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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
Ik denk niet dat ik dit boek ooit zelf gekocht zou hebben als ik het in een boekwinkel had zien liggen. De korte flaptekst sprak me niet bijzonder aan en ook de cover is niet meteen mijn ding. Maar, het boek zat in een boekbox en ik zag dat heel veel bekenden het aan het lezen waren, dus ik dacht: Ik lees hem gewoon even weg, dan is hij van de TBR af.
En lekker weglezen, dat deed het boek zonder twijfel. Het taalgebruik is ongelooflijk prettig, de vertelstijl ook en het verhaal kent een heel mooi tempo. Het wordt nergens echt traag en gaat nergens echt vervelen, maar het verandert ook niet opeens in een stroomversnelling die je bijna meesleurt, zodat je nauwelijks nog kan volgen wat er gebeurt.
Ook de karakters zijn precies leuk genoeg om mij geboeid te houden. Er zijn van die hele kleine dingen die de karakters uniek en anders maken en die nooit echt benoemd worden, maar wel heel erg getoond worden. Het verhaal focust vooral op Arlo zelf, waardoor de bijfiguren er soms wat bekaaid vanaf komen, maar het is een deel één van een serie, dus wat niet is, kan nog komen.
Hopelijk geldt dat ook voor het plot en de magie. In dit eerste deel worden een aantal hele toffe dingen aangestipt en er worden hier en daar wat tipjes van de sluier opgetild. Maar, voor mij was het eigenlijk net niet genoeg. Ik had graag in dit eerste deel al iets meer van de magie en de andere werelden gezien en al iets meer van het mysterie ontrafelt willen zien. Het voelt alsof iemand me meegenomen heeft naar het strand en ik alleen mijn voeten maar in het water mag zetten.
Dus, zo na het eerste deel blijf ik een beetje op mijn honger zitten, maar ik ga er eigenlijk vanuit dat die honger een beetje gestild gaat worden in het volgende deel. Tja, dan moeten we die toch maar op de verlanglijst gaan zetten, he?
En lekker weglezen, dat deed het boek zonder twijfel. Het taalgebruik is ongelooflijk prettig, de vertelstijl ook en het verhaal kent een heel mooi tempo. Het wordt nergens echt traag en gaat nergens echt vervelen, maar het verandert ook niet opeens in een stroomversnelling die je bijna meesleurt, zodat je nauwelijks nog kan volgen wat er gebeurt.
Ook de karakters zijn precies leuk genoeg om mij geboeid te houden. Er zijn van die hele kleine dingen die de karakters uniek en anders maken en die nooit echt benoemd worden, maar wel heel erg getoond worden. Het verhaal focust vooral op Arlo zelf, waardoor de bijfiguren er soms wat bekaaid vanaf komen, maar het is een deel één van een serie, dus wat niet is, kan nog komen.
Hopelijk geldt dat ook voor het plot en de magie. In dit eerste deel worden een aantal hele toffe dingen aangestipt en er worden hier en daar wat tipjes van de sluier opgetild. Maar, voor mij was het eigenlijk net niet genoeg. Ik had graag in dit eerste deel al iets meer van de magie en de andere werelden gezien en al iets meer van het mysterie ontrafelt willen zien. Het voelt alsof iemand me meegenomen heeft naar het strand en ik alleen mijn voeten maar in het water mag zetten.
Dus, zo na het eerste deel blijf ik een beetje op mijn honger zitten, maar ik ga er eigenlijk vanuit dat die honger een beetje gestild gaat worden in het volgende deel. Tja, dan moeten we die toch maar op de verlanglijst gaan zetten, he?
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Meet Arlo Finch, his world is about to go topsy-turvy when he finds out that magic is real... and that someone is after him.
I have been trying to write a review for 6 days, but it just isn't working. May also have to do that I am sick as hell, and just want to sleep all day. I still want to give my thoughts on this book so I will write a good/not so good review.
