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Thirteen Treasures #0.5
One Wish
One wish only, understood? There are rules, so listen good . . .
The Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree can grant your heart’s desire – just wish out loud, or hang a message from its branches. It sounds as though the Wishing Tree is just a sweet old tradition, but Tanya is only too aware how real its magic could be.
Tanya can see fairies, and would love to meet someone else who can see them too. When she meets Ratty and his cheeky fairy, Turpin, it seems at last she’s found them. But Ratty has a secret, and a dangerous enemy who'll stop at nothing to get to him.
Tanya must use her one wish to save her new friend - but wishes should be used wisely . . .
The Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree can grant your heart’s desire – just wish out loud, or hang a message from its branches. It sounds as though the Wishing Tree is just a sweet old tradition, but Tanya is only too aware how real its magic could be.
Tanya can see fairies, and would love to meet someone else who can see them too. When she meets Ratty and his cheeky fairy, Turpin, it seems at last she’s found them. But Ratty has a secret, and a dangerous enemy who'll stop at nothing to get to him.
Tanya must use her one wish to save her new friend - but wishes should be used wisely . . .
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
48 people are currently reading
2040 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Harrison
49 books1,214 followersMy first children's novel, THE 13 TREASURES, won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. THE OTHER ALICE won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award. A PINCH OF MAGIC won a Dutch Bronze Pen Award. My books have been translated and sold in 25 territories worldwide.
My latest novel is a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in Spring 2026 in the UK. My second picture book, THERE'S A SHARK IN MY PANTS! publishes in the UK in July 2025 and is illustrated by the incredible David Tazzyman.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
The best place to get in touch with me is via my website or Instagram (@michelleharrisonauthor).
My latest novel is a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in Spring 2026 in the UK. My second picture book, THERE'S A SHARK IN MY PANTS! publishes in the UK in July 2025 and is illustrated by the incredible David Tazzyman.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
The best place to get in touch with me is via my website or Instagram (@michelleharrisonauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 29, 2023
3.75 stars. Parts of this were a five for me. The magic in this world is wonderful and often whimsical. There is humor and poetry (and usually, humorous poetry). Nature has magical elements. If there is a middle grader in your world with a great imagination, they would probably really appreciate this. For me, the villain(s) became a bit too creepy at times. More than likely, it was mainly due to my mood, and I really enjoyed the whimsy and the writing, and the main character too. So I’ll probably continue with the series. Jayne Entwhistle does the audio, and there are times when her voice grates on me, so that comes into play too, even though I switched between paper and audio narration.
June 1, 2014
One Wish is a new prequel story for Michelle Harrison's Thirteen Treasures series so it's ideal for fans of the series or anyone who is new to this author. This whole series has been incredibly fun to read and One Wish is no exception to that, it has all the magic and wonder you could hope for from a fairytale and is full of great characters and fun adventures.
Tanya is a young girl with the second sight which allows her to see the fairies and other fae creatures. This rare ability often gets her in trouble, the fairies don't like to be seen and they take great pleasure in tormenting her by causing mischief and because Tanya's mother can't see them it is always Tanya who gets the blame for the things they do. Tanya is thrilled when she meets a young boy called Ratty and realises that he has the same ability as she does, not only can he see the fairies but he also has ways to protect himself against them and he's willing to teach them to Tanya. When Ratty is kidnapped it is up to Tanya, along with Ratty's mischievous fairy guardian Turpin, to rescue him but that is going to be easier said than done.
One Wish is an incredibly whimsical tale full of colourful characters. My favourite would have to be Turpin, she's such a tricky little pest but her heart is in the right place and she would do anything to protect her Ratty. I also really enjoyed the Wishing Tree who always speaks in rhyme. Tanya is a fabulous main character and I've enjoyed following all of her adventures.
