Written by Sage Blackwood
This doesn’t always happen, but in this series the book number fits the order I like the books. Jinx, the first book, wonderfully set up a story of a misfit maneuvering through a magical place. It is by far the best in the series. The second book, Jinx’s Magic, throws Jinx into life lessons and coming of age challenges. It’s good, but is hindered by complicated plot twists. Perhaps because of the overabundance of story lines in book two, book three falters. Blackwood resolves the main problems in this last book, but almost abandons half of the stories addressed in the previous book. So although Jinx visits elves, saves a friend, and then masters his power, the reader is left feeling that not much has been resolved. In the last chapter, a rather big issue is addressed by pretty much saying, “Who knows what will happen?” I think Blackwood focused too much on putting all her ideas into one series rather than on just telling a good story. Elementary students will still enjoy this book and cheer on its champion.
Review by Teresa Edmunds, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★✩✩ (3 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-7
Jinx’s Fire
Written by Sage Blackwood
Katherine Tegen Books
384 pages
Release Date: March 24, 2015
