Neil Patrick Harris

'I adored Magic Misfits. This man is far too talented for my liking, and needs to be stopped!' David Walliams The first in a funny and magical new children's books series from Emmy award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris. 'I read this book with excitement, delight, and the increasing suspicion that it was going to make me disappear.' Lemony Snicket, author of the bestselling series A Series of Unfortunate Events and All the Wrong Questions This book contains a BIG SECRET. Read on if you dare . . . Do you believe in magic? Carter doesn't. He knows magic tricks are just that - tricks. And as a street magician he's also pretty good at them. But then Carter runs away from his conman uncle and he finds himself alone and in danger from dastardly carnival ringleader, B.B. Bosso. He could really use some magic now . . . A chance encounter with the mysterious Mr Dante Vernon leads Carter to a magic shop, where he teams up with five other like-minded kids and the MAGIC MISFITS are born! Can the gang use their magical talents to save the day and stop B.B. stealing a priceless diamond? And now for the BIG SECRET . . . Inside this book you will find a treasure trove of tips, codes and stage tricks that will help YOU join the Magic Misfits and make some magic of your own. (BUT DON'T TELL ANYONE.) Perfect for children aged 8 to 12 years old and fans of Lemony Snicket, David Walliams, David Baddiel, My Brother is a Superhero . . . and magic! Cover illustration by David Litchfield, winner of the Waterstones Children's Books Prize 2016 for The Bear and the Piano. Neil Patrick Harris is an accomplished actor, producer, director, host, and author. Perhaps best known to audiences for his role as Barney Stinson on the hit comedy series How I Met Your Mother, he is currently starring as Count Olaf in the Netflix adaptation of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. The Magic Misfits is his first book for children.

The Magic Misfits

The first in a funny and magical new children's books series from Emmy award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris. ‘I read this book with excitement, delight, and the increasing suspicion that it was going to make me disappear.' Lemony Snicket, author of the bestselling series A Series of Unfortunate Events and All the Wrong Questions This book contains a BIG SECRET. Read on if you dare … Do you believe in magic? Carter doesn’t. He knows magic tricks are just that – tricks. And as a street magician he’s also pretty good at them. But then Carter runs away from his conman uncle and he finds himself alone and in danger from dastardly carnival ringleader, B.B. Bosso. He could really use some magic now … A chance encounter with the mysterious Mr Dante Vernon leads Carter to a magic shop, where he teams up with five other like-minded kids and the MAGIC MISFITS are born! Can the gang use their magical talents to save the day and stop B.B. stealing a priceless diamond? And now for the BIG SECRET … inside this book you will find a treasure trove of tips, codes and stage tricks that will help YOU join the Magic Misfits and make some magic of your own. (BUT DON'T TELL ANYONE.) Perfect for children aged 8 to 12 years old and fans of Lemony Snicket, David Walliams … and magic!

Jamieson

“For years I looked for you. I never gave up, but I never imagined that fate would bring you to Mineral Wells."
"Not fate," Leila said. "Magic."
Magic, fate, or coincidence. Carter wasn't sure which was which anymore.” 


well this was entirely cute. the magic misfits is an absolute delight I admit I read this because I wanted to see what Neil Patrick Harris' novel would be like, and because it was giving me middle grade six of crows vibes, which really is ideal. 

The Magic Misfits follows Carter, a boy taught con tricks by his thieving uncle. When he runs away from home, he ends up in a town called Mineral Wells where a travelling circus is in town. Suddenly, he and his new friends Leila, Theo and Ridley, are caught up in a plot by the owner of the Circus to steal a prized jewel from right under the noses of the spectators he continually dupes. 

I loved the solid friendships and diversity in this The friendships between the main characters were so cute. Carter, Leila, Theo and Ridley all had such unique and differing personalities which made the whole group together really fun. 

Leila is a black girl with two dads. Theo is also black and Ridley uses a wheelchair. I really liked seeing this diversity because it's important all kids get to see themselves represented in books. I also really liked the focus on found family and friendships where everyone trusts eachother. 

The storyline was pretty enjoyable and I really liked the style in which it was told. It was really fun to see all the kids make their plans to foil the villain and the way that magic and cons played into the story was really nice. I LOVED how this book had interludes where it explained how to do magic tricks, I thought that was so fun and I actually .... wish I'd had this book as a kid because I would have SPENT A LONG TIME TRYING TO PERFECT THESE TRICKS



  “For me, magic can be a story, a game, a puzzle, or a surprise that takes my breath away in a single, furious gulp.” 


This was a really cute middle grade book and it gives me six of crows/daughter of the burning city (but middle grade) feels which is nice. It's also narrated in a similar style to A Series of Unfortunate Events, if you like that. 

I really liked this middle grade and I think it's something people of all ages could definitely enjoy!