Tanya is a young girl with the second sight which allows her to see the fairies and other fae creatures. This rare ability often gets her in trouble, the fairies don't like to be seen and they take great pleasure in tormenting her by causing mischief and because Tanya's mother can't see them it is always Tanya who gets the blame for the things they do. Tanya is thrilled when she meets a young boy called Ratty and realises that he has the same ability as she does, not only can he see the fairies but he also has ways to protect himself against them and he's willing to teach them to Tanya. When Ratty is kidnapped it is up to Tanya, along with Ratty's mischievous fairy guardian Turpin, to rescue him but that is going to be easier said than done.
One Wish is an incredibly whimsical tale full of colourful characters. My favourite would have to be Turpin, she's such a tricky little pest but her heart is in the right place and she would do anything to protect her Ratty. I also really enjoyed the Wishing Tree who always speaks in rhyme. Tanya is a fabulous main character and I've enjoyed following all of her adventures.
September 13, 2018
One Wish: I loved this. Michelle Harrison does middle grade fantasy so well.
I was really curious to see how a 13 Treasures prequel would go, given Tanya's limited understanding of fairies before the events of the trilogy. But I was also excited because where the trilogy's sequels shifted focus to Red, I enjoyed Tanya's story in 13 Treasures the most and was keen to refocus on her. I was not let down.
Harrison found such a clever way to create a complete fairy story without compromising the premise of the trilogy (which it initially seemed One Wish would do). And beyond just the premise, Harrison once more proves how talented she is at creating a solid plot, peopled with distinct and interesting characters, all the while continuing to expand the magical lore of the series. All the little things really come together into a wonderful story. And Harrison is so good at planting little clues and foreshadowing moments that even I, an adult, am surprised by.
I can't properly express how much One Wish impressed me. I had expected to like it, but mostly read it to fully complete the series. Lucky I did, because it's definitely my favourite of the lot. This novel, and even the rest of the series, is a prime example of why I adore middle grade fantasy, and I'm glad I got to experience this particular world once more.
I was really curious to see how a 13 Treasures prequel would go, given Tanya's limited understanding of fairies before the events of the trilogy. But I was also excited because where the trilogy's sequels shifted focus to Red, I enjoyed Tanya's story in 13 Treasures the most and was keen to refocus on her. I was not let down.
Harrison found such a clever way to create a complete fairy story without compromising the premise of the trilogy (which it initially seemed One Wish would do). And beyond just the premise, Harrison once more proves how talented she is at creating a solid plot, peopled with distinct and interesting characters, all the while continuing to expand the magical lore of the series. All the little things really come together into a wonderful story. And Harrison is so good at planting little clues and foreshadowing moments that even I, an adult, am surprised by.
I can't properly express how much One Wish impressed me. I had expected to like it, but mostly read it to fully complete the series. Lucky I did, because it's definitely my favourite of the lot. This novel, and even the rest of the series, is a prime example of why I adore middle grade fantasy, and I'm glad I got to experience this particular world once more.
April 29, 2014
I want to live in this world with Tanya and Oberon and faeries. Love these books!
May 8, 2017
This book was alright. It was bit intriguing, but it wasn't like I had to read it. Something I really did like was how the story was rounded up. It was like the prologue started and ended the book ( in a good way)
October 19, 2020
THIS was a super magical story and it was really good
August 9, 2014
One Wish is a prequel of The 13 Treasures series which follows Tanya Fairchild who has the second sight. Which means she can see fey.
The 13 Treasures were, in my opinion, very good books but One Wish disappointed greatly. I found it very hard to get into and I failed to properly connect with the characters, apart from Turpin - Ratty's guardian fairy.
I also found that Michelle Harrison's descriptive skills have gone down. I found it difficult to create a picture in ny head of the characters and the places and that disappointed me. When I did manage to create a mental image I found myself forgetting it quickly and having to re-read parts, which is very unusual for me.
The reason I gave this four stars instead of three was because after all the faffing and frankly useless beginning I started to really enjoy the story. I think the reason there was so much faffing was because I think Michelle Harrison was desperate to make One Wish as big as her other books but as I've said before it would have benefited with a lot less pages.
Now the story. Without giving any spoilers I thought that it was a very unique and, at times, exciting story. In all my years of reading magic stories I've never discovered a book that has such a unique and interesting storyline. I thought that it didn't stick to many of the stereotypes - already casting fairies and other such fey into a dark light.
