puzzle and moved along with a fast pace. So if you're looking for a short, plot-driven book with a sort-of medieval setting, a small cast of characters (who distrust and try to use each other without actually confiding any of their thoughts and secrets while) trying to solve a cute little riddle, you will probably like this book. :)
I liked the premise and conflict of the book, as well as the pace but I think that the characters could have been better developed and the world building could have been more detailed and more important to the story. So I am giving it 2/5 stars.
That left aside, however, I thought the book was ok but not great. Apart from the clumsy and repetitive language which may, after all, be a problem of the German translation, the main points that put me off were the incredibly limited, almost non-existent world building and character development. Maybe this is due to this being the second book of the series and all these things were discussed in length in the first book but in that case that could probably have benefitted from a quick touch-up. As it is, I only learned that there is a medieval country called Pergamontia which appears to be Christian, has outlawed magic and is ruled by a king who allows his power-hungry first advisor to direct all his actions. When the prince and heir goes (mysteriously) missing, the advisor persuades the king to give him the princess's hand in marriage to placate the people who he argues might otherwise start a rebellion. Unsurprisingly, the princess isn't thrilled. And that's that. Honestly, maybe that's as much world building as the story needs because it all takes place in the confines of the castle but since all these hints of rebellion and adventure were consistently thrown in, I personally would have loved to learn more about that particular world.
Following on that note, I would also have loved to learn more about the characters. Yet, all that was revealed were a few tidbits here and there that were necessary to advance the plot. Again, maybe the characters were introduced in detail in the first book, but it would still have been nice to know their fears and dreams and watch them grow throughout the story. Unfortunately, they don't. Instead they keep saying and promising things just to forget about them and do the exact opposite on the next page. Fabrizio, for example, promises his master not to do any tricks in the castle because it might cost them their lives. He then hurries up into his room to retrieve his magic utensils which he promptly uses upon arriving at the castle to astonish a group of guards who were not supposed to know their identities which, by the way, was a futile effort once the master (who for some unexplained reason always feels cold) removed his hood the moment they were left waiting for their audience with the king… Go figure. Well, in the end all those small things added up to the result that I could not sympathize with any of the characters. In the end of the book they had not grown or changed at all from how they were in the beginning and I did not care whether or not they solved their problems or "who won".
However, I did enjoy the plot and the mystery about the ghost. Even though I do believe that they could have solved the riddle much faster if Fabrizio had actually been as loyal to his master as he liked to believe himself to be. It was an entertaining little puzzle and moved along with a fast pace. So if you're looking for a short, plot-driven book with a sort-of medieval setting, a small cast of characters (who distrust and try to use each other without actually confiding any of their thoughts and secrets while) trying to solve a cute little riddle, you will probably like this book. :)
I liked the premise and conflict of the book, as well as the pace but I think that the characters could have been better developed and the world building could have been more detailed and more important to the story. So I am giving it 2/5 stars.
November 23, 2019
Avi did not disappoint. This is another good story by a great author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It kept me on the edge of my seat any guessing until the end. I highly recommend it.
February 16, 2020
Another book from childhood. This one taught me "niche."
April 19, 2018
Midnight Magic was one of my favorite books as I child. In fact, I remember checking it out of my elementary school library on multiple occasions, and I wanted to revisit it now as an adult. While not as mystical as I remembered it to be, I can definitely see why Midnight Magic wowed me as a child. It was so much fun to discover the story anew, and I loved thinking about how this book helped shape the person I am today.
From tarot cards, ghosts, and magic, to reason and logical thinking, Midnight Magic is a fun story that I'm sure many children will still enjoy today, nearly 20 years after its publication.
From tarot cards, ghosts, and magic, to reason and logical thinking, Midnight Magic is a fun story that I'm sure many children will still enjoy today, nearly 20 years after its publication.
December 28, 2017
Entertaining dialogue, plenty of action, twists and turns through secret passage ways, and delightful characters! Loved it! I'll have to get a copy of Murder at Midnight to get more of Mangus and Fabrizio!
August 22, 2020
This is a fun historical mystery that holds up in the sense that I'd still recommend it to kids, but there's not much here for adult readers revisiting childhood favorites. The writing is very simplistic.
November 5, 2017
7.5 -- fun middle-school medieval mystery.
February 16, 2024
An enjoyable mystery for younger readers. The main lead, Fabrizio, is a charming little fellow, full of loyalty and odd sayings for any occasion.
