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I am a lifelong resident of Hawaii, where I live with my husband and children. I am proud to be a nikkei yonsei (4th generation Japanese-American) thanks to my brave great-grandparents who immigrated to beautiful Hawaii from Fukushima, Japan.
Reviewed by Tara Bishop for Readers' Favorite
Paper Wishes, The Magical Girl Series Volume 1 is a young adult romantic fantasy centered on a grieving young woman named Vilvian. She is mourning the loss of her mother, who left her with a Japanese fable that for every origami star you fold, it saves a falling star. Then, if you fold three hundred and sixty-five stars, you can make a wish and it will come true. Vilvian learns to trust in her own heart and what true friendship really means. Not only that; she learns to trust herself. She has all the power she needs to help heal her broken heart and to find happiness. After all, she is a "Magical Girl." Enter Nox Bright, the mysterious and handsome boy who has all the qualities of her heart's desires. How is he so perfect for Vilvian? Come along with these amazing characters as they discover their life's paths and see what a small seed of faith can do.
Spencer Hoshino's Paper Wishes left me mesmerized! I gave it 5 stars all around. This young adult romantic fantasy is what all girls dream of...a love created just for them. Spencer Hoshino's writing was beautiful and so descriptive. I can just see the "jar of stars" sitting there, glittering, waiting to be wished upon by Vilv. Hoshino touched my own heart personally by naming the main character Nox. Muggles everywhere would appreciate it. Each character is very well developed. Hoshino writes so well that you feel as if Vilv and her friends are your own and that Ann is your personal enemy. The plot development kept me on my toes and I could not put Paper Wishes down until I knew what would happen with Nox, Vilv and Kai.
I loved the paper star back story as well. It is such an endearing tale that one can only wish it to be true. I recommend this novella to young adults plus older readers. It is a moral book and teaches kindness and respect for yourself and others. It truly is a sweetly romantic book. I cannot wait to read more about Nox, Vilv, Kia and Nikki. I hope Spencer Hoshino has more up her very talented writer's sleeve and that she won't make us wait too long. Paper Wishes is an emotional ride of loss, love, enemies, and true friendship, with a touch of magic. Wonderful, beautiful and an amazing original concept for a book. I applaud Hoshino and cannot give a single criticism. I enjoyed Paper Wishes from the beginning to its beautiful ending!
