Midnight Magic [Turtleback]

Avi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002

Night after night, a ghost appears in the royal castle Pergamontio, terrifying the princess. Mangus the Magician doesn't believe in ghosts, but that doesn't stop him from being charged with finding this one. The King demands that Mangus free his daughter from the torment of the ghost...otherwise, the magician will pay with his life. Mangus's only hope is his faithful, street-smart servant boy, Fabrizio, who must solve the mystery of the ghost using logic and reason - and a bit of magic of his own.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A nervous king, an exasperatingly playful princess, a diabolical count, an oddly ubiquitous kitchen boy, a magician who doesn't believe in magic, and a servant who knows far too much for his own good. When this motley crew embarks on a medieval ghost hunt, destiny throws plenty of twists and turns their way.

Fabrizio, meddlesome but loyal servant of Mangus the ex-magician, feels horribly guilty. Though forbidden to do so, he secretly continues to practice sleights of hand and metaphysics. Casting his tarot cards one stormy night, Fabrizio fears he has unleashed terrible powers that will determine his master's fate. Sure enough, moments later, Mangus and Fabrizio are summoned to the court of the king, who expects Mangus to use his recently outlawed mystical ability to rid his daughter of a ghost that haunts her. The plot is soon thick as oatmeal, with threats of death or promises of reward behind every hidden corner.

This thrilling tale of intrigue and mystery could be written by none other than Avi. Versatile author of over three dozen books for young people in many genres, including the Newbery Honor historical novel The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Avi creates compelling adventure that very few can resist. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

"Taut and suspenseful, this vivid mystery set in an imaginary kingdom of Renaissance Italy is vintage Avi," said PW in a starred review. "With snappy dialogue, nonstop action and lavishly embroidered period backdrops, this will please the author's fans and may well win over some new ones." Ages 10-14.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Turtleback
• Publisher: Demco Media (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606221581
• ISBN-13: 978-0606221580
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,701,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Avi has published more than sixty books. Among them is Crispin: The Cross of Lead, winner of the 2003 Newbery Medal. Other novels with nineteenth-century settings, like The Traitors' Gate -- his grand nod to the work of Charles Dickens -- are listed before the title page, and include the Newbery Honor Book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Avi and his family live in Denver, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic indeed!, April 2, 2000

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Midnight Magic (Paperback)

Avi weaves an intricate web of political plots and magical suspicions. In a Renaissance country that resembles Spain or Portugal, a reported magician named Mangus and his servant boy Fabrizo are brought to the king. A ghost is haunting the young Princess Teresina, who is to be wed to villainous Count Scarazoni in a few days time. All the while, the possibility that the ghost is the murdered Prince Lorenzo hangs over them.

Fabrizo soon is submerged into a twisting tale of treachery and power, spirituality and trickery. Avi's characters are intriguing and real, especially weary Mangus, independent Fabrizo, and mischievous Teresina. Some of the characters are a bit flat, including the queen and Scarazoni, but it does not detract much from the story; Lorenzo's whereabouts are somewhat obvious after a while. However, Avi's imagery and dialogue are wonderful, and the magic woven into the words makes this an interesting and enjoyable read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Potter alternative!, July 8, 2000

By 

Stephen Richmond "Librarian/Teacher/Reader an... (Newton, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Midnight Magic (Paperback)

Harry Potter isn't the only magician with an engrossing and enchanting tale to tell. There's also Fabrizio, the young protagonist in prolific `tweenage author Avi's latest page-turner. Fabrizio is apprenticed to senior mage Mangus the Magician, who has decided to leave all the smoke and mirrors-type fakery behind in favor of the pursuit of Reason --- a most appropriate endeavor, set against a Renaissance Italy backdrop with its astounding triumph of Reason and Science over the dark mysteries and intrigues of the Middle Ages. This plot, as often with Avi's stories, twists and turns and doesn't fail to engage and delight. There's a ghost involved, which evokes the lingering question of whether there is actually anything supernatural or if it's merely something science has yet to explain. Avi is simply a master at entwining serious ethical and philosophical thought within an exciting and frolicsome bit of fiction. This may be his best work since The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. And while Potter fans won't find precise comparisons to that magician's saga, this is a great story with fun and memorable characters, just as in Harry's books.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Midnight Magic, November 30, 1999

By 

Stephanie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midnight Magic (Paperback)

This was one of the best books i have ever read. Avi is one of my favorite authors. I started reading this book in a book store and i couldn't put it down. My mom finally bought it and after that day I couldn't put it down. I found my self laughing and shivering and once I almost crying. I htink this is a great book for children my age. Avi has really out-done himself this time!