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sereia8's review against another edition
3.0
This was nominated for the 2008 Beehive Award. I enjoyed it, but felt it wasn't "believable," and I'm an easy sell in that category, usually.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
3.0
I would probably give it more of a 3 1/2 stars. It was good but not great. It was totally sci-fy fantasy. I will be interested to see how it moves...some of it is too far fetched. Some of the questions weren't answered (who made the salmon??!) so I'm hoping that gets addressed in book #2. I will still continue the series, but it's not the best YA lit I've read lately.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
3.0
I did not like the first chapter, the cadence seemed very stilted and did not grab me into wanting to read the series. Also, I do not like the pop culture references because it dates a book making it obsolete in just a few short years. For example if I say, "Her clothes looked like Cindy Lauper's costumes", no one younger than about 35 would even know who the reference is about. Perhaps some feel pop culture in a book makes it accessible for young adults, but I think it cheapens the experience of reading.
After stating those few negative comments I have to say I actually got sucked into the series and enjoyed it quite a bit. The explanations of science used in the book were technical enough to sound like "real" science, but still approachable for the unscientific reader. The first book, The Lighthouse Land, had some incredibly creative moments. I will say, watch out for the boats...
To read the full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com
After stating those few negative comments I have to say I actually got sucked into the series and enjoyed it quite a bit. The explanations of science used in the book were technical enough to sound like "real" science, but still approachable for the unscientific reader. The first book, The Lighthouse Land, had some incredibly creative moments. I will say, watch out for the boats...
To read the full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com
hahaseriousnow's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
stuhlsem's review against another edition
3.0
I had to read this because of the book jacket summary, which goes something like:
"Jamie is a poor kid who lives in Harlem, until his mother inherits a lighthouse in Ireland! They move to Ireland. Jamie then finds a secret device that transports him on an interstellar journey!" Can't pass up interstellar Irish journeys.
The book was cute, and nothing about it offended me, but nothing about it was super awesome, either. I liked that it was in Northern Ireland, and there was a little bit of local legend.
"Jamie is a poor kid who lives in Harlem, until his mother inherits a lighthouse in Ireland! They move to Ireland. Jamie then finds a secret device that transports him on an interstellar journey!" Can't pass up interstellar Irish journeys.
The book was cute, and nothing about it offended me, but nothing about it was super awesome, either. I liked that it was in Northern Ireland, and there was a little bit of local legend.
bgg616's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to this as part of an Irish read-along in March. McKinty is known for his crime novels. It seems these days crime writers and novelists are being encouraged to try writing novels for younger readers. In this case, I think it was a good attempt but not a series that I see engaging kids outside of Ireland.
Thirteen-year-old Jamie and his mother leave New York after she inherits a lighthouse in Northern Ireland. Jamie is a cancer survivor and lost one arm to the disease. He makes friends with Ramsey, and learns that he is descended from the O'Neills who were lords exiled centuries ago. The two friends discover something magical and end up on another planet.
There are are nail-biting moments in the book. Overall, it was a satisfactory read.
Thirteen-year-old Jamie and his mother leave New York after she inherits a lighthouse in Northern Ireland. Jamie is a cancer survivor and lost one arm to the disease. He makes friends with Ramsey, and learns that he is descended from the O'Neills who were lords exiled centuries ago. The two friends discover something magical and end up on another planet.
There are are nail-biting moments in the book. Overall, it was a satisfactory read.
dustin_o's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
tclinrow's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75