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The Wishing World #1
The Wishing World
"Whimsical and imaginative, with just the right mix of humor, heart, and adventure. The Wishing World is everything you could wish for in a story--and so much more!"--Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of the Lost Cities
In the Wishing World, dreams are real. You can transform into your own hero, find wild and whimsical friends, and wield power as great as your imagination. But Lorelei doesn't know about any of that. All she knows is that a monster took her family.
It happened during a camping trip one year ago. Hiding inside the tent, she saw shadows, tentacles and a strange creature. By the time she got up the courage to crawl outside, the monster--and Lorelei's mom, dad, and brother--were gone.
Lorelei is determined to find her family. When she accidentally breaks into the Wishing World, she discovers a way. It's a land more wonderful than she could have imagined, a land of talking griffons, water princesses, and cities made of sand, where Lorelei is a Doolivanti--a wish-maker--who can write her dreams into existence.
There's only one problem: the monster is a Doolivanti, too. What he wishes also comes true, and he's determined to shove Lorelei out, keep her family, and make the whole Wishing World his. To save them, Lorelei must find the courage to face him, or her next wish may be her last.
Award-winning author Todd Fahnestock makes his middle grade debut in this charming and whimsical adventure!
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
In the Wishing World, dreams are real. You can transform into your own hero, find wild and whimsical friends, and wield power as great as your imagination. But Lorelei doesn't know about any of that. All she knows is that a monster took her family.
It happened during a camping trip one year ago. Hiding inside the tent, she saw shadows, tentacles and a strange creature. By the time she got up the courage to crawl outside, the monster--and Lorelei's mom, dad, and brother--were gone.
Lorelei is determined to find her family. When she accidentally breaks into the Wishing World, she discovers a way. It's a land more wonderful than she could have imagined, a land of talking griffons, water princesses, and cities made of sand, where Lorelei is a Doolivanti--a wish-maker--who can write her dreams into existence.
There's only one problem: the monster is a Doolivanti, too. What he wishes also comes true, and he's determined to shove Lorelei out, keep her family, and make the whole Wishing World his. To save them, Lorelei must find the courage to face him, or her next wish may be her last.
Award-winning author Todd Fahnestock makes his middle grade debut in this charming and whimsical adventure!
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2016
About the author
Todd Fahnestock
47 books90 followersTODD FAHNESTOCK is a fantasy/sci-fi author of the bestselling Tower of the Four, Threadweavers and The Whisper Prince series. He was a winner of the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age, a finalist for the Colorado Book Award in 2021 for Tower of the Four: The Champions Academy, and a finalist in the Colorado Authors League Writing Awards for the past two years, for Charlie Fiction and The Undying Man. His passions are fantasy and his quirky, fun-loving family. When he’s not writing, he teaches taekwondo, swaps middle grade humor with his son, plays Ticket to Ride with his wife, scribes modern slang from his daughter and goes on morning walks with Galahad the Weimaraner. Visit Todd at www.toddfahnestock.com.
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August 8, 2016Mini review:
DNF
I received this E-ARC via the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book. But when I started reading it I couldn't help thinking how convenient it was that the main character didn't get kidnapped along with rest of her family.
Still recommend.
DNF
I received this E-ARC via the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book. But when I started reading it I couldn't help thinking how convenient it was that the main character didn't get kidnapped along with rest of her family.
Still recommend.
August 9, 2016
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At first this book seemed a little bit weak, and I was confused at how the Wishing World worked. However, as the book continued I began to really enjoy it, and the ending was wonderful and very sweet.
UPDATE:
This was a quick read for me. The writing style and easy plot allowed me to speed through the story, though this isn’t a bad thing.
At first I felt that I was actually reading too quickly, and that I wasn’t truly understanding everything that was happening. It took a little while for me to get used to the writing style. Though it wasn’t difficult to understand it took about a chapter for me not to be conscious of the writing.
In the beginning of the story the dynamics of the Wishing World confused me, though our main character was just as confused as I was, so this did allow me to experience what the character was feeling.
The Doolivanti weren’t quite what I expected, but after I adjusted my idea of them I found the people to be interesting.
You learn about the Wishing World slowly, and I liked this. As you read you think that you know everything about it, but are then are surprised with more information. I loved the way that the Wishing World developed, and the characters in the novel were enjoyable.
The last 20% of the book was intriguing and I found that I was unable predict the ending; I love when this occurs.
The ending was very sweet, and it made me smile.
I don’t believe that this is a series, but if it were I would read more.
At first this book seemed a little bit weak, and I was confused at how the Wishing World worked. However, as the book continued I began to really enjoy it, and the ending was wonderful and very sweet.
UPDATE:
This was a quick read for me. The writing style and easy plot allowed me to speed through the story, though this isn’t a bad thing.
At first I felt that I was actually reading too quickly, and that I wasn’t truly understanding everything that was happening. It took a little while for me to get used to the writing style. Though it wasn’t difficult to understand it took about a chapter for me not to be conscious of the writing.
In the beginning of the story the dynamics of the Wishing World confused me, though our main character was just as confused as I was, so this did allow me to experience what the character was feeling.
The Doolivanti weren’t quite what I expected, but after I adjusted my idea of them I found the people to be interesting.
You learn about the Wishing World slowly, and I liked this. As you read you think that you know everything about it, but are then are surprised with more information. I loved the way that the Wishing World developed, and the characters in the novel were enjoyable.