From award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris, comes the magical first book in a new series with plenty of tricks up its sleeve. When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on. After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded illusionists. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they'll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso's villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series. (Psst. Hey, you! Yes, you! Congratulations on reading this far. As a reward, I'll let you in on a little secret... This book isn't just a book. It's a treasure trove of secrets and ciphers and codes and even tricks. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll discover more than just a story--you'll learn how to make your own magic!)

brianna

"The magic of true friends is that even apart, they can't be long cut off from what lives in the heart."
 

4.25 stars. This was the cutest, most creative book I've read in a while. We follow Carter, a orphaned street magician who lives with his abusive Uncle. He escapes within the first chapter and finds himself in this town called Mineral Wells and there he discovers an evil traveling carnival, street magicians, and new friends. Neil Patrick Harris stuffed this book with codes and secret messages and it was so Fucking Clever. I'm convinced there is nothing NPH can't do. 

Before starting this I got middle grade Six of Crows vibes and for some reason that held up. The plot isn't the same but there's a group of 6 misfits learning street magic and fighting the bad guys. If you have any interest at all in this book I would suggest picking it up because I enjoyed it more than I expected to!

Izza

5 stars | Cute and super fun read even for adults! The illustrations are 👌

From award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris comes the magical second book in the NY Times bestselling series with even more tricks up its sleeve! Growing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. But she turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist--a valuable trait when belonging to a group of magical best friends. When a famous psychic comes to town, however, Leila and her pals won't be able to escape the big mystery heading their way. Whether chasing mad monkeys or banishing ghosts from haunted hotels, these six friends will do their best to keep Mineral Wells safe--but can they still protect themselves in the process? Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this delightful new series. Whether you're a new fan of stage magic or a longtime expert at illusion, Magic Misfits is sure to delight even more than sawing your assistant in half! ...have more questions? I thought you might. Here are some answers: WHERE? A sleepy town in New England and the magic shop there, run by the friendly but mysterious Dante Vernon--the gang's caped and top-hatted mentor. WHO? Carter, who makes cards and coins vanish. Leila, who escapes from trunks and straitjackets. Theo, who levitates with the aid of his violin bow. Ridley, who invents and transforms everyday objects. And of course twins Olly and Izzy, who make everyone laugh. WHY? Because together, these six Magical Misfits will discover adventure, friendship, and the town's long-hidden secrets. (Psst. Hey, you! Yes, YOU! Congratulations on reading this far down. As a reward, I'll let you in on a little secret....This book isn't just a book. It's a treasure trove of secrets and ciphers and codes and even tricks. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll discover more than just a story--you'll learn how to make your own magic!)

The Magic Misfits: The Second Story

4.5 stars | I just want 20 of these stories. thank you.

The third magical book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Magic Misfits series from acclaimed and wildly popular celebrity Neil Patrick Harris! Theo Stein-Meyer loves being part of the Magic Misfits. Armed with his trusty violin bow, he completes the team with his levitation skills, unflappable calm, and proper manners. But when a girl named Emily begins to spend time with the group, Theo is surprisingly drawn to her. She seems to understand the pull he feels between music and magic, between family and friends. Then a famous ventriloquist arrives in town, and the Misfits are sure he (and his creepy dummy) are up to no good. With their mentor, Mr. Vernon, suddenly called away and tension simmering among the friends, can they come together to stop another member of the villainous Emerald Ring? It's time for Theo to make a choice about where--and with whom--he belongs. Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this unique and surprising series. Whether you're a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold on to your top hat!

The Magic Misfits: The Minor Third

Ashley Wendt

I’m struggling rating this. There was nothing wrong with it. It was a cute sweet story about family & belonging. A bit enchanting. But there was nothing groundbreaking. HOWEVER...I listened to the audiobook and NPH narrates it!! I’m tempted to give it an extra star just for his narration. His character voices and the sound effects really bring the story to life. I highly recommend experiencing this series through audiobook.

Shereen Evans

You start by following Carter. His parents pass away and he is left with his uncle who teaches him magic and then runs away from his uncle. Carter has a code that he follows which is he doesn't steal. He just wants to do magic to make people happy. When he gets to the town he lands in, he runs in to B.B. Bosso and his group. B.B. Bosso and his crew use their shows to steal from people and tries to recruit Carter. Carter finds his way to Mr. Vernon who he had met earlier. Carter meets Mr. Vernon's daughter who then introduces him to a group of kids who are like him. Each kid has their own trick that they have mastered. All of them group together to go after B.B. Bosso

In the end you find out that Mr. Vernon was cousins to Carter's father and wants to keep him.

The nice part of this book is that there is not reference of electronics to help them out with what they are trying to complete. Instead each of the kids put their heads together to come up with a plan.

The fun part of this book is every so often there are puzzles so it gives you a break within the book.

Caylie 

Very cute and fun to read! Sometimes it’s nice to read some easy middle grade books to feel like a kid again and find the magic in the world ;)

Candyce Kirk

This is such a cute story. I am glad I finally picked it up. Definitely plan on continuing with the series as the books are released!

Full review to come soon on thebookdutchesses.com

Juliette Raven 

It was a quick fun read even though I had a hard time going into it. 

