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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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:
Complicated
There are a number of things that draw one to a book. Sometimes it is the author, which in this case is one of the members of the Decembrists, and sometimes it is the illustrator, which in this case is the woman who drew the pictures for the Benedict Society. The cover is really what got my attention, but then again, this book also has color plates very much so like the bird books referenced within. The action takes place in a somewhat magical "Impassible Wilderness," though there do not seem to be orphans. How these children can enter the woods is a bit of a mystery, but then again, how can you resist the first line, when Prue's brother is kidnapped by a murder of crows? There is a bit of Narnia and so many other woodsy children's book in this book. There is an map of the woods, ghost bridges, executive mansions, a tree whose roots span the entire wood, an evil queen, an Owl regent, a bandit king, an entire kingdom of birds (gulp), militant coyotes, a friendly postman, and meditating mages. Oh, and a Bicycle Coup :-) Need I say more?
This fantastical children's book brings to life the fictional jungle of an Impassable Wilderness just outside of Portland, Oregon, and just as the two main characters are drawn inexorably into the forest, so too will be the reader. Written by the lead singer of the indie band The Decemberists, Meloy's book centers around a young girl whose baby brother is abducted by crows and taken into the Impassable Wilderness. She goes in to search for him, and with the help of a classmate, they navigate the waters between, good, evil, and every shade in between. The first in a proposed trilogy, this book will excite and delight.
-Karen H.-
-Karen H.-
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
The last time I read this book, I was probably about Prue’s age, and I loved revisiting this one. It reminds me of everything that inspired and excited me when I was young, it made me appreciate imaginative storytelling and the idea that a good children’s book is Not just for kids! Absolutely would recommend.
4.0 ⭐️
It feels like a very long, very idolised American fairy tale and if you read it as a fairy tale and don’t take it too seriously it’s a lovely story. Meloy has a wonderful writing style, especially the action scenes flowed really nicely. I just don’t have anything in particular to say about the book, except that I kinda liked the story and the illustrations were an especially nice touch. It also had more intricacies and depth than I thought it would, but I can’t quite tell who the target audience is supposed to be. It’s a bit too long and political for a 12 year old, but glosses over all the death as if nothing happened.
The characters are a resounding ‘…meh’, they weren’t terribly annoying but I didn’t like them a lot either.
I gotta say tho, the book feels really nice to hold, I like the paper they used for the cover and the pages!
So I’d say 3 stars for the story + 1 for the illustrations.
It feels like a very long, very idolised American fairy tale and if you read it as a fairy tale and don’t take it too seriously it’s a lovely story. Meloy has a wonderful writing style, especially the action scenes flowed really nicely. I just don’t have anything in particular to say about the book, except that I kinda liked the story and the illustrations were an especially nice touch. It also had more intricacies and depth than I thought it would, but I can’t quite tell who the target audience is supposed to be. It’s a bit too long and political for a 12 year old, but glosses over all the death as if nothing happened.
The characters are a resounding ‘…meh’, they weren’t terribly annoying but I didn’t like them a lot either.
I gotta say tho, the book feels really nice to hold, I like the paper they used for the cover and the pages!
So I’d say 3 stars for the story + 1 for the illustrations.
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book has fun characters and is a fun idea but the prose fell below the level of the book idea. Still an enjoyable read and a good little world to escape into.
Meloy created a beautiful, wonderful, and - yes - wild world with Wildwood, and I can't wait to read the following books. I loved Meloy's style, and the alternating points of view between the two main characters, Prue and Curtis, with a few passages from the Governess, gave the story great depth. Meanwhile, Ellis' illustrations - including full-page color plates! - added so much to the story, and made owning the actual book (not an e-version) mandatory.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Almost DNF but glad I hung in there. It's a cute lil book that didn't need to be almost 500 pages long. Cute little world and beautiful illustrations. Main character is are likeable and overall just a cozy charming book.