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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
My favorite of the shadow series so far!
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-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:
No
dark
mysterious
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:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Characters: 8/10
The characters in Among the Barons were distinctive and memorable, particularly Luke, whose growth and inner struggles kept me invested throughout the story. The secondary characters, such as Smits, added significant depth by introducing new dynamics and challenges for Luke. I cared about their fates and found the tension in their relationships engaging. While some characters felt slightly underdeveloped compared to Luke, they were still well-rounded and essential to the narrative.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7/10
The setting of Among the Barons was immersive, with the world of the Shadow Children series continuing to feel oppressive and full of tension. I vividly pictured the grandeur of the Barons’ world juxtaposed against the fear and secrecy surrounding the illegal third children. However, the atmosphere, while effective in enhancing the story's tone, occasionally lacked the vividness needed to make it completely engrossing.
Writing Style: 8/10
Margaret Peterson Haddix's writing was engaging and easy to follow. The prose struck a good balance between dialogue and narration, keeping the pacing brisk without sacrificing emotional depth. The style felt natural and suited to the story, and I appreciated how accessible it was without feeling overly simplistic. Her ability to convey complex themes through a straightforward narrative made me curious to explore more of her works.
Plot: 8/10
The plot of Among the Barons was cohesive and well-paced, with twists and reveals that kept me intrigued. The tension between Luke’s assumed identity and his true self was compelling, and the storyline introduced new stakes that felt both organic and necessary. While a few sections lacked the same urgency as others, the overall arc was satisfying and left me eager for the next installment in the series.
Intrigue: 9/10
I was consistently invested in the story, eager to see how Luke would navigate the challenges of living as Lee Grant while dealing with the unexpected arrival of Smits. The book held my attention from start to finish, with moments of suspense and emotional conflict that made it difficult to put down. The intrigue was one of the strongest aspects of the book.
Logic/Relationships: 7/10
The characters' actions aligned well with their motives and personalities, and the societal norms and rules of this dystopian world were clear and consistent. However, there were moments when some relationships, particularly between Luke and Smits, felt underexplored given their importance to the plot. The world-building was solid, but a bit more detail in certain areas would have enhanced the immersion.
Enjoyment: 8/10
I thoroughly enjoyed Among the Barons. The mix of tension, character development, and thought-provoking themes made it a satisfying read. While not flawless, it was a compelling addition to the Shadow Children series, and I would recommend it to others, especially those interested in dystopian narratives with strong character-driven plots.
My excitement about the series is waning a bit, but I am still enjoying each book. Again I was pulled in by the great voice and character of Luke. The ending seemed rushed and a bit contrived, but otherwise, it still left me wanting to read the next one.