A very good book. For me, it wasn't as much fun as Hardinge's debut effort because it's set in the "real world" and because it does such a good job of depicting the lives and insecurities of unpopular kids. The main character's parents, and the family relationships, are also particularly well drawn. One assumes the mother is just going to be an unpleasant charicature, but she turns out to have plenty of virtues, while still having the unpleasant bits. The redemption the characters experience is realistically tempered with the fact that they're still flawed and breakable. ( )

Three friends, Josh, Ryan and Chelle, get stuck in the village of Magwhite when they miss the bus back to Guildley. They are not supposed to be in Magwhite, a place clearly considered "out of bounds" by their parents, but it is the forbidden nature of the place that makes it exciting. The three friends had been picnicking near the Magwhite canal, but they miss the last bus of the evening and don't want to have to explain where they were. Josh comes up with the brilliant plan of finding grocery carts (trolleys), and returning them to get money to get home. Unfortunately, that plan doesn't work, and they end up stealing from a wishing well, and using that money to pay for the special bus that will return them to Guildley. The well is inhabited by a spirit who now expects the three of them to help her fulfill the wishes made by the people who originally dropped the coins into the water. Each child is gifted with a power in order to help grant the wishes, but it seems like more of a curse. This is a well crafted tale, suitable for a decent reader, exceptionally descriptive, original and spooky.

This is a very interesting and unique story, excellently written. Weaving Celtic mythology into modern day lives, Frances Hardinge paints a portrait of believable pre-teens and their parents, with the kids swept up in an other-worldly adventure. ( )

The U.S. edition I read is called "Well-Witched" which goodreads hasn't listed yet. This is the story of three modern kids who, after stealing some coins from an ancient wishing-well, find themselves owing a heavy debt to the witch who dwells within it. Hardinge knows how to take a truly mundane setting - bland, blighted surburbia - and imbue it with dreadful creepiness. The kids are intriguing, especially main character Ryan, and descriptions and dialogue sparkle. Fans of Gaiman's Coraline would love this, as would fans of Edward Eager who are ready something darker. ( )

Three friends fall prey to the demands of the Well Witch when they trespass in her wishing well and steal some coins.