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Magic, Madness, and Mischief Paperback – January 22, 2019

by Kelly McCullough (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
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From the author of School for Sidekicks comes a witty and thoughtful middle-grade fantasy about the bonds of family and the strength of true friendship.

"Fans of Percy Jackson will be eager to hop into Kalvan’s world." ―The Bulletin

Kalvan Monroe is worried. Either he’s going mad or he really did wake up with uncontrollable fire magic and accidentally summon a snarky talking fire hare. (Yes, that’s right, a hare. Made of fire. That talks.) He’s got to be going crazy, right?

But if he’s not, then magic actually is real, and he’s got even more problems to worry about. Because Kalvan isn’t the only one with powers. The same fire magic that allows him to talk his way into and out of trouble burned too brightly in his mother, damaging her mind and leaving her vulnerable to the cold, manipulative spells of the Winter King.

Can Kalvan gain control of his power in time to save his mother, or will their fires be snuffed out forever?

Kelly McCullough combines Magic, Madness, and Mischief―as well as danger―in a delightful fantasy set in a magical version of St. Paul, Minnesota.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    10 - 11 years
  2. Print length
    304 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten and up
  5. Dimensions
    5.82 x 0.8 x 7.83 inches
  6. Publisher
    Square Fish
  7. Publication date
    January 22, 2019
  8. ISBN-10
    1250294207
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1250294203
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Middle graders will enjoy McCullough’s characters, especially Sparx, whose language drips with sarcasm at every turn.... The author excels at introducing magic into the everyday modern world." ―School Library Journal

"McCullough smoothly blends family drama, school story, and magical coming of age in this entertaining fantasy. ... Fans of Percy Jackson will be eager to hop into Kalvan’s world." ―The Bulletin

About the Author

Kelly McCullough is the author of the adult fantasy series Webmage and Assassin's Blade. School for Sidekicks was his first novel for young readers. He lives in Wisconsin with his physics professor wife and a small herd of cats, all of whom he adores.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; Reprint edition (January 22, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250294207
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250294203
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 11 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.82 x 0.8 x 7.83 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

About the author

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Kelly McCullough

Kelly McCullough

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Kelly McCullough was raised and educated by free-range hippies. Later he received a degree in theater and worked in improv. That combination was the perfect preparation for his current career as author and cat herder. He lives and writes in the Midwest with his physics-professor wife, Laura. He enjoys hiking and biking and his role as self-heating cat furniture. He is the author of the WebMage and Fallen Blade series and School For Sidekicks. More information can be found at his website www.kellymccullough.com.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
31 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Detra Fitch
5.0 out of 5 stars Even adults will enjoy this new series.
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
Kalvan is thirteen-years-old. As with many boys his age these days, he lives with his mother, Genevieve Monroe, and his stepfather, Oscar. Unlike many boys his age, Kalvan is coming into his magic; something he did not know really existed. His magic element is fire and, if he cannot learn to control it quickly, it will consume him from within, as it did his mother.

During some much needed alone time, Kalvan (accidently and unknowingly) binds a magical hare to him. Not only can the rabbit talk, but it is made of fire and can help Kalvan with his newly found magic – and his math.

Events speed up and begin to spiral out of control as Oscar proves to be more than an uncaring stepfather. Much more and much worse. Kalvan must find the fire in his heart and defeat the Winter King or more than just his mother will suffer.

