Even and Odd

April 19, 2021
Twelve-year-old Emma Berry, known as Even, and her 11-year-old sister Olivia, called Odd, share a knack for wielding magic, but the power alternates between them daily, frustrating both Even, who dreams of becoming a fully accredited hero of magical realm Firoth (whence the family originates), and Odd, who prefers all things mundane. When the portal between Stony Haven, Conn., and Firoth malfunctions, leaving Even stuck in the form of a skunk, the sisters investigate. Stranded on the magical side with a young unicorn, they discover that border magic has gone haywire, causing upheaval. Now they must find a way to fix the magic and reopen the portals. Juxtaposing the sisters’ real world with a whimsical one populated by unicorns, dragons, mermaids, and more, Durst (Catalyst) inserts a subtle message about the separation of families through closed borders. Even’s drive to excel in the magical field is countered by Odd’s practicality, balancing their varying personalities and separate goals. A straightforwardly told, feel-good portal fantasy. Ages 8–12. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger.

May 1, 2021

Gr 3-5-Sisters Emma and Olivia may live in the most ordinary town in Connecticut, Stony Haven, but the town sits on the border between the mundane and magical worlds. Although they are the children of magical parents, the sisters must share their magical ability; each girl is able to work magic on alternating days, hence their nicknames Even and Odd. Twelve-year-old Even fully embraces her magical heritage, but Odd, one year younger, is a more reluctant spellcaster. One day Even is practicing transformation, turning herself into a skunk, when she becomes stuck, unable to revert. The sisters discover magic is malfunctioning, causing the gateway between Stony Haven and Firoth, the magic world, to fade in and out. Investigating the phenomenon, Odd, Even, and their new friend Jeremy the Unicorn become trapped in Firoth, a community now in chaos due to diminishing magic. When the trio uncover the individual responsible for siphoning off the magic, they work together to rescue Firoth and find their way home. This novel highlights the tension between the sisters over the use of magic and the eventual resolution of conflict. During their time in Firoth, Even and Odd learn of their parents' past, and Even faces a decision that could change her life. In a world populated by unicorns, elves, fairies, and goblins, the sisters' ethnicity is not defined beyond human. VERDICT A cozy mystery for unicorn and magic lovers. Firoth and its denizens will delight fantasy fans, and the light suspense peppered with humor is sure to keep young readers engrossed until the happy ending. Purchase where easy fantasy is in demand.-Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor Sch. Dist., Lancaster, PA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2021
Two sisters gain new appreciation for magical abilities and ordinary wits--but only after they utilize both in an unexpected heroic quest. Living in a mundane Connecticut town near the gateway to magical Firoth, Emma and Olivia, aka Even and Odd, are unusual among magical beings. They share their magic, each possessing it on alternate days (thus, their nicknames). Even eagerly practices her magic, hoping to heroically protect the magic world from danger. Odd is less disciplined, preferring everyday pleasures like volunteering at the animal shelter. After some uncomfortable, even odiferous, magical mishaps, they learn that the gateway is malfunctioning. When they investigate along with Jeremy, a flighty, talkative unicorn, they get stuck in Firoth, where they find entire hills and lakes have shifted, endangering many animal species--the collateral damage of Lady Vell, a villain who is extracting magic to fuel her inventions. As they journey through the land--on a yellow brick road, no less--they meet many colorful characters. But to right things, the threesome must depend on their own strengths, learning much about themselves and the workings of Firoth in the process. They each embrace skills they previously undervalued: for Even, ordinary smarts; for Odd, magical practice. The pace is brisk; the rapport between the default White sisters is charming; and central themes, while familiar, are handled with great originality. Humor abounds as Jeremy provides comic relief. Whimsical fun. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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July 1, 2021
Grades 4-6 Sisters Even and Odd Berry are half magical, which is to say that they can each only use their magic on every other day, with the power alternating between them. Even hopes to master her magic and someday become a hero, but Odd finds magic to be disruptive. Their parents run a shop on the border between the magical Firoth and their own "mundane" world (specifically, in Connecticut). When the magic in Firoth starts to act up and the border gates stop working, the sisters find themselves stuck in Firoth, and along with their new unicorn friend, Jeremy, they are forced to travel through the magical world to discover the problem. Using the unrest at the border, Durst (Catalyst, 2020) deftly weaves in a narrative of the separation of families with themes of standing up to unchecked power and finding the hero within. With an array of creatures and a vivid magical setting, this adventure novel is a nice addition to collections where feel-good fantasy is in demand.

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