There are many series that deal with groups of people who have special abilities that the rest of us lack. This series approaches it in a way I haven’t encountered before. The abilities vary from person to person, and they extend from the standard clairvoyance/telepathy/telekinesis/precognition vein. Some of the abilities Robles gives his characters are fascinating, such as the ability to have whatever you need by simply drawing it and pulling it out of your picture. (Too bad I can’t draw.)

That’s the high point. The low point is that—and maybe this is because I’m an adult reading work that is meant for middle grades—the protagonists, Phillip and Natalie, disregard adult advice, warnings, and even commands time and time again. They have the classic “I am the only one who can make things right” mindset, and their actions frequently put others in danger. Drives. Me. Nuts.

Natalie is the focus of the first book, and she and Phillip both are rocked by many revelations about their lives. This sets them on a path to fighting evil powers.

That path continues in the second book, in which Phillip is the focus.

Secondary characters are interesting; I especially like Delroy. Ullbipt is adorable.

Unfortunately, there are frequent trope incidents, like when Phillip has the chance to destroy a source of power for one of the baddies, but doesn’t, or when there are frequent acts of self-sacrifice for someone else—even though the victim urges that the sacrifice not take place and it does, in fact, make things worse.

Of the two books, I preferred the second one, although the first chapter was completely unnecessary. It did nothing to advance the plot, and what little it revealed about the growth of Phillip’s and Natalie’s talents was easily covered later on. The author acknowledges a friend who told him of the setting, and it seems that it was just something cool that got stuck in there just because.

Speaking of abilities, Natalie is a little too good to be true—she has remarkable powers of her own, AND is able to use and enhance the powers of those nearby. Obviously, it’s going to be all on her to defeat the bad guys, although probably not alone. Of course, that’s going to be complicated, but I won’t spoil it by saying why.

I will definitely read the continuation of this series. I hope that the kids will mature and get enough sense to stop doing stupid things that put them and others into danger and, instead, work with the adults for the benefit of all.

Hey, a parent’s gotta dream, right?

Possible Objectionable Material:
Disobedience galore. Kids roaming unaccompanied. “Magical” powers, if you are bothered by such things. Some violence and lots of danger, threatened and acted upon.

Who Would Like These Books:
People who like fantasy, struggles between good and evil. Focus is equally weighted between boys and girls, although there are more male characters overall. The protagonists are early teens, and that’s a good market for these books. Approximate Lexile: 820.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARCs. ( )

The Magician's Doll is an engaging read integrating magic and real world events. Natalie is coming into her powers—even though she tries as hard as she can to deny them. At the same time,she's building friendships, something she's never had before. She doesn't want her powers, but what if her friends need her to have them? ( )

4 STARS

In my mind the doll is so much better than the cover picture. I liked some of the twists and turns the book took me. I guessed a few of them but so many were a surprise to me. The Magician's Doll takes you on a fun, dramatic, adventure. With a paranormal side to it and the fun of a circus visit. There are characters that you fall for and others you hate. There are bullies, heroes, protective characters and evil characters.

Natalie is one of the main characters. She is a twelve year old girl whose mom embarrasses her. She is feeling different from others and she does not want to be. She fights changes. Her mom has raised her by herself.

Phillip is her friend. His father has disappeared. He wants to find him badly. His mom has her own shop selling her clothing that she makes.

Natalie and Phillip's mothers are keeping secrets from them. They try and figure out the secrets.

The circus comes to town and Natalie and Phillip are excited to visit and see all that they can see. During the magic show they both rush up to the stage to volunteer to help the magician where he brings a doll to life. During there time on stage something happens to Natalie and she ends up passing out. Things really start to change from there.

You don't want to put the book down. What is happening to Natalie? What secrets are their parents hiding? How do they know the Magician? Who are they hiding from? There are many questions and they unfold a little at a time. It is a fascinating ride.

This is a story that anyone can enjoy. I would say it is aimed at middle school readers. It is a clean read

I was given this ebook to read and in return I agreed to give honest review of it from Net Galley.

It is a fast paced book. A lot of the book takes place at the circus as it comes to their small town ( )

When I first read the synopsis and then started reading the book I was reminded of the Ray Bradbury Book and Movie "Something Wicked This Way Comes". It was always one of my favorites. I wondered if maybe this would be too intense for my sixth graders. Every year my students are different. Some more mature than others. I had no reason to worry. When the first student turned the book back in and declared it was "Just Right", I knew I had a winner for my shelves. He told me if you like to read mysteries and magic then this was the book to read. The line to have their name put on the list to check out the book grew because of that student's remarks.
I loved the character Natalie from the very start. She doesn't want to feel like an outsider, yet she does because her mom puts up her "psychic" sign. The kids tease her. However, Natalie can hold her own against them. She hates that her mother is weird. I think one of the reasons is because Natalie has a "gift" that she has kept hidden. Unfortunately when a carnival comes to town she has to make some tough choices. This is perfect for kids of the middle grade age. It forces them to look at the way they treat each other and their differences. It makes them look at what true friendship is and what they would do in certain circumstances. I am sure this book was written to be a wonderful story, yet I find it is a great example of teaching kids something without them realizing they are learning I will definitely continue to recommend this book to parents and students. ( )

From the San Francisco Book Review:

Star rating: 5 out of 5

The story of exceptional and gifted beings secretly living among us is timeless; this exhilarating book is an impressive treatment of that classic storyline. The writing is fast and clear, with a well-developed plot and perfect buildup of action and suspense. Interim breathers allow character development and some time for relationships to build, between Natalie and her mother, Natalie and Phillip, and Natalie and her new friend Louisa. Violence is applied with a judicious and conscientious touch; tween readers will understand Natalie's pain for her friends without being overwhelmed. They will sympathize with Natalie's dilemmas and cheer her successes. Our heroine is likeable and human, even when her abnormally strong powers are revealed; her ambivalence about them never devolves to whining or self-pity, even though she faces not only extraordinary evil but also the everyday bullying common to seventh-grade misfits. The backstory for the world is carefully crafted and believable. Natalie's ultimate encounter with her family's archenemy was an eminently satisfying conclusion that wrapped up this section of the story while leaving several avenues to explore in future books in what I assume (and hope) will be a series. Natalie still has room to grow, both in power and emotion; her relationship with Phillip can deepen; there are still secrets and mysteries to be revealed. An outstanding pleasure that tops the ranks of tween fantasy.

http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/product/the-magicians-doll/