All this was aided by all the back stories - Turpin's, Ratty's, Son's, ect. - which I found was the best parts of the books. I always love it when you get a glimpse into the past of other characters and hear stories told from another character. Well, One Wish had plenty of this written superbly. And this, in ny opinion, is what really makes the book worth reading.
The 13 Treasures were, in my opinion, very good books but One Wish disappointed greatly. I found it very hard to get into and I failed to properly connect with the characters, apart from Turpin - Ratty's guardian fairy.
I also found that Michelle Harrison's descriptive skills have gone down. I found it difficult to create a picture in ny head of the characters and the places and that disappointed me. When I did manage to create a mental image I found myself forgetting it quickly and having to re-read parts, which is very unusual for me.
The reason I gave this four stars instead of three was because after all the faffing and frankly useless beginning I started to really enjoy the story. I think the reason there was so much faffing was because I think Michelle Harrison was desperate to make One Wish as big as her other books but as I've said before it would have benefited with a lot less pages.
Now the story. Without giving any spoilers I thought that it was a very unique and, at times, exciting story. In all my years of reading magic stories I've never discovered a book that has such a unique and interesting storyline. I thought that it didn't stick to many of the stereotypes - already casting fairies and other such fey into a dark light.
All this was aided by all the back stories - Turpin's, Ratty's, Son's, ect. - which I found was the best parts of the books. I always love it when you get a glimpse into the past of other characters and hear stories told from another character. Well, One Wish had plenty of this written superbly. And this, in ny opinion, is what really makes the book worth reading.
April 30, 2014
Some people might think that stories about fairies are childish and silly and possibly inconsequential. Not so, the fey of Michelle Harrisons 13 Treasures books. They are dark and scary, tricksy and all too real.
With Michelle's last book, Unrest, it looked like she was turning her back on her younger readers for something that was sheer terror to the bravest of adults and all the more brilliant for it. So when it was announced that her next book was to be a return to the 13 Treasures world 'for younger readers' and not just that but a prequel involving the story of Tanya younger than she was in the first, original, and award-winning book from 2009, I really was wondering what to expect, and how this could possibly work.
This book is not just a story for younger readers, it is a story for readers of every age, and it doesn't hold back. When Tanya Fairchild arrives in Spinney Wicket she can already see fairies, and she learns that she has the second sight so is not so surprised when she encounters the Wishing Tree who delights in speaking in rhyme and wordplay. When she meets Ratty, she gets up in an adventure that is dark and dangerous and has lessons for us all about the importance of imagination, creativity, and the sense of self. As I read this book, whilst understandably gripped by the story, I also found myself nodding to the genuine insight into how life is, and found myself wanting to quote this line, and that phrase. A prequel to Tanya's story, yes, but an adventure that in no way could have been written first.
Oh, and it's also a book that might, just might, get children eating their Brussel sprouts!
With Michelle's last book, Unrest, it looked like she was turning her back on her younger readers for something that was sheer terror to the bravest of adults and all the more brilliant for it. So when it was announced that her next book was to be a return to the 13 Treasures world 'for younger readers' and not just that but a prequel involving the story of Tanya younger than she was in the first, original, and award-winning book from 2009, I really was wondering what to expect, and how this could possibly work.
This book is not just a story for younger readers, it is a story for readers of every age, and it doesn't hold back. When Tanya Fairchild arrives in Spinney Wicket she can already see fairies, and she learns that she has the second sight so is not so surprised when she encounters the Wishing Tree who delights in speaking in rhyme and wordplay. When she meets Ratty, she gets up in an adventure that is dark and dangerous and has lessons for us all about the importance of imagination, creativity, and the sense of self. As I read this book, whilst understandably gripped by the story, I also found myself nodding to the genuine insight into how life is, and found myself wanting to quote this line, and that phrase. A prequel to Tanya's story, yes, but an adventure that in no way could have been written first.
Oh, and it's also a book that might, just might, get children eating their Brussel sprouts!
