Title: Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel
Author: A.W. Jantha
First published July 10, 2018
521 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781368020039 (ISBN10: 1368020038)
Rating: 3.57
Overview
A.W. Jantha’s Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel is a captivating young adult novel that will leave Halloween enthusiasts spellbound. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1993 film, this electrifying two-part novel features a thrilling retelling of the original story followed by an all-new sequel that continues the Sanderson sisters’ saga.
When Max Dennison moves from California to Salem, he accidentally unleashes a coven of witches, the Sanderson sisters, from the afterlife. With the help of his sister and new friends, Max must stop the witches from wreaking havoc on Salem.
Twenty-five years later, Max and Allison’s daughter, Poppy, finds herself battling the Sanderson sisters’ sinister plans during Halloween celebrations. As time runs out, Poppy and her friends must save Salem from the witches’ latest vile scheme.
Get ready for a bewitching adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Editoral Review
Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel by A.W. Jantha is a highly anticipated addition to the Hocus Pocus franchise. Published on July 10, 2018, this book brings back the beloved Sanderson sisters in a new adventure for a new generation of readers.
A.W. Jantha is a writer and producer who has worked on projects such as Pretty Little Liars and The Fosters. As a children’s fantasy book, Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel tells the story of a teenage girl named Poppy who moves to Salem and discovers she is a witch.
She teams up with Max and Dani, the protagonists from the original Hocus Pocus, to save the town from the resurrected Sanderson sisters. The book is written in a lighthearted style that captures the essence of the original movie while still feeling fresh and modern.
The book begins with a retelling of the original Hocus Pocus movie, but from a present-day perspective. This allows new readers to familiarize themselves with the story, while also serving as a nostalgic refresher for longtime fans.
From there, the book introduces new characters and expands on the lore of the Sanderson sisters and their magical world. One of the strengths of Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel is the way that it balances humor with heart.
The Sanderson sisters are as delightfully wicked as ever, but the book also explores their relationships with each other and their motivations for wanting to take over Salem again. Poppy, Max, and Dani are likable and relatable protagonists who grow and change over the course of the story.
The book also features a diverse cast of characters, including LGBTQ+ representation, which is a refreshing addition to a children’s book. The pacing of the book is brisk, with plenty of action and adventure to keep readers engaged.
The plot has a few twists and turns that will surprise readers, but ultimately stays true to the spirit of the original movie. Jantha does a good job of expanding on the world of the Sanderson sisters without making the book feel too convoluted or confusing.
While Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel is a fun and enjoyable read, it is not without its flaws. The writing can be a bit simplistic at times, and some of the humor is a little too cheesy.
The book also relies heavily on nostalgia for the original movie, which may limit its appeal for younger readers who are not familiar with the franchise. Overall, Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel is a welcome addition to the Hocus Pocus franchise.
It captures the spirit of the original movie while introducing new characters and expanding on the lore of the Sanderson sisters. While it may not be perfect, it is an entertaining read that will delight fans of the movie and introduce a new generation to the magic of Hocus Pocus.
I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted read. Rating: 3.5/5