Welcome to Smugglivus 2012! Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2012, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2013.
Who: Juliet Marillier, author of lush historical fantasy with a romantic twist – she has created the heartbreakingly beautiful world of Sevenwaters, and she has written fairytale retellings for young and old readers alike. In short, Juliet Marillier is one of Thea’s favorite authors in the whole wide word, and her books are among our most treasured possessions.
Recent Work: Flame of Sevenwaters, the sixth book in the Sevenwaters Saga, which tells the brave story of Maeve as she desperately tries to save Sevenwaters from Mac Dara’s clutches. Thea loved the book – so much so that it is one of her top 10 books of 2012.
Please give a warm welcome to Juliet, everyone!
The Magic Wand Book List
Happy Smugglivus, readers! I’ve decided not to bring you a Best of 2012 List or a Hotly Anticipated in 2013 List. Instead, here’s the If Only I had a Magic Wand List: seven books I’d really love to read, if only I could change the pattern of the universe. Raise your glasses to what might have been!
7. A brand new Jane Austen. Not a spin-off like P D James’ less-than-successful detective novel, Death Comes to Pemberley, or a mash-up like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, or an Austen-derived contemporary novel like The Jane Austen Book Club. An actual, original new Jane Austen. Nobody beats her for elegant prose and wry social observation.
6. A version of the Twilight saga in which Bella ditches both sparkly vampire Edward and hot werewolf Jacob, gets a student exchange scholarship to Sydney, Australia and becomes a happily single doctor/plumber/writer/singer/whatever.
5. A version of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings with complex, interesting female characters. Don’t get me wrong, I love this trilogy for its epic story of good versus evil and its wonderfully created world – but it falls very short in the female protagonist stakes with its company of nine companions, all male. Note, the screenplays for Peter Jackson’s movies give Arwen, in particular, a much bigger and more active role than she gets in the books. On the other hand, the movies don’t do a good job with Eowyn. The Magic Wand version would get it right for both.
4. A new historical fiction series from the late, great Scottish writer, Dorothy Dunnett. Her magnificent Lymond Chronicles, a six book saga set in sixteenth century Europe, has unforgettable characters, brilliant world-building and a suspenseful and ingenious plot. Her House of Niccolo series, though still compelling, does not quite match up to the Lymond series. I learned a lot about writing from these books, and like many other obsessive Dunnett fans I wish the author had lived longer and written more.
3. A new Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane novel from Dorothy L Sayers. This is a classic detective series from the 1920s and 30s, written with wit and elegance. After the author’s death, Jill Paton Walsh completed one unfinished manuscript by Sayers – very well – and penned two more novels in the series. I re-read the whole series often and I never get tired of them. Tip: if you love Dorothy L Sayers you may enjoy the Phryne Fisher novels by Kerry Greenwood, set in 1920s Melbourne.
2. A new Hogwarts series by J.K. Rowling, in a similar vein to the Harry Potter books and perhaps featuring the children of Harry and his friends, since Rowling’s epilogue to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pretty much rules out a sequel starring the same characters. Of course, while we’re waving the magic wand we could unmake that epilogue. Sadly, I’m pretty sure Rowling does not intend to write this series!
1. Top of my Magic Wand List is a new novel from the late Mary Ann Shaffer, author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The author died before the book – her first novel – was published. Ms Shaffer became seriously ill during the editing stage and her niece, Annie Barrows, finished the book. TGLPPPS is a stand-alone and needs no sequel, but I wish Ms Shaffer had had time to enjoy its success and to write another novel – she was a truly gifted storyteller. TGLPPPS is a beautifully crafted novel of letters, full of history and heart.
If you had a magic wand, what book would you conjure into being? Post a response in the next 7 days to be in the running for a free copy of my new novel, Flame of Sevenwaters, recently reviewed here on The Book Smugglers. If you prefer, I’ll make that a copy of Shadowfell, first in a new series.
Thank you, Juliet! Now you heard her – to win a copy of Flame of Sevenwaters (or Shadowfell, if you prefer), leave a comment here letting us know which book you’d conjure into being if you had a magic wand.
