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ran_sophia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
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? No
4.0
I was glad to read this book. I liked the writing and storytelling style. The book remained consistent, except for a minor pause in the middle. The plot was constructed excellently, and I also enjoyed it. And I was drawn into the plot very quickly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Confinement
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Classism and Alcohol
onceuponacarm's review against another edition
4.0
The Land of Elyon consists of cities connected by roads, all surrounded by walls built to keep out the evil forces of the Dark Hills. Alexa has always lived within these walls, but her curiosity drives her to try to peer over the wall to what is out there. She stumbles upon a mysterious passageway leading from the library to the forest outside the walls where she encounters a tiny man named Yipes. Yipes puts her through tests to determine if she is the one who can help defeat a terrible band of criminals planning to attack the city of Bridewell; Alexa passes each test, acquiring the ability to communicate with animals along the way. She discovers that someone living within Bridewell is actually the leader of the convicts that plan to take over her city, and it is up to her to discover who the traitor is and to protect her city from the attack.
oceanoruins's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
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
5.0
A childhood nostalgia pick. I decided to reread as an adult. It has great world-building, character development, and suspense. It was an easier read for a fantasy novel.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I read this series when I was much younger and thought that I may as well give it another go! Usually with series--especially fantasy series--there's a scene or two that really sticks out to me and makes me want to reread it, to see if it still holds up. The scene I remembered was the imprisonment Pervis, the city's chief of police--he's frequently drunk, and upon his imprisonment he has a nasty hangover involving a bucket and a couple pauses to vomit. As a kid who hated vomit more than anything, this was nightmare fuel. But as an adult, I mean...been there, minus the imprisonment.
Reading this as a child and then an adult was utterly fascinating. Alexa is so young, Pervis is nowhere as old as I thought he was, and oh my god, how is Alexa not traumatized by Warvold just flat out dying next to her? That being said, these differences made, well, all the difference, and certainly made for a nostalgic and fun re-reading experience.
When Alexa Daley goes to Bridewell with her father, as is tradition every summer, she uses her free to time to try to continue to find a way outside of a wall. But this year, the city's founder has died, she's learning more about engraved jewels, and discovers the magic that's lurking in the hills. What could possibly go wrong? What history is true, and what hasn't been discovered yet?
As Alexa attempts to put all the pieces together, she realizes that time is running out, as there's an infiltrator in the town of Bridewell who is about to unleash a fury of angry convicts, threatening to destroy everything she and the townspeople have known and loved.
Overall, I truly enjoyed rereading it. With talking animals, councils, and inner-city politics, there's certainly a lot to love. It was a fun romp as an adult, but I'd certainly recommend this to children who don't mind mystery and fantasy intertwined, and who appreciate a slow burn.
Review cross-listed here!
Reading this as a child and then an adult was utterly fascinating. Alexa is so young, Pervis is nowhere as old as I thought he was, and oh my god, how is Alexa not traumatized by Warvold just flat out dying next to her? That being said, these differences made, well, all the difference, and certainly made for a nostalgic and fun re-reading experience.
When Alexa Daley goes to Bridewell with her father, as is tradition every summer, she uses her free to time to try to continue to find a way outside of a wall. But this year, the city's founder has died, she's learning more about engraved jewels, and discovers the magic that's lurking in the hills. What could possibly go wrong? What history is true, and what hasn't been discovered yet?
As Alexa attempts to put all the pieces together, she realizes that time is running out, as there's an infiltrator in the town of Bridewell who is about to unleash a fury of angry convicts, threatening to destroy everything she and the townspeople have known and loved.
Overall, I truly enjoyed rereading it. With talking animals, councils, and inner-city politics, there's certainly a lot to love. It was a fun romp as an adult, but I'd certainly recommend this to children who don't mind mystery and fantasy intertwined, and who appreciate a slow burn.
Review cross-listed here!
isylyaeleni's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sydneyzaruba's review against another edition
3.0
Great for younger readers who enjoy fantasy and a strong young protagonist.
amyinthewind's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't find this story particularly believable. I didn't believe whatever reason the founder of the city had for building the walls in the first place, nor that he (or his wife) would hide secret and complicated clues about the possible destruction of the city rather than just ousting the criminal outright. Supposedly Warvold wasn't sure about the danger until the day he died, yet his wife made a jocosta and a spyglass identifying the traitor long before her own death.
It's hard to believe that the animals would participate to such an extent to save the city when they have no real personal stake in the city as it stands. They've been living with the criminals already, and they have no promise from anyone that the walls will come down so they can pass freely once the skirmish is over.
Even so, I kept reading because I wanted to know the identity of the traitor, and I wanted to know how they would save the city.
It's hard to believe that the animals would participate to such an extent to save the city when they have no real personal stake in the city as it stands. They've been living with the criminals already, and they have no promise from anyone that the walls will come down so they can pass freely once the skirmish is over.
Even so, I kept reading because I wanted to know the identity of the traitor, and I wanted to know how they would save the city.
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
3.0
Alexa is a curious young girl who aches to explore outside the walls surrounding the local cities. Her desire is unexpectedly granted and so begins a great adventure.
Not the best fantasy for kids but good enough to want to read all the books in the series.
Not the best fantasy for kids but good enough to want to read all the books in the series.
orcaseatingstrawberries's review against another edition
4.0
I'd give this one about a 3.7, it's pretty good.