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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Again, a cute book in what I guess will be a series. Always quirky (or should I say, "quarky"?) and funny, the world of Kazam is a mishmash of technology and magic, and magic is making a comeback.
Very fun, very funny, there's a bit of a low point where I actually thought the heroes might not find a way out of the predicament, and I know there's a sequel!
It had all the things I look for from Fforde; well written characters, an exciting plot and word play, word play, word play.
It had all the things I look for from Fforde; well written characters, an exciting plot and word play, word play, word play.
I don’t know if this is the last Jennifer Strange novel, but if it is, it’s a good ending. If it’s not, it still works.
Strange finds herself caught up in a mystery dealing with a ring, her boss, and building a bridge.
And she has to decide whether or not to go on a date.
This installment is still funny, and still pokes fun at the Royals. There is also a nod to end of the story reveals that had me choking on my laughter.
I love the resolution and the use of Boo.
Strange finds herself caught up in a mystery dealing with a ring, her boss, and building a bridge.
And she has to decide whether or not to go on a date.
This installment is still funny, and still pokes fun at the Royals. There is also a nod to end of the story reveals that had me choking on my laughter.
I love the resolution and the use of Boo.
This is the second book in the Jasper Fforde YA series about a teenage orphan who runs an agency of magicians and seers. This could easily be picked up without reading the first book, I think, but you'd miss out on the better of the two.
In the first book, Jennifer Strange, foundling, fulfills a prophecy to become the last dragonslayer. In this one, she's tasked with saving the agency she works for. Or, at least, not giving her rival an unfair advantage. The king is attempting to give a political position to the corrupt head of iMagic. In trying to stop it, Jennifer agrees to a magical battle between iMagic and Kazam, one she feels they should win handily. She didn't count on the measures the king would take to make sure iMagic wins.
We find out more about how magic works, and where some of the odd spells around the Kazam headquarters came from. We also meet The Great Zambini, who ran Kazam until his mysterious disappearance. Jennifer is about to pin down where he'll next temporarily materialize, and consults with him on solving the magical problem.
There's more going on in the background, and we learn more about The Mighty Shandar, the most powerful wizard in history who had caused all the trouble with dragons in the last book. It's background, but the series seems to be leading up to a confrontation that has something to do with him.
I don't know if it was that the shine of the new and creative had worn off, or if it was just different, reading it instead of listening on audio. I didn't dislike this book, but it didn't impress me as much as the first. There's always the danger of humor, that stakes are deflated for the sake of a punchline, but I don't think that's entirely to blame. Fforde has written a lot of hilarious books that felt deadly serious, nonetheless.
I hope it's a temporary bump, and not a pattern for the series. Regardless, I will be anticipating the next book to see for myself. Even at his worst, Fforde writes thoroughly enjoyable books.
In the first book, Jennifer Strange, foundling, fulfills a prophecy to become the last dragonslayer. In this one, she's tasked with saving the agency she works for. Or, at least, not giving her rival an unfair advantage. The king is attempting to give a political position to the corrupt head of iMagic. In trying to stop it, Jennifer agrees to a magical battle between iMagic and Kazam, one she feels they should win handily. She didn't count on the measures the king would take to make sure iMagic wins.
We find out more about how magic works, and where some of the odd spells around the Kazam headquarters came from. We also meet The Great Zambini, who ran Kazam until his mysterious disappearance. Jennifer is about to pin down where he'll next temporarily materialize, and consults with him on solving the magical problem.
There's more going on in the background, and we learn more about The Mighty Shandar, the most powerful wizard in history who had caused all the trouble with dragons in the last book. It's background, but the series seems to be leading up to a confrontation that has something to do with him.
I don't know if it was that the shine of the new and creative had worn off, or if it was just different, reading it instead of listening on audio. I didn't dislike this book, but it didn't impress me as much as the first. There's always the danger of humor, that stakes are deflated for the sake of a punchline, but I don't think that's entirely to blame. Fforde has written a lot of hilarious books that felt deadly serious, nonetheless.
I hope it's a temporary bump, and not a pattern for the series. Regardless, I will be anticipating the next book to see for myself. Even at his worst, Fforde writes thoroughly enjoyable books.
The second book in the series was just as fun as the first. If you like stories about magic, and if you enjoy clever, smart-ass heroines then so I would say it is definitely worth the read.
Though fun, the story is a bit (ok more than a bit) predictable. Considering the target audience I can forgive this in exchange for the entertainment value.
Though fun, the story is a bit (ok more than a bit) predictable. Considering the target audience I can forgive this in exchange for the entertainment value.
Really fun YA series. It's like if Terry Pratchett wrote a knockoff Harry Potter, in a good way.
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Loved it even more than the first book. The Transient Moose was my favourite hero.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No