The last 20% of the book was intriguing and I found that I was unable predict the ending; I love when this occurs.
The ending was very sweet, and it made me smile.
I don’t believe that this is a series, but if it were I would read more.
June 8, 2021
A really fun fantasy. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 9, 2016
One rainy night during a camping trip with her family, Lorelei is left behind while a giant tentacled creature abducts her parents and her younger brother Theron. A year later, she remains unable to accept her family's disappearance. Rebelling against the kindly uncle and aunt who have taken her in, she sneaks back into her parents' former house the night before its new owners are supposed to move in. There she finds a portal to a bizarre world where the wishes of certain imaginative children can become reality - and where the villainous Ink King holds her parents captive. She joins a whimsical group of friends - a talking toucan, a wise mouse, and a brave griffon, for a start - and sets off across a varied landscape featuring puking flowers, flying foxes, a blue princess, and a knight in a suit of mirrors astride a giant pug dog.
Lorelei also discovers she has the power to bend Veloran, a.k.a. the Wishing World, to her will in a way no other child ever has - a power that makes her the greatest danger to that place of magic. She is a Doolivanti - one of the children who can become a part of this world made up of the imaginings of many different children, all blended together. But she is so strong-willed, so single-minded in her purpose to get her family back, and so righteously opposed to the evil plans of the Ink King, that she herself could be a threat to the Wishing World. Once she realizes this, Lorelei is faced with a terrible choice - whether to destroy a beautiful haven for hurting children, or to let go.
I wasn't head-over-heels in love with this book at the start, but it grew on me. Lorelei isn't the easiest main character to sympathize with. But her imperfections make her seem true to life, and even more poignantly, they give her a ring of familiarity. I think a lot of frustrated teens will see a bit of themselves in Lorelei, and as they cheer her along in the struggle against cruel selfishness - including her own - they may grow a bit in self-knowledge. The magic is fabulous; the emotional conflicts are powerful; the climax is breathtaking; and the whole concept is strange, captivating, and new. The voice of Lorelei's narrative is engaging and original, with a couple catch-phrases that pull the book together in a unity of style.
Todd Fahnestock is the Colorado-based author of Fairmist and, with co-author Giles Carwyn, of the Heartstone trilogy comprising Heir of Autumn, Mistress of Winter, and Queen of Oblivion. This review is based on a pre-publication proof on Kindle, made available through Netgalley dot com. This book is scheduled for U.S. release Oct. 25, 2016.
Lorelei also discovers she has the power to bend Veloran, a.k.a. the Wishing World, to her will in a way no other child ever has - a power that makes her the greatest danger to that place of magic. She is a Doolivanti - one of the children who can become a part of this world made up of the imaginings of many different children, all blended together. But she is so strong-willed, so single-minded in her purpose to get her family back, and so righteously opposed to the evil plans of the Ink King, that she herself could be a threat to the Wishing World. Once she realizes this, Lorelei is faced with a terrible choice - whether to destroy a beautiful haven for hurting children, or to let go.
I wasn't head-over-heels in love with this book at the start, but it grew on me. Lorelei isn't the easiest main character to sympathize with. But her imperfections make her seem true to life, and even more poignantly, they give her a ring of familiarity. I think a lot of frustrated teens will see a bit of themselves in Lorelei, and as they cheer her along in the struggle against cruel selfishness - including her own - they may grow a bit in self-knowledge. The magic is fabulous; the emotional conflicts are powerful; the climax is breathtaking; and the whole concept is strange, captivating, and new. The voice of Lorelei's narrative is engaging and original, with a couple catch-phrases that pull the book together in a unity of style.
Todd Fahnestock is the Colorado-based author of Fairmist and, with co-author Giles Carwyn, of the Heartstone trilogy comprising Heir of Autumn, Mistress of Winter, and Queen of Oblivion. This review is based on a pre-publication proof on Kindle, made available through Netgalley dot com. This book is scheduled for U.S. release Oct. 25, 2016.
December 4, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this novel attracted me because the wish fulfillment aspect has always been appealing. Even with the vast amount of power that you would think comes along with that gift, it's never as simple as it appears to be. When Lorelei has to use her newfound abilities to save her kidnapped family from the Ink King, a mysterious creature that has the same powers she does, it sounds like I as the reader am in for a good adventure.
I found this not to be the case, though, at least not entirely. The beginning of the book starts off rather rapidly. A lot of the establishing action has happened already: Lorelei losing her parents and brother, refusing to accept that they're dead like everyone else in her life does, etc. She is thrust into the Wishing World by accident, but still very quickly. I didn't really have time to get to know her as a character.
What bothered me about her in particular in the beginning was that I couldn't get a grasp on her age and thus couldn't accurately picture her in my head or in this narrative. As a middle grade novel heroine, I'd expect her to be around twelve or so, but there were ways that she spoke and acted that made it seem like she could be anywhere between twelve and sixteen. Then, just when I thought that perhaps she was older, she'd go back and do something else that was quite childish. It made it a roller coaster ride of trying to figure out Lorelei the character.
