Kalvan is not your typical thirteen-year-old. His school is unconventional, his mother is struggling with mental inllness, and he doesn’t get along with his stepmother. While messing around, Kalvan Monroe accidentally discovers fire magic. He also summons a sarcastic hare made of fire named Sparx. Through Sparx’s training, he starts to learn how to control his power. He also learns of the dark center at the Corona Borealis. This crown holds the power of the world. In order to keep the balance, it is handed off each season. Enter the Winter King. Tired of only have a season of power, the Winter King longs to control the world permanently. Will Kalvan be able to stop him in time? Will Kalvan learn to control his powers? Kalvan’s struggles in everday life are relatable to. The humorous plot is slight predictable in places, but the mix of realism and magic blends well together without feeling forced. Fans of fantasy, magic, and adventure novels will enjoy reading this book.

What a fun middle grade read! This is like a middle grade book crossed with urban fantasy--featuring Kalvan, a creative kid with a mentally ill mom. When he first encounters a talking fire hare, he thinks it's his turn to go crazy, but his adventure is only just beginning. The book delves into an aspect of mythology I didn't know about since I'm not from Minnesota: the winter festival, the Winter King, and vulcans (and not the Live Long and Prosper kind).

Also, I loved how sensitively the book portrays mental illness--and that despite the magic in the book, there are no easy cures and answers.

The world building in the book is fresh, engaging, and kept me turning the page. The book is sure to entertain as other read. There were moments that had me laughing inwardly. I also really liked how the magic was centered on the natural world and through the seasons. It creates a unique world.

Fast paced fantasy that intrigues from page one and had me wondering what was real and what wasn't. Plus, the setting, the school Kalvan attends, in other worlds the world the author creates, is wonderful.

One pause I had was in relation to Kalvan's constant reference to his mother being crazy. I could feel the very real worry of Kalvan that he might be going mad, or as he quite often thought going crazy like his mother. Although entirely understandable for him to feel this way and it would not make sense for his character to worry less or use the word crazy over and over, I did find myself wondering about students I know who do have parents and siblings with mental disorders. We have also had special guests who have talked about living with Schizophrenia. Perhaps overthinking on my part and just something to be aware of.

Having said that, It is not a book I would not share. Everyone needs to meet Sparx. Everyone! And of course they will need to read to see if Kalvan can indeed save himself and his mom.

A unique fantasy magical realism story. The banter between Kalvan and Sparx made me laugh out loud several times, and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kalvan’s mom, Kalvan, and Sparx unfold. It is moderately paced and entices the reader to keep reading. However, I felt the story ended abruptly with a subtle cliffhanger that left me slightly confused and with a few questions. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fantasy readers.

Magic, Madness, and Mischief is a thrilling romp filled with magic and wonder. With magic based on the four elements and the seasons, this will delight fantasy readers.

This book failed to appeal to me. I seem to have not been the correct reader for it, perhaps others will fare better.