When absent-minded Professor Random misplaces the main character from Alice in Wonderland, young Henry Witherspoon must book-jump to fetch Alice before chaos theory kicks in and the world vanishes. Along the way he meets Winnie Flapjack, a wit-cracking doodle witch with nothing to her name but a magic feather and a plan. Such as it is. Henry and Winnie brave the Dark Queen, whatwolves, pirates, Struths, and fluttersmoths, Priscilla and Charybdis, obnoxiously cheerful vampires, Baron Samedi, a nine-dimensional cat, and one perpetually inebriated Muse to rescue Alice and save the world by tea time.
Random Magic
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Book Description
When absent-minded Professor Random misplaces the main character from Alice in Wonderland, young Henry Witherspoon must book-jump to fetch Alice before chaos theory kicks in and the world vanishes. Along the way he meets Winnie Flapjack, a wit-cracking doodle witch with nothing to her name but a magic feather and a plan. Such as it is. Henry and Winnie brave the Dark Queen, whatwolves, pirates, Struths, and fluttersmoths, Priscilla and Charybdis, obnoxiously cheerful vampires, Baron Samedi, a nine-dimensional cat, and one perpetually inebriated Muse to rescue Alice and save the world by tea time.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Advance reader pre-release reviews:
Zany, off-the-wall laugh riot - Inventive and fun - Vastly entertaining - Tomorrow's classic, today - Sly dialogue...exquisite punning - Fun dialogue banter, constantly turning words on their head to make sense of the non-sensical. And the imagination involved in the scenery and the wild characters strewn throughout Henry's journey are top notch, if perhaps drug induced - Amazing gift for dialogue, especially comedic dialogue - Extremely creative - It would take a master like Hayao Miyazaki to bring it to life properly - Wildly and wonderfully imaginative - Hilarious - Lots of fun!
Brilliant! Roald Dahl meets Hayao Miyazaki - Alice in Wonderland meets Monty Python! - In [the] line of Pratchett or Adams - A delightful chase to locate Alice - Great dialogue - LOVED it - It's Lewis Carroll and Roald Dahl and Monty Python and...it all works!
Quirky escape for children and parents - Extremely creative - Keeps building into funny, twisted nonsense! - An original spin on mythology, folklore, and fairy tales - The right director could have a field day with this - Phenomenal concept, outstanding dialogue - More engaging story than Harry Potter - Thoroughly enchanting ...and madly in love with this story. Source: TriggerStreet
Random Magic is cute and quirky. I love the 'no guts, no glory' attitude of young Winnie Flapjack.
Winnie is determined to see Henry through on his quest to find Alice -- no matter the obstacles. And those obstacles are many -- but funny.
Winnie and Henry's adventure is non-stop -- they move from one challenge to the next with their goal firmly in mind.
Each challenge is met and overcome by Winnie using a little magic, a little daring and common sense -- well, common for the world she lives in.
I really enjoyed this world Ms. Soren created and all of the characters that occupy this world. I think Random Magic would make a wonderful family movie.
I give Random Magic 4 out of 5 stars. :) Source: Michelle G., Michelle's Book Blog
Random Magic stays true to its title, it's truly random yet magical at the same time...The world that Sasha created was amazing and totally entertaining.
Her writing style is very descriptive and quirky. Usually this type of book isn't my cup of tea but it was very interesting. It was definitely a fun-filled adventure...
Overall, a cute read -- this book would be quite intriguing if it was turned into a movie directed by Tim Burton, maybe a sequel to the actual Alice in Wonderland he's coming out with? Rating: 4.0 out of 5. Source: Eleni, La Femme Readers
Charming, interesting, and well-written. The author definitely has the skill to write something you don't want to put down (I don't think I put this book down the entire time I was reading it -- I wanted to know what happened next!)
I will heartily recommend this book to anyone looking to read something new and entertaining; it's got friendship, love, strength, wit, adventure, magic, and a red feather. You can't go wrong with those things!
I think it's a young adult book, but adults will love it, too. I know I did, and I suppose I count as an adult. ;) I'll give this 4-1/ 2 out of 5 stars." Source: Meri, Elbit Blog --Beach Books, LLC
Random Magic is truly...random. The first chapter seems to be off the wall and hard to understand but only at first. One must continue reading to fully grasp the quirky, eccentric, and brilliant style that is Sasha Soren (It also helps to have a dictionary handy).
I found Random Magic to be brilliantly written. At times it reminded me of Harry Potter (with the word play) and at other times it felt like something I would be reading in some philosophy class with all its metaphors and such. There is definitely more to this story than meets the eye. Brilliant. ***** (Five-star review) Source: Allison, Well-Read Reviews
What an adventure! Random Magic is unlike anything I've ever read. Sasha's talent, [attention to] detail, humor and wit sucked me into this fantastic story of magic, friends and folklore.