Good:
-The scout stuff. Man, I wish my scout days were this awesome, I would have been way more enthusiastic about it. Magic, learning all sorts of epic unknown knots, sled racing, learning all about the woods and what is in it. Sign me up! And then there are all sorts of levels and with each one you get more epicness. *dreams*
-The town and the surrounding area. It sounds like a wonderful spot, I am not sure if I can hold it out there long, I didn't read about any bookstores or libraries, but if it had both those with a good stock, sure, sign me up to live there. Though, I would also like some internet. For my blog. To keep up with my friends and family. The woods are a slightly bit creepy, but I can live with that. It is a shame I am an adult and apparently adults seem to forget about the epic stuff happening in the area, but I just hope that I can still see things.
-The mystery. There is a ton of mystery, because someone is after Arlo. He is also seeing his patrol leader's missing (or is she) cousin and she talks to him and warns him. It makes me very curious as to what is up with Arlo. Why is he so special? What kind of powers does he have?
-I just love the new kids in town trope. Seeing the kids adapt to a life in the midst of nothing with weird things happening nearby is great fun. At first you see them struggle and they are angry for having moved so far away (especially Arlo's sister had that), but then you see them make friends, discover something special in this new space.
-The scary/exciting/OMG things that happen. You won't be bored as soon as the story takes off. It will keep you on your toes the whole way in, you will be right next to Arlo, as eager as he is with finding out what is going on.
-Arlo's new friends. They were just so sweet and I loved how they and Arlo clicked together. They quickly formed an amazing bond and I was smiling that Arlo found new friendship so fast.
-The fact that these kids in the town think that it is like this everywhere. While in fact Arlo has no clue on what they are talking about for about 99% of the time. :P
-Arlo. He will also make an appearance in the next part. I quite loved seeing him grow. From a new kid who is unsure about how things work and how to deal with this new situation to someone is getting stronger and more sure about things. He was brave, he never quit, and he made sure his friends and family were safe and OK.
-The cover is just amazeballs.
-The whole deal with Arlo's dad. I was saddened that he wasn't able to be with his family, but I am happy that they had a chance to at least talk to him each week. It made me feel very happy and warm inside each time they opened that laptop and had a good chat. Talking about anything and everything. I do hope that Arlo's dad is able to come back one day.
Not so good:
-A very slow start. It took me quite a bit to get into the book, but once I did I was totally immersed in the story.
-Arlo. Arlo was also fun, as you can see in the good part of the review. But at times he was just so dumb. He is 12 years old, but at times he acts more like an 8 year old. He didn't know some very basic and common things, he thought his sister was possessed when she started dating, and some other things. I was just shaking my head and wondering if Arlo was missing something in his head.
I still have questions, what connects Arlo with Rielle (their eyes at least, but there is more)? What happened to the yellow team on the scouts? What is hiding in the woods? Will Arlo be able to do more magic? Learn more magic? Will his dad come home? What is up with his uncle? I will be getting book 2 soon, I need it in my life.
This was a really fun, magical, amazing story and I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been trying to write a review for 6 days, but it just isn't working. May also have to do that I am sick as hell, and just want to sleep all day. I still want to give my thoughts on this book so I will write a good/not so good review.
Good:
-The scout stuff. Man, I wish my scout days were this awesome, I would have been way more enthusiastic about it. Magic, learning all sorts of epic unknown knots, sled racing, learning all about the woods and what is in it. Sign me up! And then there are all sorts of levels and with each one you get more epicness. *dreams*
-The town and the surrounding area. It sounds like a wonderful spot, I am not sure if I can hold it out there long, I didn't read about any bookstores or libraries, but if it had both those with a good stock, sure, sign me up to live there. Though, I would also like some internet. For my blog. To keep up with my friends and family. The woods are a slightly bit creepy, but I can live with that. It is a shame I am an adult and apparently adults seem to forget about the epic stuff happening in the area, but I just hope that I can still see things.
-The mystery. There is a ton of mystery, because someone is after Arlo. He is also seeing his patrol leader's missing (or is she) cousin and she talks to him and warns him. It makes me very curious as to what is up with Arlo. Why is he so special? What kind of powers does he have?
-I just love the new kids in town trope. Seeing the kids adapt to a life in the midst of nothing with weird things happening nearby is great fun. At first you see them struggle and they are angry for having moved so far away (especially Arlo's sister had that), but then you see them make friends, discover something special in this new space.
-The scary/exciting/OMG things that happen. You won't be bored as soon as the story takes off. It will keep you on your toes the whole way in, you will be right next to Arlo, as eager as he is with finding out what is going on.
