The Fourth Wish

May 1, 2014
In The Art of Wishing (2013), Margo found genie Oliver and fell in love-and saved him from oblivion by using her last wish.Little did she know that in saving him she'd be turned into a genie herself, with all that that entails. Oliver had warned her of course...but she hadn't realized what it would be like to actually be bound to someone else, to have to provide them with whatever they wish for, whether she wants to or not. Magic has rules, after all, and even though a wish may be distasteful or worse, she must grant it. Can she learn the rules and adapt to her new situation while retaining her own sense of integrity and not lose her life or her love in the process? Ribar deals with surprisingly heavy themes in this sequel, despite the lighter-than-air premise, including the pressure to conform, the construction of self and the ever-evolving nuance of what is the "right" thing.Despite its fantastic drapery, the truths this novel reveals are so real it may even make readers a bit uncomfortable-that's quite an achievement. (Paranormal romance. 12-16)

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May 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-After taking a fourth wish from her genie-turned-boyfriend Oliver in order to save his life, Margo McKenna has become a genie herself. Picking up right from where The Art of Wishing (Dial, 2013) left off, Margo's first order of business is to find Oliver-until she feels the call of her first master, the school jerk, Ryan Weiss. Margo learns the ropes of geniehood, including how to navigate wishes that affect her BFF Naomi, a whole new body, Oliver's whole new body, and how to control her magic, all while still trying to live out her old teenage human life. Throw in romance and drama, and The Fourth Wish is smoothed into a nearly realistic YA fantasy novel. Ribar has delivered fans a fun romantic read with some deliciously exciting paranormal elements (shape-shifting anyone?) while casually tackling bisexuality, consent, and the importance of balancing power with humanity. A strong sequel.-Emily Moore, Camden County Library System, NJ

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