The Charmed List by Julie Abe
Published: July 5, 2022
Wednesday Books
Pages: 297
Genre: YA Romantic Comedy
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Julie Abe is the author of the EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH middle-grade fantasy series. She has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea.
But before senior year, Ellie is ready to take some risks and have a life-changing summer, starting with her Anti-Wallflower List – thirteen items she’s going to check off one by one. With this list, she hopes to finally come out of her shell; even though she can’t share her full self with the world. But when number four on Ellie’s list goes horribly wrong―revenge on Jack Yasuda―she’s certain her summer is cursed. Instead of spending her summer with Lia, Ellie finds herself stuck in a car with Jack driving to a magical convention. But as Ellie and Jack travel down the coast of California, number thirteen on her list―fall in love―may be happening without her realizing it.
“Still, annoyances aside, I love this cozy plaza, where sorcery meets reality. It’s home.”
Ellie has just finished her junior year and is excited about her summer break. The last thing she expected was for her best friend to discover her biggest secret or being stuck with her neighbor and old best friend. Now, the summer is going to be anything but magical.
This was such a cute story. I loved the infusion of magic and culture. Ellie was a charming character. I loved her storyline.
I liked how charms were incorporated throughout and how magic was presented. It was fantasy, without being too much.
This adorable coming-of-age story is about forgiveness, acceptance, and moving forward. I enjoyed this book a lot.