"This debut middle-grade fantasy sees a witch come into her powers while facing dangers and prejudice at a supernatural boarding school. In this series opener, White writes in the third person from Ava's point of view, presenting an easy mix of narrative descriptions, inner thoughts, and realistic, middle-grade dialogue. Ava is a likable character, good-hearted in spite of the hand she's been dealt. Her new friends are charismatic and her archenemy's over-the-top spiteful. ... middle-grade readers will dive into Ava's adventures and find themselves carried along, railing at injustices and eagerly awaiting the next installment. A fast, fun friendship tale full of magic and misfortune." - Kirkus Reviews
"Author Ashley White has crafted a superb fantasy work that will certainly entertain both middle grade and young adult readers with its unique premise, exciting worldbuilding, and charming cast of characters. I especially enjoyed Ava as a central protagonist because she provided a fresh pair of eyes to introduce us to the world of Xarcadia and its strictures whilst also being bright, relatable, and filled with the spirit to take on whatever challenges stood in her way. With this at its core, the strong descriptive and storytelling skills of the author always make you feel like you're in safe hands, and the many dark twists and turns of the plot always have a light at the end of the tunnel. Overall, I'd highly recommend The Impossible Girl for children who want a marvelous new fantasy world to dive into and truly feel immersed in. An unmissable read." - Reader's Favorite, 5 Stars
"The Impossible Girl will have readers enchanted! It has a feel to it similar to books by J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan. The story pulls readers in from the very beginning and keeps them engaged throughout the whole novel. This magical novel starts with a long prologue, readers will find this information imperative as they start reading chapter one. The story has a great flow to it, combining action and dialogue seamlessly. The author has a way with descriptive language. The details that went into her world building will have readers envisioning the city under the tree as clearly as if they were walking there themselves." - Literary Titan, 5 Stars
"The Impossible Girl is a magical adventure for middle grade readers. It embraces themes of friendship and finding your way in the world against all odds. For those who love the Scarlet and Ivy series and HP, The Impossible Girl by Ashley White is compelling and a must read. Thank goodness it's a series so we can have more adventures with Ava Marie Jones." - Kim Hart
"Ashley White has truly created an imaginative gem that will enthrall readers of every age. Just when I thought there couldn't be anything more whimsical in this story, she surprised me time and time again. For people who love Harry Potter, and stories bursting with magical elements, you won't want to miss THE IMPOSSIBLE GIRL. This book will leave you believing in the impossible!" - Stephanie Cotta, Fantasy Author of The Conjurer's Curse
"My daughter LOVED this book! She is 7 and although it took her longer, she was determined to make this the first book she read 100% by herself. Not only did my daughter enjoy it, but I found myself wishing she would read more out loud so I could keep the story going for myself! It has friendship and magic and is such a perfect middle grade book! If your kid (or even if you) loves magic and fantasy creatures and a beautifully crafted world that will keep them reading on. (I should also mention that the cover is absolutely stunning!) Fantastic debut from Ashley White!" - MJ Carstarphan
2022-04-03
This debut middle-grade fantasy sees a witch come into her powers while facing dangers and prejudice at a supernatural boarding school.
On the day she turns 13 years old, Ava Marie Jones runs away from her domineering adoptive mother and falls through an enchanted gateway into Xarcadia, an underground realm where the world’s magical creatures (“magites”) live safely isolated from humanity. Ava, it turns out, is a witch. She is also one of the Lost Ones—children who, because their parents disapprove of Xarcadia’s strict isolationist policy, are sent to spend their formative years beyond the gilded cage. Ava is thrilled and enchanted by her new home. But unlike the other Lost Ones, she does not find her birth mother and father waiting to greet her. Indeed, it seems likely that they are (or were) members of The Resistance movement that opposes the High Court and its ruling warlock. Ava is unique among Xarcadians in not having been surveillance tagged by The Registry—an omission that proves impossible to rectify. Ava is soon dubbed the Impossible Girl. She starts school alongside her new friends Tara (a witch) and Duncan (a vampire). But when Ava proves to have inherently strong magical abilities, she becomes a target of malicious rumormongering—especially when the murders start. Can Ava prove her innocence and find acceptance in Xarcadia? In this series opener, White writes in the third person from Ava’s point of view, presenting an easy mix of narrative descriptions, inner thoughts, and realistic, middle-grade dialogue. Ava is a likable character, good-hearted in spite of the hand she’s been dealt. Her new friends are charismatic and her archenemy’s over-the-top spiteful. The setup has distinct Harry Potter vibes, but such is the depth of the author’s imagination that the similarities don’t come across as derivative or stale. At times, the prose is a little too exuberant for its own good, with words tumbling over themselves at a speed to match Ava’s disorientation or excitement. While the story as a whole is gripping, the final showdown comes and goes with unseemly haste. Nonetheless, middle-grade readers will dive into Ava’s adventures and find themselves carried along, railing at injustices and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
A fast, fun friendship tale full of magic and misfortune.
