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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
A fun read. It felt a bit like reading City of Ember, though instead of the electricity going out, it was magical talismans that made life better for the populace.
slow-paced
Extremely fun, funny, and heartwarming book with a delightful magic system at the heart of it.
I have really enjoyed all T. Kingfisher's middle grade books ([b:A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking|54369251|A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking|T. Kingfisher|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593743861l/54369251._SX50_.jpg|84842875], [b:Minor Mage|52369824|Minor Mage|T. Kingfisher|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564247851l/52369824._SX50_SY75_.jpg|72399665]) despite not being in the target audience.
This book is creative and cute, with themes of found family and friendship, but at the same time doesn't shy away from monsters and real danger. I go back and forth with cosy fantasy, but this hits the spot.
This book is creative and cute, with themes of found family and friendship, but at the same time doesn't shy away from monsters and real danger. I go back and forth with cosy fantasy, but this hits the spot.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Here's why I love T. Kingfisher and why I'm just agog over the fact that she doesn't get more hype. Every single one of her stories that I've read so far is SO original. Each one has a different magic system, a different semi-historical setting, a different premise, and unusual conflicts/challenges. How does she do it? She's cranked out so many, but each one I pick up is charming and unique and so well done. This one is about magical paintings that certain families of artists can create to do things like protect a house from fire or keep mice out of the pantry. It's set in a vaguely Venetian city in the late 1800s, on an interesting timeline in which after WW1 there were cascading revolutions across Europe and the establishment of a new calendar. And that's just the BACKDROP. The story focuses on a cast of truly fabulous characters, slowly unfolding their flaws and best qualities with care. A great read for anyone 8-12ish, it deals with friends, family, the yearning for recognition, the ache of not being like everyone else, and the value of one's special and individual role within a community.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is an entertaining tale about a family of artists in a Renaissance-ish world where painted ‘illuminations’ protect and serve practical functions. The unique magic system Kingfisher creates is my favorite aspect of the story, while the wacky cast of characters are a perpetual source of subtle humor. Normally, I love this author’s incredible storytelling that seamlessly weaves dark humor and heavy themes into cozy-ish tales of magic and adventure - this novel, unfortunately, did not fit that bill. I was under the assumption that her writing under the Kingfisher name was targeted at adult audiences, but this was definitely a cutsey pre-teen coming-of-age tale with low-stakes conflict and humor meant for children. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy Illuminations; it just fell a little too far on the sweet and simple side for my taste. After reading 8 of Kingfisher’s books (and this won’t be the last), this is the first time I felt a bit disappointed, so I really can’t complain at all.
Really enjoyable read! I found myself bursting into laughter at several points, and also being deeply moved at other points. Or sometimes at the same point.
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I like other books by T. Kingfisher better. It was fun and cute and had a cute plot, but I wasn’t that interested.