January 8, 2009
I choose this book to read with my 11-year-old daughter since we were studying the Renaissance. By the title alone, I wasn't sure I would like it. Magic, wizards, sorcerers... not my thing. The story opens at the home of Mangus the Magician. His sole servant, Fabrizio, waits till midnight then casts tarot cards to shape the future for his master. I about stopped there. Although the book was hard to "get into" (the first 85 pages of a 249 page book), once we got past that point it was very hard to put down. Mangus is requested (strongly with no ability to decline)to go to the castello. Princess Teresina is being haunted by a ghost and Mangus is to help rid her of this plight. Conspiracy, lies, murder, reason and truth all come out in this book. The book is preditcable as far as; The King's family is in danger; A so called trusted advisor wants the throne; He will do just about anything to gain power of the kingdom, etc. But as far as "trying to solve the mystery", this book is full of surprises, twists, secret passages, hidden doors and assumed identities. Just when you think you have figured out who the murderer is, more information is disclosed and you have to "re-think" your conclusions. I did like the end, truth and reason win out over lies conspiracy. Good thing.
February 14, 2012
I wouldn't put this in the list of Avi's best books, but it's not terrible, either.
I wasn't impressed with the reading; the reader did voices and all, but the reading style was reminiscent of children's audiobooks of the '80's - everything is overly-enunciated, the pacing is slow and deliberate, it's almost pandering. It made the characters feel stilted and unbelievable.
The over-use of little pearls of wisdom - and I am far too lazy to research whether each of Fabrizio's cliches were translations from actual Italian sayings of the day or if they were made up - and the term "with your permission" became grating to me.
That being said, it's still a quick, fun mystery. I think it would appeal to boys and girls and would be good for just-emerging-from-reluctant readers.
I wasn't impressed with the reading; the reader did voices and all, but the reading style was reminiscent of children's audiobooks of the '80's - everything is overly-enunciated, the pacing is slow and deliberate, it's almost pandering. It made the characters feel stilted and unbelievable.
The over-use of little pearls of wisdom - and I am far too lazy to research whether each of Fabrizio's cliches were translations from actual Italian sayings of the day or if they were made up - and the term "with your permission" became grating to me.
That being said, it's still a quick, fun mystery. I think it would appeal to boys and girls and would be good for just-emerging-from-reluctant readers.
November 7, 2020
This is seriously one of my very favorite childhood books. I loved the way it was written. The characters were alluring and the story's pacing was so incredibly engrossing. Iconic read.
February 22, 2018
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. It was one of the first novels that I read for fun and more than once. I also always considered it the book that got me interested in the fantasy genre. Now that I am well past my formative years, and significantly less easy to impress, I thought it would be fun to go back and re-re-read this novel that left such a big impression.
First off, I was surprised to find that my memory totally betrayed me and that this is only debatably a 'fantasy' book, as it is about magicians rather than magic. More accurately, this is a mystery/thriller that takes place at a royal palace in a fictional Mediterranean kingdom set in 1491.
To be upfront, the characters are not the most original. A key exception though, is the sociopath 10 year old princess who upon hearing a man has died, casually responds with, "Has he? I suppose I should be sorry about it, but I didn't like him... You needn't worry" (Avi, 118). She's a hoot! In Avi's defense, I think the author's intent was to write her as a whimsically capricious princess. Yet, her total detachment from the reality of consequences, combined with a general lack of empathy, accidentally creates a really funny, reoccurring punchline.
Additionally, the narrative is often pushed forward by characters being stupid, and does contain a few plot holes. So why did I give this book 4 stars? I still really liked it, sociopath princess and all! The plot can be messy, but it has enough clever twists, and moves forward in a quick and engaging manner.
I have discovered though, that the main reason the nostalgia rooted so deep with this novel, was that this book is super Italian. In addition to all of the characters having Italian names, the key moral themes throughout the book include loyalty, respecting your elders, and not trusting rich people. This was probably one of the first narratives I ever read for fun where I got to see my own family's weird and lovable idiosyncrasies authentically reflected.
In conclusion, I liked this book for the purely selfish reason of getting to learn about myself.
Bonus: My childhood was not ruined, at least not today.
First off, I was surprised to find that my memory totally betrayed me and that this is only debatably a 'fantasy' book, as it is about magicians rather than magic. More accurately, this is a mystery/thriller that takes place at a royal palace in a fictional Mediterranean kingdom set in 1491.
To be upfront, the characters are not the most original. A key exception though, is the sociopath 10 year old princess who upon hearing a man has died, casually responds with, "Has he? I suppose I should be sorry about it, but I didn't like him... You needn't worry" (Avi, 118). She's a hoot! In Avi's defense, I think the author's intent was to write her as a whimsically capricious princess. Yet, her total detachment from the reality of consequences, combined with a general lack of empathy, accidentally creates a really funny, reoccurring punchline.
