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What Members Thought

I love fantasies and I read so many of them that it's always surprising and exciting to find a really original vision like this one. For one thing the magic is French and it's set in Paris, which is a refreshing change from the English magic trope. For another, the "earths" themselves and how they work represent such a interesting reworking of a classic theme. Then there are the themes of the delicious anbar and the colorless cousins. AND the book is beautifully, whimsically, even deliciously wr
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There's a lot to like about this novel from a debut author--having the story set in Paris amid magic and some decidedly creepy individuals and the main character's concern for her mother who may or may not recovering from cancer. Twelve-year-old Maya and her younger brother James are likeable enough as both are drawn into magic that has been around for a long time. James is almost too sweet and innocent to be true, and Maya tries to fit in at school where the only friend she seems to make is Val
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The Horn Book review says CABINET OF EARTHS is "a-shimmer with magic," and they're absolutely right! The prologue does a wonderful job of setting the magical undertone of the novel, so that we're more than willing to follow Maya as she slowly uncovers the dark, mystical secrets surrounding her and her family when they move to Paris. I loved how the mystery unfolded and how utterly sinister some of the characters are. The stakes are extremely high. By the end, I was holding my breath as I turned
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I didn't think this was necessarily a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
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The writing was wonderful, but things didn't come together into a powerful story somehow. Definitely still recommended.
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Secret societies, a Parisian setting, a mysterious cabinet and children missing from long ago--all woven into an original and lyric story. Fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society will love this!
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Jul 21, 2010
Rachel
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Dec 02, 2012
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Sep 25, 2014
Books_the_Magical_Fruit
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Feb 05, 2015
Anamaria
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Jan 13, 2018
Michelle
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