The Trickery Curse of the Gods is a popular young adult fantasy book series written by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington. The series is centered around a young woman named Willa Knight, who lives in a world where every citizen possesses a specific magical ability. However, Willa is an exception to this rule and is considered curse-born, meaning she has no magic. Throughout the series, Willa finds herself in a variety of dangerous and thrilling situations as she attends a prestigious magical academy called the Blesswood Academy. Alongside her friends and classmates, she navigates the treacherous world of the academy, filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and mysterious curses. The Trickery Curse of the Gods series combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure to create a captivating story.
The titular topper of this rollicking, rhyming read-aloud is indeed magic: when it blows into town one day, it plops down on the head of resident after resident, instantly transforming each person into an animal. Each time the chapeau lands, Fox (Time for Bed) reprises the refrain, "Oh, the magic hat, the magic hat! It moved like this, it moved like that! It spun through the air!" At this point the author inserts a varying line (e.g., "Like a bounding balloon"; "For a mile and a half"), and a flip of the page reveals what animal the new hat-wearer becomes (in the above instances, a baboon and a giraffe). Kids will eagerly join in the guessing game, which Tusa's (Camilla's New Hairdo) fittingly silly, bustling ink-and-watercolor illustrations whip up into high-octane action. Her clever details add to the clues; for instance, a fruit-stand seller juggles bananas as the hat transforms him into a baboon. A supporting cast of animated children witness the zany goings-on, reacting gleefully to each transformation. These characters' unbridled enjoyment will almost certainly evoke the same response from readers. Ages 3-7.
TRICIA TUSA has illustrated several picture books, including her own Maebelle s Suitcase ; Camilla s New Hairdo , a Parents Magazine Best Book; and Bunnies in My Head , which features drawings by the young patients at the M. With irresistible rhyming language and bright, whimsical illustrations, this perfect read-aloud by internationally acclaimed author Mem Fox will weave its way into the hearts of young children everywhere.
The Trickery Curse of the Gods series combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure to create a captivating story. Willa's lack of magic makes her an outsider and subject to ridicule and mistreatment from her peers. However, her wit, resilience, and resourcefulness help her overcome these challenges and prove her worth.
The Magic Hat
One fine day, from out of town--and without any warning at all--a magic hat appears in the sky. It tumbles and bounces through the air and makes magic wherever it lands. Everyone is delighted as, one by one, the townspeople are transformed into giant playful animals. And then a wizard arrives. . . .
With irresistible rhyming language and bright, whimsical illustrations, this perfect read-aloud by internationally acclaimed author Mem Fox will weave its way into the hearts of young children everywhere.
WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
Find books about:
- Fantasy & Magic
- Editorial reviews
- Reader reviews
- Author
- Product details
- Awards
Publisher's Weekly
The titular topper of this rollicking, rhyming read-aloud is indeed magic: when it blows into town one day, it plops down on the head of resident after resident, instantly transforming each person into an animal. Each time the chapeau lands, Fox (Time for Bed) reprises the refrain, "Oh, the magic hat, the magic hat! It moved like this, it moved like that! It spun through the air!" At this point the author inserts a varying line (e.g., "Like a bounding balloon"; "For a mile and a half"), and a flip of the page reveals what animal the new hat-wearer becomes (in the above instances, a baboon and a giraffe). Kids will eagerly join in the guessing game, which Tusa's (Camilla's New Hairdo) fittingly silly, bustling ink-and-watercolor illustrations whip up into high-octane action. Her clever details add to the clues; for instance, a fruit-stand seller juggles bananas as the hat transforms him into a baboon. A supporting cast of animated children witness the zany goings-on, reacting gleefully to each transformation. These characters' unbridled enjoyment will almost certainly evoke the same response from readers. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 2002 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3-A whirling, magical hat sweeps into a bustling park, transforming each adult on whom it alights into a fun-loving animal. Rhymed verses add to the humor and allow listeners to predict what will follow as the page turns. A group of delighted children takes up the path of the hat's swirling confetti, until, at last, a large, but impish wizard appears. He restores the characters to their former selves and leaves a large, spotted egg that hatches, distracting the crowd as he turns to leave. But that's not the end. Donning the hat himself, the wizard becomes a high-spirited boy, framed by starlight, kicking up sparkles. Tusa's ink-and-watercolor images dance with life (even the flowers seem to be in motion); kinetic, double-page designs spill off the pages. Add this to your favorite headpiece storytime. Children will be bursting to participate.
Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"This giddy, rhymed episode . . . . will have children demanding repeated readings and completing each verse at top volume." - Kirkus Reviews
As the series unfolds, Willa discovers secrets about her past, including the true nature of her curse-born status, the origins of her family, and her connection to ancient curses that threaten the magical world. With each book, the stakes rise higher as Willa and her friends uncover dark secrets and face formidable enemies. The Trickery Curse of the Gods series is known for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and intriguing plot twists. It explores themes of identity, belonging, friendship, and the consequences of power. Readers are drawn into a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse, and where even the gods can be deceitful and manipulative. Overall, the Trickery Curse of the Gods series offers an immersive and entertaining reading experience for fans of fantasy, romance, and adventure. With its compelling protagonist, captivating storyline, and rich world-building, it has gained a loyal following and continues to engage readers with each new installment..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Gods: A Tricky Haunting"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars
I really wanted to like "Trickery: Curse of the Gods," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot was confusing and lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional. It felt like the author was trying too hard to create a unique and intriguing world but ended up delivering a convoluted mess. The romantic aspect of the story also felt forced and unrealistic. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't recommend this book to others.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars
"Trickery: Curse of the Gods" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was incredibly juvenile, and it felt like I was reading a story written by a teenager for teenagers. The characters were annoying and lacked depth, and the dialogue was cringeworthy. The plot also dragged on without any real substance or intrigue. I couldn't even finish the book because I found it so unbearable. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for "Trickery: Curse of the Gods," but it missed the mark for me. The story started off promising, with an interesting premise, but it quickly became repetitive and predictable. The main character was quite annoying, and her actions and choices were irrational and frustrating. The world-building was also lacking, and I never felt fully immersed in the fantasy realm. Overall, it had potential, but it fell short in execution.
4. Michael - 2.5/5 stars
While "Trickery: Curse of the Gods" had some enjoyable moments, it ultimately left me underwhelmed. The pacing was off, with slow and uneventful sections, followed by rushed and chaotic ones. The main characters had potential, but their development was inconsistent, and their relationships felt forced. Additionally, the dialogue often felt forced and awkward. I was left wanting more substance and complexity from the plot, which had potential but ultimately failed to deliver.
5. Sarah - 1.5/5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with "Trickery: Curse of the Gods." The story felt like a cheap knock-off version of other popular fantasy novels. The writing was mediocre, and the characters were forgettable. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. The plot was predictable, and I found myself not caring about what happened next. Overall, it was a forgettable and uninspiring read.