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 tim --Beach Books, LLC
Sasha Soren is a wonderful storyteller, she 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!!! - Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf. Read five-star review on Amazon or at Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf. --- Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf
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! - Songs and Stories. Read five-star review on Amazon or at Songs and Stories. --- Songs and Stories
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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format: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?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.... Read more ›
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.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format: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!
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!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Misha
Format:Paperback
If I say that I have never read anything like this before, I won't be wrong. Random Magic is one of the most original novel I have read recently.
I loved the characterization. I felt as if I knew Winnie and Henry - I really grew attached to them. There were times when I felt annoyed and exasperated at Henry for his cowardice, yet I warmed up to him eventually. This was mainly because he is not like the usual male protagonists. (Or maybe I like men being weak....hmm..) We usually have females behaving like damsels-in-distress but here it was the other way around :) Towards the end, Henry grows a lot as a character. He evolves from a terrified boy to a brave young man .I think this has already been said by other reviewers as well, but Winnie has to be the best character in the book. She is brave, determined, funny and totally "kick-ass" , if I may say so. She always has the perfect solution,always knows what to do. Her solutions don't make sense all the time, but that's what makes it so funny.
The prologue , though not so much related to the plot still adds to the enjoyment of the book. I adored the description of the haunted mansion. I believe that the vivid and colorful descriptions of the settings and the characters are one of the best aspects of the book. It brings every character , every setting alive .We get to meet so many different characters from different stories and myths - not just Alice but so many others. The incredible thing is it never got too overwhelming for me. Usually I am uncomfortable with too many characters.
I can totally see this book as a Tim Burton. In fact the book played like a movie in front of my eyes. I haven't enjoyed such an adventurous novel for a long time. I was blown away by the author's imagination. What a world she has created!... Read more ›
I loved the characterization. I felt as if I knew Winnie and Henry - I really grew attached to them. There were times when I felt annoyed and exasperated at Henry for his cowardice, yet I warmed up to him eventually. This was mainly because he is not like the usual male protagonists. (Or maybe I like men being weak....hmm..) We usually have females behaving like damsels-in-distress but here it was the other way around :) Towards the end, Henry grows a lot as a character. He evolves from a terrified boy to a brave young man .I think this has already been said by other reviewers as well, but Winnie has to be the best character in the book. She is brave, determined, funny and totally "kick-ass" , if I may say so. She always has the perfect solution,always knows what to do. Her solutions don't make sense all the time, but that's what makes it so funny.
The prologue , though not so much related to the plot still adds to the enjoyment of the book. I adored the description of the haunted mansion. I believe that the vivid and colorful descriptions of the settings and the characters are one of the best aspects of the book. It brings every character , every setting alive .We get to meet so many different characters from different stories and myths - not just Alice but so many others. The incredible thing is it never got too overwhelming for me. Usually I am uncomfortable with too many characters.
I can totally see this book as a Tim Burton. In fact the book played like a movie in front of my eyes. I haven't enjoyed such an adventurous novel for a long time. I was blown away by the author's imagination. What a world she has created!... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
clever delightful romp
Customer Video Review
Length:
6:00
Mins
Published 7 months ago by The Book Tart
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great writing, Okay story
First, like pulling off a bandage, I'll tell you what I didn't like.
I wasn't crazy about the story. Read more
I wasn't crazy about the story. Read more
Published 10 months ago by fredamans
3.0 out of 5 stars
A cup of tea to surprise and delight even the Maddest of Hatters
Random Magic is just that: Randomagical - and definitely for the whimsiest of minds! At first I hesitated to continue reading as Chapter 1 seemed like a whole lot of randomness... Read more
Published on May 28, 2011 by theEPICrat
4.0 out of 5 stars
Delightfully amusing
Plot:
It just has to be read, but I can give it a try. Alice in Wonderland has gone missing, and Henry Whiterspoon is sent to find her. Read more
It just has to be read, but I can give it a try. Alice in Wonderland has gone missing, and Henry Whiterspoon is sent to find her. Read more
Published on December 17, 2010 by Blodeuedd
4.0 out of 5 stars
Random Magic
Random Magic looked totally and completely cute. And it was, it was a whimsical, light read that kept you wanting to read more the entire time. Read more
Published on October 25, 2010 by Electrifying Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Wierd, Witty, and Whimsical
When the author contacted me and requested her book to be reviewed, I wasn't sure if I wanted to review it. She informed me or should I say warned me? Read more
Published on October 15, 2010 by Lady Rogue (Escape Between The Pages)
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Storyline for a Screenplay
In this novel, Ms. Soren weaves a tale of adventure from the threads of common cultural references (Alice in Wonderland, book jumping, a bit of Harry Potteresque magic, etc). Read more
Published on October 13, 2010 by Jenni M. Parks
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good fun.
First off, and this should definitely count as fair warning; this is not a book to read when you're tired, or when your brain is not functioning at maximum capacity. Read more
Published on June 8, 2010 by Emily
2.0 out of 5 stars
Beyond random - a dog's breakfast
Professor Random loses Alice from Alice in Wonderland and sends Henry Witherspoon into Edgeland (between the turn of one page and the start of the next) on a quest to retrieve her. Read more
Published on November 16, 2009 by tardis
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Cerebrate's Contemplations" blog review
Anyway, on with the point! As you may have gathered from the forgoing, Random Magic is a book I received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. Read more
Published on October 29, 2009 by A. Young
