The Last Fairy Godmother: Wishless

by Sibylla Nash

One little fairy, one big mess to clean up…

Fairy godmother-in-training Max Burbettin is the very definition of "rule-breaker," but her latest stunt—granting the Tooth Fairy a forbidden wish—has the fairy elders ready to explode. Determined to show them she's got what it takes, Max sneaks into the human realm with one find a human girl's "one true wish" and grant it. Simple, right? Not so much.

With her powers running berserk, the dreaded magic-stealing Collector on her trail, and a secret mission that could bring disaster to her kingdom, Max is in for the adventure of her life. Can she save her home and prove everyone wrong?

She'll need all the magic (and mischief) she can muster to pull it off!

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Sibylla Nash is a Los Angeles-based writer. Her work has appeared in a variety of outlets including Lit Hub, Essence magazine, Vibe, and many others. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Otis College of Art and Design and BA in Journalism from the University of Southern California.

Reviews

[SnarkyMoggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following review consists of my own thoughts. None of it has been influenced by the Author, Supplier or BookSirens.

This book is a delight. It touches on family, friendships, growing up and the responsibilities that are added as this occurs. The author has a beautiful soft touch, as everything is entwined within a story that will keep the reader turning that next page. The Fantasy world/Our world, and the plot are very well balanced. And yet, at the same time, there are real-life issues that people face realistically portrayed in this book. Max, our female main character, grows more and more, realising who she truly is, as the story progresses.

I loved how her relationship with her grandfather, the relationship she had with her friends (Fairy and Human), is explored. Max slowly understands that friendship also means setting boundaries, and that her last family member isn't infallible or all-powerful.

I'd also like to mention that I was thrilled at the gentle reminder that because someone is different, or comes from somewhere different, this doesn't mean that their views don't matter. That they don't deserve respect and a voice.

So, if this book is being read by someone (10-12 years probably), I'd highly recommend it.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Fairy Godmother: Wishless is the first installment in a middle grade fantasy series by Sibylla Nash. With that being said, this book does with a cliff hanger so if you don’t enjoy untidy endings then maybe wait until the 2nd book is released before starting this one. On the other side of that, the cliff hanger does leave the reader wanting more, so I think from a writing perspective, Sibylla Nash succeeded at accomplishing this goal. I really appreciate that the protagonist, Max has a name not typically seen in female characters (although Maxine is her real name). I appreciate the author pushing the boundaries on this as a female who got made fun of as a child for having Max as a middle name. I also really appreciate that heavier subject matter intertwined in an age appropriate and gentle way (ie power imbalances, having your voice heard and valued even if one is different, etc). Max’s relationship with her grandfather is also a really great addition and a special part of the book. The author’s descriptions particularly of the fairy world are vivid, detailed and magical. The story flows beautifully and at a good pace. Overall, I would give this book a solid 4 stars. I think that 8-12 year old fairy lovers who like darker fantasy would find this book to be very enjoyable.

Thank you Sibylla Nash and LibraryThing for providing me with a complimentary copy.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ebook copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I usually love reading children’s fiction. I work primarily with children and enjoy the light reading that children’s fiction brings. That being said I just couldn’t finish this book. I didn’t find it terribly compelling and felt that I could like the main character. The main char is always getting into trouble and doesn’t think things through. Now, some authors are able to make a character like this compelling and someone you cheer for as they have character growth. This character I just couldn’t finish care about. I made it partway through and couldn’t finish.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published on Goodreads 11/92024
Rating: 🙂/3
Review: Friendships - what being a good friend means and how to be one. Loved the representation. Loved the family braid scene. Could have been shorter. Genre mash up of fantasy, mystery, emotional middle grade.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻
Source: #netgalley

[L & J Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy clean fantasy about a young girl born to become a fairy godmother, her friend who was destined to become a tooth fairy and a young boy she saves from an angry dragon. Suitable for older elementary or middle schoolers who like fantasy.