Contest is open to all, and will run until January 2, 2013 at 12:01AM EST. Good luck!
116 Comments
Katrina T.
December 26, 2012 at 12:25 amIf I had a magic wand, I’d conjure a version of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins that would have a slightly happier tone to it. There would be more Katniss and Peeta scenes and certain characters would get to live.
Brenda C
December 26, 2012 at 1:22 amI’d probably conjure Bujold’s Vorkosiverse into being if I could. It would be awesome to visit old Earth and have a look at the changes that’s happened to it. All that history!
Malin
December 26, 2012 at 5:47 amIf I had a magic wand, I would conjure up a sequel to Robin McKinley’s wonderful Sunshine, which presents us with a complex and interesting world, gives us a great protagonist, a fascinating conflict, and then the book ends when the story’s clearly just about to really hit its stride. I love the book, but it reads as the first book in a series, and from everything she’s said, I doubt McKinley is ever going to write the rest of that series. 🙁
Alex B
December 26, 2012 at 6:00 amA sequel to Good Omens featuring Arizphrale and Cawley again in some adventure.
Joanna
December 26, 2012 at 6:21 amI love Scott Lynch but at this point I think it’s going to take a magic wand to conjure the Republic of Thieves into being. Also, a sequel to The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks wherein what didn’t kill her makes her stronger and she grows up to rule the world.
Lozza
December 26, 2012 at 6:48 amThis is probably weird, but I kind of want someone to write “where are they now” versions for the American Girls series. I was obsessed with those as a kid, and always used to make up stories of what happened to them as they grew up, and always thought someone should write that out!
Stacy Stew
December 26, 2012 at 7:08 amI would give you a new tale of the Great Gatsby. He’d be great alright.
Linda W
December 26, 2012 at 7:20 amI already have both of Juliet’s new books (her books are an automatic buy). But I’m in full agreement of this list. (I’m in the middle of my third or fourth reread of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.) I would only add another Cadfael book to the list. Ellis Peters, you are sorely missed.
Katie
December 26, 2012 at 7:35 amI’d conjure a new Victor Hugo novel into existence.
Gerd D.
December 26, 2012 at 7:45 amIf I had a magic wand I would conjure up a new “Riverworld” book – I always felt that “Gods of Riverworld” screamed for a sequel.
AH@badassbookreviews
December 26, 2012 at 8:35 amIf I had a magic wand, I’d conjure up a complete set of Ms Marillier’s books. I read Daughter of the Forest last year and I loved it and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Michelle K
December 26, 2012 at 8:59 amOh, YES, I would totally want another book (or SERIES!!) by Dorothy Dunnett. Also Peter Ellis
Michelle K
December 26, 2012 at 9:00 amoops, forgot to say I’d like Shadowfell, I already bought Flame of Sevenwaters
mary anne
December 26, 2012 at 9:27 amI would conjure up more books by Lorna Freeman. The first book in her unfinished Borderlands series, “Covenants”, was awesome and I’ve read it a lot, as well as the two sequels. I want more of it! I would make Megan Whalen Turner write faster, faster, faster. Also, though I know this is a book conjuring wand, I would add at least 5 more years to the Firefly series.
And “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is an all time favorite. I absolutely agree with your dream of more from this author.
Lexi
December 26, 2012 at 9:28 amToo much to think about, some for me would be authors who died. I always wanted a third after Year of the Griffin or authors who probably will never write in that world again like Sunshine. Also, ones that drove me up a tree in reading them, but that is a somewhat longer list.
Ellie
December 26, 2012 at 9:50 amIf I had a magic wand, I would conjure more books by Diana Wynne Jones. Preferably ones featuring Howl, Chrestomanci, or Magids.
de Pizan
December 26, 2012 at 10:18 amI think I’d wish for more by Anne Bronte-I love both of her novels and want more. Alternately, I also wish that Jane Austen had a chance to finish her novel fragments, especially Sanditon and Lady Susan.
Becky
December 26, 2012 at 10:26 amI am so with you on the Dorothy Dunnett series. I first read the Lymond Chronicles when I was 18 and have been a die hard fan ever since.
