The Witch and the Queen

The Adventures of Caroline and Euni: Book 2

Children - Adventure
130 Pages
Reviewed on 05/15/2021
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In The Witch and the Queen by Joshua S Joseph, ten-year-old Caroline and her pet unicorn Euni discover a Witch is tormenting a local town and threatening a family who she accuses of kidnapping her unicorn, Ronoldo. Caroline promises her father that she will return before dinner and together they set out on another adventure. Caroline discovers Ronoldo is sick with Uniflu and is now infecting Euni. The Witch demands Caroline must go to the Land Of Magic and ask Queen Esmeralda for the cure. Caroline is frightened of what awaits her in this mysterious land but she has to save Ronoldo and Euni. When she arrives in The Land Of Magic, Caroline has to face fearsome challenges, solve riddles and receive help from many magical creatures, including a stinky Rookoobird, a rhino, and a worm. Caroline learns some important lessons about herself and others along the way. Can Caroline complete her mission, get back to The Real World, and save the unicorns?

The Witch and the Queen by Joshua S Joseph is a wonderfully compelling story with so many empowering lessons for children weaved throughout. The creatures were absolutely charming, especially Vonweiling the worm. I loved the descriptiveness of the narrative, it was so vivid and lifelike. I became lost in the story and my imagination was truly ignited. As Caroline had to face her fears, the reality was never as tragic as she imagined and I found this quite inspiring for children to have the courage to try new things. I also loved the concept that time seemed to stand still in The Land Of Magic. This also empowers children to live for the moment and not to worry about what tomorrow brings. Throughout the entire story, there were words of encouragement to children which will increase their level of confidence, self-awareness, and generosity towards others. I found the most powerful and profound statement was made by Queen Esmeralda that riddles are the closest thing to the truth. This is a fantastic adventure story that even an adult would enjoy. Hopefully, there is a follow-up book that will delve deeper into the mysterious relationship between the Witch and Queen Esmeralda.

Vincent Dublado

The Witch and the Queen is Joshua Joseph’s second offering in the heartwarming Adventures of Caroline and Euni Series. Once again, the adorable duo will renew your confidence in imagination and wonder as they encounter a mysterious witch who lives in a scary castle shrouded by a violent storm. Like Caroline, this witch also has a pet unicorn, and Caroline discovers that the unicorns in the Land of Magic are suffering from a spreading illness called the Uniflu which is affecting Euni as well. As the magical citizens of the realm are finding a remedy that involves magic, the witch brushes Caroline off on account that she is a non-magical entity who will be useless for the undertaking. But headstrong Caroline is determined to help the unicorns, especially when Euni’s life is on the line.

It is a joy to see Caroline maturing through every adventure that she embarks upon, and her growing up years are brilliantly documented through her language development such as word acquisition and pronunciation. The values of perseverance and friendship are demonstrated by the way Caroline deals with the witch’s condescension and her willingness to help the unicorns. As an outsider in the Land of Magic, Caroline never feels like a fish out of water, and she even stands out for her spunk and friendliness that earned her many friends. Chia Americo’s illustration can only be described as what the Japanese would call “kawaii.” This is a wonderful tale that will keep young readers absorbed and adults can appreciate it too. Parents who are looking for a great story for their children should check out this series.

Foluso Falaye

Book 2 of The Adventures of Caroline and Euni begins with Caroline's journey with Euni to challenge the Witch, which soon transforms into a rescue mission. Due to Euni and the Witch's unicorn falling ill, Caroline travels to the Land of Magic to acquire the cure for the ill unicorns. Caroline's journey to the Land of Magic involves mind-blowing riddles, giant and fearsome creatures, manipulative fairies, strange magic, and some valuable lessons about contentment and family. Will Caroline succeed in her efforts to heal her unicorn and also make it back home to her family in time? Find out in The Witch and the Queen by Joshua S Joseph.

Within The Witch and the Queen is a wondrous adventure waiting for the bold and daring to unlock. The puzzles in the book are brilliant and a joy to solve, and the different creatures are unique and memorable. Further adding to the charm and appeal of the book are the beautiful illustrations by Chia Americo, who paints with specific colors that maintain the theme of the book. I was surprised at how eager I was to find out what would become of the protagonist and her unicorn as I could hardly put the book down for a single second. The Witch and the Queen is perfect for children and preteens who love adventurous stories about unicorns, magic, and witches. Even as an adult, the magic in Joshua S Joseph's story had me completely immersed in a fascinating imaginary world.