About the Book:
Title: Wish of the Wicked
Author: Danielle Paige
Series: Wish of the Wicked #1
Page Length: 384
Publication Date: Nov. 7, 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Synopsis: For centuries, the enchanted members of the Entente have worked in tandem with the Three Fates—the Present, the Past, and the Future—to maintain destiny across the Thirteen Queendoms. But when Queen Magrit learns of her untimely demise from Hecate, Fate of the Future, Magrit burns Hecate at the stake and decrees death to all Entente in order to live forever.
But some survive, including sixteen-year-old Farrow, who hatches a dangerous plan to seek revenge. Along the way, she finds herself falling for the one person who could ruin everything. With life and love hanging in the balance, she must decide who to trust and what’s most important: living in the past or forging a new future.
Bestselling author Danielle Paige launches a brand-new fairy godmother origin story full of intrigue, magic, and romance.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.
My Review:
A unique Cinderella reimagining with elements of Sleeping Beauty and even some inspiration from the Salem Witch Trials, Wish of the Wicked is told from the fairy godmother’s point of view and begins when she is young. Farrow’s life takes on a whole new trajectory when all of the other members of the Entente are seemingly killed, and vengeance becomes Farrow’s sole goal.
I’ve read and watched bunch of fairy tale retellings, but I haven’t read many from a fairy godmother’s perspective. I have to say, this story was not what I expected, but not in a bad way! It feels so unique and fresh while still maintaining some of the core pieces of Cinderella. Paige seamlessly weaves so many different elements from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty with new and original characters and plot elements, and it makes for an entertaining read.
The story has a unique and intriguing premise, and I enjoyed learning more about the Entente’s, their relationships with each other and the Fates, and how they’ve evolved and survived. And the plot has so many twists that I didn’t see coming! I love that. It is not a predictable story in many ways, and it was exciting to see the story take so many unexpected (and a few really shocking) turns.
The characters are fantastic, too, and I especially enjoyed Farrow’s character arc. She is a compelling protagonist who has gone through a lot, and to see her seek vengeance, learn more about her loved ones, work with old and new allies, and reexamine her relationships and goals shows how complex and layered she is. The secondary characters are intriguing as well, as are the themes of sisterhood, family, and standing up for what is right even if it goes against those you love. I think this is especially noticeable when Farrow reunites with some of those she thought she lost. Years have passed, and many of her family don’t have the same beliefs and moral compass Farrow has. It’s interesting to see how she deals with so many complicated and tenuous situations, not only with her enemies but also with those she loves.
The only part of the story I didn’t love was the romance. I know, shocking, right? I’m not a fan of love triangles, and this one did not work for me. I like both of Farrow’s love interests, and I’m hoping that the love triangle resolves itself before it becomes a major part of the story.
I would definitely recommend the book to readers who like twisted fairy tales or fairy tale reimaginings. It’s a fast-paced and immersive story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Special thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Lines:
“You think magic is the most important gift now, but it’s the heart that is your strength – your true gift.”
“Sad things form longer shadows than happy ones.”
Marry your words to your will and you can do almost anything, but that doesn’t mean you should.”
“
“It’s okay to make mistakes, Farrow. But you can’t let mistakes make you.”
Tropes:
- fairy tale retelling
- sisterhood vibes
- friends to lovers
- enemies to lovers
This sounded fantastic until I got to love triangle. Oh well. I guess you were still able to like it for the most part. I love that cover. It’s so pretty.
The cover drew me in too! and I’m definitely glad the love triangle didn’t take over the story.