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julie_responsibly's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. Reading it to my eight year old who finally asked if we could read something else because "the writer had a really good idea, but I'm having a hard time caring about anyone or anything going on here." This takes place in an alternate reality where places have similar names to our reality, but everything's different. But I can't really explain how. Dark things are happening. Something is sort of sensed, but maybe not? You know what reading this book feels like? Have you ever had one of those annoying friends who always wants to tell you their dreams? and their dreams are kind of weird and boring but even when you interrupt them or try to move on it just reminds them of another weird dream they had? That's what this is like. Nothing quite makes sense. You can't quite grasp anything. It's a little like being on drugs.
patsypoo's review against another edition
4.0
A really lovely children's book.
I only bought The Girl of Ink and Starts because it's a beautiful looking book. I loved the cover and the inside is also very pretty. I'm very glad I bought it.
The story centres around Isabella, a cartographer's daughter, living on an island called Joya; ruled by her best friend's tyrant of a father. It's a world full of magic, mystery and dangers. And maps! When a girl is found murdered, Isabella and her best friend Lupe, delve deep into their island to try and find out what really happened.
The world building was nicely done and well explained. The two central female characters are clever, strong and independent. Excellent role models for girls and boys alike.
I only bought The Girl of Ink and Starts because it's a beautiful looking book. I loved the cover and the inside is also very pretty. I'm very glad I bought it.
The story centres around Isabella, a cartographer's daughter, living on an island called Joya; ruled by her best friend's tyrant of a father. It's a world full of magic, mystery and dangers. And maps! When a girl is found murdered, Isabella and her best friend Lupe, delve deep into their island to try and find out what really happened.
The world building was nicely done and well explained. The two central female characters are clever, strong and independent. Excellent role models for girls and boys alike.
aquariusmoon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
3.0
khawley0's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
amelie_labuschagne's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kelamity_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was such a wonderful book! It has some elements that may not be appropriate for sensitive children (there are strong elements of colonisation, including an uprising spurred by the murder of a young girl. There are also monsters and some tense moments - such as seeing a skeleton reaching out for a much smaller skeleton and acts of violence - as well as character deaths) but my ten year old enjoyed it, although I would say the intended audience is probably teenagers/young adults.
It has a strong, young female protagonist, and the writing is very good.
The narration by the voice actor was absolutely brilliant! It's definitely one of the best audiobook performances l have ever heard.
I definitely recommend it!
It has a strong, young female protagonist, and the writing is very good.
The narration by the voice actor was absolutely brilliant! It's definitely one of the best audiobook performances l have ever heard.
I definitely recommend it!
timburbage's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. What a book.
When I first started with this book I was welcomed into a world similar to ours, but just a little more interesting. We met most of the main characters and the themes, like the voice of our main character, were whimsical and innocent.
However, as the story progresses Isabella is dragged into a darker tale and I was completely hooked. I didn't just want to know what happened next, I needed to.
I won't put any spoilers, but the plot was intriguing and very unpredictable. Once I finished I felt shell shocked.
Kiran created a lovable main character who I understood and longed to succeed. She wasn't perfect and that made her seem real to me. She had regrets, but didn't let them dominate her choices.
The final point I want to make is her writing style. The tone of voice was strong throughout and the long, flowing prose was a joy to read. It was far more substantial than other books I have read.
I will be recommending this to everyone I know.
When I first started with this book I was welcomed into a world similar to ours, but just a little more interesting. We met most of the main characters and the themes, like the voice of our main character, were whimsical and innocent.
However, as the story progresses Isabella is dragged into a darker tale and I was completely hooked. I didn't just want to know what happened next, I needed to.
I won't put any spoilers, but the plot was intriguing and very unpredictable. Once I finished I felt shell shocked.
Kiran created a lovable main character who I understood and longed to succeed. She wasn't perfect and that made her seem real to me. She had regrets, but didn't let them dominate her choices.
The final point I want to make is her writing style. The tone of voice was strong throughout and the long, flowing prose was a joy to read. It was far more substantial than other books I have read.
I will be recommending this to everyone I know.