English Studies 12

Mr. Lu

Assignment Page: Silent Reading Reflective Journal

Book Title: Wicked as you Wish

Author of Book: Rin Chupeco

How much of the book have you read: Finished Reading

Reflective Paragraphs (200-250 words each):

1. Personal reflection: What do you like or dislike about the story, genre, and/or
characters so far, and why? Do you relate to the plot or any of the characters? Why
or why not?

After finishing the novel, Wicked as you Wish by Rin Chupeco, I think that it was a hand down
likable novel due to its unique blend of fantasy and mystery elements. The main character, Tala,
is also coincidentally my favorite character, she was a young woman who had the ability to
negate and cancel all kinds of magic. Tala was a relatable character as she struggles with the
weight of her powers and the expectations secretly placed on her by Cheshire, a mysterious
character that was revealed only at the very end of the book. All the characters in the book were
very likable, as they were well-developed and have their own unique motivations and personality
but Tala’s personality and desire to help were the qualities that drew me to her. The genre of this
novel was a favorite of mine, with the combination of the elements of fantasy and mystery. The
use of Filipino culture allowed me to relate to the story greatly which in turn resulted in this book
becoming one of my favorites. Overall, Wicked as you wish was a great novel and it offered a
unique and captivating story with relatable characters that people can relate to.

2. Analyze the author’s style: Briefly explain the author’s tone, point of view, and
conflict. Also, does the author use any techniques, vocabulary, or literary devices to
enhance their writing? What do you like or dislike about the author’s style. Be
specific, providing examples to support your ideas.

The author, Rin Chupeco, uses a tone that is both melancholic and hopeful. The point of view is
primarily from the perspective of the main character, Tala, who was struggling with her identity
and her place in the world. The conflict centers around the struggle of the magical kingdom of
Avalon to survive and thrive in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile towards them.
Chupeco uses a variety of techniques, vocabulary, and literary devices to enhance their writing.
One example is the use of magical and mythical creatures, like the phoenix, ogres, and snow
maidens, to add a sense of fantasy and wonder to the story. Additionally, the use of descriptive
language was evident throughout the whole book. My favorite example of this was in chapter 23
page 286, where Tala was describing a wolf and how she “ had always thought of wolves as
English Studies 12
Mr. Lu

majestic creatures.” but the wolf started “barring their way” towards her and she started to
describe the wolf to have “...rows of yellow canine teeth, red beady eyes, and ghostly white fur.”
and “ It was also as big as a lion.” I like the author’s style because it is unique and imaginative.
The incorporation of magical creatures and the use of descriptive language make the story feel
like an epic fantasy, but with a more personal and intimate focus.

3. Paragraph 3: Did it surprise you? Why or why not? Consider the characters’
attitudes, the setting, or perhaps the author’s unique style; how did they contribute
to your being surprised or not by the ending? Did the ending seem plausible or
realistic?

The ending was a surprise because it was revealed that one of the most important artifacts in the
story was meant and prophesied to be for Tala, the main character. Throughout the book, Tala is
determined to prove herself and values her friendship with her best friend, Alex. Rin Chupeco’s
unique style and the way they develop characters and setting contributed to the surprise ending.
She builds up tension by having the main characters go through a long journey and foreshadows
certain events without giving out too much information throughout the story. The last chapter
baits the reader to think that the story ends as the kingdom of Avalon is restored but then hints
that the story is not over yet and so instead, we are left with a cliffhanger. Even though the
ending was obviously well-supported by the events that came before it still came as a surprise to
me. Chupeco was also able to subtly mislead me as the reader about the main character and the
ending which resulted in completely proving my assumptions to be wrong. Overall, the ending
was plausible as it was a fitting conclusion that tied together all the themes and motifs of the
novel all the while leaving readers wanting more.