I love that this one has a disabled heroine who not only learns to finally fully embrace her neurodivergence as what makes her unique, but that it unlocks her hidden power. How cool is that? I fully relate to her hatred of those damned pencil grips. I had those too to make my handwriting "better" and learn to grip the pencil correctly. All they did was make my hand cramp and hurt more, and I honestly don't think they helped improve my writing all that much. It just naturally improved as I aged, especially in the last ten years or so.

However, she was a bit abrasive at times, and a bit of brat at others. She almost relished in pissing off the adults around her. I'm not sure I liked the mentality that she was determined make them give up on her. Granted, instead of trying to help and actually support her needs, most of them were trying to change her. But even Mr. Ishmael, who genuinely liked and tried to encourage her and recognized her academic talents, she tried to push away. But in the end, she does learn to look at it in a new light and instead becomes determined to make them see the good and that she'll succeed in her own way rather than only see the bad. I'm also unfamiliar with support systems in schools across the pond, but here I'd think that she could have an IEP that would allow her to type everything like she wants. Hell, the kids in my small town all have Chrome books from the school and I don't think any of them write much (and their handwriting reflects this without being dyspraxic).

While I saw the twist that the hard lined "education consultant" was a siren coming, I didn't see the twist about Ren until not long before Ramya realized it, and then it all fell into place. I love it when I don't fully work it all out for myself!

I did figure out that Opal was likely the mysterious "Heartbroken Witch" the kelpies talked about since there was clearly something she was hiding, but I did not see coming that Ramya's mom also had power! But it makes sense, Ramya and her mom and aunts each represent one of the elements. While Ramya and Opal have natural talent because of their neurodivergence, the other two have more limited abilities. I loved the analogy of learning to sing. That some are born being able to hit the high C, or in this case use powerful magic, others have talent, but no matter how hard they practice and try can't hit that high note, like Ramya and Marley's moms. I'm curious what the grandmother's power is now and hope we learn more about her in the next book.

However, a lot of conflict could have been avoided if the adults just talked to their children and each other! I know there wouldn't be much of a story if they did give more information to Ramya and Marley rather than trying to protect them by not telling them everything. But not telling them the full truth only served for them to run into danger more. Ramya's mom not talking to her daughter or family also made her seem unloving and uncaring, but her 180 in the end and final explanation of why do show that she loves them, but I thought it could have been worked in better.

While the end of this one isn't a cliffhanger, they plot isn't completely tied up. It looks like there's a sequel, and I'm really excited to see where this magical world goes. I have a guess that the young male siren that helps Ramya might be the big bad's son based on that "your mother won't be happy with you line" directed at him, and I can't wait to see if I'm right and what he ultimately decides to do.

Despite my minor issues, I still give this one four lightsabers as Ramya did grow and learn from her initial behavior. Plus, I love the disabled magical girl saves the day plot. More like this please.

What a wonderful whimsical book with a heroine I loved. The premise of choosing to be the "chosen one" is something I really loved.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers. I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade Fantasy, Neurodiverse Fantasy
Language: There are a couple incidents of using God's name that might make gatekeepers frown.
Representation: Multiple creatures of fairyland *wink* There are different races and neurodiversity

I adored this book!

Ramya never feels like she fits in because of dyspraxia—motor skills aren't her strong suit because of the way her brain works (things like manipulating a pencil and stairs). But there's more to it than that. Her parents seem disconnected, and the one person who understood her (grandfather) has been banned from their lives after an incident with a mysterious person, who seemed to compile others to do her will.

This is fast-paced and will keep kids guessing what is going to happen next. It's delightful to meet a shy vampire and evil fae. And the kelpies are among my favorites!

sees the otherworld because her brain works differently. It's super-power adjacent—and I"m glad it's not the actual superpower. I thought this worked so well because so many of us work around how we see the world that doesn't make accommodations for us but expects us to conform to their ways. Rather ridiculous as --points out, since if neurodiverse brains were the norm, it would be the non-diverse people who would be forced into adapting.

In addition to a frolicking fantasy, this book has a soft sell on acceptance of others.

I highly recommend this book!

Happy reading!

3.75, rounded to 4 where applicable. I enjoyed this book and the world that was created. I loved the take on the mythical, mystical creatures and the magical world in which Ramya is now finding herself.

However, I didn't really connect with Ramya as much as I felt I should, though I can't seem to properly express why or how. I only mention it because it was the main reason for my dock in rating.

I still highly recommend it for readers of all ages. The messages within are ones that we all should learn from.

While I adored Elle McNicoll's first two books, this one did not connect for me. Set in an Edinburgh filled with magical creatures, the world building is brief and sketchy - the mythical creatures are only described in little snippets, the magic system seems to come and go as the plot needs, and there is little explanation as to how the magic is working and who has it. The villains are said to spread discontent, and the narrative asserts they're the reason the world is arguing more, a shadowy reference to, presumably, the ever widening spread between progressive and conservative political movements. What, exactly the villains are doing to spread this discontent, and why, is not developed, and the connection between the magical creatures and the real-world political disputes is left unestablished. While I loved the disability representation in Ramya's dyspraxia and her experiences being pushed into the special education system, the fantasy elements rushed by quickly and felt overall underdeveloped, as did the supporting characters.

Wow! Ramya Knox is so strong. That isn't really the right word although she is strong she shouldn't have had to fight and be invisible as she feels especially with her parents. I like how she stands up for herself and also learns to be seen.

I love seeing main characters with disabilities, especially in fantasies. Will be recommending this book. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

An overall pleasing middle grade fantasy set in Edinburgh, ripe for series expansion. At times the emphasis on dyspraxia, a condition the author apparently shares with the main character, detracted from the story or at least drew the reader out of the fantasy world McNicoll had clearly spent so much time building. Hopefully in future novels this important issue is handled with more finesse.

Oh this one was pure love... My young one being of the neurodivergent tween variety herself had tears in her eyes as she was explaining how it felt to "be seen" and see herself represented in a book. Move over Disney princesses, we wanna be Ramya now.

Adding in the inclusion of some of our favorite folklore creatures drives this to a whole new level of love. You get a hefty dose of family secret, connecting with your roots, magic and the wilds that house it, all tied up in character growth and a true coming of age retelling that tackles issues that feel extra relevant to children and adults today.

Netgalley book for review! 3.5ish bumped up for middlegrade.

This was a fun adventure and I loved the premise. The mc was a bit preachy for my liking, but maybe that’s just me? Also a tad repetitive. Anyway this was a solid book and I’m glad I had a chance to read it! Younger me would have adored this, so I’m happy to recommend to any reader in this age group.

Fair warning for practically neglected kid. Mostly it’s so she can go on adventures w her cousin (and the family aspects are another reason I enjoyed this book, especially towards the end), but the parents are mainly off doing their own thing for most of this.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I NEED NEED NEED TO GET MY HANDS ON A PHYSICAL COPY AND ANNOTATE IT ALSO THERE IS A SEQUEL!?!?!?

I have this impression whenever I saaw Elle McNicoll written on the cover: This will be a good MG story. Because people keep talking about how outstanding her story-telling ability is. I triggered, then this ebook is here.

Sadly, I don't think I'm the right audience of this book. I have no connection at all with the characters. I can't understand the world they lived in nor the action they each took. I couldn't sympathize with Ramya and her problems which I found odd, because I am an emotional person. Write a character with sad-cruel-backstory and I'd cry a river for them.

The story follows Ramya, a 12 year-old girl with dyspraxia. Once her grandpa passed away, Ramya inherited his book--the blank book with no words written on, none could read, except Ramya. Because Ramya was gifted.

Thorough the story, we can found the secret beneath Ramya's family. The tales and very existence about faeries, vampires, sirens, and another being called Hidden Folks. Ramya was expected to write every single thing she knew about this folk in the book, as her grandpa's will.. And she did. The event turned into unexpected quest and Ramya got her cousin as a sidekick.

Yes it was a good story-telling, a good middle-grade fantasy. Perfect for young readers.

... but just not for me. It was supposed to be a heartwarming story, but I couldn't find the feelings. Aside from Ramya, the characters were all creepy and rude. Edinburgh was so vaguely described. It would be perfect if there were more explanation to help me understand the city Ramya lived in, the people in it, the culture and everything related to Scottland.

Regardless, this idea was excellent. 2,7 stars rounded up to 3.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children for the free copy.

