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| Read (July 29 - 30, 2014) |
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Clarion Books
Pages: 320
Genre/s: Middle Grade, Urban Fantasy
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
Ali and her middle school classmates are raising flocks of fairies to make their wishes come true. But growing a flock is harder than it sounds: the fairies eat only human hair, and the rules for dealing with them are confusing, misleading, and subject to change. As Ali and her friends struggle to earn their wishes, mistakes are made, spells go awry, and soon Ali is up against hundreds of two-inch-tall imps who have very big plans. Comedy and fantasy intertwine in this lively tale of intrigue, magic, and the power of hair. - (source)
I learned 5 things while reading Evil Fairies Love Hair:
- Hair is delicious.
- You can never trust magical creatures especially evil faeries masquerading as imps.
- Evil faeries hate their jobs especially doling out rewards to good children.
- Evil faeries don't play fair and are really awful at giving instructions.
- Hair is delicious. This needs reiterating.
I always said that I will never outgrow reading Middle Grade novels. I crave for stories that keep me young at heart and mind, and I'm confident in saying that some of the titles in this genre can be considered gems not only by children but also by adults. However, taking the plunge is not without risks. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. I fear that Evil Fairies Love Hair is leaning towards the latter result.
Certainly, this book has its merits. It's fun, light, and has wonderful illustrations that will surely catch its readers' eyes. Moreover, Ali is a protagonist anyone can relate to. She's insecure and feels inferior to her fabulous sister. The best thing about her is even though her physical size wasn't as stable as she wanted it to be throughout the novel, she had grown to be a clever girl despite not having received her wish. It doesn't need telling that she's not the only kid who wanted a wish. That's why growing a flock of faeries became so widespread that before long kids their age began shaving or wearing their hair in a bun, so they can comply with the rules.
While the story is adorable and original, it can get convoluted at times. It has a frantic quality to it that actually encouraged me to put the book down on several occasions. I couldn't get into the story no matter how hard I tried, and it makes me sad to say that this book failed to capture the wonder in me.
Thompson newest novel is quite eccentric and wild in a way that it will lure a certain kind of reader. This Middle Grade novel will mostly appeal to young readers who love their plot slightly frenzied and their characters' naughty and full of mischief.
Cupid's Verdict:
| 2.5 Cupids |
A copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley
in exchange for an honest review.