I liked how Neil Patrick Harris cut his narration in order to give more details or explain how to do magic tricks I think it's really great for children.

laura

*I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts**

I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be so much fun to read. I really enjoyed this book and loved the new character POV that we got to follow. I thought the mystery was a tad predictable at points but really loved again the focus on family and also found family and also on using magic as a art form. I also really loved the focus on friendship!This book just put a really big smile on my face. I really enjoyed reading it!

This book was adorable. I was so impressed by it. I really love neil writing and also he crafted not only a engaging story but made it so educational but also taught magic tricks. I read this book so fast and hope we get more books soon. I loved the main characters. It is def. early middle grade but I really loved the story and the world and also how diverse the story was. Such a cute read and i rec. it for anyone who wants to add some magic to their lives!

Ashling Brown

I really enjoyed this audiobook. 

I found the entire experience wonderfully immersive, which I always like within a story. I loved how as a listener you are included in the story and taught things that are actually quite interesting. 

I enjoyed the story and the meaning behind this story. It was a wonderful, magical experience and I can't wait to immerse myself into the next audiobooks when they are available!

Renee Delcourt

Oh man. I wanted to like this book so much, but quite honestly I think this was more meant in mind for his own children more so than the public. What I can say about this book, is that it EXUDES Neil Patrick Harris' voice and personality. You can hear his voice in the narration and its quirky and silly and sometimes a little slap stick. However, I think it's trying to use things from Lemony Snicket's works and not able to fully grasp how to properly use those techniques in his work. The book is super tropey and cheesy at times which doesn't always bother me but it often felt choppy and disconnected because of those moments. Now NPH is not a writer and I think because of that this still was a decent for what it is. I just hoped for something more I think.

Natali Topliff

The last book in the Magic Misfits series, and a lovely end to the story. Neil Patrick Harris has a real flair for writing books that make you feel good about yourself.

Dani C

A great middle grade novel! Light-hearted fun while still tackling serious childhood concerns about identity. A naturally diverse cast of characters and perfect over the top humor - I expected nothing less of Neil Patrick Harris. He knocked this out of the park.

A New York Times Bestseller, and a USA Today Best-selling Book! From award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris, comes the magical first book in a new series with plenty of tricks up its sleeve. When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on. After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded illusionists. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they'll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso's villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series. (Psst. Hey, you! Yes, you! Congratulations on reading this far. As a reward, I'll let you in on a little secret... This book isn't just a book. It's a treasure trove of secrets and ciphers and codes and even tricks. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll discover more than just a story--you'll learn how to make your own magic!)

Manon van Heumen

Amazingly written. I loved it from the first to the last word, and I can't wait for the next installment.

Isabella Stocka

Mr. Harris is publishing a book? Gimme! 
I like NPH as an actor as well as a human being so this was a must read.
The book is Harris in paper form. Funny, honest, uplifting. 
This childrens book is one I would give any child I know, because it encourage children to explore and believe in themself.
A group of kids that find out that they are so much more and that together they can do amazing stuff. 
Not everyone has an easy life and a loving family and friends. Therefore it is important to show that you have the possibility to find your own family.
A very important book which every child should have in their shelf.

Lisa Beasley

This was a fun and magical read. It picks up after book 1 and this time follows Leila and we discover more about her and her past as well as that of her adoptive father. Another great book and a series that I find easy to read yet entertaining too.

This was a fun story following Carter, a young boy who runs away from a terrible relative and ends up finding friends and adventure waiting for him. This was obviously aimed at younger readers but I was still able to enjoy it and found myself rooting for the kids along the way. It was a cute story, with a good plot and likable characters. It was a very easy read and I am definitely planning to continue on with the series.

I really enjoyed this volume but the ending frustrated me a little. There were some nice themes throughout but I felt a large part of it wasn't explored as much as it should have been and wasn't really resolved. But I still love the characters and Neil Patrick Harris has a great way of telling a story.

The magical finale of the #1 New York Times bestselling Magic Misfits series from acclaimed and wildly popular celebrity Neil Patrick Harris! Ridley Larsen is everything you want in a friend. She's tough as nails, she's fiercely loyal, and she's smart as a whip. But she can be a harsh critic, which has put her position with the Magic Misfits on the rocks, even as the threat of the group's longtime enemy Kalagan looms large. Ever since his recent appearance in Mineral Wells, the kids know that a showdown with the vicious magician is imminent. They must first deal with a series of odd instances and random attacks, though, all of which they use to bring themselves closer to discovering where Kalagan may be hiding, and the nature of his true identity. But can Ridley finally master her temper and put her essential magical skills to good use? She'll do anything to protect her friends, and when the time comes, she'll find that the Magic Misfits are strongest when they all work together. Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this finale of the unique and always surprising series. Whether you're a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold on to your top hat!

The Magic Misfits: the Fourth Suit

I've really enjoyed the Magic Misfits series, its fun but also has a really good heart. The friendships are lovely and exploring the different characters with each book has been great. A solid middle grade series and this was a strong ending.

The Magic Misfits

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