I really enjoyed this book. Like a Charm is about a girl named Ramya who is dyspraxic and can see magical beings. Her grandfather who had passed away left her a book in his will-containing a note that said, "Beware the Sirens". Mystified, Ramya teams up with her cousin Marley and meets new magical beings and has a grand adventure! Great book, well written, great ending. 5 Stars!

I am a big fan of McNicoll’s writing and her creativity. She weaves interesting plots and includes great neurodivergent representation. This book follows Ramya who soon learns her grandfather may have been hiding a whole world from her. She set off to explore and document it when it becomes revealed.

As much as I wanted to love this, I couldn’t connect to the Ramya or her cousin Marley. For me, that makes it hard to be fully engaged. But I will definitely read more of the authors work and would still recommend this book to middle grade quest fantasy lovers. The world building is imaginative and Ramya’s mission is similar to Hiccup’s in How to Train Your Dragon.

I have to qualify this by saying I don't generally pick fantasy books. I don't have a good enough imagination to go into different worlds. But this story may have changed my mind and made me wonder what I've been missing.
I loved just about everything in this book. The fact that the heroine was neuro-divergent, that she had powers others didn't and she was willing to fight for others who couldn't or wouldn't fight for themselves.
I loved her relationships with her extended family and appreciated the author showing disfunctions in families. It gave the story the realism to make it believable even when it was unbelievable.
I hope you like this story as much as I did. Luckily, the author made it possible for a sequel which I am anxiously anticipating.
Enjoy!

This story ticks a lot of my boxes: creatures, witches, magic, and neurodiversity! Before this came up on NetGalley I had not heard of it, but I am so glad I did. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for myself at some point.

McNicoll weaves a story of complex family dynamics, self acceptance, and the value of community and kindness. She handles the death of a family member with sensitivity and tact. The main character has dyspraxia and considers it a gift, not a punishment. Later there is also an autistic character. I love how the characters are represented and I think it is refreshing to see neurodiversity displayed in a positive light.

Though by no means did the story feel incomplete, I did feel as though there was groundwork being laid for a sequel, which I hope is correct because I would love one. This chapter of Ramya's life is complete, but I am left with a lot of questions about her future and I would love to see another book.

Thank you to NetGalley, ‎Random House Children's, and Elle McNicoll for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ramya is neurodivergent. She has dyspraxia, which means she has trouble writing by hand, and is a little clumsy in general. If she concentrates, she can manage, but she is also forced to go to “special needs” classes, where they try to get her to learn to write by hand.

But, because she is this way, she finds she has the ability to see things that no one else sees, and she can resist sirens, who charm everyone else into doing their bidding.

Her grandfather recognizes this in her, and wants to teach her to handle her abilities, but her mother wants nothing to do with that. She wants her fit in. She wants her to be “normal”.

I love how the author is also neurodivergent, and knows that being put in a box is not the best solution. That people whose brains work differently just need to adapt in ways that work for them. As someone with dyslexia, I know I had to come up with ways to read that made sense to me.

I do love the descriptions of Edinburgh, Scotland, and what she sees there, including statues that walk and talk to her, that others can not see, including her cousin.

This is one of those books that likes to rip your heart out, as Ramya feels as though she is all alone in the world, and acts that way as well. I also love how she is trying to tell the world that their idea of the fae folk, and other creatures is all wrong, such as the librarian vampire.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book comes out from Random House the 10th of October, 2023. .

This is a great coming of age story for middle grade students. The mix of magic and every day life makes this a fun read! Neurodivergent readers will appreciate a heroine with relatable challenges.

A magical story with a touch of whimsy, and important neurodivergent rep. Ramya is a lovely girl and I enjoyed seeing her experience through her eyes. I absolutely adored our cast of characters and how well written they were, they felt like my friends. This was just a sweet and lovable book.

"There's a price to being unlike other people. People can sense it. I grew up with faces frowning down at me in confusion and frustration. I became a measuring stick for people's characters. For their patience, their compassion, their empathy."

We need more protagonists like Ramya to stick in the minds (neurotypical and neurodivergent alike) of young readers. The narrative progresses at an even, engaging pace and the story - while fantastical - does not feel hard to believe. So much well-meaning literature about disability is didactic, but this is not. It is entertaining, emotional, and - best of all - encouraging.