SueR
December 26, 2012 at 10:26 amAnother Harper Lee novel–if I had only read one novel in my life, To Kill a Mockingbird would be my choice.
Michelle
December 26, 2012 at 10:46 amI loved Dorthy Sayer’s Wimsey novels, I didn’t enjoy Walsh’s entries to the series.
I would wish for another Dianna Wynne Jones book, I would love to see Christopher Chant’s children grown up.
I also would love to see another novel by Sarah Caudwell. She was an excellent mystery writer who sadly died at a young age from cancer.
Nadine
December 26, 2012 at 10:58 amIf I had a magic wand, I’d just cheat a little and conjure up Jane Austen. I’d make sure she was in perfect health, ate her vegetables and did her exercise… or better yet, I’d conjure up an immortal version of Jane Austen. So we won’t only get one more Jane Austen book but many of them.
discoveringstudent
December 26, 2012 at 12:37 pmWow, that’s a hard one. I definitely agree with you on the Jane Austen and Dorothy Sayers books, and a small part of me is hoping J. K. Rowling might relent one day.
Diana Wynne Jones was one of my favourite authors growing up and as an adult. She died of cancer a few years ago and I would love to read another installment of her Howl’s Moving Castle series.
MD
December 26, 2012 at 12:54 pmI’m there with whoever said “a different version of Mockingjay”. I’d want one with a more positive, or at least more definitive ending. What happened at the end was too painful and never rung true for me.
Susie
December 26, 2012 at 1:28 pmIf I had the magic wand, I would ask Sharon Kay Penman to write more books in the Justin de Quincey historical mystery series.
Flash
December 26, 2012 at 2:15 pmIf I had a magic wand, I’d conjure up The Winds of Winter, because I am so ready to read that book.
Lisa is Busy Nerding
December 26, 2012 at 3:31 pmI’m totally piggybacking on her idea of the HP spinoff series. Because you can never ever ever get enough HP. EVER.
Thanks for the contest!
Kate K.F.
December 26, 2012 at 4:34 pmThis is a really hard one but I think another book in the Magid series from the late Diana Wynne Jones’. I always felt like there was so much more that could have happened in that world and we only got a taste. Deep Secret and The Merlin Conspiracy are two of my favorites of Diana Wynne Jones’ work.
Chenise Jones
December 26, 2012 at 4:59 pmI would love more Harry Potter novels! There just seems to be a hole that the books filled and now that even the movies are done being made, it seems bigger than ever.
Lynnd
December 26, 2012 at 5:39 pmI’m with everyone who said more by Dorothy Dunnett. I would also wish for more from the late Ariana Franklin. I loved her Mistress of the Art of Death series.
Victoria Zumbrum
December 26, 2012 at 6:27 pmIf I had a magic wand I would conjure up the Twilight books.
Darlynne
December 26, 2012 at 6:59 pmI would conjure another version of Last of the Mohicans, where Uncas and Alice have a happy life together. Of course, the movie version would be even better.
Liz E.
December 26, 2012 at 7:38 pmIf I had a magic wand, I would conjure up more Georgette Heyer novels. Her books are filled with such warmth and wit. I’d love to have more!
Nathan
December 26, 2012 at 7:47 pmI will add my name to a Harry Potter booko but one that deals with everything of importance AWAY from the main characters. What was the Order of the Phoenix duing when Harry wasn’t around?
kaloalo
December 26, 2012 at 7:56 pmSome other people mentioned what I would like to conjure up with a magic wand – definitely another Harry Potter (there is never a shortage of good, well thought out epic fantasies in the world)
and a rewrite of Mockingjay – it just didn’t hit me as a great ending to such a good series
another of my least favorite endings is the ending to the Golden Compass series – i just can’t believe that two 13 year olds would fall in love and the book could have actually done without the whole romanciness between lyra and will
Donna Walsh
December 26, 2012 at 7:56 pmFlame of seven waters would be my pick 🙂
Lily Knight
December 26, 2012 at 7:59 pmIf I had a magic wand I would conjure a new version of Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier in which Sorcha ends up with Simon instead of Red, because I was so sad that she didn’t that I almost didn’t read the rest of the series and that would truly have been a tragedy. Luckily I did choose to continue and the second book, Son of the Shadows is my favorite book.