Additionally, the narrative is often pushed forward by characters being stupid, and does contain a few plot holes. So why did I give this book 4 stars? I still really liked it, sociopath princess and all! The plot can be messy, but it has enough clever twists, and moves forward in a quick and engaging manner.
I have discovered though, that the main reason the nostalgia rooted so deep with this novel, was that this book is super Italian. In addition to all of the characters having Italian names, the key moral themes throughout the book include loyalty, respecting your elders, and not trusting rich people. This was probably one of the first narratives I ever read for fun where I got to see my own family's weird and lovable idiosyncrasies authentically reflected.
In conclusion, I liked this book for the purely selfish reason of getting to learn about myself.
Bonus: My childhood was not ruined, at least not today.
August 3, 2023
Intrigue, mystery, and wit. It keeps you on your toes, but with all the scheming going on, even though I guessed the twist, I couldn’t help but suspect the “good side” was up to no good too, that EVERYONE was bad, and while that’s good that the story kept you guessing, it also made for the thought “you’re just going to take their word when they have shown themselves to be liars without your best interests?”
Mangus seemed the only person with any integrity, and he compromised it for the greater good, which is fine in that it worked out, but also, as a man who insisted that he doesn’t just take other people at their word, he certainly trusted the “good side” without much evidence to corroborate their story. What if they were plotting to steal power from (redacted), but the bad guy got there first, and then it was just a power struggle between two bad sides? It would’ve been a bit more compelling to at least have (redacted) reveal themselves without a shadow of a doubt before the climax, and not during as a hurried afterthought.
These thoughts are just my personal inclination to try to predict a story is more complicated than it really is, and doesn’t really spoil the actual experience. Still recommend
Mangus seemed the only person with any integrity, and he compromised it for the greater good, which is fine in that it worked out, but also, as a man who insisted that he doesn’t just take other people at their word, he certainly trusted the “good side” without much evidence to corroborate their story. What if they were plotting to steal power from (redacted), but the bad guy got there first, and then it was just a power struggle between two bad sides? It would’ve been a bit more compelling to at least have (redacted) reveal themselves without a shadow of a doubt before the climax, and not during as a hurried afterthought.
These thoughts are just my personal inclination to try to predict a story is more complicated than it really is, and doesn’t really spoil the actual experience. Still recommend
September 8, 2023
I remember reading this book in middle school, and finding out now that it is actually a small series prompted the re-reading of this.
I’d say this is for children in the grade 5-9 range. Avi takes readers to 15th-century Italy in this entertaining tale of mystery and intrigue. The quick pace and several plot twists will keep young readers turning pages. The mystery will keep them guessing, but it never becomes too complicated to follow.
Most of the tale takes place within the "castello," and descriptions of the dark hallways, hidden staircases, and gloomy dungeon make a delightfully atmospheric setting for this historical mystery. Twelve-year-old Fabrizio is the servant of Mangus the Magician. When the king's daughter claims to have seen a ghost, the magician and the boy are summoned to the castle. The evil Count Scarazoni wants to prove the ghost is not real so that his wedding to the princess will not be postponed. Young Fabrizio uses trickery, recklessness, and bravado to ferret out clues, spying in castle halls and secret passages. His master, meanwhile, relies on pure reason to reach the truth. Between the two of them, they are able to unveil a web of plots and deceptions, and then find a way to thwart the count and save their own skins.
I’d say this is for children in the grade 5-9 range. Avi takes readers to 15th-century Italy in this entertaining tale of mystery and intrigue. The quick pace and several plot twists will keep young readers turning pages. The mystery will keep them guessing, but it never becomes too complicated to follow.
Most of the tale takes place within the "castello," and descriptions of the dark hallways, hidden staircases, and gloomy dungeon make a delightfully atmospheric setting for this historical mystery. Twelve-year-old Fabrizio is the servant of Mangus the Magician. When the king's daughter claims to have seen a ghost, the magician and the boy are summoned to the castle. The evil Count Scarazoni wants to prove the ghost is not real so that his wedding to the princess will not be postponed. Young Fabrizio uses trickery, recklessness, and bravado to ferret out clues, spying in castle halls and secret passages. His master, meanwhile, relies on pure reason to reach the truth. Between the two of them, they are able to unveil a web of plots and deceptions, and then find a way to thwart the count and save their own skins.
