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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
Enjoyed the book immensely. Unique plot and takes place close to home (Portland, Oregon - about a three-hour drive from me). The illustrations are excellent and done by the same person who illustrated the Mysterious Benedict Society books.
The only downside for me was the (SPOILER ALERT) child-sacrifice aspect. While I get what they were trying to do, it was still off-putting - much like Wormtail's spell in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which required Tom Riddle's bone, Harry's blood, and Wormtail's hand. That alone makes me hesitate to recommend it to younger children (elementary-junior high age).
The only downside for me was the (SPOILER ALERT) child-sacrifice aspect. While I get what they were trying to do, it was still off-putting - much like Wormtail's spell in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which required Tom Riddle's bone, Harry's blood, and Wormtail's hand. That alone makes me hesitate to recommend it to younger children (elementary-junior high age).
I was excited to read this book because I enjoy The Decemberists' storytelling style and visual aesthetic. A fantasy set in the Portland woods, such expectations! And indeed, it is easy to imagine how parts of the story were inspired by the geography of Portland: the east side, the bridges, the zoo, the other features of Forest Park...At the first ominous mention of ivy I pictured the author telling his family a bedtime story after a day of volunteering at an invasive species removal event. But these inspirations are pieced together in a boring pastiche of literary and folk references that sprawls across 541 pages of clunky exposition, cliched dialogue, and stunted character development. I wish someone had convinced Meloy and Ellis to make a picture book instead.
PS Wildwood has been described as Narnia sans religion. Did not Philip Pullman do that much more successfully?
PS Wildwood has been described as Narnia sans religion. Did not Philip Pullman do that much more successfully?
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
This book has such Over the Garden Wall vibes to me. For a middle grade, it is quite a grim story! The plot tricks you with its light hearted tone, and suddenly your mouth is hanging open in shock from how dark the description or subtext gets! I loved it. The overall experience reading this a good one! It’s definitely long-winded as far as storytelling goes, but if you love to just completely immerse yourself in a world, then this is a book for you.
This was surprisingly dark, which I appreciate. I loved the settings and the illustrations were a nice addition. Lots of unexpected twists too! However, the writing wasn’t for me, which unfortunately takes up most of the book. It was just a bit weird, and the dialogue seemed too formal and perfect at times. And yes, I think this book was too long, though I don’t necessarily think it was boring. Also, we don’t talk about chapter 18.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Well-structured in the style of something I'd've loved as a young, with original ideas, and yet not as enchanting as I'd hoped. I guess I'm not approaching it the same, and I probably had high expectations of perfect whimsy from an artist I adore and a writer I enjoy.
I started reading this book because Colin Meloy is the lead singer of The Decemberists. I finished reading this book because Colin Meloy is the lead singer of The Decemberists. Not because I liked the book.
As other reviewers have noted, this book is a lot like Narnia without the religion aspect. The story is interesting, but very long for the intended age group. Unless the intended age group is adult fans of The Decemberists.
Anyway. Prue got passed along by others nicely, so she wasn't exactly a driving force. Curtis wasn't much of a driving force either, really.
I very nearly put the book down after the first hundred pages, and my life would not be poorer if I had.
As other reviewers have noted, this book is a lot like Narnia without the religion aspect. The story is interesting, but very long for the intended age group. Unless the intended age group is adult fans of The Decemberists.
Anyway. Prue got passed along by others nicely, so she wasn't exactly a driving force. Curtis wasn't much of a driving force either, really.
I very nearly put the book down after the first hundred pages, and my life would not be poorer if I had.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
tense
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:
No
The premise of this book is interesting - Prue's little brother was abducted by crows and taken to the Impasssable Wilderness! The story resolves well, but I found the pacing to be slow and there were some plot holes I found distracting. The characters felt rather flat - the queen was the most interesting character. Overall, it's an adventure story. If you want adventure, it will fit the bill. But as far as fantasy/real world crossover goes, there are better middle grade novels out there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, War
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death