Title: Castle Hangnail
Author: Ursula Vernon
First published April 21, 2015
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780803741294 (ISBN10: 0803741294)
Rating: 4.23
Overview
Ursula Vernon’s Castle Hangnail is a delightful book about witches, magic, and an eccentric castle, perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling. The castle’s minions are in a state of panic when they realize that their home will be decommissioned if they don’t find a new master soon.
Enter twelve-year-old Molly, who shows up on the castle’s doorstep claiming to be a wicked witch. The minions are skeptical at first, but Molly is determined to prove her worth by completing the tasks set forth by the Board of Magic.
However, as she works to gain their approval, she realizes that she has a few secrets of her own, which could jeopardize her chances of becoming the castle’s new master. This whimsical and beautifully illustrated novel is filled with magic, humor, and an unforgettable cast of characters who will steal your heart.
About the Author
Meet Ursula Vernon, also known as T. Kingfisher, a talented author and illustrator with an impressive portfolio.
She has written over fifteen books for children, a dozen novels for adults, and an epic webcomic named “Digger,” alongside a range of short stories and other creative projects.
Raised in both Oregon and Arizona, Ursula studied anthropology at Macalester College in Minnesota, where she lived for ten years until she finally learned to drive in deep snow and decided it was time to move on.
After moving around the country a few times, Ursula settled in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where she works full-time as an artist and creator of unique pieces. Alongside her husband and his chickens, Ursula has made a cozy home for herself.
With a plethora of nominations and awards under her belt, Ursula’s work has been recognized for its excellence. She has been nominated for the Eisner, World Fantasy, and longlisted for the British Science Fiction Awards.
Her work has also earned a number of Webcomics Choice Awards, the Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story, the Mythopoeic Award for Children’s Literature, the Nebula for Best Short Story, the Sequoyah Award, and many more.
Editoral Review
Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon is a delightful piece of middle-grade fiction, perfect for young readers who are fans of fantasy, adventure, and humor. Vernon is an award-winning author, who has written over thirty-five books for kids, including the popular Dragonbreath series.
Castle Hangnail was first published in April 2015, and it has received praise from critics and readers alike for its imaginative world-building, lovable characters, and witty dialogue. The book tells the story of a young witch named Molly who wants to be in charge of a castle so that she can prove her worth to the world.
Despite having very limited magical powers, Molly takes on the task of becoming the new master of Castle Hangnail, a decaying fortress that is about to be shut down by the Ministry of Magic. Molly has a month to prove that she is worthy of the castle and its eccentric inhabitants, including a giant, a werewolf, a ghost, and a banshee.
As Molly tries to fulfill the castle’s requirements, she encounters various challenges that test her ingenuity and bravery. Along the way, she forms unlikely alliances with the castle’s residents, who are initially skeptical of her abilities.
Molly’s quest to save Castle Hangnail is filled with humor, suspense, and heart, making it a rewarding reading experience for both kids and adults. One of the book’s strengths is its vibrant characterization.
Vernon imbues each character with distinct personalities, quirks, and backstories that make them feel real and relatable. Molly is a spunky, resourceful protagonist who defies stereotypes and expectations.
She is not conventionally pretty, nor is she a powerful witch, but she makes up for it with her determination and kindness. The supporting characters are also memorable, with their own distinct arcs and conflicts.
The banter between Molly and the other characters is witty and charming, adding to the book’s overall charm. Another strength of the book is its world-building.
Vernon has created a rich, imaginative universe that is filled with magic, lore, and history. The castle is a fascinating setting, with its underground tunnels, secret passages, and enchanted gardens.
The book is also filled with amusing details, like the recipes for magical muffins and the set of rules for castle conduct. The world-building feels organic and immersive, inviting readers to explore and imagine.
One minor weakness of the book is its pacing. At times, the plot seems to meander or get sidetracked by subplots that do not add much to the main storyline.
Some readers may also find the ending to be somewhat anticlimactic, as the resolution of the conflict is relatively simple and predictable. Overall, Castle Hangnail is a delightful book that will appeal to readers of all ages.
It combines humor, adventure, and heart in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. Ursula Vernon has crafted a unique and memorable tale that celebrates the power of friendship, creativity, and perseverance.
It is a great addition to the canon of middle-grade fantasy, and it deserves a spot on every young reader’s bookshelf. I would give it a rating of four out of five stars, based on its strong characterization, enchanting world-building, and engaging prose.
