Charming and Fantastical: Read Our Review of The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell (10th Anniversary Illustrated Edition) by Chris Colfer, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman

This fast-paced adventure series uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairytales from author Chris Colfer, star of television’s Glee.

There’s something about a novel’s anniversary edition that always feels special: you get access to exciting new content not included in the original, and you’re given the chance to reminisce about how much you loved the story in the first place. This 10th anniversary edition of book #1 in the Land of Stories series (first published when Colfer was only 22 years old!) begins with an author’s note describing Colfer’s love for fantasy as a child, and his grandma’s support and assistance with the editing process, both of which inspired him to pen this series. There’s also a great pull-out map of the Land of Stories world, as well as plenty of vibrant, full-page illustrations by Brandon Dorman.

For those who are new to the series or need a bit of a plot refresher, The Land of Stories follows twins Alex and Conner Bailey who are given a treasured book of fairytales from their grandmother. When the twins open the book, they have no idea they’re about to enter a land beyond all imagining: the Land of Stories, where fairytales are real.

But as Alex and Conner soon discover, the stories they know so well haven’t concluded with the happily ever after we all know. Goldilocks is now a wanted fugitive, Little Red Riding Hood has her own kingdom and Queen Cinderella is about to become a mother! The twins know they must get back home somehow. But with the legendary Evil Queen hot on their trail, they’re not sure they will find a way.

The Wishing Spell takes readers on a thrilling quest filled with magic spells, laugh-out-loud humour and page-turning adventure. Colfer thanks Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm in his acknowledgment, as it is their famous characters that make appearances throughout the book! Such notable characters include Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and Hansel and Gretel, to name a few. It’s a blast to read about these iconic characters with completely new storylines. Any kid who loves fairytales will get swept up in The Wishing Spell, which is why this anniversary collection is perfect because the remaining six books in the series have already been published!

The Wishing Spell is a captivating read that is perfect for fairytale lovers young and old. This glorious 10th anniversary edition would make a wonderful gift for fans of the series or those looking to be swept away into a spellbinding fantasy series.