“Be careful what you wish for, for wishes have a way of coming true.”
— A common saying that takes on new meaning in the magical town of Borrow.
Archivist's Choice
The Wish Stealers
Tracy Trivas (2010)
Genre
Fantasy / Children's / Mystery / Young Adult
Reading Time
288 min
Key Themes
See below
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When a box of antique pennies curses Griffin so her wishes backfire, she must brave ancient alchemists and dark magic to return stolen dreams before her own life unravels.
Synopsis
Griffin Penshine, a girl who loves making wishes, is tricked by an old woman into taking a box of eleven antique Indian Head pennies. These pennies are stolen wishes, each marked with the original wisher's name. Griffin quickly learns that having these coins makes her a Wish Stealer, cursed to have all her wishes turn into their exact opposite. To break the curse, Griffin must return these stolen wishes to their owners, many of whom may no longer be alive.
Her quest to undo the curse leads her through a world of ancient alchemists and mysterious stories, pushing her to help strangers in new ways. As she searches, Griffin finds the dark power that comes with being a Wish Stealer. She races against time, battling the curse's growing pull and the old woman's plans, in a final fight to save herself and those she loves from the stolen wishes' effects.
Reading time
288 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Mysterious, Adventurous, Magical, Hopeful
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy magical mysteries with a clear quest, moral dilemmas, and a touch of historical fantasy.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer realistic fiction or stories without magical curses and ancient artifacts.
Plot Summary
A Box of Cursed Pennies
Griffin Penshine, a girl who loves making wishes, meets an unusual old woman at a flea market. The woman, with a strange smile, tricks Griffin into taking a small, wooden box with eleven shiny Indian Head pennies, all from 1897. Each penny has a name on it. The old woman calls them 'wish pennies' and says they are powerful. Griffin, curious and a little uneasy, takes the box home. She does not know she has just become part of an old and dangerous curse. The pennies are not just old coins; they are stolen wishes, and soon, Griffin's own wishes will turn against her.
The Curse Revealed
After getting the pennies, Griffin starts to notice strange things. Her own wishes, usually a comfort, begin to go wrong. When she wishes for a sunny day, it rains; when she wishes for quiet, her house becomes loud. Through research and a disturbing dream, Griffin learns the truth: the pennies are stolen wishes, and she is now a 'Wish Stealer.' The curse means her own wishes will never come true; instead, the exact opposite will happen. This news fills Griffin with fear, as she sees how much this will affect her life and the lives of those around her.
Seeking Answers and Allies
Overwhelmed by the curse, Griffin tells her best friend, Fiona. Fiona, though doubtful at first, becomes a key helper. Together, they start looking into where the Indian Head pennies came from and the idea of stolen wishes. Their search leads them to old stories, forgotten alchemy books, and tales of strong magic. They learn the curse is centuries old and that the pennies are not just wishes, but the very heart of human desires, twisted and trapped. This first research stage is hard, as true information is rare, and the Wish Stealers' real history is hidden in mystery.
The Temptation of Power
As Griffin goes deeper into the world of stolen wishes, she begins to feel the pull of the Wish Stealers' power. She realizes that while the curse stops her own wishes from coming true, the pennies themselves hold a dark, strong energy. It is tempting to use this power for herself, even if it means keeping the curse going. She struggles with the moral questions of this power, seeing its potential for harm but also its tempting nature. This inner conflict is a big challenge for Griffin, making her face the darker parts of human nature and her own desires.
The First Return
Following clues on the pennies, Griffin and Fiona try to return the first stolen wish. This is much harder than just mailing a penny. They find that the wishes are deeply connected to the original wishers' lives, and returning them means understanding the wish and the person who made it. Their first try is full of problems, showing how delicate and dangerous their task is. They face obstacles that suggest the old woman, or maybe the curse itself, is actively working against them, making the return process risky.
Unraveling Ancient Secrets
Through their continued research, Griffin and Fiona discover the old origins of the Wish Stealers, a hidden group connected to powerful alchemists and even figures from history, like the witches from Macbeth. They learn the curse is not just bad luck but a system made to control human desires. This discovery shows the large scale and long history of the problem, making Griffin realize she is dealing with more than just a few old pennies. She is facing a legacy of dark magic and manipulation that spans centuries. The real enemy is far older and more organized than she first thought.
The Old Woman's Agenda
Griffin slowly puts together who the sinister old woman is and why she acts as she does. She finds out the woman is not just a random person but a main figure in keeping the Wish Stealers' legacy alive, perhaps even the current keeper of the curse. The old woman seems to be testing Griffin, or maybe preparing her for a specific role in the Wish Stealers' system. Her appearances are always unsettling, and her words unclear, but Griffin starts to understand that the woman has a deep, personal connection to the curse and its continuation, making her a strong and dangerous enemy.