I feel like I've never read anything quite like this. It has that classic feel, intertwined with many fairy tale classic characters. Who doesn't love Captain Jack or temperamental spider chairs?
If you're looking for a fast read, this isn't for you. Charming and funny, yet thought-provoking, you will want to savor each chapter. Sasha adds a lot of emotion and personal touches to her style of writing. I can't wait to read this to my girls...
Of course, I will edit where need be, according to age, but it's a great story to share with your kids and will be a great treasure for my shelf! ***** (Five-star review) Source: Tina, Tina's Book Reviews - Willowdust Reviews
What is that, you say? A book that can be described as Alice in Wonderland meets Harry Potter? YES, PLEASE!
Random Magic by Sasha Soren is a firecracker box crammed full of crayon-colourful, whizz-happy tricks...Random Magic is such a glorious idea. It's as if Ms. Soren was on an extreme sugar high during the 'lightbulb moment.'
It's full of whimsy and teacups -- you really have to suspend a helluva lot of disbelief to go with the flow of the story, but if you do, the magic carpet'll lift right off the ground and take you with it, whether you're ready or not. Source: Aimee, My Fluttering Heart
I don't know how better to describe it than whimsical and just plain FUN! I know I have seen that description out and about in the blogosphere when reading the other reviews about Random Magic, but I couldn't think of any other words to capture the heart of this book.
There is a bond and a friendship between the two main characters, Winnie and Henry, that just captured my heart and wouldn't let go. I couldn't help but read faster and keep the pages turning, I was so desperate to learn what happened to them. And let me tell you, there are some crazy adventures they struggle through.
One thing about Random Magic -- think back to when you were a kid, all those stories and fairy tales we used to read about, you remember those, right? Well, imagine a grand adventure where they are all true and you are Winnie Flapjack...
It truly takes you away, partly to the past and the comical adventures we read about as children (Alice in Wonderland), Sasha brings those characters to life and adds a few more interesting ones to boot, with an electrifying amount of humor -- plus the wit and sarcasm of Winnie who is brilliant, brave and powerful in her ambition and downright fearless in her conviction. She is a heroine that I want to be.
All in all, just plain fascinating characters that capture your heart, the entire time reading this I kept thinking this would make one wicked movie. Source: Brande, Book Junkie
--SashaSoren.com
Random Magic by Sasha Soren may be the quirkiest novel I have ever read -- in a good way! It is definitely random, and I couldn't help thinking while I read this that it definitely fit the title of the blog and it did "Take Me Away"!... [The] whimsical humor found throughout this novel [caused] me to smirk at times or giggle out loud. And at times it made me stop and think to myself -- "what??"...I appreciated this new type of story but it made me stop and think, and it was something I had to get used to.
In the beginning of his pursuit of Alice, Henry runs across Winnie Flapjack. He and Winnie proceed to experience adventures together and build a bond. Winnie is a funny character, but she is also a strong and independent female (a great role model!).
The author, Sasha Soren, certainly has an interesting and vivid imagination. She possesses wonderful story-telling skills full of plot movement and conversation.
I did find myself wanting to read further after each chapter, but I do recommend reading and savoring one chapter at a time to truly digest and understand everything read.
As I mentioned, it's quirky and random and may take some getting used to. But if you do, you'll find a fun and interesting adventure story. Source: Jenny, Take Me Away
I am something of a connoisseur of eccentricity...For such a connoisseur of eccentricity, this book is just about perfect.
There is a sweet spot, I think, positioned about halfway between the sublime and the ridiculous, between madcap surreality (and, well, the eponymous randomness) and underlying pattern, off of which it is really very easy to fall when attempting to write a book like this.
Fortunately for us, Sasha Soren nails it exactly...
As ripping as the plot surely is, it is the execution of it where this book really shines. The author's dry, witty, and quirkily clever writing style is a perfect match for the plot and the setting, and the main characters (the initially out-of-his-depth Henry, who develops marvelously as a character throughout the book -- and the clever, never-say-die Winnie) keep you moving on through the book.
Indeed, I lost more than a few hours of sleep due to having to read Just! One! More! Chapter! (Kept my lovely wife awake occasionally due to uncontrollable laughter, too -- this may be worth bearing in mind if you usually read books in bed.)
(As a side note, I should also like to mention just how refreshing I find it to read a book in which the author feels free to drop allusions -- or, really, avalanche allusions! -- to all kinds of things, from classical mythology to more recent folklore, without feeling the need to hammer them home, explain them, or otherwise treat the reader as if the entirety of human culture before, say, 1980 could reasonably be expected to be a closed book. Give me a book that assumes I have a clue, any day!)
