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mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
3.0
It was certainly a Choice to reveal to the reader in chapter 2 that Corinne's mother was a Jumbie though definitely not a Good one - the fact that it was in chapter 2 is why I didn't bother with a spoiler warning. You literally will know by like page 5 or 6, if that.
(I'm guessing. I listened to this on audiobook so I don't have page numbers.)
It would have been one thing if Corinne found out at this point, but she doesn't. I didn't understand why the author would tell the reader this major revelation instead of allowing us to find out alongside Corinne later in the book. It would have cemented the larger theme about coexistence better to have us get lured into anti-Jumbie sentiment similar to the rest of the island only to have us be forced to reconsider the prejudice when confronted with main character Corinne's heritage. It would have served as an immersive parallel to Connie's journey towards acceptance of her heritage. It also would have just been a fun twist to save for later.
Other than that it was a fairly straightforward middle grade urban fantasy story. After years of being inundated with Western European and Americanized interpretations of fairy tales, I appreciate on principle alone seeing stories based on folktales from other cultures get the opportunity to flourish.
It’s too underdeveloped in regards to the supporting characters. Connie doesn’t actually do all that much to fight back against her aunt. The Jumbies don’t have any personalities so you don’t get any kind of deeper insight into their perspective; a lot of it is told instead of shown. The worldbuilding outside of the magical system isn’t well fleshed out. Also, I think it might be a little too understated in tone for some kids - it’s definitely one of those books that prioritizes the style of writing over substance.
Still, I had a decent time. I was always invested in the goings on. I was endeared enough to Connie to care about where she ended up. I’ll lose no sleep recommending it.
(I'm guessing. I listened to this on audiobook so I don't have page numbers.)
It would have been one thing if Corinne found out at this point, but she doesn't. I didn't understand why the author would tell the reader this major revelation instead of allowing us to find out alongside Corinne later in the book. It would have cemented the larger theme about coexistence better to have us get lured into anti-Jumbie sentiment similar to the rest of the island only to have us be forced to reconsider the prejudice when confronted with main character Corinne's heritage. It would have served as an immersive parallel to Connie's journey towards acceptance of her heritage. It also would have just been a fun twist to save for later.
Other than that it was a fairly straightforward middle grade urban fantasy story. After years of being inundated with Western European and Americanized interpretations of fairy tales, I appreciate on principle alone seeing stories based on folktales from other cultures get the opportunity to flourish.
It’s too underdeveloped in regards to the supporting characters. Connie doesn’t actually do all that much to fight back against her aunt. The Jumbies don’t have any personalities so you don’t get any kind of deeper insight into their perspective; a lot of it is told instead of shown. The worldbuilding outside of the magical system isn’t well fleshed out. Also, I think it might be a little too understated in tone for some kids - it’s definitely one of those books that prioritizes the style of writing over substance.
Still, I had a decent time. I was always invested in the goings on. I was endeared enough to Connie to care about where she ended up. I’ll lose no sleep recommending it.
edshara's review
4.0
This book was great from start to finish! The Jumbies features themes like self-acceptance, family, friendship and loyalty mixed with Caribbean(specifically Haitian) folktales to create a truly immersive story. The writing style is quite captivating and so well done that it is easy to imagine Corinne's island home. Tracey Baptiste also did a really good job of showing and telling while sharing Corinne's adventure.
Corinne was a pretty solid character and I liked seeing a character of color that was so well rounded. Corinne was brave and fiesty, even though she struggled with moments of fear and uncertainty and even though she made mistakes, she was willing to learn from them. I liked the growth of her friendships with Bouki, Malik and Dru. I think it was a good representation of the ups and downs of childhood relationships. Corinne's relationship with her dad was nice to read about and I loved how they loved each other. Its always nice to see positive parental characters, especially in MG fiction.
I liked that even though Bouki and Malik started off as "typical" boys, they seemed to grow throughout the events in the book. Malik was probably my favorite character and I loved how he was able to effectively communicate. Bouki was a great representation of a good older brother. It was nice to see a postive relationship between siblings(instead of the jerky older sibling and/or the bratty younger sibling). I liked his sense of loyalty and how once he was in, he was all in. Dru was my least favorite character. I know she's a child and ultimately she did some good, however, overall she was too wishy washy for my taste. I wouldn't trust her.