The Growing Stakes
As Griffin continues her quest, the curse's negative effects grow, not just on her own wishes, but also on her family and friends. Small problems turn into bigger ones, making her realize the curse reaches beyond her personal desires. This growth adds a strong urgency to her mission. She understands that if she does not break the curse soon, the people she loves most will suffer lasting problems, forcing her to take bigger risks and make harder choices to return the stolen wishes.
A Race Against Time
Griffin discovers there is a time limit to breaking the curse. If she does not return all the stolen wishes by a certain date, the curse will become permanent, condemning her to a life where all her wishes are inverted, and possibly trapping her family in its negative effects. This news turns her quest into a frantic race against time. The pressure grows as she faces more obstacles and the old woman's interference becomes more direct, forcing Griffin to speed up her efforts and face the most dangerous parts of the Wish Stealers' world.
The Final Confrontation
With time running out, Griffin gets ready for a final fight with the sinister old woman and the heart of the Wish Stealers' magic. This big meeting happens in a place with old power, where Griffin must use all her courage, cleverness, and new understanding of the curse to beat her enemy. She faces not only the old woman's direct opposition but also the strong temptation of the Wish Stealers' dark magic, which tries to pull her from her path. The future of her wishes, her family, and possibly the balance of wishes themselves rests on her.
Breaking the Curse
In a final fight, Griffin manages to return the last of the stolen wishes, breaking the old curse. The process is hard and requires a big personal sacrifice, making her make a difficult choice that shows her growth and selflessness. As the curse breaks, the negative effects on her and her loved ones disappear, and she feels hope return and the chance for her own wishes to come true. The old woman's power is gone, and the balance of wishes is restored, leaving Griffin changed but ultimately successful.
A New Beginning
After breaking the curse, Griffin thinks about her journey. She is no longer just a girl who makes wishes; she has become someone who understands the real power and responsibility that comes with desire. Her experience has given her a deeper appreciation for the simple act of wishing and the importance of helping others. While the ordeal was scary, it made her stronger and more caring. She looks forward to a future where her own wishes can finally be granted, with new wisdom and respect for the unseen forces that shape the world.
Principal Figures
Griffin Penshine
The Protagonist
Griffin transforms from a carefree girl into a courageous and selfless hero, learning the true power and responsibility of wishes.
Fiona
The Supporting
Fiona moves from skepticism to belief, becoming a dedicated and brave ally in Griffin's dangerous quest.
The Old Woman
The Antagonist
Her ancient and manipulative agenda is revealed as Griffin delves deeper into the curse's history, ultimately being thwarted by Griffin's courage.
Mr. Penshine (Griffin's Dad)
The Supporting
Remains a loving and supportive parent, unknowingly impacted by the curse and ultimately protected by Griffin's actions.
Mrs. Penshine (Griffin's Mom)
The Supporting
Remains a caring and observant parent, unknowingly impacted by the curse and ultimately protected by Griffin's actions.
The Original Wishers (Mentioned)
The Mentioned
Their lost wishes are eventually restored by Griffin, bringing them peace and demonstrating the profound impact of her actions.
Themes & Insights
The Power and Responsibility of Wishes
The novel looks at the two sides of wishes: their potential for hope and joy, but also how they can be twisted and misused. Griffin's journey shows that wishes are not just quick thoughts but strong forces that can change lives. The curse itself shows this power gone wrong. Griffin learns that true wishing means understanding effects and having good intentions, moving past selfish desires to do what is best, as seen when she risks her own future to return wishes to strangers.
“Wishes aren't just words, Griffin. They're sparks of magic, and magic can be stolen, twisted, or even turned against you.”
The Allure of Dark Power
A main theme is the pull of dark power, especially as Griffin struggles with the tempting nature of the Wish Stealers' abilities. She has moments where using the pennies for herself or to control situations feels easier and more tempting than the hard work of breaking the curse. This inner fight shows how unchecked power can corrupt and the moral strength needed to resist it. Her choice to resist this temptation and choose ethical action is key to her character's growth.
“The power was a whisper, a promise that she could have anything she wanted, if only she was willing to embrace the darkness.”
Consequences of Selfishness vs. Selflessness
The story clearly separates selfish desires from selfless acts. The Wish Stealers are completely selfish, keeping wishes for their own dark purposes, which leads to a curse that harms many. In contrast, Griffin changes from a girl who wishes for personal gain to one who works to return wishes to strangers. This shows the power of selflessness. Her willingness to give up her own potential wishes for the greater good is what lets her break the curse and restore balance, showing that real happiness comes from helping others.
“Sometimes, the greatest wish you can make isn't for yourself at all, but for someone else.”
