Broken Wish by Julie C. Dao

Abstract

Reviewed by: Broken Wish by Julie C. Dao Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor Dao, Julie C. Broken Wish. Disney Hyperion, 2020 [320p] (The Mirror) Trade ed. ISBN 9781368046381 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781368065146 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 6-9 In the small town of Hanau, Germany, in 1865, Elva’s parents have forced her to hide her ability to see the future, fearing the loss of their stature and wealth if her power is known. At sixteen, Elva has a terrible vision of the destruction of their land and seeks out the witch of the North Woods—who has been shunned and even hunted by the villagers—to help her prevent what she foresees. The woman says she can only offer Elva an education in how to control her powers, but Elva believes they can stop the disaster and even win the approbation of the townspeople. [End Page 126] The Grimm brothers are directly mentioned by name and their influence is apparent, with nods to “Hansel and Gretel” and “Sleeping Beauty,” among others. The narrative has a soft, storytelling tone with a third-person narration that compels the plot forward as events become increasingly urgent. The book’s commentary on persecution following gendered lines grows organically as Elva comes to realize that her neighbors and friends aren’t necessarily fearful of magic, just the women who wield it and the power it gives them. Hints pointing toward other timelines and events featuring Elva’s descendants are sprinkled throughout; readers will anticipate the next installment of this promised four-part series, each by a different YA author. Copyright © 2020 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois