Broken Family, Broken World

Alex and Conner Bailey, twins in a modern world, are reeling from the recent death of their father. Their mother works long hours, and the family's financial and emotional stability is shaken. Alex, a bookish and lonely girl, and Conner, her sarcastic, underachieving brother, find solace in the fairy tales their father and grandmother once read to them. On their twelfth birthday, their grandmother gifts them a mysterious old storybook, The Land of Stories, which soon begins to glow and hum, hinting at magic and adventure beyond their mundane reality.

The Book That Glows

Alex becomes obsessed with the glowing book, convinced it holds secrets. After days of strange occurrences, she and Conner discover the book is a portal. In a moment of curiosity and chaos, both siblings are pulled into the book and find themselves in a vibrant, dangerous fairy-tale world. They quickly realize they are far from home, surrounded by living legends, and must find a way back before their absence is discovered in the real world.

Into the Fairy-Tale Forest

Lost in the Dwarf Forests, Alex and Conner are awed and terrified by the reality of fairy tales. They narrowly escape soldiers, meet a talking frog-man named Froggy, and realize that the world is divided into kingdoms ruled by familiar characters like Cinderella, Snow White, and Red Riding Hood. The twins learn that the only way home may be through the legendary Wishing Spell, a magical scavenger hunt requiring rare and dangerous items.

Froggy's Secret Sanctuary

Froggy, once a vain man cursed into amphibian form, becomes their reluctant guide. He introduces them to the Wishing Spell, sharing a journal written by a man who once used it to cross worlds for love. The twins decide to follow the journal's clues, collecting items like Cinderella's glass slipper, a lock of Rapunzel's hair, and more. Froggy's kindness and wisdom become a lifeline, but he is haunted by his own fears and regrets.

The Wishing Spell Quest

Armed with a map, the journal, and Froggy's advice, Alex and Conner set out across kingdoms. They face riddles, bridge trolls, and the perils of being outsiders. Their journey takes them to Rapunzel's tower, Cinderella's palace, and the Red Riding Hood Kingdom, where they must use wit, courage, and sometimes deception to obtain the spell's components. Along the way, they witness the complexities and flaws of their childhood heroes.

Perils in the Dwarf Forests

The twins' quest is fraught with danger: they narrowly escape a cannibalistic witch, are caught in the crossfire between Goldilocks (now a fugitive) and the Big Bad Wolf Pack, and are repeatedly reminded that fairy tales are not sanitized stories but living, perilous realities. Their bond as siblings is tested, and they begin to realize that the world's magic is as much about pain and loss as it is about hope.

Castles, Queens, and Thieves

Infiltrating Cinderella's palace, the twins are aided by sympathetic guards and even Cinderella herself, who reveals the burdens of being a queen. They accidentally acquire a glass slipper, unsure if it was theft or a gift. In the Red Riding Hood Kingdom, they face a room of thousands of baskets and a mysterious thief—later revealed to be the Huntsman's daughter—who is collecting Wishing Spell items for a darker purpose.

Red's Kingdom and Goldilocks' Past

The twins witness the tangled relationships between Jack, Goldilocks, and Red Riding Hood, learning that fairy-tale endings are rarely simple. Goldilocks, framed as a child, is now a hardened outlaw, and her love for Jack is complicated by Red's jealousy and betrayal. The twins' own quest is mirrored by the emotional journeys of those around them, deepening their understanding of love, loss, and forgiveness.

Trolls, Goblins, and Escape

Captured by trolls and goblins, Alex and Conner are thrown into a slave dungeon, where they meet the Traveling Tradesman—the very man from the journal. With the help of Trollbella, a lovesick troll princess, and their own ingenuity, the twins orchestrate a mass escape, freeing dozens of prisoners. They also acquire the stone crown, another Wishing Spell item, but at the cost of leaving the Tradesman behind.

Fairy Kingdom's Judgment

In the Fairy Kingdom, the twins must obtain a fairy's tear. They befriend Trix, a fairy on trial for a minor offense, and Conner's impassioned defense of her leads to a change in the Fairy Council's priorities. The twins learn that justice is not always fair, and that compassion can change even the most rigid systems. They also discover the Walking Fish, a living symbol of their father's stories and their own dual heritage.

The Evil Queen's Shadow

The Evil Queen, once Snow White's stepmother, has escaped prison and is collecting Wishing Spell items with the help of the Huntsman and his daughter. Her tragic backstory—her lost love, Mira, trapped in a mirror—casts her actions in a new light. The twins realize they are not the only ones seeking the Wishing Spell, and that if the Evil Queen succeeds, they may never return home.

The Sleeping Kingdom's Curse

In the Sleeping Kingdom, the twins meet Queen Sleeping Beauty, who is struggling to revive her cursed land. She lends them the spindle that pricked her finger, showing empathy and wisdom. The twins reflect on the true cost of curses and the strength required to heal a broken world. Their journey is now a race, as the Evil Queen's agents close in.

The Final Race for Home

With most items collected, the twins must retrieve the final piece: a knife from the Sea Foam Spirit (the Little Mermaid), now hidden in the cursed Thornbush Pit. With magical help, they brave the deadly vines, but nearly perish. Froggy, overcoming his fears, rescues them. Yet, as they gather the last item, the Evil Queen's wolves capture them, and the spell's fate hangs in the balance.

The Heart of Stone

Imprisoned by the Evil Queen, the twins learn her full story: once Evly, a loving woman, she was twisted by loss and heartbreak. Her heart, literally turned to stone, is all that remains of her humanity. The Evil Queen uses Alex's tear to complete the Wishing Spell, not for power, but to free her beloved Mira from the mirror. The spell works, but Mira dies in her arms, and the Queen is consumed by her own tragedy.

The Mirror's Tragic Truth

As the castle collapses, the twins are rescued by Froggy, Jack, and Red. The Evil Queen and Mira vanish into the mirror, leaving only the heart of stone behind. The Wishing Spell is spent, and the twins' hope of returning home seems lost. Yet, in the aftermath, forgiveness and understanding ripple through the kingdoms, and old wounds begin to heal.

Sacrifice and Forgiveness

Goldilocks is pardoned by Red Riding Hood, and Jack chooses a life on the run with her. Red, heartbroken, learns the value of sacrifice and leadership. Froggy is revealed to be Prince Charlie, the long-lost Charming brother, and is restored to human form by the Fairy Godmother. The twins, though stranded, are celebrated as heroes and find a new sense of belonging.

Family Secrets Revealed

The Fairy Godmother summons Alex and Conner, revealing herself as their grandmother and the true bridge between worlds. Their father, too, was from the Land of Stories, and his journal guided their quest. The twins learn they are the first children of both worlds, and that their magic enabled their journey. Their family's legacy is one of love, sacrifice, and the power to unite worlds.

Home, But Forever Changed

With the Fairy Godmother's magic, the twins return home, forever changed by their journey. They carry with them the lessons of courage, empathy, and the complexity of good and evil. The Land of Stories is no longer just a book, but a living part of who they are—and the promise of future adventures lingers in their hearts.

Characters

Alex Bailey

Alex is a bright, sensitive girl who feels out of place in her world after her father's death. Her deep love of fairy tales and longing for belonging drive her curiosity and courage. Throughout the story, Alex matures from a lonely outsider to a compassionate leader, learning that true heroism is rooted in empathy and sacrifice. Her journey is as much about self-acceptance as it is about returning home.

Conner Bailey

Conner, Alex's twin, is her opposite: quick-witted, underachieving, and often cynical. Beneath his humor lies deep insecurity and a fierce loyalty to his sister. Conner's arc is one of self-discovery; he learns to value his own strengths and to act bravely in the face of danger. His humor and honesty often diffuse tension, and his growth is marked by increasing empathy and responsibility.

Froggy (Prince Charlie Charming)

Froggy is a once-vain man transformed into a frog, living in isolation. He becomes the twins' guide, offering wisdom, hospitality, and a model of redemption. His own journey—from shame and fear to courage and acceptance—mirrors the twins' growth. Ultimately revealed as the lost Charming brother, Froggy's restoration to human form is a testament to the power of friendship and forgiveness.

The Evil Queen (Evly)

Once a loving woman named Evly, the Evil Queen is driven by loss and heartbreak after her beloved Mira is trapped in a mirror. Her transformation into a villain is rooted in pain, not malice. Her actions are monstrous, but her motivations are deeply human. The revelation of her story challenges the twins—and the reader—to see beyond labels and understand the roots of evil.

Goldilocks

Framed as a child, Goldilocks becomes a legendary fugitive, hardened by betrayal and loss. Her love for Jack and rivalry with Red Riding Hood add emotional depth to her character. Goldilocks is resourceful, fierce, and ultimately capable of forgiveness. Her arc is one of reclaiming agency and finding love on her own terms.

Jack

Jack, of beanstalk fame, is haunted by Goldilocks' absence and Red's affections. His steadfast love and willingness to abandon everything for Goldilocks reveal a depth of character beyond his fairy-tale origins. Jack's journey is about choosing love over duty and embracing imperfection.

Red Riding Hood

Red is a comically self-absorbed queen, desperate for love and validation. Her rivalry with Goldilocks and unrequited love for Jack drive much of the story's interpersonal drama. Yet, when it matters most, Red chooses forgiveness and leadership, freeing Goldilocks and beginning her own path to maturity.

The Huntsman and Huntress

The Huntsman, once the Evil Queen's servant, is consumed by guilt and loyalty. His mute daughter, the Huntress, is a formidable adversary, collecting Wishing Spell items for the Queen. Both are tragic figures, shaped by circumstance and the demands of others, embodying the theme that villainy is often inherited, not chosen.

The Fairy Godmother (Grandma)

The twins' grandmother is revealed as the Fairy Godmother, the only being able to travel between worlds. Her love, wisdom, and sacrifices underpin the entire narrative. She is the keeper of family secrets and the architect of the twins' return, embodying the story's message that love and magic are intertwined.

Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel

These iconic characters are reimagined as real women with burdens, regrets, and wisdom. Each helps the twins in different ways, revealing that fairy-tale endings are only the beginning of real struggles. Their stories challenge the twins' (and readers') assumptions about heroism, happiness, and the cost of leadership.

Plot Devices

The Wishing Spell

The Wishing Spell is a classic quest device, requiring the protagonists to collect rare items from across the kingdoms. It structures the plot as a series of escalating challenges, each tied to a different fairy tale. The spell's rules—only two uses left, and only one remaining—create urgency and competition, especially as the Evil Queen races the twins for the prize.

The Journal

The journal, written by the twins' father, is both a literal map and a metaphorical link to their heritage. It provides clues, foreshadows dangers, and ultimately reveals the truth about their family. Its presence deepens the story's emotional stakes and ties the twins' journey to their father's own quest for love.

Dual Worlds and Portals

The portal between worlds, activated by Alex's latent magic, allows for a collision of modern sensibilities with fairy-tale logic. The twins' outsider perspective exposes the cracks in the stories they thought they knew, while their heritage as children of both worlds becomes the key to their return.

Reimagined Fairy-Tale Characters

Classic characters are given new depth, flaws, and motivations. Villains are revealed as victims, heroes as fallible, and side characters as central to the plot. This device allows the story to explore themes of empathy, forgiveness, and the complexity of good and evil.

Sibling Bond

Alex and Conner's relationship is the heart of the story. Their differences create conflict, but their loyalty and love drive their survival and success. Their journey is as much about healing their family as it is about returning home.

The Heart of Stone and the Mirror

The Evil Queen's heart of stone and Mira's mirror are powerful symbols. They represent the dangers of emotional numbness and the longing for connection. Their resolution—through sacrifice and understanding—mirrors the twins' own journey toward wholeness.

Analysis

Chris Colfer's The Wishing Spell is a vibrant, emotionally resonant reimagining of classic fairy tales, blending adventure, humor, and psychological depth. At its core, the novel is about the power of stories to heal, connect, and transform. By thrusting modern children into a world of living legends, Colfer explores the gap between fantasy and reality, showing that true heroism lies in empathy, resilience, and the willingness to see beyond labels. The book's greatest strength is its refusal to simplify good and evil; villains are given tragic backstories, and heroes are shown to struggle with doubt and loss. The Wishing Spell quest is both a literal and metaphorical journey, forcing the twins—and the reader—to confront the messy, beautiful complexity of life. Ultimately, the story is a celebration of family, forgiveness, and the enduring magic of hope.

Last updated: May 14, 2025