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erinricks's review against another edition
3.0
I read this after Island of the Aunts, so I had REALLY high expectations, but it wasn't as good. I still enjoyed it, but it was kind of boring.
davinci10038's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
aly_camia's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
anna_almut's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rachelcdm's review against another edition
4.0
I love Eva Ibbotson's books.
I loved them as a child, loved them during secondary school and I love them still.
I re-read this book (along with Which Witch?) a few weeks back and I seriously think that maybe JK Rowling may have been slightly inspired by this novel! The Secret of Platform 13 is set at Kings Cross Station England and once every nine years a gump is opened, leading to a magical world.
Now I'm not insulting JK, because every author is inspired somewhere, but give it a read and you'll see the similarities there...mind you, that more or less is the only similarity (aside from a bratty child that I guess - at a stretch - you could compare to Dudley.)
Like all of Ibbotson's work it's filled with humour and barmy ideas and lovable characters, when you're finished you're left feeling happy and almost nostalgic! It's a quick read that doesn't challenge you, perfect for a lazy afternoon...
Enjoy :)
I loved them as a child, loved them during secondary school and I love them still.
I re-read this book (along with Which Witch?) a few weeks back and I seriously think that maybe JK Rowling may have been slightly inspired by this novel! The Secret of Platform 13 is set at Kings Cross Station England and once every nine years a gump is opened, leading to a magical world.
Now I'm not insulting JK, because every author is inspired somewhere, but give it a read and you'll see the similarities there...mind you, that more or less is the only similarity (aside from a bratty child that I guess - at a stretch - you could compare to Dudley.)
Like all of Ibbotson's work it's filled with humour and barmy ideas and lovable characters, when you're finished you're left feeling happy and almost nostalgic! It's a quick read that doesn't challenge you, perfect for a lazy afternoon...
Enjoy :)
t0msm0m's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book when I was in middle school, I could be wrong. I am now an adult in my mid-20s and this was my first introduction to fantasy as a kid and my imagination ran wild.
sparkly44's review against another edition
4.0
Magic and kidnapping and a prince...oh my!
Such an unexpected pleasure! Astounding detail, and Odge, what a fabulous character! If you've thought about reading this, do it. You won't regret it! The Trottles give the Dursleys a run for the worst family in magical literature!
Such an unexpected pleasure! Astounding detail, and Odge, what a fabulous character! If you've thought about reading this, do it. You won't regret it! The Trottles give the Dursleys a run for the worst family in magical literature!
clareobrien92's review against another edition
5.0
My heart aches a little remembering how completely I loved this book on many rereads.
jason_pym's review against another edition
4.0
We were about half way through reading this, and I was thinking this is a very enjoyable Harry Potter rip-off, when I found out this came out a few years before Harry Potter and was actually one of J.K. Rowling's inspirations (I should probably put inspiration in quotes, but I like her too much).
This is really a lot of fun, great to read aloud to children, and we're definitely hunting down more books by her.
This is really a lot of fun, great to read aloud to children, and we're definitely hunting down more books by her.
thestoryowl's review against another edition
4.0
A fun little romp about a magical island and a prince gone missing. A good fantasy adventure for upper elementary kids.