Back

    Wishtress

    by Nadine Brandes

    Read if you're interested in faith, spiritual growth, or books for young adult.

    Buy on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    8.5
    VerdictRecommended
    Loading your rating…
    Book Summary

    This YA fantasy novel follows Myra as she seeks to reverse a curse that stole her ability to speak, navigating a world where magic and ancient wishes intertwine. Along the way, she discovers the true nature of her heart's desires and the power of love and self-sacrifice.

    What it does well
    • Strong allegorical elements that resonate with Christian themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the dangers of unchecked desire.
    • Myra's journey reflects a spiritual growth narrative, moving from self-centered desires to understanding true love and service.
    • Explores the consequences of sin (represented by wishes) and the path to restoration.
    Watch for
    • The magic system, while allegorical, might be a point of caution for some Christian readers who are more sensitive to fantasy magic.
    • Some dark themes and depictions of consequences of wishes could be intense for very young readers, though it's standard for YA fantasy.
    • The portrayal of a 'god-like' benevolent figure (The Maker) is present, but some readers might prefer more explicit Christian terminology if they seek overt faith fiction.
    Verdict

    Recommended for Christian readers, especially young adults and those who enjoy allegorical fantasy. It provides a rich narrative for exploring themes of faith, redemption, and the nature of desire through a fantastical lens. Parents should be aware of the fantasy magic elements and general YA themes.

    ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
    Recommended for Christian readers, especially young adults and those who enjoy allegorical fantasy. It provides a rich narrative for exploring themes of faith, redemption, and the nature of desire through a fantastical lens. Parents should be aware of the fantasy magic elements and general YA themes.
    Biblical alignment
    • Strong allegorical elements that resonate with Christian themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the dangers of unchecked desire.
    • Myra's journey reflects a spiritual growth narrative, moving from self-centered desires to understanding true love and service.
    • Explores the consequences of sin (represented by wishes) and the path to restoration.
    • Highlights the power of spoken words, both for good and ill, aligning with biblical principles about the tongue.
    • Features a redemptive arc for various characters, emphasizing forgiveness and second chances.
    • The world-building, while fantastical, offers a framework for discussing spiritual truths without being overtly preachy.
    Areas of concern
    • The magic system, while allegorical, might be a point of caution for some Christian readers who are more sensitive to fantasy magic.
    • Some dark themes and depictions of consequences of wishes could be intense for very young readers, though it's standard for YA fantasy.
    • The portrayal of a 'god-like' benevolent figure (The Maker) is present, but some readers might prefer more explicit Christian terminology if they seek overt faith fiction.
    Written for
    Discussion

    Reader comments

    Sign in to leave a comment.

    Loading…