As for the story line itself, I tried very hard to get into it because, as stated above, the idea of a story about wish fulfillment and it not being as easy as one would think is very appealing. Even when Aladdin got the genie (phenomenal cosmic powers and all that), he still had a lot of problems, some of which stemmed from not knowing how to handle said power. The plot and pacing of The Wishing World, though, felt a bit all over the place. One minute there'd be so much action I didn't know where to look; the next minute it would drag and I would find myself metaphorically checking my watch and wondering how much longer the book would take to read. It wasn't a well planned rise and fall of action to my mind, like an enjoyable story ought to be, so the fun was taken out of this book for me.
I can't say I'd really recommend this book strongly, but I wouldn't warn people away from it actively either. There may well be some readers that enjoy the chaos more than I would have and to them I wish the best of reading time.
The premise of this novel attracted me because the wish fulfillment aspect has always been appealing. Even with the vast amount of power that you would think comes along with that gift, it's never as simple as it appears to be. When Lorelei has to use her newfound abilities to save her kidnapped family from the Ink King, a mysterious creature that has the same powers she does, it sounds like I as the reader am in for a good adventure.
I found this not to be the case, though, at least not entirely. The beginning of the book starts off rather rapidly. A lot of the establishing action has happened already: Lorelei losing her parents and brother, refusing to accept that they're dead like everyone else in her life does, etc. She is thrust into the Wishing World by accident, but still very quickly. I didn't really have time to get to know her as a character.
What bothered me about her in particular in the beginning was that I couldn't get a grasp on her age and thus couldn't accurately picture her in my head or in this narrative. As a middle grade novel heroine, I'd expect her to be around twelve or so, but there were ways that she spoke and acted that made it seem like she could be anywhere between twelve and sixteen. Then, just when I thought that perhaps she was older, she'd go back and do something else that was quite childish. It made it a roller coaster ride of trying to figure out Lorelei the character.
As for the story line itself, I tried very hard to get into it because, as stated above, the idea of a story about wish fulfillment and it not being as easy as one would think is very appealing. Even when Aladdin got the genie (phenomenal cosmic powers and all that), he still had a lot of problems, some of which stemmed from not knowing how to handle said power. The plot and pacing of The Wishing World, though, felt a bit all over the place. One minute there'd be so much action I didn't know where to look; the next minute it would drag and I would find myself metaphorically checking my watch and wondering how much longer the book would take to read. It wasn't a well planned rise and fall of action to my mind, like an enjoyable story ought to be, so the fun was taken out of this book for me.
I can't say I'd really recommend this book strongly, but I wouldn't warn people away from it actively either. There may well be some readers that enjoy the chaos more than I would have and to them I wish the best of reading time.
October 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
The Wishing World is an exciting children's novel full of magic and adventure. The story is rife with fantastical beasts and monsters of all kinds, and the setting is a place where dreams and wishes can come true. Some of these are more like nightmares - like when Lorelei's (our main character) family disappears into thin air. Lorelei is a great lead for the book - she's smart, strong, a loving daughter and sister, and determined to find out what happened that night - no matter what. I loved the fact that Lorelei is a Doolivanti - a person who can wish their dreams into existence. It gives the story an even greater air of magic and transforms the main character from a normal kid into someone with special powers. The setting is a wonderful fit for the book, and I loved learning everything I could about the exotic creatures and people that inhabited it. Another aspect I really liked was the author's use of the first person point of view. I'm a huge fan of that writing style because it gives the reader such a deep connection to the narrator. In this case, the story is told from Lorelei's perspective - so we get to know her every thought, fear, hopes, dreams, and anything else that goes through her head. I find it's almost always easier to identify with the narrator when the first person POV is used - and this book is no exception. Every aspect of the novel works seamlessly together to create a wonderful adventure mixed with fantasy and fun. Definitely recommended for lovers of children's fiction, middle grade fiction, action, adventure, and fantasy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Wishing World is an exciting children's novel full of magic and adventure. The story is rife with fantastical beasts and monsters of all kinds, and the setting is a place where dreams and wishes can come true. Some of these are more like nightmares - like when Lorelei's (our main character) family disappears into thin air. Lorelei is a great lead for the book - she's smart, strong, a loving daughter and sister, and determined to find out what happened that night - no matter what. I loved the fact that Lorelei is a Doolivanti - a person who can wish their dreams into existence. It gives the story an even greater air of magic and transforms the main character from a normal kid into someone with special powers. The setting is a wonderful fit for the book, and I loved learning everything I could about the exotic creatures and people that inhabited it. Another aspect I really liked was the author's use of the first person point of view. I'm a huge fan of that writing style because it gives the reader such a deep connection to the narrator. In this case, the story is told from Lorelei's perspective - so we get to know her every thought, fear, hopes, dreams, and anything else that goes through her head. I find it's almost always easier to identify with the narrator when the first person POV is used - and this book is no exception. Every aspect of the novel works seamlessly together to create a wonderful adventure mixed with fantasy and fun. Definitely recommended for lovers of children's fiction, middle grade fiction, action, adventure, and fantasy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
3 helms
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages
I REALLY REALLY wanted to like this book & almost feel guilty that I didn’t. I just couldn’t get into it, as the story felt confusing with lots going on. It definitely has all the right elements for a children’s book: magic, creativity, good vs. evil, an important quest etc. but it fell short for me. I felt like there were plot holes, some events didn’t make sense or weren’t explained enough & the book felt forced at times.