***** FIVE STARS! Author Kelly McCullough proves that he can thrive in the Young Adult (Fantasy) genre just as well as he does the adult one. That said, even adults will enjoy this new series. Fire magic, Water magic, Earth magic, Air magic, talking animals – what is not to like? I devoured this novel in a single evening and can hardly wait to begin the next book (Spirits, Spells, and Snark) tomorrow. Absolutely scrumptious and highly recommended! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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Christina Paige
5.0 out of 5 stars Magic doesn't make problems go away, but it sure changes them!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
McCullough, who has already written some of the best fantasy stories and series EVER, turns to YA with this coming of age tale with the delightfully alliterative title.
Kalvan Monroe discovers that elemental magic is real and that he has an affinity for fire when he accidentally conjures up a flaming familiar. This does not make his life easier, even if the firey magical companion can render itself invisible (and more importantly, inflammable). If it weren’t for Kal’s best friend, Dave, he’d find it all too much to deal with.
Kal’s troubles with a school bully are bad enough, but it turns out that elemental magic tends to run in families, and Kal’s mother’s magic has damaged her. Will fire magic do the same to him? Or will he learn how to control it— and his own temper? And is his step-father magical too, or merely oppressive?
What Kal learns about himself, about the nature of power and the power of friendship, and what it takes to face down the darkest parts of ourselves, makes for a splendid, memorable adventure. McCullough is one of those rare writers who truly understands that action is exciting, but characters are who we care about. –
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book geek
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Fantasy Adventure for Middle Grade
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2019
Kalvan is not your typical thirteen-year-old. His school is unconventional, his mother is struggling with mental inllness, and he doesn’t get along with his stepmother. While messing around, Kalvan Monroe accidentally discovers fire magic. He also summons a sarcastic hare made of fire named Sparx. Through Sparx’s training, he starts to learn how to control his power. He also learns of the dark center at the Corona Borealis. This crown holds the power of the world. In order to keep the balance, it is handed off each season. Enter the Winter King. Tired of only have a season of power, the Winter King longs to control the world permanently. Will Kalvan be able to stop him in time? Will Kalvan learn to control his powers? Kalvan’s struggles in everday life are relatable to. The humorous plot is slight predictable in places, but the mix of realism and magic blends well together without feeling forced. Fans of fantasy, magic, and adventure novels will enjoy reading this book.
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J. E. Gjevre
5.0 out of 5 stars Coming of age with fire magic and a sarcastic sidekick
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2018
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Author Kelly McCullough’s new middle-grade fantasy “Magic, Madness and Mischief” takes the reader on a rollicking journey through the frozen streets (and tunnels) of St. Paul, Minnesota, where ancient magic is deeply out of balance. Thirteen-year-old Kalvan Monroe studies at an alternative school, majoring in theatre and getting into trouble. But his primary objective has always been to protect his fragile mother, a brilliant woman who’s “not always . . . very attached to the here and now.” The novel carries us along on a magical madcap adventure, introducing us to a majestically terrifying river spirit, a sarcastic talking hare, and more. For adult readers, McCullough’s enchanted version of the Twin Cities will bring to mind Emma Bull’s ground-breaking fantasy “War for the Oaks,” while younger readers will particularly enjoy Kalvan’s struggle to master his powerful fire magic. Yet the most affecting passages are undoubtedly the ones exploring Kalvan’s experiences with his mother’s mental illness. Kalvan is a profoundly resilient young protagonist, forced to grow up too soon, and unbending in his determination to do what’s right.
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Laura B. Rede
5.0 out of 5 stars Action-packed and original!
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
This fast- paced middle grade book kept both my ten year old and my thirteen year old begging for another chapter. The magic was original and the setting, the winter carnival in St. Paul, MN, was unique. I appreciated the diverse cast and the respectful attitude towards mental illness. Highly recommended for fans of Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles.
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K. Carey
5.0 out of 5 stars Good for both YA and adult readers
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2018
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A rollicking read. Good for both YA and adult readers.
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Kamisha
5.0 out of 5 stars love it
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2019
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love it
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mn2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for a Percy Jackson fan
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2020
I got it for my 9 year old son (he’s a more advanced reader) from a local bookstore. He’s asking to buy the sequel already! It’s a great combination of magic and adventure. We live in the Twin Cities area so it’s nice the setting takes place in St. Paul. If your child is a Percy Jackson series fan, this is perfect.
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Top reviews from other countries

Stephen Perelgut
3.0 out of 5 stars Fun but a bit trite
Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
If you want an enjoyable read, this will work but it isn’t compelling. It would make a great After School Special.
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