To sum up: I have no hesitation in recommending this book superlatively. It's a charming and absolute delight to read. ***** (Five-star review) Source: Alistair, Cerebrate's Contemplations
--Beach Books, LLC
About the Author
Sasha Soren is a freelance writer/producer, screenwriter, copywriter, author and lyricist.
If you can't find her at her keyboard, she's either in the dojo or backpacking in some remote place with an unpronounceable name.
She s the lead lyricist for French synargot group Hex, and manages arts and culture blog Arte Six.
She has been known to shoot the occasional odd film as well. Or paint the odd painting. Or write the odd song. Some of them are very odd, indeed. She believes in random magic.
Favorite phrase: Ars longa, vita brevis. Or the other way around, if it's just been one of those days...
More: SashaSoren.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf: (Review) Random Magic by Sasha Soren,
By Lucy (Moonlight Gleam) (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Random Magic (Paperback)
After misplacing Alice from the pages of Alice in Wonderland, Henry is sent off by Professor Random into the pages of another book to find her. Henry lands in the story, forgetting his compass, and now having no way to get back. Upon arrival, he meets Winnie Flapjack, a doodle-witch who agrees to help him on his quest to find Alice.Together the pair search high and low, encounter strange creatures in forests, seek help by vampires, face a group of pirates, and challenge a furious red queen, to find Alice. Will they be able to find her before the sand in the hourglass runs out and save the world by tea time? Winnie is definitely my favorite character of the many presented in Random Magic. She is brave, determined, witty, and always one step ahead of everything, no matter how confusing her reasoning may be. I wish I could spend a day in Winnie's thoughts and see the world as she does. Henry came in close second for me; he was an interesting character and I truly enjoyed watching him grow as a character, evolving from a scarred and shy little boy into a courageous young man. My favorite elements of the story are the vividly described settings and the brilliant way Sasha Soren integrates characters from other stories and myths into Random Magic. I appreciate the whole concept of incorporating Alice from Alice in Wonderland without it actually having the same storyline or a remake of the story. I enjoyed seeing Alice being presented in a different light instead of the fairy-tale we are all used to. Random Magic follows Henry and Winnie's adventure in finding Alice, where Alice is more of a secondary character who finds herself in a different book than where she belongs. Sasha Soren is a wonderful story teller that has a unique writing style. She created a magical world, enchanting, imaginative and filled with fun and adventure. Her readers will feel as though they are taken along for the ride, side by side with Henry and Winnie throughout their journey. Sasha Soren's novel is wonderfully random and captivating, which stays true to the title of Random Magic. After reading this novel, I can undoubtedly say that I believe in Random Magic. I would definitely recommend Random Magic to anyone who enjoys Young Adult fiction, with lots of fun, magic, and adventure. 5/5 - Must Read!!! Loved it!!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cute Adventurous Read!,
This review is from: Random Magic (Paperback)
Random Magic, stays true to it's title, it's truly random yet magical at the same time. It's based on the character Alice, which we all know from Alice in Wonderland, but she goes missing. Henry Witherspoon starts to frantically look for her. He then meets Winnie which would go to the end of the world to find her. The beginning of the book started out a little slow but eventually picked up when Winnie and Henry start a search party for Alice. They went through a crazy journey trying to find her. The world that Sasha created was amazing and totally entertaining. Her writing style is very descriptive and quirky. Usually this type of book isn't my cup of tea but it was very interesting. I enjoyed seeing Alice in a different light instead of the story that we are all used to. It was definitely a fun filled adventure, but at times was very hard to comprehend, I had difficulty with the language. Their were a lot of British type terms...too bad my blog buddies from the UK aren't here to help me out :) However, overall, a cute read, this book would be quite intriguing if it was turned into a movie directed by Tim Burton...maybe a sequel to the actual Alice in Wonderland he's coming out with? Hmmm....just some food for thought! Oh and the cover is very artistic and just like I told Sasha, she definitely resembles Nicole Kidman, don't ya think?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Zany and delightful,
By Lieder Madchen "Natalie" (Oregon) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Random Magic (Paperback)
I love the way Sasha Soren plays with words the way some people play with string, weaving and tangling them together into fabrics of impossible colors and knots too complicated to untie. I read each chapter slowly, savoring each and every sentence.Winnie and Henry are fun and interesting characters. Winnie is snarky, spunky and smart, whereas Henry is dreamy, curious and confused. Their friendship forms the most important aspect of the story, and it is lovely. The plot of Random Magic is crazy, strange and rarely makes sense. It is also ridiculous, wild and wonderful. This book takes you on a ride through history, myth and make-believe that will spin you in circles until you are dizzy and delighted. I loved the many references to famous literary and historical figures as well as mythical characters and creatures. I think I caught most of them, but it will take more than one read-through to make sure. :) I would recommend this book to lovers of fun, pure silliness and the English language. Happy Reading!
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