March 20, 2019
What a lovely book, admittedly it’s a y/r but, sometimes it’s great to read an easy book which just flows over you .? I’ve never read any of this authors books before but I will read more in the future. I found its a bit like the Faraway Tree stories by Enid Blyton but, I also have enjoyed those over the years too.
July 8, 2021
I thought this was going to be a cute kind of a book, but it had nice suspense and action in it.
March 8, 2024
This story is so whimsical!! This is a great way to see if you like the author’s writing or if you’d like this series. It’s the prequel, so you don’t need to know anything to go into this story. It does briefly mention characters that we come to know well, so that’s fun for someone who’s already started this series.
This is just a really good book to dive into. I’m plowing through the story without realizing how far into it I am. It’s just really captivating, and I can’t stop reading.
This is just a really good book to dive into. I’m plowing through the story without realizing how far into it I am. It’s just really captivating, and I can’t stop reading.
February 18, 2020
Can't believe I accidentally deleted this.
In short, from what I can remember on the last review, I really enjoyed this prequel and the characters introduced. It was nice seeing Tanya and her relationship with her mother given more screen time. Would definitely love to dive back into this world again.
In short, from what I can remember on the last review, I really enjoyed this prequel and the characters introduced. It was nice seeing Tanya and her relationship with her mother given more screen time. Would definitely love to dive back into this world again.
September 10, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4.
December 5, 2014
Five years ago, Moontrug’s mum gave her a book to read, saying ‘Apparently kids are raving about this one; it’s got bad-tempered fairies in it so you’re bound to love it.’ And sure enough, in Michelle Harrison’s 13 Treasures, Moontrug discovered a world of sinister fairies seen only by humans with the second sight – and she was hooked. Because the fairies weren’t flittering Tinkerbells who sprinkle flying dust over innocent children, but petulant sprites who use devilish glamour and commit mischievous deeds. And so when Moontrug’s fabby publishers-to-be, Simon & Schuster, said Michelle Harrison had written a prequel to the series, Moontrug leapt at the chance to review it.
The Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree can grant your heart’s desire – just wish out loud, or hang a message from its branches. It sounds as though the Wishing Tree is just a sweet old tradition, but Tanya is only too aware how real its magic could be. Tanya can see fairies, and would love to meet someone else can see them too. When she meets Ratty and his cheeky fairy, Turpin, it seems at last she’s found them. But Ratty has a secret, and a dangerous enemy who’ll stop at nothing to get to him. Tanya must use her one wish to save her new friend – but wishes should be used wisely…
At the heart of the story is the Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree, adorned with colourful ribbons, strips of cloth and dozens of different shaped bottles filled with wishes. The moment Moontrug read about it, the story came alive – because let’s face it, magical trees like JK Rowling’s Whomping Willow and JRR Tolkien’s Ents ROCK – and Harrison’s tree comes with a fabulous rhyming voice. The magic that’s rooted in Tanya’s story is brilliantly mischievous, with tooth fairies who leave half-chewed spat-out toffees on pillows and sew children’s into their clothes… But Moontrug’s absolute favourite had to be the glorious Turpin the Terrible. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, fabulously cheeky and underneath the glower, has a heart of gold. Moontrug was chuckling out loud when Tanya bathed Turpin: ‘Turpin stuck out her bottom lip and folded her arms. “No. Nope. No way” ‘ and when she crawled down the well with Tanya: ‘ “Did you just hit me with that torch?” Tanya exploded. “Shh,” Turpin whispered. “Wasn’t a hit anyway. Just a little nudge.” ‘
But alongside Turpin Harrison gives us fairies who’ve been forgotten, like the resentful Thingy, and malevolent creatures who lurk in the depths of rivers. Moontrug’s blood curdled at the description of Nessie Needleteeth (‘Water gushed in through silver-green teeth that jutted out in thin, spiteful spikes. Its fat tongue sat like a bloated slug.’) And the river chase scene, with Nessie Needleteeth and the strange girl-creature, is brilliantly written – it had Moontrug’s heart pumping for pages! The evil lurking in both Tanya’s world and the fey world is frighteningly real and Moontrug loved that ‘mixed up magicky places’ are on the fringes of our own world.’ The imaginative scope is huge – think spells involving a twist of a rainbow and seven dragon scales ‘best performed by someone left-handed, but, if not, then any time between Monday and Thursday.’ One Wish is a fantastic read for 8+ years, full of adventure, humour, danger – and above all – MAGIC…
The Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree can grant your heart’s desire – just wish out loud, or hang a message from its branches. It sounds as though the Wishing Tree is just a sweet old tradition, but Tanya is only too aware how real its magic could be. Tanya can see fairies, and would love to meet someone else can see them too. When she meets Ratty and his cheeky fairy, Turpin, it seems at last she’s found them. But Ratty has a secret, and a dangerous enemy who’ll stop at nothing to get to him. Tanya must use her one wish to save her new friend – but wishes should be used wisely…
At the heart of the story is the Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree, adorned with colourful ribbons, strips of cloth and dozens of different shaped bottles filled with wishes. The moment Moontrug read about it, the story came alive – because let’s face it, magical trees like JK Rowling’s Whomping Willow and JRR Tolkien’s Ents ROCK – and Harrison’s tree comes with a fabulous rhyming voice. The magic that’s rooted in Tanya’s story is brilliantly mischievous, with tooth fairies who leave half-chewed spat-out toffees on pillows and sew children’s into their clothes… But Moontrug’s absolute favourite had to be the glorious Turpin the Terrible. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, fabulously cheeky and underneath the glower, has a heart of gold. Moontrug was chuckling out loud when Tanya bathed Turpin: ‘Turpin stuck out her bottom lip and folded her arms. “No. Nope. No way” ‘ and when she crawled down the well with Tanya: ‘ “Did you just hit me with that torch?” Tanya exploded. “Shh,” Turpin whispered. “Wasn’t a hit anyway. Just a little nudge.” ‘
But alongside Turpin Harrison gives us fairies who’ve been forgotten, like the resentful Thingy, and malevolent creatures who lurk in the depths of rivers. Moontrug’s blood curdled at the description of Nessie Needleteeth (‘Water gushed in through silver-green teeth that jutted out in thin, spiteful spikes. Its fat tongue sat like a bloated slug.’) And the river chase scene, with Nessie Needleteeth and the strange girl-creature, is brilliantly written – it had Moontrug’s heart pumping for pages! The evil lurking in both Tanya’s world and the fey world is frighteningly real and Moontrug loved that ‘mixed up magicky places’ are on the fringes of our own world.’ The imaginative scope is huge – think spells involving a twist of a rainbow and seven dragon scales ‘best performed by someone left-handed, but, if not, then any time between Monday and Thursday.’ One Wish is a fantastic read for 8+ years, full of adventure, humour, danger – and above all – MAGIC…
January 30, 2023
When you thought Michelle Harrison was finished with the Thirteen Treasures serie, it is a very very VERY nice surprise when a prequel pops up on your audiobook app!
We follow Tanya on a, what starts as a holiday, but quickly spins of into a quest adventure.
Filled with magic, a wishing tree and fairies.
Along the way she learns a life lesson on how to balance new friendships and your own selfishness.
We follow Tanya on a, what starts as a holiday, but quickly spins of into a quest adventure.
Filled with magic, a wishing tree and fairies.
Along the way she learns a life lesson on how to balance new friendships and your own selfishness.
February 11, 2025
Excellent prequel, makes me want to reread the original trilogy!
April 6, 2016
Why did I pick it up?
When I was asked to feature ONE WISH on my blog, I immediately said yes. Middle Grade aside, I love a good Fey book; and it's been some time since I have picked one up! Plus, her name is Tanya! haha
Describe the book in 5 words
Uplifting. Magical. Funny. Smart. Witty.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Tanya of course. She is going through a lot and adding to the confusion and stress of the second sight, with no friends I might add, it tough for anyone. But she is strong. Meeting Ratty really changed her life, and I loved the friendship they developed. She's also very brave and selfless, giving up the things that she did had my heart soaring. Next to Tanya would be Turpin. She is Ratty's guardian and she is one feisty little thing! Her and Tanya don't get off to a great start, but their friendship develops while searching for Ratty and it was so cute!