February 20, 2021
I enjoyed this more than I did the first. Mangus the magician is called upon to determine if the princess is seeing a real ghost or not. Mangus only does sleight of hand magic for entertainment, but unlike his master, Fabrizio, the young assistant, uses sleight of hand to make himself look more than the ordinary boy he is, and he believes magic can be real. In friendship with the princess, he tries to convince Mangus that the ghost is real. If it is not, the princess must marry Count Scarazoni.
"A weary mind makes weary thoughts."
". . . though time is the most valuable thing a man can have, it can buy him no more time."
"Respect is golden."
". . . my life's work is to search for truth with reason. Quite often, reason leads us to places neither expected nor wanted. . . . Can I turn from reason just because it does not please me? No."
"The fastest way to judge the honesty of a person is to ask a question for which you already have the answer."
"You may wrap a monkey in the skin of a lion, but he remains a monkey."
"The more there is to see, the less one sees."
"A weary mind makes weary thoughts."
". . . though time is the most valuable thing a man can have, it can buy him no more time."
"Respect is golden."
". . . my life's work is to search for truth with reason. Quite often, reason leads us to places neither expected nor wanted. . . . Can I turn from reason just because it does not please me? No."
"The fastest way to judge the honesty of a person is to ask a question for which you already have the answer."
"You may wrap a monkey in the skin of a lion, but he remains a monkey."
"The more there is to see, the less one sees."
March 21, 2018
I have to give this book a five because it was my absolute FAVORITE when I was in sixth grade. Not a lot of books from my childhood are super memorable, but this one certainly was. It inspired me to write a rip-off of it when I was twelve called "Midnight Mischief." (And of course in my story, there were also secret passageways behind tapestries.)
But really, what is there NOT to like about this book? You've got a fabulous mystery, memorable characters with great personalities, plot twists, intrigue, a little magic... it's a wonderful book for kids! (And adults, if you haven't ever read it.)
This was my second time reading it, and yes, it is better the first time when you don't know the ending, but I still loved it. :) Put it on your to-read list!
But really, what is there NOT to like about this book? You've got a fabulous mystery, memorable characters with great personalities, plot twists, intrigue, a little magic... it's a wonderful book for kids! (And adults, if you haven't ever read it.)
This was my second time reading it, and yes, it is better the first time when you don't know the ending, but I still loved it. :) Put it on your to-read list!
January 11, 2022
Probably 2.5 stars really (not that there’s anything wrong with it! It’s just not super “wow”).The book has been sitting on my shelf for years and I’ve ever gotten around to reading it an I think if I had read it when I was a child I would have absolutely loved it. There’s just the right amount of mystery and magic, a plot to overthrow the throne, and a playfully deceitful princess all explored through the eyes of a magician’s servant boy. The entire time this book was giving me major “Macbeth” vibes but in a good way! All in all as an adult it wasn’t quite hitting the mark but this is a fantastic children’s book!
October 11, 2017
I just have to start out by saying, this was a fantastic book. Combined with the fact that Fabrizio knew some of Mangus´s magic tricks, this book was well thought out, and is adventurous and exciting.
The plot was exceptionally good. I especially like the timeline that this book and story take place in. These are just some of my thoughts about this book. This is the second book in this series. I did not know about the first book until after I started to read the second one. I hope you enjoyed my book review.
The plot was exceptionally good. I especially like the timeline that this book and story take place in. These are just some of my thoughts about this book. This is the second book in this series. I did not know about the first book until after I started to read the second one. I hope you enjoyed my book review.
June 28, 2019
It's an exceptionally foolish choice, but this is my favorite book of all time. The reason I read every book twice. There is no magic in this world, until you give a second look. The cards the assistant pulls from the tarot deck truly do predict his masters future, showing that there is magic. Although it's silly and cliche, this childrens book has shaped who I am, and instilled in me one of my many odd habits. This book isnt special, but its special to me for one simple reason, it reminds me of second chances, that when you search again you can find magic.
June 24, 2021
7/10
I love the cover art on this one. The conspiracy is extremely clever for a middle grade novel. I could see part of the ending coming but that me as a much older person reading this, I still found some of the reveals to be surprising. The plot was quite twisty. I would recommend to any young budding mystery fans. I loved how massive the castle felt. You don't spend much time anywhere else in the book, most of the world building is just the world inside of the castle and that feels like plenty.
I love the cover art on this one. The conspiracy is extremely clever for a middle grade novel. I could see part of the ending coming but that me as a much older person reading this, I still found some of the reveals to be surprising. The plot was quite twisty. I would recommend to any young budding mystery fans. I loved how massive the castle felt. You don't spend much time anywhere else in the book, most of the world building is just the world inside of the castle and that feels like plenty.
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