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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
It wasn't awful, but it was maybe a bit young for me (though stuffed full of classic literary references). It suffers from a strong case of 'tell, don't show': I didn't feel a strong connection to any of the characters because I rarely got much idea of what they were feeling during the events, I was always just told 'this happened, then that happened, then this person said that, and then this happened,' etc. It was often even hard to tell the three protagonists apart. I stuck with it for about 80 pages but then put it aside because it just didn't grab me.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is definitely a love letter from the author to the history of the world, and the fantasy that has been built within it. That makes the story worthy of being read once.
The premise is interesting, but unfortunately it has an immature edge to it. There is barely any relationship building between the 3 main characters who are supposedly risking life and limb to save the world. The one female character is either a love interest for more than one person, or perpetually aggravated with everyone, described as venomous or waspish.
The plot feels very rushed, and at times thrown together to force the story to work. The author relies on stereotypes and obvious evil/good guys tropes in their writing, creating characters and scenarios that are predictable and lack depth. In turn the characters are too simplistic or one-dimensional, leading to a less engaging narrative. The foreshadowing is decidedly obvious and kills any surprise the reader might feel at the pivotal point of the book.
Overall, it was a mediocre read, I had no emotional engagement to witness the success of the characters, as the ending was assured to happen.
The premise is interesting, but unfortunately it has an immature edge to it. There is barely any relationship building between the 3 main characters who are supposedly risking life and limb to save the world. The one female character is either a love interest for more than one person, or perpetually aggravated with everyone, described as venomous or waspish.
The plot feels very rushed, and at times thrown together to force the story to work. The author relies on stereotypes and obvious evil/good guys tropes in their writing, creating characters and scenarios that are predictable and lack depth. In turn the characters are too simplistic or one-dimensional, leading to a less engaging narrative. The foreshadowing is decidedly obvious and kills any surprise the reader might feel at the pivotal point of the book.
Overall, it was a mediocre read, I had no emotional engagement to witness the success of the characters, as the ending was assured to happen.
These are *fabulous*. Three young writers - Jack, John and Charles - are told they are the new caretakers of the atlas of all the imaginary worlds of Western myth and literature. It's a classic quest narrative steeped in the knowledge and awareness of many quest narratives before it, and it's got a lot of sly hints to who these three writers will grow up to be, and the meta and adventure are just a lot of fun.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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:
No
This was an unexpected, bit delightful read of spinning various myths and fantasy books of the 19th and early 20th century into one.
Also, I really love the name twist in the end.
Also, I really love the name twist in the end.
I read this with my 6th grade, self-contained Gifted class as their last Lit. Study of the year. (Actually, we listened to it and followed along). This book is *fantastic*. It's such a wonderful fantasy novel that literally starts on a "dark and stormy night". If you know anything about literature, you will geek out at the constant references. I found myself constantly pausing the recording so the kids could pull themselves back together after getting another reference. I highly recommend having Google ready to go so you can look up every character name or place name. Trust me... EVERYTHING is a reference. I will be buying this series. Aiden read it last year in class and loved it. This would make a great read aloud for my kids. Also... yay for Arizona authors! :)