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introverteddragonscribbles's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book saved itself. Just when I was about to move on without finishing it, there was a twist. One that I kind of expected, and almost didn't accept as reason to keep reading. But then there was a twist in the twist, and I had to finish the book. And I'm glad I did.
By the time I got to the end, the story of this first book in the series had been told completely, with no loose ends. No cliffhanger or burning questions to make me feel like I need to read the next one right now. But I am still eager to continue the series because there are still factors to be worked out and adventures to be had that do relate to this first segment. I want to know what else Ven and Char and Ida and Clem do, because I think it's going to be fun and engaging. But at the same time, I enjoy not feeling obligated to rush out and begin the next book immediately.
By the time I got to the end, the story of this first book in the series had been told completely, with no loose ends. No cliffhanger or burning questions to make me feel like I need to read the next one right now. But I am still eager to continue the series because there are still factors to be worked out and adventures to be had that do relate to this first segment. I want to know what else Ven and Char and Ida and Clem do, because I think it's going to be fun and engaging. But at the same time, I enjoy not feeling obligated to rush out and begin the next book immediately.
nikki92's review against another edition
5.0
I read this series when I was in 9th grade and I remember LOVING it. Highly recommended for middle readers or early high school aged kids, but the story is so much fun that you might enjoy it as an adult first time reader as well!
pumpkincore's review against another edition
2.0
If you like Tolkein-like fantasy with a seaboard twist, this might be the series for you.
Personally, I'm still struggling with the decision to move on to the second book. My hope is that, now that all that appear to be the main cast have their foothold, that future plots will progress more swiftly. My biggest complaint is that the story moved too slowly. While character development is important and I'm a fan of internal monologue, it made the story drag on unnecessarily. Facts and worries were blatantly pointed out on many occasions without tact or variety. This is a common problem posed by first-person narration, which Haydon uses to tell Ven's story in The Floating Island. While, yes, first-person is supposed to be conversational, it is not supposed to be long-winded and tiring.
I mean we're in a fantastic world of mythical beings (such as catgirls and Nain, what we would call dwarfs) living alongside humans. We're in the mind of a young (fifty year old) Nain trying to earn his father's respect and a place in his ship factory. We encounter pirates and thieves and everyday sleeze balls, ghosts and mystical places, clever kings and loving mothers. This should be a story that had me planted on my butt until I finished it. I should be yelling at the book for having to end.
Instead, it took me months to plow through. I actually had to force myself to sit down and read ten pages some days. Parts of the book were very exciting and I don't NOT recommend it, but the manner in which the tale was told made me exhausted sometimes. It's redeeming quality is that the ending was nearly-satisfactory. There are some cliched moments, some "Are you kidding me," sorts of explanations. But keep in mind that it IS, by all means, a children-to-YA series. As I said, I am hoping that the second book, should I encounter it, will rise above. It's been known to happen.
Personally, I'm still struggling with the decision to move on to the second book. My hope is that, now that all that appear to be the main cast have their foothold, that future plots will progress more swiftly. My biggest complaint is that the story moved too slowly. While character development is important and I'm a fan of internal monologue, it made the story drag on unnecessarily. Facts and worries were blatantly pointed out on many occasions without tact or variety. This is a common problem posed by first-person narration, which Haydon uses to tell Ven's story in The Floating Island. While, yes, first-person is supposed to be conversational, it is not supposed to be long-winded and tiring.
I mean we're in a fantastic world of mythical beings (such as catgirls and Nain, what we would call dwarfs) living alongside humans. We're in the mind of a young (fifty year old) Nain trying to earn his father's respect and a place in his ship factory. We encounter pirates and thieves and everyday sleeze balls, ghosts and mystical places, clever kings and loving mothers. This should be a story that had me planted on my butt until I finished it. I should be yelling at the book for having to end.
Instead, it took me months to plow through. I actually had to force myself to sit down and read ten pages some days. Parts of the book were very exciting and I don't NOT recommend it, but the manner in which the tale was told made me exhausted sometimes. It's redeeming quality is that the ending was nearly-satisfactory. There are some cliched moments, some "Are you kidding me," sorts of explanations. But keep in mind that it IS, by all means, a children-to-YA series. As I said, I am hoping that the second book, should I encounter it, will rise above. It's been known to happen.
