The Art of Wishing

May 13, 2013
Literary agent Ribar's debut novel is a deceptively light girl-meets-genie story. Margo, a talented senior with musical aspirations, feels cast aside by her newly reunited parents (it's like the opposite of The Parent Trap) and slighted when she is overlooked for the lead in the school play. The coveted part goes to the awkward Vicky, and no else appears to notice what a train-wreck she is on stage. When Margo finds a magic ring in the girls' bathroom, she becomes the master of a cute and unassuming genie named Oliver, who had previously granted Vicky wishes. Margo is captivated by Oliver, who can also read her true desires, and when he grants her wish to become a better songwriter, the results are spectacular. The theatrics of an evil, rival genie's shapeshifting aren't nearly as menacing as the repercussions of blind wish fulfillment. While the relationship between Margo and Oliver initially falls in line with paranormal romance conventions, Ribar also weaves some psychological intricacy and darkness into their bond. Broader questions about ownership, inauthenticity, and greed give the story additional substance. Ages 12âup. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

February 1, 2013
The craze for paranormal romance has encompassed vampires, warlocks and werewolves, and now it moves on to a genie like no other. Margo McKenna knows how good her audition for the lead in the school musical was; it was perfect. When she's assigned a secondary role, she tries to overcome her disappointment and make the best of it, something she's gotten used to at home as well as at school. It isn't until she finds an old ring in the girls' room and meets Oliver that she finds out that there's real magic in today's world. Determined to make the most of her three wishes, she takes her time, wanting to make wise decisions. But her genie is a genie on the run, and he needs her to hurry up before he is assassinated. As Margo gets to know Oliver better, she become even more hesitant to make her wishes, as completion of the third wish means Oliver will move on--and out of her life forever. The pressure is on. What is more magical: a genie's power or true love? This lighthearted book is a well-rounded combination of humor, romance and paranormal suspense, with likable characters and easy-to-believe dialogue. Though about as substantive as magical smoke, it makes for a pleasant afternoon read. (Paranormal romance. 12-16)

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May 1, 2013

Gr 9 Up-Senior Margo McKenna knows something is up when she loses the lead in her school play to an unknown and talentless sophomore named Vicky. To escape during one particularly frustrating rehearsal, she goes to the girls' room, where she finds a ring. When she picks it up, the mysterious new kid, Oliver, instantly appears. Margo discovers that he is really a genie and his master is Vicky. By finding the ring, Margo becomes his new master. She uses her first wish to become a talented songwriter. Soon after, she discovers that another genie, Xavier, is hunting Oliver and plans to kill him. As Margo rushes to find a way to save Oliver's life, the pair begin to fall in love. Although the rules and logic of genies and wish-making are tricky to follow at times, Ribar does a good job of developing realistic and likable characters. The heavy focus on the relationship between Margo and her parents, who have recently rekindled their relationship and remarried, dissipates midway through the novel and, by the end, disappears completely. Rich with romance, magic, and action, this novel will captivate teens while also cautioning them to be careful what they wish for.-Nicole Knott, Watertown High School, CT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2013
Grades 7-10 For anyone who thought Disney's Aladdin was the last word on genies, think again. High-school senior Margo McKenna finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the limitless opportunity three wishes offer her. Margo is thoughtful and meticulousa maker of plans with dreams of songwriting success. She will not make her wishes lightly, especially when her attractive genie, Oliver, reveals that his life is in danger and he wants the final wishes he grants to be truly special. Margo and Oliver are extremely likable, with an easy camaraderie that pulls the reader straight into the story. (Margo's take on those girls who fall in love with otherworldly beings is especially, self-referentially amusing.) They are supported by a strong cast of secondary characters who are closer to magic than they realize. Margo and Oliver's backstories unfold to set up for a finale that sneaks up on the reader and (hopefully) sets the stage for a sequel. A strong and pleasing debut.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)