Blog Tour Review: A Place of a Thousand Wishes

A Place of a Thousand Wishes is a magical, mesmerising historical fantasy adventure that completely captured me and took me on an incredible journey to learn if wishes can be granted …

Twelve-year-old Mason and his dad have moved to Dingbury in the hope of making a success of their new business: selling the world’s best ice-cream. When the ice melts in their ice cream cart, his father heads off to the warehouse at the dock to get some more, leaving Mason with strict instructions to look after the cart.

Soon, Mason’s attention is drawn to the most incredible sight: a dozen huge gas balloons floating over the town. Mason is filled with excitement as he witnesses the return of Darlington the Miraculous, the famous Wish Maker. As thousands of bubbles fall from the balloons and burst over the crowd to bring a refreshing mist, something else falls from a bubble that bursts in front of Mason, something that acts as a catalyst to changing his life … an invite to Darlington Manor and the hope of having a wish granted by the great Wish Maker.

But before he is able to attend the Manor, he finds himself chasing a young thief, Clem, who takes one his ice-creams. When he returns to take the cart home, disaster strikes, and it is destroyed. Could the loss of the cart have anything to do with the stranger with a silver pocket watch chain who had been buying ice-cream? But why would someone want to destroy a young boy’s dreams?

At least he still has the invitation to Darlington Manor and, despite his father forbidding him to attend, he cannot resist the opportunity to see the Wish Maker perform. In awe of the spectacle presented to guests at the Manor, with beautiful floating bubbles and colourful carousels, Mason hopes that he is chosen to have his wish granted, but someone else is determined to destroy his dreams, and those of the Wish Maker …

And so begins the most stunning adventure that held me entirely enthralled as I was swept into a world of danger, intrigue and magic. I was absolutely gripped as the mystery unfolded, as secrets were revealed and as magical connections were made. I really felt the increasing tension and peril, as Mason and his new friend, Clem, seek to right wrongs and return something magical to its rightful owner. Can Mason use the magical gifts he shares with Darlington to thwart a villain intent on the destruction of both their dreams?

I loved the historical setting of Britain in the late 19^th century with the popularity of ice-cream and the spectacle of hot air balloons. I thought this blended, and connected, perfectly with the magical setting of the Wish-Maker’s bubbles that can take wishes to the stars and with the ability to create (including ice sculptures) through a paranormal phenomenon. Whilst Darlington has discovered something out-of-this-world that enhances his gift and enables him to live in a spectacular manor, others are not so fortunate and we are given an insight into the lives of those living in fear of becoming homeless or being thrown into a workhouse. I liked that Darlington has a social conscience, using his gift to help others. This is in sharp contrast to someone else who thinks only of himself, determined to take what is not his to earn fame and fortune, regardless of the cost to others.

I absolutely adored both Mason and Clem who are incredibly likeable. Whilst Mason believes in dreams and the power of wishes to come true, Clem has no such hopes and instead looks for fun and adventure to brighten up her life. She is a feisty and daring young girl who proves herself a wonderfully supportive and loyal friend to Clem, her belief in him bringing him hope when he is flooded with hopelessness. Both children are incredibly courageous and determined, overcoming fears, facing danger and standing up to, and for, others.

I am a huge admirer of Ewa Beniak-Haremska’s stunning and distinctive illustrations and these are no exception. The historical and magical qualities of the adventure are blended perfectly through gorgeous black and white illustrations which capture the tone of the story superbly.

A spectacular story of wishing upon the stars, of family and friendship, and of hopes and dreams – perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion, and for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: