"Why not err on the side of compassion?" -Jubilee Cho, Wishing Well, Wishing Well

On the surface, Wishing Well, Wishing Well is a fairytale-style story about five princesses who must save their people from a corrupt king. That alone makes a fantastic story, and in reality, it's also so much more than that. This is a tale of embracing your true self, rebelling against injustice, and injecting compassion into everything you do. Bound up in a beautiful blend of a vaguely medieval setting modern themes, and fantastical elements, Wishing Well, Wishing Well is a truly unique novel for all readers.

I must first discuss how much I adore all five princesses of Bellarossa. When I first picked up this novel knowing that it follows five princesses, I'll admit I was skeptical. I expected the princesses to fall into one of two unfortunate categories: they could easily blend together, utterly indistinguishable from one another, or they could become bland archetypes in an attempt to differentiate them. Luckily, neither of these was the case. Each sister has a strong, distinct personality without being an archetype. Jubilee Cho infused each one with just the right amount of personality and unique complexities to really bring them to life.

The sisters' individuality contributes to this novel's incredible representation of strong women. Instead of portraying "strong women" as a monolith, Cho goes the extra mile to show how women of different ages, identities, abilities, and personalities can all be strong in their own right. We see women who are shy, artistic, analytical, transgender, natural leaders, neurodivergent-coded, and so much more represented as being change-makers. The variety enables a broad range of readers to see themselves represented as both powerful and valuable.

This type of representation is infinitely valuable for readers of all ages. It is so refreshing to see a wide assortment of identities living their lives, doing good deeds, and experiencing joy and fulfillment. And in the case of marginalized identities, such as the neurodivergent-coded and transgender characters, this is done without the need to put their suffering under a microscope or exploit them in any way. These characters are allowed to simply exist without their identity being the main focus of the story. While stories focusing on marginalized groups are necessary and important (and I'm a huge fan of them!), we also need more books like Wishing Well, Wishing Well.

"Every new challenge he faced always seemed insurmountable at first, but that just made it all the more rewarding when he finally triumphed." -Jubilee Cho, Wishing Well, Wishing Well

While the story is told through the lens of the five princesses, the world it presents is also so much bigger than them. The kingdom of Bellarossa is wrought with corrupt politicians who seek for the rich to get richer at the expense of the poor. Who has power is determined by money, ego, and knowing the right people, rather than by actual merit. The new, evil King Jean-Claude creates a state of desperation for his people in an attempt to get them to turn on one another. It is heartbreaking to watch the beloved kingdom fall into shambles, but equally motivating to see the Bellarossians work together to take it back.

It is rare to see such a nuanced social commentary woven into a book that, on its surface, is aimed at young readers. And yet, regardless of a reader's understanding of politics, the themes can be universally appreciated. The nuances of governmental corruption may only get through to more mature readers, but everyone can understand the lessons about caring for others. Compassion is a sentiment that is explored time and time again through different characters and actions, ensuring that it gets through to the audience.

This novel does more than just build up a corrupt government; it focuses more on characters who are motivated to tear it down. Each of the five princesses has an affinity for a different art, and they use these skills to save their kingdom. I love how even though the sisters all have their own projects, they all see themselves as working together. Their methods of rebellion may be different, but their goal is still the same. And it is their differences that strengthen their cause, since no one project is more important than the other. In this way, Cho provides readers with a strong message about activism: a wide variety of outlets, permeating every corner of our culture, will reach the most people and have the greatest impact.

Wishing Well, Wishing Well is a glorious celebration of human goodness. It inspires a passion for the arts, for humanity, and for a better world.

This novel is great for all ages: kids may latch onto the fairy tale aspects, teens will love the themes of empowerment, and adults will be enthralled by the corrupt politics and power struggles.

I would recommend this book to literally anyone. I know that's a broad statement, but I mean it with my whole heart. This novel will touch your soul in unexpected ways and awaken a desire to do more for the world. This is exactly the type of novel that everyone should be exposed to.

"This world we live in is full of magic. Simply thriving with it. Magic that can be found anywhere and everywhere, but only if you have the faith to look." -Jubilee Cho, Wishing Well, Wishing Well

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wishing Well, Wishing Well is a sweet and wholesome middle grade fantasy novel. The narrative follows the five Corona princesses, sisters that are tasked with saving their half-human, half-faerie kingdom from a corrupt, usurper king. After the untimely deaths of their parents, and the apparent loss of their younger brother/the kingdom’s heir, the princesses, led by eldest sister Alex, do their best to keep their kingdom afloat and bring joy and comfort to their former subjects.

This story was such a refreshing read. While it doesn’t shy away from tackling darker and deeper topics such as political corruption, parent loss, poverty, and grief, it was uplifting to read about Alex and her sister’s acts of kindness, their strength in the face of corruption, their unique personalities that simultaneously maintain and break the mold of the strong female character, and their determination to stand up for what they believe. Each of the princesses, as well as their brother, have an affinity for a form of art that informs their personality. These skills also aid them in taking down the corrupt king, Jean Claude – a beautiful allegory for the importance of art and the preservation of culture.

While this is a middle grade work, I think it would be loved by readers of any age, interest, or gender. Cho has successfully written a wonderful story that has the ability to connect with a wide-ranging audience. I’m excited to read whatever Cho writes next!