Eli
December 26, 2012 at 8:01 pmIf I had a magic wand, I’d conjure a book about Creidhe and Keeper- because they’re my favorite characters ever-, right after Foxmask!
Toni
December 26, 2012 at 8:03 pmIf I had a magic wand I would wave it and before me would be the next book in my favorite series, The Bridei Chronicles. I just feel like there is so much more to the story and I cross my fingers and wish on a star that one day I will get to read the end!
Satima Flavell
December 26, 2012 at 8:06 pmYes, more Harry Potter – and I’m with you, Linda W – more Cadfael! (Leave me out of the raffle – I already have both books and boy, are they good or what? 😛 )
Nicole
December 26, 2012 at 8:07 pmIf I had a magic wand I would conjure a new version of Graceling by Kristin Cashore in which Katsa and Po have more of a lasting relationship than what they have in the end. I do enjoy the book and it is refreshing to see characters who do have a cookie cutter relationship in the end.
Bonnie W.
December 26, 2012 at 8:07 pmThere are too many choices but if I had a magic wand besides more Harry Potter books… I would want them to redo the Harry Potter movies where they follow the books better. I would want to include Peeves into the movie and change the 6th movie to actually have the end fight scene included. Also for Narnia Chronicles where Susan’s character never stopped believing and doesn’t get left behind in the last book. I want to know what happens to her.
Nicole
December 26, 2012 at 8:09 pmIf I had a magic wand, I would change Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I do think it is refreshing to see characters who are not in cookie cutter relationship in the end…
Danielle
December 26, 2012 at 8:19 pmIt’s not really a novel, but I’d love to read the memoirs of Julia Agrippina – sister to the emperor Caligula, wife (and niece!) of emperor Claudius and mother to emperor Nero. She apparently wrote them but alas, they didn’t survive antiquity.
I absolutely agree with your comments on changing Twilight and Lord of the Rings too!
Joyce
December 26, 2012 at 8:28 pmMy magic wand would conjure the adventures of Harry Potter’s children and more of the Bridei Chronicles and just more of Juliet Marillier’s books. She is brilliant! I would like a copy of “Flame of Sevenwaters” because I already own “Shadowfell.”
Anonymous
December 26, 2012 at 8:42 pmJoyce has it there! Definitely more of the Bridei Chronicles! I would like a copy of Shadowfell because I already own both and this novel truly took my breath away – loved it can’t wait for the next one 🙂
bluebettie99
December 26, 2012 at 8:43 pmhehe didn’t mean to be anonymous
Joyce has it there! Definitely more of the Bridei Chronicles! I would like a copy of Shadowfell because I already own both and this novel truly took my breath away – loved it can’t wait for the next one 🙂
Ciera
December 26, 2012 at 8:48 pmIf I had a magic wand I would conjure myself into the Sevenwaters series! I would love to go on all the adventures which lead to a wonderful path of love that lasts a life time!!
Devon
December 26, 2012 at 8:48 pmI love the Sevenwaters series.
Toni Roehlke
December 26, 2012 at 8:50 pmI’d conjure the sevenwaters world. I love those books, the magic and lore.
Anonymous
December 26, 2012 at 8:54 pmHey Presto and I would zap up the the talked about but never written novel by Sara Douglass. She was going to call it the Fallowman but sadly ovarian cancer stole one of the world’s greatest historical fantasy writers of all time from us too soon. Flame me pls.
Sue
December 26, 2012 at 8:56 pmHey Presto and I would zap up the the talked about but never written novel by Sara Douglass. She was going to call it the Fallowman but sadly ovarian cancer stole one of the world’s greatest historical fantasy writers of all time from us too soon. Flame me pls.
Melissa
December 26, 2012 at 9:39 pmA Dragon! Maybe just a TINY one though, as loosing a dragon on the world might be a bit scary…
Missy
December 26, 2012 at 9:41 pmI would conjure up a new Elantris novel by Brandon Sanderson. I loved Elantris, and a sequel would be AWESOME!!