Maybe that’s the magic of a kids book, not everything has to make sense & I’m just reading this in the viewpoint of a cynical adult! I would still encourage a child to read it, even though it may not be my first choice for them. The cover is just gorgeous & depicts the story quite accurately too :)
*Thank-you Todd Fahnestock, NetGalley & Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the ARC.
** If you do decide to download this book from NetGalley, try reading this in the .pdf (Adobe Digital Editions Format) instead of the kindle format, as the kindle format garbles some of the beautiful illustrations.
October 24, 2016
This was such a fast paced journey through a land of fantastical creatures that I would have absolutely loved to call home as a child. Though written with a middle grade audience in mind, I felt completely engrossed and grew attached to the characters as an adult. Grace is a wonderfully human protagonist, facing the unknown with a mixture of fear and bravery, not letting defeat enter her realm of possibilities lest she be overtaken with grief once again. Far too often we discount the young as unable to take on great evils, unable to understand important lessons, and I appreciated that the author presented neither of these ideas within his pages. Fahnestock has used his own brilliant imagination to bring to life The Wishing World. A world of secrets and sacrifices, growth and truth, this is not a journey one may take lightly, but it will remain with them forevermore. I will absolutely be adding this to our daughter's library right alongside some other fantastic adventure novels with talking beasts and brave young women.
October 3, 2016
This review was originally published on NetGalley.
Loved it! Simple plot, the writing is perfect and the pace of the story is just as good.
I really connected with the main character, Lorelei, a young girl with a very strong determination with the single objective of saving her family back after they are kidnapped on a camping trip. Her frustration and her growth really is the phase that all teenagers go through and it's amazing how much she grows and learns on her journey.
If you think that you have this book all figured out, you are are very mistaken. As twists happen in the story and more information about this world is revealed, you will see that it's not as the typical fantasy world and it's perfect. The ending is absolutely perfect, and it's the finishing touch for this unique novel.
Loved this new concept and this book is very much worth reading!
Read my other reviews at: http://booktraveller.weebly.com/
Loved it! Simple plot, the writing is perfect and the pace of the story is just as good.
I really connected with the main character, Lorelei, a young girl with a very strong determination with the single objective of saving her family back after they are kidnapped on a camping trip. Her frustration and her growth really is the phase that all teenagers go through and it's amazing how much she grows and learns on her journey.
If you think that you have this book all figured out, you are are very mistaken. As twists happen in the story and more information about this world is revealed, you will see that it's not as the typical fantasy world and it's perfect. The ending is absolutely perfect, and it's the finishing touch for this unique novel.
Loved this new concept and this book is very much worth reading!
Read my other reviews at: http://booktraveller.weebly.com/
September 20, 2016
**I received a copy of this story from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**
This was an interesting story.
Enter Lorelei who has lost her parents and her brother in one day, or rather one night.
She's the only one who hasn't stopped believing that they are still somewhere and that they can be found.
Her determination leads her straight into and through another world where she has to decide if she'll choose what she wants or if she'll destroy the world she's found.
Starting off, Lorelei is angry and that's about it. This comes through loud and clear in the language and pacing. As the book progresses, she grows, slows down a little, and becomes more thoughtful. However, the author does a good job of reminding you that the heroine is still very young as she's progressing through the story. Overall a good book.
This was an interesting story.
Enter Lorelei who has lost her parents and her brother in one day, or rather one night.
She's the only one who hasn't stopped believing that they are still somewhere and that they can be found.
Her determination leads her straight into and through another world where she has to decide if she'll choose what she wants or if she'll destroy the world she's found.
Starting off, Lorelei is angry and that's about it. This comes through loud and clear in the language and pacing. As the book progresses, she grows, slows down a little, and becomes more thoughtful. However, the author does a good job of reminding you that the heroine is still very young as she's progressing through the story. Overall a good book.
July 19, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book. And Wow. It's really fantastic.
A fantasy story about a girl searching for her family. It talks of being true to yourself and growing up. Part "A Wrinkle in Time", part "Peter Pan". As a kid, I loved books like "The Dark is Rising" series...and this book ranks right up there.This is a story kids will love to read again and again... I think it hits book stores this October. Add it to your book lists now.
A fantasy story about a girl searching for her family. It talks of being true to yourself and growing up. Part "A Wrinkle in Time", part "Peter Pan". As a kid, I loved books like "The Dark is Rising" series...and this book ranks right up there.This is a story kids will love to read again and again... I think it hits book stores this October. Add it to your book lists now.
October 23, 2016
Fantasy fiction is unique in that it opens the door to other worlds and other possibilities. The ideas expressed in such stories are only limited by one's imagination. And children have an ability to use their imaginations in such creative ways. The basis for this book revolves around that idea. The Wishing World that Lorelei enters seeking her missing family revolves around the dreams of children. When Lorelei realizes that her parents are imprisoned by the Ink King within the boundaries of this magical world, she's willing to do anything to get them back.
WIth the assistance of Gruffy, a griffin, Pip, a talking toucan, and Squeak, a wise mouse, Lorelei sets out to get her family back. But there is more to this land than she knows and if she's not careful, her newly discovered power as a Doolivanti could harm this strange new world. But Lorelei can't bare thinking of leaving without her family no matter the cost. The creatures she meets along the way touch her life in unexpected ways as she touches theirs. But dangers both before and behind threaten everything Lorelei is hoping to accomplish. The unusual nature of the story and the fantasy world make this a rather compelling read. The fact that the book is just over 200 pages is a nice bonus for those readers who aren't ready for the often too long fantasy tomes available. There is also some humor in some of the things that strong-willed Lorelei says and in the fact that she can't understand what Squeak, the smart mouse says.