The Importance of History and Research
Griffin and Fiona's success depends on their careful research into old texts, stories, and historical events. The curse is deeply rooted in history, involving alchemists and old practices, and modern solutions are not enough. Their detective work, looking through old books and online records, is vital for understanding how the curse started, its rules, and how to undo it. This theme highlights that understanding the past is essential for solving current problems, stressing curiosity and persistence.
“The answers weren't in magic spells, not directly. They were hidden in dusty books and forgotten histories.”
The Bonds of Friendship and Family
Griffin's relationships with her best friend, Fiona, and her family are central to the story. Fiona's strong support, despite how strange Griffin's problem is, provides emotional stability and practical help. The danger to Griffin's family, as the curse's effects begin to spread, is a strong reason for her actions, making her quest deeply personal. These connections show the importance of belonging and loyalty in overcoming seemingly impossible challenges, proving that love and support are powerful forces against dark magic.
“She couldn't do this alone. Fiona was her anchor, her sounding board, her partner in this impossible mission.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Cursed Pennies
Eleven Indian Head pennies, each containing a stolen wish, that inflict an inverse curse on their owner.
The pennies are the central magical artifact and plot driver. They are tangible representations of stolen desires, each labeled with the original wisher's name. Their cursed nature means that any wish made by their owner backfires, leading to the opposite outcome. This creates immediate conflict and urgency for Griffin. The pennies also serve as clues, guiding Griffin to the original wishers and the history of the curse, making them both a source of the problem and the key to its solution.
The Inverse Wish Curse
A magical affliction where the opposite of a wish comes true for the Wish Stealer.
This is the core magical rule governing the plot. When Griffin makes a wish, the universe actively conspires to make the opposite happen. This device creates a constant source of frustration and danger for Griffin, as even small, innocent wishes can have catastrophic consequences. It forces her to be incredibly careful with her thoughts and desires, and it underscores the severe nature of the curse, making her mission to break it not just important, but vital for her everyday survival and happiness.
Ancient Lore and Alchemy
The historical and magical framework that explains the origins and mechanics of the curse.
The use of ancient lore, references to alchemists, and historical figures like Macbeth's witches provides a rich, established magical history for the Wish Stealers. This device lends credibility and depth to the fantastical elements, suggesting that the curse is not arbitrary but part of a long-standing tradition of dark magic. It allows Griffin and Fiona to research and uncover clues, adding a mystery and detective element to the fantasy adventure, grounding the magical conflict in historical context.
The Old Woman's Cryptic Warnings
Ambiguous statements from the antagonist that hint at the curse's nature and dangers.
The Old Woman frequently delivers cryptic warnings and unsettling pronouncements to Griffin. These statements serve to heighten suspense, foreshadow future events, and provide subtle clues about the curse's true nature and the stakes involved. While initially confusing, these warnings often become clearer as Griffin gains more understanding, acting as a breadcrumb trail that guides her investigation while simultaneously increasing her apprehension about the antagonist's true intentions and power.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Some wishes are too big for one person to carry.”
— An observation about the weight and responsibility that comes with powerful desires.
“The truth about wishes is that they don't always look like you expect them to.”
— A character realizing that the outcome of a wish can be surprising or different from their initial hope.
“Even the smallest wish can have the biggest ripples.”
— Highlighting the unforeseen consequences and far-reaching effects of even minor wishes.
“You can't steal a wish without stealing a piece of the wisher's heart.”
— A poignant statement about the emotional cost of taking someone else's wish.
“Sometimes, finding what you truly want means letting go of what you thought you needed.”
— A lesson learned about self-discovery and the nature of desire.
“The magic isn't in the wish itself, but in the belief that it can come true.”
— Emphasizing the power of hope and conviction in the magical process.
“A stolen wish is an empty wish, no matter how shiny.”
— Reflecting on the unsatisfying nature of ill-gotten gains, especially in the context of magic.
“The real mystery wasn't just who was stealing wishes, but why.”
— Shifting the focus from the 'what' to the deeper motivations behind the magical crimes.
“Every wish, good or bad, leaves a trace.”
— A clue in the mystery, suggesting that all magical actions have lingering effects.
“You can't force happiness, not even with a wish.”
— A character's realization about the limits of magical intervention in personal emotions.
“The best wishes are the ones you make for others.”
— A theme of selflessness and the joy found in helping others achieve their desires.
“Sometimes, the biggest adventure is just finding out who you are.”
— A coming-of-age realization for the protagonist amidst the magical chaos.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central magical objects are eleven shiny Indian Head pennies from 1897, each representing a stolen wish. Upon accepting them from the sinister old woman, Griffin is immediately cursed to become a Wish Stealer, meaning her own wishes will be inverted and the opposite of what she desires will occur.