Janine chevalier
December 26, 2012 at 9:48 pmI can’t wait to read Flame of Sevenwsters!
Alison
December 26, 2012 at 9:52 pmThe book that came immediately to mind is another book in the Bridei Chronicles by Juliet Marillier. I would love to read more about the characters, particularly Faolan and Eile, and Derelei and Saraid. There is a place on my bookshelf for this book!
Alison
December 26, 2012 at 9:53 pmThe book that came immediately to mind is another book in the Bridei Chronicles by Juliet Marillier. I would love to read more about the characters, particularly Faolan and Eile, and Derelei and Saraid.
Charlotte vaughn
December 26, 2012 at 10:08 pmI would say twilight, but I wouldn’t read . After delving into that serious like I did seven waters and Harry potter,I realized there was absolutely no characterization. They’re shallow, at best. So my vote had to be for a new potter series.
Ellie
December 26, 2012 at 10:10 pmWhen I was younger I adored Deltora Quest! All 3 series still have a proud place on my bookshelf. These would be the books I would bring to life… dragons and magic, discovering lost kings and creating legends. Its the stuff of dreams. 😀
Jodi
December 26, 2012 at 10:36 pmI would love to see a new Potter series conjured of the above options though in truth I’d really be keen to read more in Juliet Marilliers,The Bridei Chronicles!!
Flannery
December 26, 2012 at 10:39 pmI had no clue that the author of Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society passed before her book was published. How sad. I really enjoyed that story.
I don’t know what book I’d conjure up. I guess a sequel to Jasper Fforde’s Shades of Grey. It’s been years since that came out and it has no release date. I’d love to speed him up a bit:) Oh! I just realized what I want that I can never get. More books by Claudia Edwards–specifically a sequel to her book, Taming the Forest King.
Corinne
December 26, 2012 at 10:52 pmI would love another book either by Eva Ibbotson or Madeleine L’Engle. Eva Ibbotson’s historical romances, like A Company of Swans and A Countess Below Stairs are absolutely lovely, and I love L’Engle’s Meet the Austins series. I still want to know what happened to Vicky and Adam.
ashley henry
December 26, 2012 at 10:57 pmI would conjur up more books like sevenwaters and harry potter:-)!
Nafiza
December 26, 2012 at 11:13 pmI would love a new book by Charlotte Bronte. Her prose is amazing, so very amazing.
Elizabeth
December 26, 2012 at 11:48 pmIf I had a magic wand I would love a new series from Sara Douglass hopefully continuing on from her Douglass mountain series. Or any of her series for that matter
Elizabeth
December 26, 2012 at 11:50 pmIf I had a magic wand I would love a new series from Sara Douglass hopefully continuing on from her Douglass mountain series. Or any of her series for that matter.
Elizabeth
December 26, 2012 at 11:58 pmI would have to say more books by Sara Douglass especially the Douglass Mountain series. Have to agree with HP though.
Mylaine
December 27, 2012 at 12:01 amI actually don’t need a magic wand!
I always wanted more books about Seven Waters,and that came true 😀 (yaay!)
But I do agree that more Harry Potter books would be amazing!
Heike
December 27, 2012 at 12:17 amI would conjure up a new kids’ series like the Famous Five by Enid Blyton in modern setting. When I was a kid, I loved those books and I think there’s not much like that around.
Another great series that would be wonderful to get a brother or sister is the Doors of Time by Pierdominico Baccalario. Brilliant plots, lots of fascinating historical stuff and excellent writing!
Lilly
December 27, 2012 at 1:23 amI would conjure a new Sevenwaters book. Always!
I love the series, I love the characters and the family. I could read more about Eilis and her adventure. Or the next generation of kids. I would read some more of Johnny and his band. But my heartwish would be to read more about Bran and Liadan. They are the sweetest Couple ever and I loved them so much!
Mary Preston
December 27, 2012 at 2:23 amTHE WINDS OF WINTER by George RR Martin – it’s on it’s way, but this book #6 of his series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE – well the wait is killing me.
