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ayu_vs's review
3.0
Ok so the problem is that the ending was confusing because of so many timelines.....we don't know what happened to Jaime and the twins after that, we only meet them like decades later. But as we get reminded in the whole of series 'the process matters more than the end' I think the journey was really amazing here and what I really like about the books. actual rating 3.5
ardenruth's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
isaayala's review
5.0
Laura Ruby doesn't shy away from themes of justice and truth for middle grade, in fact, she's one of the only authors I've read that doesn't noticeably dumb down everything when writing for younger readers. It's clearly acknowledged in the writing style the sacrifices these characters had to make and are making and the bittersweetness of it all. The characters felt real, their struggles felt real, and their world even more real. There are few books that use possibly my least favorite trope——that I enjoy, and this has joined the short list. The tension in this book made it nearly impossible to put down, I read it late into the night.
This was a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series, well-thought out and well-written.
Spoiler
time travelingThis was a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series, well-thought out and well-written.
owain40's review
4.0
Lovely book to end (“maybe”) the series. I envy any young adults who discover this trilogy.
hibernaculum's review against another edition
5.0
It's bittersweet to finally finish reading this series. It was so imaginative, witty, suspenseful–and beautifully humane in the handling of its relationships and larger themes. Tess, Jamie, and Theo are such a wonderful trio; I will miss them.
rjlee89's review
5.0
This was a fun, fast, good read with several unexpected twists. This isn't really a spoiler, but near the end, there is a tongue-in-cheek exchange of wait, who's the villian? Wait, you're not, wait, you??!! Who are you? It was well done and a slight, almost offhand introspection of society :X
Also, Samuel??? As the gears clicked (pun may or may have not been intended), there was definitely a satisfied AH coming from over here.
And the bizarre creature creations were... hmm.
Overall, the process of solving clues was fun and engaging. Good read.
Also, Samuel??? As the gears clicked (pun may or may have not been intended), there was definitely a satisfied AH coming from over here.
And the bizarre creature creations were... hmm.
Overall, the process of solving clues was fun and engaging. Good read.
the_dragon_starback's review against another edition
5.0
There is so much to say about this excellent end to the York trilogy/saga, but most of it involves spoilers. Three things that I loved about this third and final instalment (not necessarily in order of importance): the book is physically beautiful (I love the way that each cover is more colourful than the previous book), the ending was fittingly momentous, and I loved all the characters.
Now, I was a little apprehensive about the friction between Jaime and the twins that was promised in the synopsis because I generally don't love mistrust between main characters (how do I manage to read any fiction books at all? I have no idea). Thankfully, it all felt real and unforced and and there were lovely moments of "normal" (HA! normal isn't even a word in these books) interaction between them even in that tension.
Aside from the main characters, there were appearances from many of the brilliant supporting characters that I love and admire (Aunt Esther! Imogen Sparks! Auguste!!!), and there were MORE new characters that were fun and cool and everything I want from York characters.
Honestly, the characters are my favourite part of the York trilogy, so even if the ending wasn't what it was supposed to be, I probably would be satisfied simply because of the characters that made their appearance in The Map of Stars.
In fact, I do think the cipher solution worked. But I like that by the time the cipher is solved, it really isn't about solving the cipher anymore, but it's about something bigger. Does that mean the ending made perfect sense to me? Not at all. Does this bother me? Not particularly . . . because it just means that I get to read this trilogy over and over again and have new thoughts and ideas each time.
Laura Ruby's wide-ranging imagination and vision combined with her attention to detail and excellent writing is fully on display in this trilogy and in this book, and it continually astounds me.
Five stars, no question about it.
Now, I was a little apprehensive about the friction between Jaime and the twins that was promised in the synopsis because I generally don't love mistrust between main characters (how do I manage to read any fiction books at all? I have no idea). Thankfully, it all felt real and unforced and and there were lovely moments of "normal" (HA! normal isn't even a word in these books) interaction between them even in that tension.
Aside from the main characters, there were appearances from many of the brilliant supporting characters that I love and admire (Aunt Esther! Imogen Sparks! Auguste!!!), and there were MORE new characters that were fun and cool and everything I want from York characters.
Honestly, the characters are my favourite part of the York trilogy, so even if the ending wasn't what it was supposed to be, I probably would be satisfied simply because of the characters that made their appearance in The Map of Stars.
In fact, I do think the cipher solution worked. But I like that by the time the cipher is solved, it really isn't about solving the cipher anymore, but it's about something bigger. Does that mean the ending made perfect sense to me? Not at all. Does this bother me? Not particularly . . . because it just means that I get to read this trilogy over and over again and have new thoughts and ideas each time.
Laura Ruby's wide-ranging imagination and vision combined with her attention to detail and excellent writing is fully on display in this trilogy and in this book, and it continually astounds me.
Five stars, no question about it.
ohhellored's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.25