Who would LOVE The Grimm Legacy?
Everyone! There is something in the pages everyone could connect with and love. Magic, fey, friendships. Plus, there are a lot of messages about love, loss, forgiveness and moving on as well and I liked how it was weaved into the story.
Are there Illustrations?
No, not really. There are swirly designs with the chapter headers, though.
Overall thoughts
I adored it! It's a well written and magical story. I recommend it for all ages, especially if you love books magic! I am super excited to get my hands on the THIRTEEN TREASURES series! Library here I come!
I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I was asked to feature ONE WISH on my blog, I immediately said yes. Middle Grade aside, I love a good Fey book; and it's been some time since I have picked one up! Plus, her name is Tanya! haha
Describe the book in 5 words
Uplifting. Magical. Funny. Smart. Witty.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Tanya of course. She is going through a lot and adding to the confusion and stress of the second sight, with no friends I might add, it tough for anyone. But she is strong. Meeting Ratty really changed her life, and I loved the friendship they developed. She's also very brave and selfless, giving up the things that she did had my heart soaring. Next to Tanya would be Turpin. She is Ratty's guardian and she is one feisty little thing! Her and Tanya don't get off to a great start, but their friendship develops while searching for Ratty and it was so cute!
Who would LOVE The Grimm Legacy?
Everyone! There is something in the pages everyone could connect with and love. Magic, fey, friendships. Plus, there are a lot of messages about love, loss, forgiveness and moving on as well and I liked how it was weaved into the story.
Are there Illustrations?
No, not really. There are swirly designs with the chapter headers, though.
Overall thoughts
I adored it! It's a well written and magical story. I recommend it for all ages, especially if you love books magic! I am super excited to get my hands on the THIRTEEN TREASURES series! Library here I come!
I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 13, 2020
This book is about a young girl named Tanya Fairchild. She has had the ability to see fairies for as long as she remembered. But fairies aren't as you might think. They are actually troublemakers that end up getting Tanya into lots of trouble. One day, Tanya and her mom go to the seaside town of Spinney Wicket. On a walk, Tanya sees the mysterious Wishing Tree, which can grant any wish you ask of it. Well, almost any wish. It's one of those "Be careful what you wish for" situations. For example, if you wish to be able to eat as much chocolate as you want and never get fat, you might not think about how dirty your teeth will get, and might end up with a nasty looking mouth. While sitting by the Wishing Tree, Tanya meets a boy named Ratty, who also has the ability to see fairies (also known as the second sight) and his fairy Turpin. They become great friends, but one day Ratty gets kidnapped by an evil person named Solomon, and Ratty's dad gets turned into a toad. Somehow, Tanya, Turpin, and the talking toad that was Don (Ratty's dad) need to find Ratty, get him back safely, and turn Don back into a human.
This book blends together the perfect combination of fiction, fantasy, and a touch of magic. I really like this book, and would recommend it to you if you like fantasy books about things that aren't quite what they seem. I think the age range for this book is 10+, because of some scenes that are quite scary.
This book blends together the perfect combination of fiction, fantasy, and a touch of magic. I really like this book, and would recommend it to you if you like fantasy books about things that aren't quite what they seem. I think the age range for this book is 10+, because of some scenes that are quite scary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2014
Tanya is special. She has the second sight and has seen fairies her whole life - even if sometimes she'd rather have not, nasty and tricky as often they are. She, her mother and their dog Oberon, go to stay in Spinney Wicket, a little town by the seaside, to get away from the city and stress of Tanya's parents separating.
Spinney Wicket, home to a fantastical castle and a magical wishing tree, is more than it seems. It is there that Tanya meets the strange boy Ratty and his fairy companion Turpin. She is delighted in the stories he tells her of the fairies she sees and the advice in how to deal with them.
