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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I read a Jenny Nimmo's Charlie Bone's Series over a decade ago and really enjoyed the books. When I learned she wrote a trilogy I knew I would would want to acquire these three books. When I found them at an estate sale I bought all three on the spot and placed them in my bookshelves. There they have sat for over a decade. I think I have passed them over time and again because I knew they were children's books. However, I believe good writing can be found in all genres, even children's literature.
This was a quick read. At first I was afraid The Snow Spider was going to be a rip off of EB White's Charlotte's Web. I was pleasantly surprised when it was nothing of the kind. The story was fresh. There was foreshadowing an adult would pick up on, and the writing is clear enough a child could follow. My one complaint would be the character names. I have no problem with unique names or names from other cultures. My issue is when names are so unique the correct pronunciation may be in question, having a page with phonetic pronunciations would be helpful.
This was a quick read. At first I was afraid The Snow Spider was going to be a rip off of EB White's Charlotte's Web. I was pleasantly surprised when it was nothing of the kind. The story was fresh. There was foreshadowing an adult would pick up on, and the writing is clear enough a child could follow. My one complaint would be the character names. I have no problem with unique names or names from other cultures. My issue is when names are so unique the correct pronunciation may be in question, having a page with phonetic pronunciations would be helpful.
I listened to this one and the accents were wonderful! The plot was a bit dark for 5th graders I think but it was a very good story.
I thought this book was great! I think younger children would have liked it more than I did. I set it down several times because my attention wandered. All in all, a pretty good book that would most likely entertain younger readers more than it did for me.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Middle grade
Fantasy
1st in The Magicians trilogy
Reread of a childhood favorite
Set in Wales
Fantasy
1st in The Magicians trilogy
Reread of a childhood favorite
Set in Wales
I didn't think they story itself was bad at all. It was interesting, and the magic was unique.
My problem was more the characters. Gwyn made one ridiculously stupid decision after another and half of this short book wouldn't have happened otherwise. Nain told him not to tell anyone, but what does he immediately do? There wasn't even a pause. Straight from her house to Alun's house to tell him. And he does this TWO SEPARATE TIMES. The little black horse, too. He was given very specific instructions, and he breaks them like a couple chapters later. Also, why didn't he just ask Nain about what to do with Arianwen? That whole thing would have been solved so much sooner and with so many problems not caused.
I obviously don't mind when books have conflict and hardship, but slapping some in that have no reason being there and are easily avoidable by the characters doing something very simple is irritating.
Most of it was narration, so it drug on a little for me, but someone who doesn't need constant action might not take issue with that.
My problem was more the characters. Gwyn made one ridiculously stupid decision after another and half of this short book wouldn't have happened otherwise. Nain told him not to tell anyone, but what does he immediately do? There wasn't even a pause. Straight from her house to Alun's house to tell him. And he does this TWO SEPARATE TIMES. The little black horse, too. He was given very specific instructions, and he breaks them like a couple chapters later. Also, why didn't he just ask Nain about what to do with Arianwen? That whole thing would have been solved so much sooner and with so many problems not caused.
I obviously don't mind when books have conflict and hardship, but slapping some in that have no reason being there and are easily avoidable by the characters doing something very simple is irritating.
Most of it was narration, so it drug on a little for me, but someone who doesn't need constant action might not take issue with that.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Possibly nostalgia rating. I remember loving this book as a kid so decided to reread it since I wanted something quick and light. It's pretty, but nothing seems well developed. On the plus side it's slim size makes it good for fantasy readers scared by the weight of most fantasy books or for children easily frightened, since most of the badness feels pretty distant.
Really kind of dull in my opinion. Based on my kids' reviews, though, something tells me that I will be reading the rest of the series whether I like it or not.
Very young fantasy, enjoyable! I can see elements of her
later Charlie Bone series.
later Charlie Bone series.