Skip to main content

Orson the Great by Colm McElwain


I received an advance reading copy of this book for review. I'd probably rate it a 4.5, but there are no halfs for reviews.  Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/152594094-orson-the-great

Orson the Great by Colm McElwain delves into the history of magic through the life of Orson Whitlock as Orson discovers the world of magic and family tradition.  Without spoiling too much, Orson must hone his skills and become the best magician or the fate of the magic world is at risk.  It’s a lot of pressure for a young man, but he has the support of his family and trusty sidekick Agatha to keep him on the right path as he faces Daxton the Destroyer and conspiracies in the fight for magic.

The story is simply written with a good amount of fun details and magical background that will appeal to readers who enjoy young adult fiction.  McElwain brings the magic into Orson the Great without actually spoiling the tricks of the trade and keeping the magic real.  At some points, you can visualize the magic shows being performed and I often found myself wondering just how the trick is accomplished.  

My only complaint would be that the transitions from the present day to the past and back were not always smooth and could be a little hard to follow.  However, the story is still enjoyable and has a few unexpected twists that leave you wondering just what is going to happen next.

As a cosplayer, the characters' outfits were described very clearly and I really enjoyed picturing the possible costumes from Orson’s magician attire complete with white gloves and a cape to Agatha’s shiny white assistant’s dress that gets covered in fake blood.  

As a teacher, I can see myself including this book on a shelf for students to read for fun.  Especially middle school and younger high school ages who are going through a lot of change in their lives.  It’s always good when students can find a way to relate to characters in a book and though the challenges and changes Orson is facing are not quite what students may be facing, his determination, nervousness, and other emotions are completely relatable.  Most want to make their families proud and succeed and Orson is no different.

As asked many times in the story, do you believe?  If so, give this fun story a chance.  It is available on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/Orson-Great-Colm-McElwain/dp/1399945696/

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ancord Bluetooth Speaker from FREEWISE Review

Hey all! I love this mini Bluetooth stereo from FREEWISE. It is great for us cosplayers who like to make videos of us in character or sing our favorite songs from the series. Also, pay attention to this review because I may be GIVING AWAY one of these great speakers soon! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GR46AVU/ About the Seller: The seller was very prompt in sending the package and it arrived on time. I did not need to contact the seller and everything was packaged well. Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-42QM_6W0o About the Product: I chose to review the blue Ancord Bluetooth Speaker from FREEWISE but it actually comes in three colors: blue, rose gold, and silver. The speaker comes with a connector so you can hang it off your phone, a charging cord (though it can be any mini USB cord as my phone charger works perfectly with it), and directions. It is pretty easy to set up even without the directions (I should know as I accidentally left the direction...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

  I received an ARC of this book.  I originally noticed it because of it's beautiful cover, which led me to read the description and request the ARC. When Dreams Aren't What You Expect Them To Be The Scarlet Alchemist is a fantasy that is set in a China like world when alchemy is real.  You get a taste of Chinese culture in a fantasy setting.  Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to help her family beat poverty.  She fights her way up to achieve her dream, only supported by her cousins and a powerless prince, as everyone one else tries to continuously tear her down. Only for reality to come crashing down on her hard.  Without spoiling the story, it's a page turner where you simultanously root for Zilan, want her to save the world, while totally understanding both the good and bad choices she makes to survive.  It's an interesting fantasy that really plays on the readers' emotions as Zilan faces many moral choices that determine who she becomes. I...
Post a Comment
Read more

Brown Wig with Colored Tips from TinyUnicorn Review

Hey all! I love this brown wig with colored tips from TinyUnicorn. It is great for us cosplayers who like to do a variety of original characters or just want a fun wig for day to day wear. https://www.amazon.com/TINYUNICORN/ About the Seller: Awesome seller. Have worked with them before and items always arrive quickly and is of good quality. About the Product: One of the nice things about this wig from TinyUnicorn is the fact that it is mostly a natural color. If you are like me and have brown hair, it is a lot easier to hide your natural hair under the wig without worrying about those stay hairs or edges that will often show especially if you are like me and struggle to secure the wig (I often have help with wigs but when I don't they will slide a little), your hair is not very noticeable when the wig slides. I tested the wig with a hair straightener and it is heat resistant. The dark blues and greens add a nice touch on the tips of the wig. When I wore the wig out, qu...
Post a Comment
Read more