Their new found friendship is spoilt when Ratty is kidnapped, and Tanya must track him down with Turpin, Ratty's father - who has been cursed to an unfortunate toad-y existence, and of course her faithful dog Oberon.
This story is twisty turns and magical in all the ways fairy stories have forgotten to be, Michelle Harrison has captured the real fairy folklore - the nasty, tricky, vicious and wicked side - because fairy folk are rarely what we would call sweet! It makes for a fun adventure with a lot of unexpected and brilliant characters. Well worth a read, whatever your age!
Spinney Wicket, home to a fantastical castle and a magical wishing tree, is more than it seems. It is there that Tanya meets the strange boy Ratty and his fairy companion Turpin. She is delighted in the stories he tells her of the fairies she sees and the advice in how to deal with them.
Their new found friendship is spoilt when Ratty is kidnapped, and Tanya must track him down with Turpin, Ratty's father - who has been cursed to an unfortunate toad-y existence, and of course her faithful dog Oberon.
This story is twisty turns and magical in all the ways fairy stories have forgotten to be, Michelle Harrison has captured the real fairy folklore - the nasty, tricky, vicious and wicked side - because fairy folk are rarely what we would call sweet! It makes for a fun adventure with a lot of unexpected and brilliant characters. Well worth a read, whatever your age!
May 18, 2014
Wow, this was such an amazing book! It was funny, full of wonderful descriptions and the characters were all brilliant. Turpin was a personal favourite, she reminded me a bit of Tinkerbell - a mischievous little madame, but intent on protecting Ratty much like Tinkerbell protected Peter Pan. Throughout the book there were ideas that reminded me of classic stories I had read when I was younger such as The Magic Faraway Tree and Five Children and It and I think Michelle Harrison has taken some of those basics and given them a thoroughly modern twist to bring it up to date with what children enjoy reading now; all the classic elements are still there, just written in a way that is very accessible to youngsters now. This is the prequel to her Thirteen Treasures series, a series I haven't actually read, and this book is a story within itself so can be read as a stand alone novel if you wish. Personally I will now be getting the Thirteen Treasure series because I have been mesmerised by Michelle's story telling. A brilliant novel, perfect for boys and girls who like adventure stories with a bit of magic :)
February 3, 2016
This exciting prequel to the 13 Secrets trilogy provides a look at Tanya's first encounter with others who have her same ability to see fairies. Although Tanya has always been able to see them, she has little understanding of the fairy world and why four fairies are constantly tormenting her. While on vacation with her mother at the seaside town of Spinney Wicket, she encounters a Wishing Tree. Tanya can see the and hear the sprite inside the tree, which doesn't surprise her. What does surprise her, however, is a chance encounter with another boy who can as well. She sets off after him and is thrilled to not only have a friend who can see fairies, but one who is willing to explain the fairy world to hear. Things take a turn for the worse when she learns Ratty is in trouble. Together with his guardian fairy Turpin, Tanya must find a way to save him before it is too late. A fun adventure and a great introduction to Tanya. Readers will want to read the trilogy if they have not already. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
ARC provided by publisher
ARC provided by publisher
November 21, 2016
"One Wish" by Michelle Harrison is an amazing book. I loved it! It talks about a girl and she has the gift of the second sight. She can see anything in the magical/fairy world. She goes to take a walk and meets a boy that has the same gift. They become friends but the boy decides that he has to take her memory away. The girl finds out and realizes that the boy is a memory sweeper. Then, an evil person kidnaps the boy and the girl is the only one who can save him. She meets the boys dad and they work together. The girl decides to tell her mom and the mom is shocked. Eventually, they do get the boy back. They all go to the "Wishing Tree" so the girls mom can make her wish because she was the only one who didn't believe in the magical/fairy world. I love this book because it has drama and it is adventures. I recommend this book to readers who love drama and adventure.