In addition to the creative nature of this story, I admired the fact that some rather important themes are imbedded in the story without being intrusive. Once she starts to realize the power she holds, Lorelei is left having to make some really hard decisions, decisions that she really struggles with making. The power of imagination to create or destroy also becomes clear as Lorelei faces off with the Ink King and the world he has built. The Wishing World makes for an entertaining and thoughtful read with moments of laughter, tears, and hope aplenty.
WIth the assistance of Gruffy, a griffin, Pip, a talking toucan, and Squeak, a wise mouse, Lorelei sets out to get her family back. But there is more to this land than she knows and if she's not careful, her newly discovered power as a Doolivanti could harm this strange new world. But Lorelei can't bare thinking of leaving without her family no matter the cost. The creatures she meets along the way touch her life in unexpected ways as she touches theirs. But dangers both before and behind threaten everything Lorelei is hoping to accomplish. The unusual nature of the story and the fantasy world make this a rather compelling read. The fact that the book is just over 200 pages is a nice bonus for those readers who aren't ready for the often too long fantasy tomes available. There is also some humor in some of the things that strong-willed Lorelei says and in the fact that she can't understand what Squeak, the smart mouse says.
In addition to the creative nature of this story, I admired the fact that some rather important themes are imbedded in the story without being intrusive. Once she starts to realize the power she holds, Lorelei is left having to make some really hard decisions, decisions that she really struggles with making. The power of imagination to create or destroy also becomes clear as Lorelei faces off with the Ink King and the world he has built. The Wishing World makes for an entertaining and thoughtful read with moments of laughter, tears, and hope aplenty.
May 5, 2017
The Wishing World by Todd Fahnestock is such a rollercoaster of a ride! Imagine A WRINKLE IN TIME meets INDIANA JONES. Lorelei, the main character, really steals the show. I love her blend of courage and fear and her fierce love for her parents and brother. In fact, it’s refreshing to read a middle grade book where love of family is one of the central themes.
It’s also intriguing the way the author incorporated the concept that a person’s thoughts could shape their reality. What child (or adult, for that matter) wouldn’t love to visit a world in which their imaginative play could become real? A world in which one could “write” their way through an adventure and save their family and save the day? Pretty heady stuff, if you ask me.
I highly recommend THE WISHING WORLD to readers who enjoy fantastical middle grade stories full of action and heart.
It’s also intriguing the way the author incorporated the concept that a person’s thoughts could shape their reality. What child (or adult, for that matter) wouldn’t love to visit a world in which their imaginative play could become real? A world in which one could “write” their way through an adventure and save their family and save the day? Pretty heady stuff, if you ask me.
I highly recommend THE WISHING WORLD to readers who enjoy fantastical middle grade stories full of action and heart.
November 11, 2022
A fun Middle Grade read. Very Inkheart, Alice in Wonderland, and labyrinth vibes. It's cute and fun. A little fast paced but I think it works for the actual target audience and not someone like me. It's got fun catchphrases and a variety of interesting characters and places that I think this would make a lovely graphic novel as well.
November 22, 2016
DNF- I won this book From goodreads. It was not the book I thought it would be. Had trouble keeping my interest as the writing did not flow enough for me. This was an uncorrected advance reading copy so not sure if the story would change any on final print.
December 5, 2016
I received a copy from the author, but the opinion is all my own.
I enjoyed this book very much, the imagination, the lore master and the creative characters kept me engaged from the beginning! I found myself trying to figure out what character I'd be in the world, stay tuned if I figure it out.
I enjoyed this book very much, the imagination, the lore master and the creative characters kept me engaged from the beginning! I found myself trying to figure out what character I'd be in the world, stay tuned if I figure it out.
April 16, 2020
A marvelous story about an engaging fictional world. The Wishing World is a quick read but it is filled with magic, suspense, and lovable characters. It's sequel is The Lore Master by Todd Fahnestock.
June 8, 2024
A beautiful world, wonderful friends, grand adventure! I loved this book, and I cannot wait to read it to my kids. They’re going to love Lorelei, Theron and Gruffy. I can’t wait to read the next one. I’m here for more Todd Fahnestock!
March 13, 2019
Recommend this book as both a teacher and a reader. Excellent.
October 26, 2020
Dnf the book It was a good first few chapters but it just got hard to read.
Want to Read
April 18, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 19, 2023
I actually really really enjoyed this book so much 4.5 stars it also really short!
October 26, 2016
Received as an ARC from NetGalley.
