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pomegranateseedpress's review
5.0
read to the kids at night - lovely story of apothecary - and gently looking at responsibility of humans and plants/animals in a larger context as well as a personal context with the main character. i wish it were a girl though - - as the main character instead of female secondary characters... but i see how it works with a male lead - just too many books we've been reading lately have male-centered leads in the stories... but the bat, echo, is by far one of my kids' most beloved characters yet. they quote him constantly.
jessalynn_librarian's review
3.0
This is definitely the kind of fantasy that I can easily recommend to kids at the library - some adventure, animals, a fantasy world that easily accessible, and a set-up for a longer series. However, it wasn't one that I loved as an adult reader who enjoys rich characters and settings and nuanced plots.
Bookgroup verdict: 1 kid thought it was great, 2 didn't like it much.
Bookgroup verdict: 1 kid thought it was great, 2 didn't like it much.
yujahey's review
5.0
The whole plot of talking animals just gets me going, especially when it's a cute little bat that says "Ouch" every time he lands on Raffa's shoulders. Raffa himself is a very refined character. He is caring, courageous, and good with his hands. However, with his discovery, he has to keep Echo hidden from the world to ensure nobody takes advantage of the little bat. This book is amazing at touching upon each character's action and explaining the reasoning behind it, making the character seem more humane and relatable than just a villainous person.
lara_lleverino's review
4.0
Great upper elementary/lower middle school book! Poses great questions about family loyalty, trusting and obeying parents, Wild animals as pets, healing vs harming, captivity vs freedom, instinct vs science.
libscote's review
3.0
Raffa wants to be an apothecary and get out from under the watchful eye of his overprotective father. After all, he fixed Echo the bat all by himself, didn't he? But when a red vine doesn't work the way he expects, he travels to the Commons to warn his cousin and uncle. There, he starts to learn about exactly how powerful plants can be, and whether he wants to use that power for good or abuse it.
I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I hadn't listened to it on audio. I have such a short commute most of the time that it was hard to get into the story.
I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I hadn't listened to it on audio. I have such a short commute most of the time that it was hard to get into the story.
jillcd's review
4.0
I could easily put this book into the hands of many students that would immediately read it and beg for the next in the series. It has adventure, fantasy, a cute talking bat, and a likable main character. This will be a popular series.
estellabelle92's review
4.0
This delightful tale came across my path as a selection for our upcoming Parent-Child book group. The characters are a diverse group who are well-rounded, and hint at more great stories to come in future installments.
dearnamie's review
5.0
Reread this since I’m planning on reading books 2 and 3 soon. Such a good read. Raffa is a compelling protagonist—unusually gifted in apothecary, but still vulnerable in his youthful trust of the people around him. As the story unfolds, Raffa must reconcile his enthusiasm to experiment in apothecary with a growing understanding that others may have unethical uses in mind for his talents. As a young person, he’s eager to prove to the adults that he is a skilled apothecary, but also wonders if it might be best to hide just how talented he is. Along the way, his old friendships are tested, new ones are formed, and he must come to terms with the consequences of his decisions.
caties_books's review against another edition
3.0
For a middle grade book, it was pretty good. I'm really not into middle grade so much anymore so it's tricky to give an accurate rating I think. There wasn't anything bad that stood out to me though, so that's definitely a positive!
(read with little brother)
(read with little brother)