The curse of the wendofo is a legend that has been passed down through generations in a small village called Dwindlevale. Located deep within a dense forest, the village is said to be haunted by a powerful and malevolent spirit known as the wendofo. According to the legend, the wendofo was once a normal villager who was deeply wronged by someone in the community. Seeking revenge, the villager resorted to dark magic and made a pact with a demon. As a result, the villager was transformed into the wendofo, a vengeful and uncontrollable spirit. Since that fateful day, the wendofo has plagued the village of Dwindlevale, bringing misfortune and suffering to its inhabitants.
Since that fateful day, the wendofo has plagued the village of Dwindlevale, bringing misfortune and suffering to its inhabitants. The curse of the wendofo is said to manifest in various ways, including unexplained accidents, strange illnesses, and mysterious disappearances. The villagers live in constant fear of the wendofo's wrath and have tried numerous rituals and offerings to appease the spirit, but nothing seems to work.
Something Close to Magic (Hardcover)
A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this “appealingly breezy” ( Kirkus Reviews ) and “deftly written” ( School Library Journal , starred review) young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
About the Author
Emma Mills is the author of several young adult novels, including Foolish Hearts, First & Then, and Something Close to Magic. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on X (previously known as Twitter) and Instagram (@Elmify) or at EmmaMillsBooks.com.
Praise For…
"This novel has in-depth character development with a fantasy world that comes alive as the story progresses. . . Strongly recommended for Dungeon & Dragons enthusiasts. With a unique world, characters to root for, and a deftly written plot, this book is highly recommended."
— School Library Journal , STARRED REVIEW
"Nuanced, profound scenes mingle with lighter, humorous moments, making the characters feel real and their growth believable. . . Mills’ mastery of language is on full display here, with fun, clever prose and dialogue that are bound to make readers laugh out loud. . . Classic fairy-tale settings, compelling mysteries and a charismatic cast of characters make Something Close to Magic an entertaining, fast-paced read, and its ending strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and the promise of more adventures. Readers will be reminded of The Princess Bride."
"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."
— Kirkus Reviews
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
- Young Adult Fiction / Girls & Women
"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."
— Kirkus Reviews
It is believed that the only way to break the curse is for someone to uncover the truth about the wendofo's past and offer a sincere apology for the wrongs committed against the spirit. Over the years, brave individuals have ventured into the forest in search of answers, but none have ever returned. The wendofo's power is said to be immense, capable of manipulating the forest itself and obliterating anyone who dares to cross its path. As the legend of the wendofo continues to haunt the village, outsiders have dismissed it as mere superstition. However, the villagers of Dwindlevale know the curse to be all too real. They have learned to live with the constant threat, always looking over their shoulders and praying that one day, someone will have the courage to confront the wendofo and put an end to the curse. Until that day comes, the curse of the wendofo will remain a dark cloud hanging over the village, a reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the power of revenge..
Reviews for "The wendofo curse: a global phenomenon"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "The Curse of the Wendofo" to be quite disappointing. The plot was sluggish and predictable, with no real surprises along the way. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to feel any emotional connection to them. The dialogue was flat and uninteresting, and the pacing was incredibly slow. Overall, I struggled to stay engaged and ultimately felt underwhelmed by this film.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "The Curse of the Wendofo" was an absolute bore. The story was uninspired, and I found myself yawning throughout the entire film. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that lacked any real emotion. It felt like a low-budget production, with cheap special effects and unconvincing set designs. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this forgettable movie.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I was really hoping for a thrilling horror film with "The Curse of the Wendofo," but unfortunately, it fell flat. The scares were predictable and lacked any real suspense. The storyline felt disjointed and poorly executed, making it difficult to follow and understand certain plot points. The acting was mediocre, and the dialogue was uninspired. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and regretted spending my time on this lackluster movie.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I was excited to watch "The Curse of the Wendofo" based on the intriguing trailer, but it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with slow stretches that left me bored and impatient. The plot was convoluted and poorly explained, making it hard to fully grasp the story. The characters were underdeveloped, and their motivations were unclear. The film had potential, but it ended up being a confusing and underwhelming experience.