615 reviews for:

Illuminations

T. Kingfisher

4.01 AVERAGE

adventurous funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Kingfisher’s worldbuilding is, as always, impeccable. 
sonatica's profile picture

sonatica's review

4.0
funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
emotional fast-paced
kirjakimalainen's profile picture

kirjakimalainen's review

3.25
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A cute book about family, friendship and living drawings. I'd definitely call it middle-grade rather than young adult but it was nevertheless a fun read even as an adult. The child characters feel realistic, young and still learning but capable. I liked the magic system and how it incorporated art.

almond's review

5.0
lighthearted
Loveable characters: Yes

T Kingfisher does her fun not-powerful-young-mage thing
adventurous funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A charming, cozy fantasy. Brief, whimsical, delightful from beginning to end.
adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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: Complicated

I am in my 50's and read this for two reasons: 1- I love T. Kingfisher and 2- there was a question about what age group it would be best suited for.

First, I need to say it is excellently written. Everything from the writing style to the characters to the setting and plot are handled extremely well as far as the craft of writing is concerned.

Second, I find anyone can find value in any form of art whether its designed for a specific age group or not.  Because this book is well written and has excellent character and plot development I think it is a good quick read for anyone.

Third, I would probably have most enjoyed reading this book when I was in fourth or fifth grade.  I read very early and had a hard time finding things that adults considered age appropriate that I wouldn't be bored to tears reading.

SO- all in, here's my suggestions:
If you are an adult reading T. Kingfisher- this is a fun story worth reading if you don't get bogged down in following the mind/life/emotions of a girl approx. 10 yrs old.  There is great world building, an interesting magic system and all that Kingfisher usually has to offer just on the lighter side.
If you are a younger person or picking a book for a younger person- this is a great read for someone around the age of 10 whether to self-read or shared reading. Would be great for read aloud, book club, etc.  Excellent choice for someone who loves fantasy reading but adults are concerned with some of the YA content out there. 
adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing 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: Yes