Lorelei lost her family. In one instant, they were gone. Her Auntie Carrie and Uncle Jone took her in to live with their family. Lorelei missed her family very much though and had to find out what happened to them. For a year Lorelei had been searching for her family and for answers and now her Aunt and Uncle were selling her house. The answers may be in there so she snuck back into her old abode. Right before her family disappeared, they were camping in the mountains looking for Narolev’s Comet. She remembered that her Dad said that he had a piece of the comet in the basement and that it was hidden in the crawl space. Lorelei went to find the hidden piece of Narolev’s Comet, but found a whole lot more. She found a door to another world - the Wishing World. After freeing the Princess of the Eternal Sea, Lorelei was confronted by the Ink King. It was then that she remembered her family’s last camping trip and seeing the inky tendrils through the tent. It was the Ink King and the Ink King stole Lorelei’s family. Lorelei travels throughout the Wishing World also known as Veloran. In her travels she is accompanied by Gruffy the Griffon, Pip the toucan, Squeak the mouse and Ripple the Princess of the Eternal Sea. They refer to Lorelei as a Doolivanti which is a traveler or a wish maker. Lorelei discovers so many new things in her travels and so many strange creatures. The most interesting is the Mirror Man and he is also the most familiar. In the end, it comes between her family and the world of Veloran that she is slowly and unintentionally ripping apart.
The Wishing World by Todd Fahnestock began as a difficult read and ended on a good note. The book reminds me of a twisted cross between The Neverending Story and a Roald Dahl book. There is a main character in a world they do not belong, saving a princess, riding a large protector (in this case a Griffon) and saving the created world. I hear Dahl in the creative names given to the animals, food and flora. I found the strange names of creatures very difficult to read as well as the Shakespearean way of speaking by Ripple. The story seemed like a whirlwind of confusion until I hit the part when Lorelei met the Mirror Man and we find out who he really is. The story started to pick up, but I never really understood completely why Lorelei had to leave to save Veloran. All-in-all, I did enjoy the book even though there many confusing parts. I did love the ending. There is something to be said for short, one-word endings. Very nice touch. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I think I would. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but I do think it’s worth reading. I think it would be a good book for anyone in grades 5 through 8.
Lorelei lost her family. In one instant, they were gone. Her Auntie Carrie and Uncle Jone took her in to live with their family. Lorelei missed her family very much though and had to find out what happened to them. For a year Lorelei had been searching for her family and for answers and now her Aunt and Uncle were selling her house. The answers may be in there so she snuck back into her old abode. Right before her family disappeared, they were camping in the mountains looking for Narolev’s Comet. She remembered that her Dad said that he had a piece of the comet in the basement and that it was hidden in the crawl space. Lorelei went to find the hidden piece of Narolev’s Comet, but found a whole lot more. She found a door to another world - the Wishing World. After freeing the Princess of the Eternal Sea, Lorelei was confronted by the Ink King. It was then that she remembered her family’s last camping trip and seeing the inky tendrils through the tent. It was the Ink King and the Ink King stole Lorelei’s family. Lorelei travels throughout the Wishing World also known as Veloran. In her travels she is accompanied by Gruffy the Griffon, Pip the toucan, Squeak the mouse and Ripple the Princess of the Eternal Sea. They refer to Lorelei as a Doolivanti which is a traveler or a wish maker. Lorelei discovers so many new things in her travels and so many strange creatures. The most interesting is the Mirror Man and he is also the most familiar. In the end, it comes between her family and the world of Veloran that she is slowly and unintentionally ripping apart.
The Wishing World by Todd Fahnestock began as a difficult read and ended on a good note. The book reminds me of a twisted cross between The Neverending Story and a Roald Dahl book. There is a main character in a world they do not belong, saving a princess, riding a large protector (in this case a Griffon) and saving the created world. I hear Dahl in the creative names given to the animals, food and flora. I found the strange names of creatures very difficult to read as well as the Shakespearean way of speaking by Ripple. The story seemed like a whirlwind of confusion until I hit the part when Lorelei met the Mirror Man and we find out who he really is. The story started to pick up, but I never really understood completely why Lorelei had to leave to save Veloran. All-in-all, I did enjoy the book even though there many confusing parts. I did love the ending. There is something to be said for short, one-word endings. Very nice touch. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I think I would. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but I do think it’s worth reading. I think it would be a good book for anyone in grades 5 through 8.
October 28, 2016
Let me ask a question. Who here wouldn't want to be able to make your wishes come true? Have all of your most imaginative creations come to life? To be able to wish something into being? I can tell you one thing, I most definitely would love that! In the Wishing World, our plucky young heroine can do just that, and she puts it to work in an attempt to rescue her family from a mysterious evil.
Lorelei is a strong, smart, and very imaginative 11 year old. She is determined to do everything she can to find out how and why her Mom, Dad, and little brother disappeared. Along her journey, she discovers she has a special power: she can make her dreams and wishes come true! She is a Doolivanti. I rather liked the whole idea that she could write her wishes and make them come true. Like I mentioned before, I would love to be able to do something like that!
She meets a whole cast of characters: a rather brave griffon, a repetitive toucan, a mysterious water princess, and a seemingly-wise mouse... seemingly-wise because Lorelei can't understand a word he says. Together, the odd group travel the land of the Wishing World searching for a way to defeat the Ink King and rescue Lorelei's family. To me, this book was all about staying true to and believing in yourself, loyalty to friends and family, never giving up, teamwork, and the magic that can happen with a bit of imagination. There truly isn't a place more unique, wonderful, and at times terrifying, as the Wishing World. I loved exploring the different landscapes and learning about the dangers and wonders of this world, also known as Veloran. At times I was a bit confused, but then again, so was Lorelei. Since this story is told from her point of view, I feel as though that particular type of storytelling was most successful.
