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Wednesday 28 July 2010

Wishful Thinking by Ali Sparkes

Be Careful What You Wish For
review by Maryom


Kevin goes out one day with his Gran and accidentally brings home a Celtic river god - Abandinus. Ignored for many, many years, Abandinus decides he will help Kevin out and grant his wishes. In return, Abandinus would like a shrine and a spot of worship, - and some more followers. A shrine is found - on sale among the ornaments at the garden centre - but as Kevin and his friends, Tim and Gracie, try to boost Abandinus's following through the internet, things begin to go wrong. Having wishes fulfilled isn't as much fun as they thought and stranger, less friendly gods and goddesses start to show up - including the evil Arimanius, a god from the Underworld.

This story starts out as a weird but humorous encounter with an ancient river god with lots of very funny dialogue, that I insisted on sharing with anyone within earshot, but with the awakening of Arimanius, the menace increases - at first gradually but building to a great run-for-your-life climax. Whether funny or frightening, it's a gripping read the whole way through, with a twist right at the end which hopefully will lead to a sequel. A book that I'm sure will appeal to both boys and girls.


Maryom's review - 4.5 stars
Publisher - Oxford Children's Books
Genre - Children's 9+

Buy Wishful Thinking at Amazon

3 comments:

  1. A fantastic book. 5 out of 5 from me!

    Another can't-put-downer from Ali Sparkes. I have high standards and I've never been disappointed by any of her books. Whatever age group there's always the humour woven into a cracking good yarn. This author just keeps getting better. AND I hear rumours there are more COLA books on the way too. YESSSS!

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  2. Yet another thrilling read from Ali Sparkes.

    If you like a journey of twists and turns and a plot you can never quite guess the outcome of - then Ali Sparkes' books will be for you. But be prepared. Your heart will beat in anticipation, and you will want to stay awake well into the night turning the pages as fast as your eyes will let you read...You will be transfixed with the spell of her latest: Wishful Thinking. As with all of Ali's books - the tales of adventure, survival and the literally 'out of this world' experiences between friends and enemies....become more than just stories to the reader.

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  3. ali sparks books are amazing! I never wanted to put the book down. I finished it in 3 days it was so good! I hope Ali sparks wrights more books soon. I would also recomend form her reads dark Summer and Frozen in time!

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