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noperoni's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
diana Wynne Jones I adore you. this was a slow one to start (at least for me), but i absolutely get why Megan Whalen turner likes these. Once things started chugging along, i was thoroughly charmed, and I especially enjoyed Moril's narration for the last quarter
ashleylm's review against another edition
4.0
So close to 5 stars from me (Diana Wynne Jones is a wonderful, wonderful writer), but I had some trouble accepting that the characters would be so chill about the astonishing life events befalling them—the mother, in particular, didn't ring true to me. Sorry, Ms. Jones. Otherwise it's the usual melange of likable viewpoint character, distinctive supporting cast, slightly tricksy plot, the occasional unexpected reveal, and a lot of frustration—I'm reading a collection of her short stories at the same time, and it seems like frustrated exasperation is the main mental state of most of her protagonists, you expect them to walk around going "urgh!" all the time (and then after venting, getting down to business, of course).
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, I'm a bit more ruthless.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, I'm a bit more ruthless.
cuppa_curiositea's review against another edition
Didn’t get very far and don’t have any particular complaints, it just didn’t grabbed my attention/interest
liviascarlett's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
halfcentreader's review against another edition
4.0
Engaging! I really admire the author's forthright writing style. This is book one of a quartet.
jayseejewel's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting story by the author of Howl's Moving Castle but nothing about it really grabbed me or made me want to read the next one. It's short, to the point, and great for children or teenagers.
What I liked:
- The characters were funny and interesting. I never had trouble telling them apart and loved that they acted like kids but weren't stupid or annoying
- The politics and conflicts are simple and easy to understand but fleshed out enough to make sense. The world is also basic but immersive
- Like HMC, this one had a simple yet unique magic system that wasn't too lore-dumpy
- I love when books are short and have quick pacing, so this did not disappoint
What I didn't like:
- The story is great for children, and felt very similar to the writing style or Narnia or The Hobbit, but it didn't grab me or make me want to read more
- It took halfway through the book for the plot to actually pick up and go somewhere. Once it got started, though, it rarely slowed down
- It did feel like there was filler at some points
What I liked:
- The characters were funny and interesting. I never had trouble telling them apart and loved that they acted like kids but weren't stupid or annoying
- The politics and conflicts are simple and easy to understand but fleshed out enough to make sense. The world is also basic but immersive
- Like HMC, this one had a simple yet unique magic system that wasn't too lore-dumpy
- I love when books are short and have quick pacing, so this did not disappoint
What I didn't like:
- The story is great for children, and felt very similar to the writing style or Narnia or The Hobbit, but it didn't grab me or make me want to read more
- It took halfway through the book for the plot to actually pick up and go somewhere. Once it got started, though, it rarely slowed down
- It did feel like there was filler at some points
sjgochenour's review against another edition
4.0
I like this book much more as an adult. Lot of lovely characterization packed in around an extremely fast-moving plot.
margaret_j_c's review against another edition
4.0
After hearing about the genius of Diana Wynne Jones more times than I can count, I have finally joined the ranks of her admirers. Jones truly knows her craft. I found many similarities between her writing and the writing of Megan Whalen Turner. Namely, amazing plot twists, nuanced characters, and a finished project worth reading over and over. I'm glad this is a series of four, because I am far from being done with her incredible universe.
Update 1/16:
Still good. Still good.
Update 1/16:
Still good. Still good.
celine_evianne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? Yes
3.75