Emma tries to balance her newfound abilities as a druid with only being ten years old. Chores and having to go inside before dark leaves only a few hours a day to save the forest―or at least her home town.Strange magic plagues the people of Widowswood Village. None of the adults take it seriously, as the effects are short-lived and whimsical. Emma suspects something darker is going on, having … having listened to Nan’s tales of night pixies who aren’t as nice as the Silverbells. Convinced someone or something wishes ill upon her home, she decides to do what the adults won’t.
Amid the chaos, the daughter of a wealthy gem merchant goes missing. Emma’s father and the entire Widowswood Watch spend all their time searching for the abducted girl. Worse, a bully blames Emma for the girl’s disappearance, but after dealing with a banderwigh and the silk thieves, he doesn’t scare her at all—until he turns violent.
Emma knows everything is connected, and isn’t about to let a mean-spirited older boy stop her from protecting her home.
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This is book 4 in the series. I have not read books 1-3 but I fully understood the book. Yes it would help to know what happened before but I still enjoyed the book. Such detail in the flora and fauna. Plus the crazy things happening around town so much fun. The kids spoke like kids and acted like kids, which made the story more believable and fun to read. I loved the town and the town’s people. So many characters in this story yet it was easy to keep them straight and each had their own personalities. I really enjoyed reading this story.
Emma and the Elixir of Madness is book 4 in the Tales of Widowswood series. However, the books seems to be able to be read as standalones (I say seem to because I haven’t read the first three in this series).
This book was actually a pretty funny book to read. The crazy happenings that are occurring in the little town. I think what makes it better is that the characters in many instances also find the trickery funny as well which doesn’t make me feel like such a kid for laughing. Especially when the poor boy had gotten a hold of dragonsbreath.
There are few instances in the book that I’m assuming relate back to Emma’s adventures in previous books, but they don’t take away from the enjoyment of this book, if anything they just make a reader more curious and anxious to read those book to get the full experience of the children’s past.
Here we are, back in Widowswood with Emma and her family. Not far into the book , Emma is already fighting goblins, healing others, searching and finding the reasons for all the injuries in the animals. She’s still learning about her magic, how to use it and what she can do with them. Emma’s family are wonderful, each one is special in there own way and Matthew S. Cox brings them to life. I personally can see things that remind me of those around me and it makes me feel that are real people and not just characters in a book. Lots of excitement is happening, with goblins, druids, fairies and magic all around them.
5 out of 5 stars
Welcome back to Widowswood . Emma and her family are getting settled into their new house . Things are going well Emma is trying to get a hold of her new powers and being a ten year old girl doing chores and being indoors before it is dark out . So that only gives her a few hours a day to help the forest and her home town . When some strange magic starts to happen , Emma gets the blame for it . The spells don’t last long and are actually kind of funny . When a prominent merchants daughter has gone missing everyone is out looking for her. Emma unfortunately gets the blame from the town bully but she doesn’t scare easily . Nothing will stop her from defending her home .
Emma is my all time favourite character , she is sweet and feisty and sometimes she knows too much for her own good . She has been through so much which makes her strong ,from bullies to criminals and some upper class men that really need to be brought down a peg or two . I truly love her she is just so lovable as a character . You just want to hug her and make sure everything is good in her life . Emma’s family is a tight knit group who would stand up for each other when needed . There are really a lot of different characters that will have you laughing and crying through out the book . The author can create such strong well written complex characters . You will fall in love with them
The author can spin a tale that is full of great characters, this story has fairies and goblins and a half fish half boy that will have you laughing . The author takes us on a fun filled ride that will have you on the edge of your seat and laughing at the same time . I think that any young adult and even adults would love this fantasy book . There is drama , magic and laughter all rolled up in one great story. So if you want a great story for you winter reading list add this series to your list . You could really read this book as a stand alone but honestly you will want to read the first books just to see how Emma grows and brings joy to everyone .