August 16, 2016
My 10-yr-old daughter read this and nagged me to do so immediately after. She loved it! I didn't love it the way she did, but I liked it, and can see why she enjoyed it. We have a good, go-getting heroine and a straightforward but diverse magic world. For the low-ish reading level, the action is really well-done and the character development respectable. The tone is dark enough to be interesting, but not too scary for its intended age group. This was a fun little diversion for an adult reader who enjoys fantasy, and I have ordered the 13 Treasures books from the library so that my daughter can enjoy more of this series.
February 9, 2017
As a semi-prequel goes (although, let's be honest, calling something .5 in a series is just weird) this isn't bad. Tanya, Ratty and Turpin are fun and well-drawn, but the adults are less so - problematic with the role Bob plays in this book. There's also some unevenness in the way the various types of fey and locations are depicted: some are described well and given personality, while others are given a few quick strokes and we're expected to guess the rest. I did love the Wishing Tree and wish we'd spent a little more time in the castle.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
June 28, 2018
I absolutely enjoyed this book SO much! I could not put it down. I picked this book up at the dollar tree for a dollar$ and didn’t think it would be that good! But I loved it! So I gave it 5 stars just because there is not one bad thing I could say about this book! I absolutely enjoyed the heck out of it .
November 11, 2022
One Wish.
Unlike may other books,One wish does not include the many ‘ideas’ of wishes even though the title is called One wish.A wishing tree where everyone goes to - is ultra stingy and mean about giving wishes.
Towards the end of the book her ‘one and only wish’ becomes true.
A good book.
Good job Michelle Harrison!
Unlike may other books,One wish does not include the many ‘ideas’ of wishes even though the title is called One wish.A wishing tree where everyone goes to - is ultra stingy and mean about giving wishes.
Towards the end of the book her ‘one and only wish’ becomes true.
A good book.
Good job Michelle Harrison!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
In the beggining it was meh... But the further you got into the book, the more intriguing it got. I must admit that in the end i was hooked.
October 4, 2025
Brilliant, loved this book!
September 16, 2019
One wish, what will it be?
Mine is to gift each of the characters a fully functioning brain cell. They could use it.
Mine is to gift each of the characters a fully functioning brain cell. They could use it.
December 3, 2024
ONE WISH is a charming prequel that introduces new characters and lets us explore magic away from Tanya's grandmother's house.
This book very much can stand on its own. The plot isn't related to the original trilogy and is entirely self contained. It's a nice introduction to the dark, tricksy faeries of THE THIRTEEN TREASURES that doesn't need the reader to have read the trilogy to enjoy it. There are a few easter eggs - like her guardians - but nothing too big that you'd miss out if you started here.
As someone who has read the originals, this is a nice way to return to the world without having to up the stakes of the previous books. Instead, you get to explore other fey and their dangerous magic. It includes new creatures. Turpin is the best sort of mischievous faerie and I really liked seeing a positive human-faerie relationship from the start, the counterpoint to the many bad ones in the series. She was a lot of fun and stole many scenes.
I liked that the book had an inbuilt mechanism to ensure that Tanya doesn't remember anything from this tale that she has to learn again in THE THIRTEEN TREASURES. It means that this book can jump into the world of the fey, full of magic and danger and adventure, and not cause continuity issues for the original trilogy.
This book very much can stand on its own. The plot isn't related to the original trilogy and is entirely self contained. It's a nice introduction to the dark, tricksy faeries of THE THIRTEEN TREASURES that doesn't need the reader to have read the trilogy to enjoy it. There are a few easter eggs - like her guardians - but nothing too big that you'd miss out if you started here.
As someone who has read the originals, this is a nice way to return to the world without having to up the stakes of the previous books. Instead, you get to explore other fey and their dangerous magic. It includes new creatures. Turpin is the best sort of mischievous faerie and I really liked seeing a positive human-faerie relationship from the start, the counterpoint to the many bad ones in the series. She was a lot of fun and stole many scenes.
I liked that the book had an inbuilt mechanism to ensure that Tanya doesn't remember anything from this tale that she has to learn again in THE THIRTEEN TREASURES. It means that this book can jump into the world of the fey, full of magic and danger and adventure, and not cause continuity issues for the original trilogy.
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