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I very much enjoyed this book. It was a rich world that left alot to mystery. It does not throw the world in your face but introduces you to more aspects of it in each chapter. You never find yourself lost or confused in the world. The focus stays on the main character and his motivations, but the background characters are prominent enough that you do not forget them when mentioned later. I liked the mystical quality. The storyline did not rely on fantastical events or deux ex machinas to wrap itself up. It uses a team of characters who work together and think through problems. So its mystical but does not throw outwright magic in your face. The writing style has a great quality about it, and it makes you look forward to the next book. The setting is fantastic, and characters are excellent, and the development is wonderful. Great original story. Be sure to also read the "about the author" section. In the end, you see poignent messages about how we treat others who are different from us and trusting in gifts from above. Sometimes we do not understand if these gifts are good or bad because they do not "work" in the way we expect, but trust is the key to it all. Well-written story with good messages underlying it!
jawyllie's review against another edition
5.0
This book and rating is from my 9 year old daughter who thinks it's the best book she has ever read!
cmbohn's review against another edition
5.0
Van Polypheme is a Nain, or what we might call a dwarf. And his family, rather than living underground, settled near the ocean and became shipbuilders. On his 50th birthday, Van is finally an adult. He gets chosen to inspect their latest ship. But while on board, they are attacked by pirates. And that's only the beginning of some incredible adventures. Lots of fun.
njlbo1's review against another edition
3.0
It took me more than halfway through the book before I really got interested, but overall it was a fun read. I think it would be good for middle schoolers who like adventure and fantasy.
pumpkinspies's review
2.0
If you like Tolkein-like fantasy with a seaboard twist, this might be the series for you.
Personally, I'm still struggling with the decision to move on to the second book. My hope is that, now that all that appear to be the main cast have their foothold, that future plots will progress more swiftly. My biggest complaint is that the story moved too slowly. While character development is important and I'm a fan of internal monologue, it made the story drag on unnecessarily. Facts and worries were blatantly pointed out on many occasions without tact or variety. This is a common problem posed by first-person narration, which Haydon uses to tell Ven's story in The Floating Island. While, yes, first-person is supposed to be conversational, it is not supposed to be long-winded and tiring.
I mean we're in a fantastic world of mythical beings (such as catgirls and Nain, what we would call dwarfs) living alongside humans. We're in the mind of a young (fifty year old) Nain trying to earn his father's respect and a place in his ship factory. We encounter pirates and thieves and everyday sleeze balls, ghosts and mystical places, clever kings and loving mothers. This should be a story that had me planted on my butt until I finished it. I should be yelling at the book for having to end.
Instead, it took me months to plow through. I actually had to force myself to sit down and read ten pages some days. Parts of the book were very exciting and I don't NOT recommend it, but the manner in which the tale was told made me exhausted sometimes. It's redeeming quality is that the ending was nearly-satisfactory. There are some cliched moments, some "Are you kidding me," sorts of explanations. But keep in mind that it IS, by all means, a children-to-YA series. As I said, I am hoping that the second book, should I encounter it, will rise above. It's been known to happen.
Personally, I'm still struggling with the decision to move on to the second book. My hope is that, now that all that appear to be the main cast have their foothold, that future plots will progress more swiftly. My biggest complaint is that the story moved too slowly. While character development is important and I'm a fan of internal monologue, it made the story drag on unnecessarily. Facts and worries were blatantly pointed out on many occasions without tact or variety. This is a common problem posed by first-person narration, which Haydon uses to tell Ven's story in The Floating Island. While, yes, first-person is supposed to be conversational, it is not supposed to be long-winded and tiring.
I mean we're in a fantastic world of mythical beings (such as catgirls and Nain, what we would call dwarfs) living alongside humans. We're in the mind of a young (fifty year old) Nain trying to earn his father's respect and a place in his ship factory. We encounter pirates and thieves and everyday sleeze balls, ghosts and mystical places, clever kings and loving mothers. This should be a story that had me planted on my butt until I finished it. I should be yelling at the book for having to end.
Instead, it took me months to plow through. I actually had to force myself to sit down and read ten pages some days. Parts of the book were very exciting and I don't NOT recommend it, but the manner in which the tale was told made me exhausted sometimes. It's redeeming quality is that the ending was nearly-satisfactory. There are some cliched moments, some "Are you kidding me," sorts of explanations. But keep in mind that it IS, by all means, a children-to-YA series. As I said, I am hoping that the second book, should I encounter it, will rise above. It's been known to happen.
elevetha's review
2.0
Boring and not worth the time. Bland characters. Not a great plot. I just didn't care about what happened. At all. Ven is a shipmaker's son and a Nain, so even though he is 50 years old he appears to be 13 or there abouts. He is on a ship when it is attacked by pirates. Ship sinks. Ven survives. He is saved by a merrow. Honestly, I would have preferred him kissing her, her dragging him down to the depths of the ocean and them living happily ever after. Alas that is not the way it went at all. Ven is taken aboard another ship and gets dropped off at a port when ghosts, magical boxes, and such come into play. Murphy, the snide talking cat, was my favorite character and he was barely in it.