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rebelbelle13's review
5.0
It's been a long time since I've read such a wonderful middle-grade novel. I've found that I love fairy-tale re-tellings, and this is truly a magical one. I discovered this author and these novels while browsing my local bookstore- I had no idea these stories were connected to one of my current favorite animated movies, Rise of the Guardians. This, perhaps, made me biased towards liking it, I'll admit, but I do think that this novel is solid enough to stand on its own. It feels like an Oz novel by L. Frank Baum (Rinkitink in Oz, etc.) but set in our world, with just enough lyrical wordplay and fantastical elements to make you envision a rosy, nostalgic, magical past that might have occurred on Earth. This book, of course, is the origin story of North, the equivalent of Santa Claus. Joyce weaves in Claus lore deftly and seamlessly- North is a Russian Cossack, used to the cold. He rides on reindeer and clouds to find the lost city of Santoff Claussen, and learns magic from the last Atlantean. There are also gorgeous illustrations of characters and settings that add another layer of whimsy to the story. I'd highly recommend this author and series if you enjoy Baum's works, Grimm's Fairy Tales, or any other modern retelling of a classic story.
kerj's review
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
martindochall's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
fractaltexan's review
5.0
An interesting first book in the Guardians of Childhood chapter book series!
megs_magical_books's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
ineffablebooks's review
4.0
Such a cute magical book! Very easy to read and acts as a great “before they were famous” insight into the guardians, specifically North. I’m interested to see if the spectral boy is Jack, I have my suspicions but meanwhile, I can’t wait to plough my way through the others!
buud_w0rm's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It wasn’t bad, I love the idea but the writing could be better
timsormin's review
3.0
I love the concept of this book (and the series in general) but the writing is pretty clunky. From the trailers for the upcoming DreamWorks movie "Rise of the Guardians" I suspect they've taken the opportunity to take liberties and improve on the storytelling a bit.
supertatox's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5