(HEART’S BLOOD is an all time favorite of mine.)
Alison
December 27, 2012 at 2:48 amI would conjure up a new episode in the wildwood dancing series. Would love Stella to get a chance to revisit the otherworld have adventures and find romance like her sisters.
Anne
December 27, 2012 at 4:00 ami think i would really much like to see the marauders from the Harry Potter Series.its the universelle i grew up with and i would Loveparade. to see how the old gang came together and that snape really wasnt all that black but rather greyish…
Raquel
December 27, 2012 at 4:18 amI’m with Juliet on a new Hogwarts series, but I’d prefer to read about the previous generation, Harry’s parents and all the gang. That should be fun!
Also, if I could conjure a book and have it my hands right now… I’d choose Shadowfell. 😉
Ellie
December 27, 2012 at 4:42 amI would conjure Lover at Last, by J.R.Ward. I’m dying to read all about Qhuinn and Blay!!!
Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
Tina Lewis
December 27, 2012 at 5:08 amI would definitely conjure up more Sevenwaters books, maybe one that branches directly from Bran and Liadan. I loved their story and would absolutely love to read more stories from their children. And I agree about more Jane Austen style books/series. I love that period and when they are very well written, I get completely sucked in.
Sarah
December 27, 2012 at 5:14 amIf I could wave a magic wand I would magically make The Warded Man series by Peter V. Brett be finished. He is only on the third book right now and I heard he is planning on making seven!!!
Amythest
December 27, 2012 at 5:33 amKa-POOF!!! Flame of Sevenwaters. I started reading the Sevenwaters series when they first hit the dusty book shelves of our little second hand store downtown, and to this day I still try to read Daughter of the Forest every summer. (My favorite!)Reading this series has honestly shaped my life, and though I haven’t had the chance to meet Juliet in person, just knowing she could autograph something with me in mind would be amazing indeed!! Please pick me!!!!
Laura
December 27, 2012 at 5:53 amI would magic into existence an Anya Seton novel set in the U.S. in the 1920s or 1930s– prohibition or depression eras. Her work is primarily historical fiction (set prior to her birth in 1906) with strong women characters often making decisions different than others in the time period. I would love see her portrayal of a time that she lived through! My current favorites of hers are My Theodosia and Green Darkness.
Giada M.
December 27, 2012 at 6:15 amI wish I could read a new book by Ray Bradbury.
Thank you for the fun post! 😀 “A version of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings with complex, interesting female characters” would be something epic!
Thank you for posting and for the lovely giveaway! 🙂
Mónica
December 27, 2012 at 7:15 amI, as a lover of the books of Juliet Marillier, as a lover of Sevenwaters which changed my life and soul – would conjure with a spell perhaps another book of the series of Sevenwaters which now the daughter of sibeal would be the main character. I really wish I could know how would she be and the amazing adventures she could have. I can’t wait to read Flame of Sevenwaters, it will be another piece of a puzzle of this stories but as the last one it will be very sad to say goodbye to Sevenwaters. Sevenwaters is a series that really touches us in every way and makes us see the world differently in a better way. I’d highly recommend it to everyone, to awake some things in themselves that they never knew they had. Juliet is definitely the best writer i’ve ever read books from. And also very magical and inspiring.
So yes, a story from the daughter of Sibeal would be fantastic and divine.
Jenna A
December 27, 2012 at 7:29 amWhile I love the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey, I would love a book about Imriel and Sidonie and their children!
Sónia
December 27, 2012 at 7:31 amI’d conjure any kind of book by Juliet Marillier, but this time maybe more centered in the Other World and the Tuatha De Dannan, perhaps a story of Danu herself. I haven’t read Flame of Sevenwaters since I can’t find it in Portugal yet, so I really don’t know if there’s much of it in it but I assume there is, not about Danu but about Mac Dara. I received Shadowfell as a christmas gift but gods, a signed Flame of Sevenwaters would take me to heaven.
The best gift though would be if Juliet herself came to Porto, Portugal one day releasing any book. Meeting her is one of my biggest dreams.
