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bethfishreads's review against another edition
3.0
A middle grade fantasy set in a unique world.
When 11-year-old, science-loving Benjamiah suddenly finds himself in an alternative world, he's scared and doesn't know how to get back home. Fortunately, he is befriended by a nice man, who has a daughter Benjamiah's age. Elizabella, though, isn't interested in helping a lost stranger; instead she wants to find her twin brother, who, she says, was taken from their home. Without understanding the peculiarities of the land, Benjamiah decides to help her in her quest.
One big problem is that Elizabella's world is like a giant labyrinth, and once a person strays too far from their home, they can never find their way back again. Fortunately, Elizabella has some magical items to help her as well as a copy of her brother's journal. Together, the children face dangers, sort out puzzles,and grow to respect each other.
This fantasy is a bit different from most middle grade fantasies in that it's fairly dark, incorporating themes of being lost, divorce, losing a family member, being scared, keeping promises, and facing danger. Both kids have to learn to rely on each other, despite their differences.
Although I was intrigued by the world, and I liked the black-and-white illustrations scattered throughout the book, I don't think I'll continue with the series. Perhaps the story was just a little too young for me. For example, the kids were extremely self-sufficient for 11-year-olds, and I was surprised that no one in Elizabella's world thought it was strange that two kids would be getting lodging or traveling without an adult, especially in a land in which it was extremely easy to lose one's way forever.
Regardless, I would recommend this book to kids who like dark fantasy.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
When 11-year-old, science-loving Benjamiah suddenly finds himself in an alternative world, he's scared and doesn't know how to get back home. Fortunately, he is befriended by a nice man, who has a daughter Benjamiah's age. Elizabella, though, isn't interested in helping a lost stranger; instead she wants to find her twin brother, who, she says, was taken from their home. Without understanding the peculiarities of the land, Benjamiah decides to help her in her quest.
One big problem is that Elizabella's world is like a giant labyrinth, and once a person strays too far from their home, they can never find their way back again. Fortunately, Elizabella has some magical items to help her as well as a copy of her brother's journal. Together, the children face dangers, sort out puzzles,and grow to respect each other.
This fantasy is a bit different from most middle grade fantasies in that it's fairly dark, incorporating themes of being lost, divorce, losing a family member, being scared, keeping promises, and facing danger. Both kids have to learn to rely on each other, despite their differences.
Although I was intrigued by the world, and I liked the black-and-white illustrations scattered throughout the book, I don't think I'll continue with the series. Perhaps the story was just a little too young for me. For example, the kids were extremely self-sufficient for 11-year-olds, and I was surprised that no one in Elizabella's world thought it was strange that two kids would be getting lodging or traveling without an adult, especially in a land in which it was extremely easy to lose one's way forever.
Regardless, I would recommend this book to kids who like dark fantasy.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
brandi81reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
beebeetle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I found the world building a bit confusing at points as there was so much trying to be explored. Really enjoyed the use of playing cards and colour as currency. Once the story got going I enjoyed their quest and the ending was really beautiful and unexpected - but tied everything together!
thatvirgoreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Whisperwicks is a novel about a boy Benjamiah who enters a world that is very much not like home. Appearing into a world of magic where people have poppets they control at their side and an inability to leave the few streets that surround their house, Wreathenworld is fantastical, creepy, and plagued with unfortunate circumstances.
I think students who love fantasy will love this book. The magical world is interesting and creative. It’s slow in the beginning and sometimes the descriptions or writing feels like it’s breaking the flow of the story.
This book also deals with themes of divorce and loss which I feel like are handled really beautifully.
#NetGalleyARC
I think students who love fantasy will love this book. The magical world is interesting and creative. It’s slow in the beginning and sometimes the descriptions or writing feels like it’s breaking the flow of the story.
This book also deals with themes of divorce and loss which I feel like are handled really beautifully.
#NetGalleyARC
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Classism, Child death, Abandonment, Bullying, Grief, Death, Death of parent, and Dysphoria
50shekels's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Love, love, LOVED this book! Definitely one of the best kids books I’ve read recently, on par with the Mysterious Benedict Society and Secret Keepers. It had a perfect blend of magic, whimsy, mystery, and a sprinkle of creepiness that kept me invested the whole way through. The twists had me gasping and the end had me crying. The world-building was solid and beautiful. I’m still left with a few questions (some that have me yearning for another story in this world and some that are simply nitpicks) but this book really ticked every box for me. Definitely highly recommend this book!
kilayman10's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
louisekr's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
nolwenn_2003's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75