The Wishing World is a fantastic ride that is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers young and old with its wondrous creatures, lush landscapes, brave heroine, and magical spirit!
**The publisher sent me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I originally posted on my blog, She Dreams in Fiction.**
Lorelei is a strong, smart, and very imaginative 11 year old. She is determined to do everything she can to find out how and why her Mom, Dad, and little brother disappeared. Along her journey, she discovers she has a special power: she can make her dreams and wishes come true! She is a Doolivanti. I rather liked the whole idea that she could write her wishes and make them come true. Like I mentioned before, I would love to be able to do something like that!
She meets a whole cast of characters: a rather brave griffon, a repetitive toucan, a mysterious water princess, and a seemingly-wise mouse... seemingly-wise because Lorelei can't understand a word he says. Together, the odd group travel the land of the Wishing World searching for a way to defeat the Ink King and rescue Lorelei's family. To me, this book was all about staying true to and believing in yourself, loyalty to friends and family, never giving up, teamwork, and the magic that can happen with a bit of imagination. There truly isn't a place more unique, wonderful, and at times terrifying, as the Wishing World. I loved exploring the different landscapes and learning about the dangers and wonders of this world, also known as Veloran. At times I was a bit confused, but then again, so was Lorelei. Since this story is told from her point of view, I feel as though that particular type of storytelling was most successful.
The Wishing World is a fantastic ride that is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers young and old with its wondrous creatures, lush landscapes, brave heroine, and magical spirit!
**The publisher sent me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which I originally posted on my blog, She Dreams in Fiction.**
November 14, 2016
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This was a wild and fun ride. The imagination of Todd Fahnestock is incredible, amazing and perfect for this story or any story that you just want to get lost in and escape in the pages for fun entertainment with no angst. I look forward to getting this for my niece and having her be entertained and taken to a new exciting world. A world where you just want to escape and enjoy. See a girl who loves her family and does what is needed to get them back from the creature who took them was great. Two different worlds that just stay separate in description but intertwine in plot. I love how adults really don’t fit in at the Wishing world. And they don’t remember anything about it even when they are told about that world. Lorelei was unique in the wishing world because she didn’t change herself there but was real and accepted who she was. She was there for one reason and it helped to shatter the world in ways that no one could imagine.
Gruffy was great but seeing what anger and revenge turned into was really wow. It helps to teach us that we need to let go of anger and resentment. Revenge and hate just hurts us and we see that in the wishing world. And the mouse was adorable. He was the intelligent one in the bunch but Surreal was the most scared and perceptive to me. He saw that Lorelei was different and the one to shatter worlds. She was accepting and real. Lorelei didn’t pretend to be anything else and was honest to boot. She was caring and respectful. Her way to fight for her friends and her family was ferocious.
The wishing world was fascinating as a world. We see children feel safe and change to what they needed to be to feel accepted and be what they wanted.
The story is riveting, fun imaginative and just entertaining. You don’t feel angst or drama. It is a girl trying to get her family back from the creature that took them and she ends up shattering a world that was created by children and their imagination. The writing is captivating and fast paced. You are never bored or waver in what is happening or he is good or bad. The characters are fun and quirky with the world building being perfect. A great entertaining and imaginative story that will have you laugh and smile your way to the end which comes to quickly.
This was a wild and fun ride. The imagination of Todd Fahnestock is incredible, amazing and perfect for this story or any story that you just want to get lost in and escape in the pages for fun entertainment with no angst. I look forward to getting this for my niece and having her be entertained and taken to a new exciting world. A world where you just want to escape and enjoy. See a girl who loves her family and does what is needed to get them back from the creature who took them was great. Two different worlds that just stay separate in description but intertwine in plot. I love how adults really don’t fit in at the Wishing world. And they don’t remember anything about it even when they are told about that world. Lorelei was unique in the wishing world because she didn’t change herself there but was real and accepted who she was. She was there for one reason and it helped to shatter the world in ways that no one could imagine.
Gruffy was great but seeing what anger and revenge turned into was really wow. It helps to teach us that we need to let go of anger and resentment. Revenge and hate just hurts us and we see that in the wishing world. And the mouse was adorable. He was the intelligent one in the bunch but Surreal was the most scared and perceptive to me. He saw that Lorelei was different and the one to shatter worlds. She was accepting and real. Lorelei didn’t pretend to be anything else and was honest to boot. She was caring and respectful. Her way to fight for her friends and her family was ferocious.
The wishing world was fascinating as a world. We see children feel safe and change to what they needed to be to feel accepted and be what they wanted.
The story is riveting, fun imaginative and just entertaining. You don’t feel angst or drama. It is a girl trying to get her family back from the creature that took them and she ends up shattering a world that was created by children and their imagination. The writing is captivating and fast paced. You are never bored or waver in what is happening or he is good or bad. The characters are fun and quirky with the world building being perfect. A great entertaining and imaginative story that will have you laugh and smile your way to the end which comes to quickly.
November 21, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book through every page and I can quite easily imagine a middle school student being captured by this tale.
Lorelei is not having a very nice life just at present. Her parents and brother disappeared a year ago taken by a mysterious monster while on a camping trip leaving her behind. Now her aunt and uncle, her new guardians, have sold her family home. She feels that she has one small moment where she might, if she is really lucky, find a way to locate her lost family and bring them home. Little does Lorelei know that she is going to be leaving Planet Earth in order to do this for her family are now inhabiting the wonderous Wishing World. She embarks on great even dangerous adventures as she proves herself to be the greatest Doolivanti (wish-maker)that the Wishing World has ever seen.