Devin
December 27, 2012 at 7:45 amI would love Robin McKinley to go back to Damar for a new series. I love her Hero and the Crown and The Blue Sword so much my copies look a bit love worn.
Thanks so much for the wonderful books this year Juliet Marillier! Both were wonderful and highly anticipated. I hope you’re having a great holiday.
Eti
December 27, 2012 at 8:55 amI absolutely adored Flame of Sevenwaters – and it took me right back to that magical feeling I had during the first book. As for a magic wand, all of the ideas above are incredible and I want all of them. I would love to see another book in the Wrinkle in Time universe where we find out more about what makes Charles Wallace so special – and have him use his uncanny abilities, as well as catch up with the rest of the characters.
Bibliotropic
December 27, 2012 at 9:00 amIf I could conjure any book into creation, it would be a novelization of the Persona 3 video game. A GOOD novelization, mind you, and one that does the multi-layered mythology and intriguing themes proper justice.
Nicole R
December 27, 2012 at 12:38 pmI love Juliet Marillier’s list but would also add another Chrestomanci book from the late Diana Wynn Jones.
Kerry D.
December 27, 2012 at 2:07 pmThe last book in Melanie Rawn’s “Exiles” series, The Captal’s Tower.
SonomaLass
December 27, 2012 at 2:12 pmCaptal’s Tower by Melanie Rawn. The unfinished Ambrai trilogy is a great sadness to me.
Kay-Kay-Bay
December 27, 2012 at 2:24 pmSeveral people have said this already, but: another Diana Wynne Jones (or let’s make it another five while we’re at it). She was brilliant and is VERY much missed.
Also, another HP series would be PERFECT.
Amanda W
December 27, 2012 at 2:28 pmHmmm… I love the idea of another Madeline L’Engle book. And if I could wave my magic wand I’d have the sequel to Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater in my hand right now!
scribe k.
December 27, 2012 at 3:21 pmthe final howl’s moving castle book that diana wynn jones never got the chance to write
Lauren
December 27, 2012 at 4:07 pmMmmm…a new book by Douglas Adams — no man has ever made me laugh like he has, and a little more laughter in the world is never a bad thing!
Amanda @ Late Nights with Good Books
December 27, 2012 at 6:19 pmOoh I love the idea of this post! And I agree with basically everything, especially a female-friendly LotR and new Harry Potter world series. In that vein, I’d like a newer version of The Hobbit that better mediates the divide between it being lighthearted and childish, but also is better able to anticipate the darker times coming in LotR. I think the film version is trying to do that, but I bet Tolkien could have written an even better version.
Hannah H
December 27, 2012 at 6:44 pmHmm… I would get a new book in the Doctrine of Labyrinths series by Sarah Monette. I loved the series, but the ending made it quite clear that the characters were having adventures that the readers will never be privy to.
Also, I would move mountains for another Diana Wynne Jones.
Hannah H
December 27, 2012 at 6:47 pmOh! Forgot! I’ve been hearing so much about Villains by Necessity by Eve Forward. It sounds right up my alley- unfortunately, it’s out of print with no e-book involved, and copies are going for 200+ on Amazon. So it’s not quite a magic wand worthy situation, but it’s pretty dang close.
bn100
December 27, 2012 at 8:34 pmI’d conjure the fairy godmother from Cinderella.
Raina
December 28, 2012 at 12:44 amAnother book in the same vein as Mara, Daughter of the Nile. The author, Eloise Jarvis McGraw, is sadly deceased, but that book is definitely one of my all-time favorites.
The Literary Omnivore
December 28, 2012 at 10:20 amI am totally stealing this idea for a blog post in the future. That’s amazing. Off the top of my head? A version of Little Women where Jo and Laurie get together. It’s the oldest ship war I’ve ever been in…
Nikki Egerton
December 28, 2012 at 12:07 pmI love your idea for the Twilight books!
Anna
December 28, 2012 at 4:32 pmOoh, Sevenwaters giveaway! If I had a magic wand, I would want a book that followed the Veronica Mars TV show. Ooh, please, magic wand, make that possible! Thank you for the giveaway!
