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saidtheraina's review against another edition
4.0
Super fun ownvoices fantasy I've now used in more than one way!
I booktalked this in local elementary schools in 2018, and discussed it with my 9-12 y.o. book club in April 2019.
The summaries are real - it's Jumanji plus steampunk plus some middle-eastern roots. I wanted to be a touch more puzzley, with things I could work out myself as the reader, but that's me putting something on the book, not anything the book promised me.
It's a little dark, and a little fluffy, but has some interesting character bits. Good stuff.
I booktalked this in local elementary schools in 2018, and discussed it with my 9-12 y.o. book club in April 2019.
The summaries are real - it's Jumanji plus steampunk plus some middle-eastern roots. I wanted to be a touch more puzzley, with things I could work out myself as the reader, but that's me putting something on the book, not anything the book promised me.
It's a little dark, and a little fluffy, but has some interesting character bits. Good stuff.
booksandladders's review against another edition
I read a sample of this one courtesy of Simon Teen Canada. And OMG. It is SO GOOD. I can't wait until the full title releases so I can read the rest.
hidingzeus's review against another edition
2.0
I liked it better than I thought I would, but that's not really by much.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect for middle grade adventure and fantasy fans, especially for readers who love [b:The Wishing Spell|11607446|The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories, #1)|Chris Colfer|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1326920505s/11607446.jpg|16550024] and the rest of the Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer, and for board game fans of [b:Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library|16054808|Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (Mr. Lemoncello's Library #1)|Chris Grabenstein|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1379335670s/16054808.jpg|21839952] by Chris Grabenstein. I greatly appreciated Farah's strong female lead and the Bangladeshi cultural influences/references that make this a refreshing addition to the middle grade fantasy world. The only cons are that there were times when the dialogue felt a bit flat, and Farah's friends Alex and Essie could have possibly had deeper characters and more involvement in the story. These are minor, however, and I look forward to reading more from Riazi - perhaps in future installments of Farah's story?
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
4.0
It's not going to be a typical birthday party for 12-year-old Farah when she opens a mysterious board game called The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand. While her and her two closest friends are geared up to try it out, her younger brother jumps in first and thus begins the group's dangerous game of mystery, puzzles, and nefarious characters. Will they be stuck forever? Or can they defeat The Architect?
Looove this! I thought it was a super fun read, perfect for middle grade students. It really felt like a cross between Jumanji and the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone when they're solving all the riddles and games. I loved the seamless inclusion of Farrah's culture in this thrilling read for fans of action, adventure, mystery, and magic.
Looove this! I thought it was a super fun read, perfect for middle grade students. It really felt like a cross between Jumanji and the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone when they're solving all the riddles and games. I loved the seamless inclusion of Farrah's culture in this thrilling read for fans of action, adventure, mystery, and magic.
dreaminginpastels's review against another edition
4.0
Imaginative, escapist, and thrilling, The Gauntlet had me swept into a world both terrifying and breath-taking all in one. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to learn about a culture outside of my own, and to enjoy journeying with characters proud and embracing of their culture. I would definitely recommend ☺️
ginnikin's review against another edition
It's fine. I can see it working well for the target demographic, which is not me.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
3.0
It's twelve-year-old Farah's birthday. Alongside having to entertain her younger brother, Ahmad also has her friends to attend to. She needn't worry though as her favourite aunt has arrived with a special gift just for her. When Farah finally manages to find the time to open it, she and her friends, Essie and Alex discover it is not what her aunt had promised: a book. Instead it appears to be an altogether different object: a game-board imbued with magical properties (Jumanji-style). Not only does the game expand and grow but it also whisks them away to a realm created and ruled by the Architect. Excitement soon gives way to fear though since the game has taken Farah's brother. Not only that, the rules of the game mean that if any challenge is failed then the contenders must remain in The Gauntlet for all time.
Riazi's novel is quick and pacy and I thought that the first half set the scene well. Each of Farah's friends are different yet potentially engaging but her brother borders on annoying rather than sympathetic (he has ADHD but the condition is sweepingly considered rather than focused on). The games themselves within the Gauntlet are, for the most part, exciting but at times emotions and pace are confused and lost to other details. The rich world often overshadows time spent on character-building and growth.
For all these faults though, it was deeply refreshing to find another Muslim protagonist and some impressive world-building.
Riazi's novel is quick and pacy and I thought that the first half set the scene well. Each of Farah's friends are different yet potentially engaging but her brother borders on annoying rather than sympathetic (he has ADHD but the condition is sweepingly considered rather than focused on). The games themselves within the Gauntlet are, for the most part, exciting but at times emotions and pace are confused and lost to other details. The rich world often overshadows time spent on character-building and growth.
For all these faults though, it was deeply refreshing to find another Muslim protagonist and some impressive world-building.