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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
In the late 1850s, Eff takes a job as an assistant to the two professors at the college menagerie in Mill City. Her twin brother, Lan, wants her to go to college, but she doesn't think that is the right path for her. Instead, she accompanies Professor Torgeson and their guide Wash Morris on a survey of wildlife west of the Mammoth River, where they make some very interesting discoveries, including stone animal sculptures that are not sculptures at all.
I very much enjoyed book two in this series, although it's definitely leading up to book three, since some major plot threads are left hanging. But I liked watching Eff mature and learn more about her magic and how to use it.
For readers' advisory: story and character doorways, with setting also due to the alternative history aspect
I very much enjoyed book two in this series, although it's definitely leading up to book three, since some major plot threads are left hanging. But I liked watching Eff mature and learn more about her magic and how to use it.
For readers' advisory: story and character doorways, with setting also due to the alternative history aspect
Eff has finally decided what she wants to do, study the magical wildlife. But not just at home she wants to study it in the far west, past the Great Barrier Spell. While on an expedition she and Professor Torgeson(sp) make a startling discovery and need to race to figure it out before it puts the settlements in danger.
adventurous
funny
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:
Yes
Such a good series. I keep hoping that there will be lots more books about Eff and her brother Lan.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
The same critiques still hold for this book, and I'll add that it's frustrating that they have to kill so many creatures all the time. I do think this book has maybe the best balance of the 3 between the day-to-day and the expedition and the personal development, but I read them all back to back so it's tough to say.
This series in some ways is more about exploring a setting and characters and magic than it is about a storyline. It's fun to read still but in some ways, I'd be hard-pressed to tell you what the story progression was.
Imagine North America's wild west in a magical world...
These characters somehow strike me - I like them.
These characters somehow strike me - I like them.
Think Harry Potter meets the Wild West with a little of Little House on the Prairie thrown in. It was a captivating read. My only problem was that it was vaguely based on USA geography and history, but changed enough that it was at times a little confusing. I didn't realize it was the 2nd book in a series and I felt that I understood it without having read the 1st, but I'll probably go back and read the first one too.
I just love P. Wrede's writing style. She's one of those great story-tellers where it doesn't matter what the content is, the story is engaging.