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An interesting addition to the W.I.T.C.H. series though it suffers by not being a full graphic novel. At the start and ending of the book, there are comic book sections but they sort of highlight how the author seems to be thinking of the story in visual terms. Certain chapters also seem to lack even more by not being in a graphic format which is a shame since the story itself is one that many girls will enjoy with the five friends and their struggles as growing young women and also being Guardians of the Veil. Since this is the seventh book in the series, many parts of the plot will not be clear unless other books of the series have been read and it might be more difficult for a new reader to tell the girls apart. The writing style is accessible to most nine to twelve year olds and would not be seen as too childish for someone in Middle School especially with the addition of the comic book pages. So for a reader who is curious about manga and graphic novels, but worried about what they might find there, this series creates a useful bridge with a few comic pages and then a book. Also other editions of the series are done in full graphic novel form where its quite clear that the authors are working to appeal to young girls with an interest in fairies, anime and friendship.

Though this does mean that some of the art styles and the girls' focus is much more on looking pretty for boys and at times the heroics take second place to having the boy you like, like you back. At one point in the series, they actually overlap as one of the girls meets a boy she's been dreaming of during an adventure. This can be appealing but also promotes a slightly worrying message that being like by boys can be more important than being a strong heroine. Overall this is a sweet series but an awareness of which readers are reading it and why would be best going into it. ( )

Cornelia just has to go to Meridian to see if she can heal her friendship with Elyon.
There's really nothing new here. Five friends who possess the powers of Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and some sort of Heart that connects them all is a common story. However, there's a nice sense of humor here. The story is really more about friendship and all of the magic is a nice added bonus. As is the romance! It's a very entertaining book, at least, and the pages turn easily. The comic pages at the front and the back add a nice dimension, although if the whole book were in comic form, it would be much more interesting.
A good book for upper elementary and lower middle school aged children, but more for girls than for boys. Parents that don't like magic will hate them, but otherwise, it's a pretty safe series. ( )

Cornelia believes that Elyon is misguided instead of being evil and ventures to Meridian to confront her. She finds herself in the middle of a battle to control the city and finally meets the boy of her dreams. It's light, fluffy and has about as much depth as the average puddle, but they're fun. Some of the messages are a bit mixed but such is life. ( )