-Arlo's new friends. They were just so sweet and I loved how they and Arlo clicked together. They quickly formed an amazing bond and I was smiling that Arlo found new friendship so fast.
-The fact that these kids in the town think that it is like this everywhere. While in fact Arlo has no clue on what they are talking about for about 99% of the time. :P
-Arlo. He will also make an appearance in the next part. I quite loved seeing him grow. From a new kid who is unsure about how things work and how to deal with this new situation to someone is getting stronger and more sure about things. He was brave, he never quit, and he made sure his friends and family were safe and OK.
-The cover is just amazeballs.
-The whole deal with Arlo's dad. I was saddened that he wasn't able to be with his family, but I am happy that they had a chance to at least talk to him each week. It made me feel very happy and warm inside each time they opened that laptop and had a good chat. Talking about anything and everything. I do hope that Arlo's dad is able to come back one day.
Not so good:
-A very slow start. It took me quite a bit to get into the book, but once I did I was totally immersed in the story.
-Arlo. Arlo was also fun, as you can see in the good part of the review. But at times he was just so dumb. He is 12 years old, but at times he acts more like an 8 year old. He didn't know some very basic and common things, he thought his sister was possessed when she started dating, and some other things. I was just shaking my head and wondering if Arlo was missing something in his head.
I still have questions, what connects Arlo with Rielle (their eyes at least, but there is more)? What happened to the yellow team on the scouts? What is hiding in the woods? Will Arlo be able to do more magic? Learn more magic? Will his dad come home? What is up with his uncle? I will be getting book 2 soon, I need it in my life.
This was a really fun, magical, amazing story and I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
justlily's review against another edition
3.0
The only review that actually matters but can't be listed because I don't want to lie to my algorithm: My 9 and 12 year old both gave this 5 stars. Awesome for a read a loud at bedtime book as the chapters are all fairly short. We started the second one right away!
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
gino1891's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Reminded me of Gravity Falls but slightly darker. Loved the friendship and comradery
annalisenak97's review against another edition
4.0
If you took Percy Jackson and Harry Potter and mushed them together with an anxiously attached child, you would get both this book and Arlo Finch. This wasn't incredibly fleshed out, but the bones of the story are solid and mysterious, and the way the natural world and the Long Woods fit together is so interesting. I think it will only get more fleshed out and in depth as the series continues!
cuppycups's review against another edition
reminder to self to listen to launch, accompanying podcast recorded during writing - publication ! nerd
jacobblank's review against another edition
4.0
A refreshingly inventive magical boy story that blends modern scouting ala Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and mixes in demi-magic.
Arlo's family is experiencing separation and discusses those issues. The father had to flee the country and regularly Skypes in. »»spoiler: Near the end, the mother is dating a new man.«« The relationships are healthy and communicative but not always on screen.
Arlo, if I'm remembering correctly, seems to have a learning disability but has his own talents.
Some of the messages and teachable moments are things like persisting through challenges in learning, having confidence, supporting your friends, navigating group social dynamics when things get tricky, and navigating normal family issues.
Some parts may read a bit scarier to adults but kids will love it and it's nothing beyond Harry Potter 1-3 levels of fright.
There magic is really enjoyable to read and the system feels fresh and clearly thought out.
This would make a great series or movie and, be cause of the author's experience with screenwriting, that may become a reality.
Pick it up for you or a younger person in your life!!
Arlo's family is experiencing separation and discusses those issues. The father had to flee the country and regularly Skypes in. »»spoiler: Near the end, the mother is dating a new man.«« The relationships are healthy and communicative but not always on screen.
Arlo, if I'm remembering correctly, seems to have a learning disability but has his own talents.
Some of the messages and teachable moments are things like persisting through challenges in learning, having confidence, supporting your friends, navigating group social dynamics when things get tricky, and navigating normal family issues.
Some parts may read a bit scarier to adults but kids will love it and it's nothing beyond Harry Potter 1-3 levels of fright.
There magic is really enjoyable to read and the system feels fresh and clearly thought out.
This would make a great series or movie and, be cause of the author's experience with screenwriting, that may become a reality.
Pick it up for you or a younger person in your life!!
smbcoffee's review against another edition
3.0
It was fine… a little slow for me. Maybe it’s not mean to be stretched among 2 months??