When it came to the end and the taking down of the main Jumbie, I thought that part of the story was a bit weak. While I appreciated the meaning behind the "weapon" used to get rid of the Jumbie, it just felt a bit tame, especially after some of the other events in the book. I'm not really sure what I was expecting but I think I was looking for something more...
It was surprising to see how some of the things at the end weren't fixed by magic. I think I was expecting the book to follow the idea that some bad things happened, lets use magic to fix it and make everything better. It was interesting to see that their were some losses, all around, and they were left as is. The only problem I had with that part of the book was it seemed a bit blunt as if the losses didn't matter or the hurt wasn't valid (basically it felt like we hurt them, so they hurt us, accept it).
Some of my favorite quotes:
-"How long will it take for her to grow back, Papa?" This was found in Chapter 2 and within the context of the paragraph it just hit me in the feels.
-"But like everything else, the harder something is, the stronger you become." This was found in Chapter 27 and was part of a monologue by the white witch, that was relatable and had so much TRUTH in it.
Overall this book was so much fun and while a little creepy, I think it was an overall great read and I would definitely recommend it. I can't wait to read Book 2, Rise of the Jumbies.
Corinne was a pretty solid character and I liked seeing a character of color that was so well rounded. Corinne was brave and fiesty, even though she struggled with moments of fear and uncertainty and even though she made mistakes, she was willing to learn from them. I liked the growth of her friendships with Bouki, Malik and Dru. I think it was a good representation of the ups and downs of childhood relationships. Corinne's relationship with her dad was nice to read about and I loved how they loved each other. Its always nice to see positive parental characters, especially in MG fiction.
I liked that even though Bouki and Malik started off as "typical" boys, they seemed to grow throughout the events in the book. Malik was probably my favorite character and I loved how he was able to effectively communicate. Bouki was a great representation of a good older brother. It was nice to see a postive relationship between siblings(instead of the jerky older sibling and/or the bratty younger sibling). I liked his sense of loyalty and how once he was in, he was all in. Dru was my least favorite character. I know she's a child and ultimately she did some good, however, overall she was too wishy washy for my taste. I wouldn't trust her.
When it came to the end and the taking down of the main Jumbie, I thought that part of the story was a bit weak. While I appreciated the meaning behind the "weapon" used to get rid of the Jumbie, it just felt a bit tame, especially after some of the other events in the book. I'm not really sure what I was expecting but I think I was looking for something more...
It was surprising to see how some of the things at the end weren't fixed by magic. I think I was expecting the book to follow the idea that some bad things happened, lets use magic to fix it and make everything better. It was interesting to see that their were some losses, all around, and they were left as is. The only problem I had with that part of the book was it seemed a bit blunt as if the losses didn't matter or the hurt wasn't valid (basically it felt like we hurt them, so they hurt us, accept it).
Some of my favorite quotes:
-"How long will it take for her to grow back, Papa?" This was found in Chapter 2 and within the context of the paragraph it just hit me in the feels.
-"But like everything else, the harder something is, the stronger you become." This was found in Chapter 27 and was part of a monologue by the white witch, that was relatable and had so much TRUTH in it.
Overall this book was so much fun and while a little creepy, I think it was an overall great read and I would definitely recommend it. I can't wait to read Book 2, Rise of the Jumbies.
laura1980458's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rjdenney's review against another edition
4.0
***4 STARS!***
Now that was good! I think this would be a perfect October read. I really enjoyed how spooky and dark this was while also still playing with fantastical elements, it worked perfectly. To be honest I don't understand the need for two more sequels and I don't think I'll be picking those up because this ended like a standalone and I like it that way. I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for something dark, creepy, and full of adventure. - R.
Now that was good! I think this would be a perfect October read. I really enjoyed how spooky and dark this was while also still playing with fantastical elements, it worked perfectly. To be honest I don't understand the need for two more sequels and I don't think I'll be picking those up because this ended like a standalone and I like it that way. I'd highly recommend this if you're looking for something dark, creepy, and full of adventure. - R.
emilycirrus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gmamartha's review against another edition
3.0
Spooky with Haitian folktale feel, bravery and friendship shines through.
mystique_reads's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
asacco9642's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kb_hg's review against another edition
3.0
Loved learning about Caribbean folklore. Wanted to read before my son did