Beatriz
December 28, 2012 at 5:45 pmIf I had a magical wand I’d probably conjure a new book set in Hogwarts, either a sequel or a prequel to the Harry Potter books; a new book in the Sevenwaters series in which the main character would be Sibeal’s daughter and a new book in the Inheritance Cycle because I didn´t like the end of the last book.
I would also conjure “The Doors of Stone” by Patrick Rothfuss because I am dying to read it!
Jasmine Stairs
December 28, 2012 at 7:34 pmAnother book by Diana Wynne Jones set in her world of Dark Lord of Derkholm and Year of the Griffin. She sends up fantasy quests and school stories so WELL, but with such love and humour and characters, I would absolutely adore seeing her do it again, with another fantasy aspect. Oh well.
Laurie
December 28, 2012 at 8:42 pmI’d have to conjure up more Sevenwaters adventures, PLEASE! There must be some cousins or other long lost relatives from that world with stories to tell.
Karen
December 28, 2012 at 10:29 pmShadow fell was one of my top books this year, I loved it so much! The seven waters series is definitely bumped up my TBR list.
Hmm, with my magic wand I would probably go with a prequel Harry Potter series. Love the Marauders! Also, a Howl sequel from Dianna Wynne Jones. Not just a cameo, but a full story with Howl and Sophie and all those glorious characters.
Maureen
December 29, 2012 at 4:10 amI would conjure a lost story from Jane Austen.
Sandra
December 29, 2012 at 8:56 amIf I had a magic wand I would conjure my own book without having a fear of writing. I’d tell a tale of love and adventure in Yggdrasil the norwegian tree of live taking the myths and gods of Asgard in to account.http://www.thebooksmugglers.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_redface.gif
jenmitch
December 29, 2012 at 1:25 pmoh my. this is difficult. maybe i’d use my magic wand to conjur up something that has been irrevocably lost, like the complete poems of sappho.
(and of course i’d love more HP, and quicker sequels to series that are currently being written. and more austen, and more bronte, and more DWJ….)
rachel
December 29, 2012 at 8:36 pmI read the first two books in a series by Gilbert Morris. Supposedly, the final and third book was published but I’ve never been able to locate it. So that’s what I’d conjure!
Christine
December 30, 2012 at 1:04 amI’ve been waiting for a follow-up to Kara Dalkey’s Little Sister and Heavenward Path since 1999. I was really hoping she’d give us a way for the Buddhist priestess and the trickster demon to be together… I guess that Japanese stories have to be tragic, though, huh?
Dana
December 30, 2012 at 12:40 pmIf I had a magical wand I’d conjure an epilogue for Okay for Now- I’m dying to know what happened to Doug, Lil and the rest of the characters from this book.
Jennifer
December 31, 2012 at 2:46 pmI would love another Chrestomanci book.
Lillian
January 1, 2013 at 1:27 amI’d use my magic wand to conjure a a fantasy/SF book on a complex female villain striving for redemption. I just think that would be a particularly interesting book to read.
Serena
January 2, 2013 at 12:15 amWell, it’s been said before, but it’s always worth saying again: more Harry Potter please! I would also love another Sevenwaters trilogy or anything really by the lovely Juliet.
Emma
January 2, 2013 at 8:47 amHarry Potter prequel or sequel!
Harv Griffin
February 3, 2013 at 7:47 amHey, Book Smugglers!
I still think Jane Austen created the format for the modern novel which we read today when she wrote PRIDE AND PREJUDICE two hundred years ago. Playful prose! Dialogue over-kill! Obviously, she didn’t believe that she had accomplished any such thing, because her successive novels adhered to the “boring, boring” styles of her day; although Jane makes even the dull all-narration all-the-time style SING. That’s just me. Cheers! @hg47
Old School Wednesdays: A Man Lay Dead, Cocaine Blues & The Ruby in the Smoke | The Book Smugglers
February 6, 2013 at 8:58 am[…] did I read this book: I blame Juliet Marillier’s Smugglivus post. I was in the throes of my recently discovered love for Dorothy L. Sayers’ Peter Wimsey and […]