Review Detail

THE TRIUMPHANT TALE OF PIPPA NORTH combines magic and humor in a middle grade fantasy full of charm. Pippa is a commoner, and lives in the storybook kingdom of Wanderly, where she enjoys spending time with her family and going to school one day a week, as allowed. Then a man pops into their house unexpectedly, and it turns out that he sweeps Pippa away to participate in the examinations to become a Triumphant (essentially a hero). Pippa is shocked when she is selected- an honor her sister would love to have- but Pippa has some mixed feelings, mainly that she would have to live at the Triumphant academy away from her family.

Oliver is a magician-in-training at a school he has been at since he was a baby. However, a magician's hat must find them, and he is past the age where he should have found his hat. Therefore, it seems like he will never be a magician, and the school is ready to give up on him by expelling him. Oliver wants nothing more to find his hat and stay in the place he has always known as home.

When the two are connected, they will go on an adventure to save Wanderly that is sure to change their lives forever.

What I loved: The book is told from the perspective of a book, with plenty of humor and charm. Wanderly is filled with magic and nonsense rules that are sure to provoke some giggles. The book also speaks directly to the reader in places, which adds a little extra fun and encourages readers to find the hero within. The plot is paced well and moves fast enough to keep attention. There's great world-building for Wanderly, and this odd but interesting world comes to life through the story.

Final verdict: Full of charm and great for a middle grade audience, THE TRIUMPHANT TALE OF PIPPA NORTH encourages readers to reach for the stars and be their own heroes. Highly recommend for fans of ELLA ENCHANTED/OGRE ENCHANTED.