This character is so full of personality that I quickly found myself on her side and barracking for her to defeat the bad guy (or should I say bad guys because there are a couple of not very likable characters). Her supporting cast which includes a griffon, a toucan and a mouse are just delightful and certainly help to save the day. This was a multi-layered story which really built the fantasy world that Lorelei finds herself within. I was happy to be swept along for the ride. This is a definite add to the Christmas holiday reading list. You won't be disappointed, though perhaps it needs to be read with all the lights on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book through every page and I can quite easily imagine a middle school student being captured by this tale.
Lorelei is not having a very nice life just at present. Her parents and brother disappeared a year ago taken by a mysterious monster while on a camping trip leaving her behind. Now her aunt and uncle, her new guardians, have sold her family home. She feels that she has one small moment where she might, if she is really lucky, find a way to locate her lost family and bring them home. Little does Lorelei know that she is going to be leaving Planet Earth in order to do this for her family are now inhabiting the wonderous Wishing World. She embarks on great even dangerous adventures as she proves herself to be the greatest Doolivanti (wish-maker)that the Wishing World has ever seen.
This character is so full of personality that I quickly found myself on her side and barracking for her to defeat the bad guy (or should I say bad guys because there are a couple of not very likable characters). Her supporting cast which includes a griffon, a toucan and a mouse are just delightful and certainly help to save the day. This was a multi-layered story which really built the fantasy world that Lorelei finds herself within. I was happy to be swept along for the ride. This is a definite add to the Christmas holiday reading list. You won't be disappointed, though perhaps it needs to be read with all the lights on.
August 12, 2016
Review copy provided by NetGalley
I was honestly a bit overwhelmed at times by this fantasy adventure, as I'm fairly certain I was supposed to be. This is the sort of story that plunges you headfirst into the adventure, and expects you to fight your way back to the surface at your own accord. This has a vibe similar to The Neverending Story, where an entire world hinges on the creative impulses of a few inhabitants, though they don't realize their own importance until the plot reaches a climactic impasse. The protagonist, Lorelei is already suffering through great loss when the reader engages her. Her family has been taken, and only she believes what happened to them, though she has trouble reconciling her memory with reality as well. However, upon meeting a griffon and being drawn into the Wishing World, her world starts to make more sense, and she steps into the role of hero with little consternation. It isn't until the reader gets a little further in though, that the realization of what she is up against becomes clear. In all, this is a story of a child that has been been undeservedly wronged facing down foes whose desires are born out of jealousy and greed. It's got all the elements of a good story, and I feel that in the books to come it will capitalize on that story fodder. This was a good start.
I was honestly a bit overwhelmed at times by this fantasy adventure, as I'm fairly certain I was supposed to be. This is the sort of story that plunges you headfirst into the adventure, and expects you to fight your way back to the surface at your own accord. This has a vibe similar to The Neverending Story, where an entire world hinges on the creative impulses of a few inhabitants, though they don't realize their own importance until the plot reaches a climactic impasse. The protagonist, Lorelei is already suffering through great loss when the reader engages her. Her family has been taken, and only she believes what happened to them, though she has trouble reconciling her memory with reality as well. However, upon meeting a griffon and being drawn into the Wishing World, her world starts to make more sense, and she steps into the role of hero with little consternation. It isn't until the reader gets a little further in though, that the realization of what she is up against becomes clear. In all, this is a story of a child that has been been undeservedly wronged facing down foes whose desires are born out of jealousy and greed. It's got all the elements of a good story, and I feel that in the books to come it will capitalize on that story fodder. This was a good start.
October 26, 2016
Lorelei awakens during the night to witness her mother, father, and brother kidnapped by a strange monster. In her search for them, she accidentally breaks into the Wishing World where she encounters talking griffons, a water princess, and cities made of sand. She discovers that she is a Doolivanti (a wish-maker) in which she can write her dreams into reality. She must face the monster in order to release her family from his clutches or risk being taken into his clutches too.
This story is based on bedtime stories that Todd told his children as they were growing up. There is plenty of action and twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages. It is also a great introduction to middle school fantasy. The presence of a strong female protagonist is refreshing. This will be an excellent selection for any library serving the middle school crowd. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
This story is based on bedtime stories that Todd told his children as they were growing up. There is plenty of action and twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages. It is also a great introduction to middle school fantasy. The presence of a strong female protagonist is refreshing. This will be an excellent selection for any library serving the middle school crowd. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
August 8, 2016
The Wishing World is a great read for kids who like fantasy adventure, especially novels like Storybound, Inkheart, or The Wishing Spell series. It has a unique mix of serious themes and whimsical world building. Best of all it has a strong female lead in a genre that often falls short in gender representation.
November 28, 2016
It's been a while since I've read anything from the 8-12 age range, and I'd forgotten how lovely the books and world building can be. The Wishing World was a great story - Lorelei was the perfect protagonist for this book, and seeing Veloran through her eyes was fantastic. The plot was great, and that it didn't stick too close to the hero/villain archetypes was really well done, the other characters and creatures were so well described. I loved the ending, especially with how she ended up leaving Veloran.
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