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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Forced myself to read this one in it’s physical print form. Was not disappointed. Had the feel of a Nordic fairytale. To me anyways. Maybe I was influenced by the names, or the typeface chosen.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. There is pain, and joy, and love, and forgiveness, and sorrow all wrapped up in this book. I cried a good three times in it. Everyone is so human, with good intentions and bad intentions. There's something almost poetic, or lyrical, about the writing. It is deep and thoughtful, and there were parts that left me thinking and the ending left me wondering. Which, really, can it get much better than that?
Four and a half stars. One half star deducted because there's a speech around the end that seemed a bit like an information dump, and I would have appreciated seeing more of who Tam, 'the Right Boy' was before his death. The same with Aine's parents.
I'm not sure who to recommend the book to. Short of a few 'damns' interspersed, and mentions of alcohol, there's nothing that would offend people, but I think this is more geared towards older MG readers simply because of the concepts. There is a plot and action, adventure, magic, and stone giants, but it isn't an action packed book, I wouldn't say. If I had to give it a readalike, I'd say more Lloyd Alexander's Book of Three.
I'm still thinking about it, an hour after I've read it. Good, good book.
Four and a half stars. One half star deducted because there's a speech around the end that seemed a bit like an information dump, and I would have appreciated seeing more of who Tam, 'the Right Boy' was before his death. The same with Aine's parents.
I'm not sure who to recommend the book to. Short of a few 'damns' interspersed, and mentions of alcohol, there's nothing that would offend people, but I think this is more geared towards older MG readers simply because of the concepts. There is a plot and action, adventure, magic, and stone giants, but it isn't an action packed book, I wouldn't say. If I had to give it a readalike, I'd say more Lloyd Alexander's Book of Three.
I'm still thinking about it, an hour after I've read it. Good, good book.
I enjoyed this book. Gaiman-esq. for me, a quick and fun read.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ik moest even inkomen, heb het boek zelfs de eerste keer zo lang laten liggen dat ik opnieuw moest beginnen omdat ik het niet meer wist. Later in het boek vond ik het wel makkelijker lezen.
Het gedeelte over hoe de magie werkte en wat die stenen waren kwam bij mij de eerste keer niet goed binnen denk ik
Vond ik het verhaal leuk? Ja ik heb me wel vermaakt. Maar heel bijzonder vond ik het niet.
Zou ik het boek nog eens willen lezen? Nee zo goed vond ik het niet.
Al met al een prima boek. De kaft vind ik trouwens echt heel mooi en was ook de reden waarom ik het boek had meegenomen van de kringloop.
Vond ik het verhaal leuk? Ja ik heb me wel vermaakt. Maar heel bijzonder vond ik het niet.
Zou ik het boek nog eens willen lezen? Nee zo goed vond ik het niet.
Al met al een prima boek. De kaft vind ik trouwens echt heel mooi en was ook de reden waarom ik het boek had meegenomen van de kringloop.
I liked the writing style and the vibe of this book, but I couldn't stay engaged at all. Also not a fan of the ending?
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have become a major fan of Ms. Barnhill after reading two of her books. I see why she's getting comparisons with Gaiman--her style is very lyrical, but oh so matter of fact! This book covers the son of a witch as he overcomes public perceptions to save a world. He's assisted by Aine, the daughter of a bandit king and a wolf. The tale itself is well thought out so that the puzzle pieces fit together by the end. Perhaps what I love the most about Barnhill's stories is that she does not shy away from the darker material, which should open up lines of discussion between parents and children about the world that we live in. She also acknowledges that some sadnesses are so much a part of life that simply must be taken in stride; she shows that laying blame is seldom an easy process.
I continue to cheat reality and purchase these books for my niece and nephews. I hope when they are old enough to read these books they also enjoy them as much as I have!
I continue to cheat reality and purchase these books for my niece and nephews. I hope when they are old enough to read these books they also enjoy them as much as I have!
Okay, so, I LOVED The Girl Who Drank The Moon, so I had reasonably high hopes for this one.
I was so, so disappointed.
The pacing stumbles and lurches, with far too much detail spent on minutiae and not near enough attention given to essential plot and character moments before rushing on to other things. The world-building makes no sense. And, worst of all, there's no FUN in this 'verse. The sole character who enjoys anything is the Bandit King, who loves and lives for thievery. Magic is a burden or a torment. Parents are terrible or neglectful. No one plays. There's none of the natural joy and curiosity you expect from "Magic is real and YOU HAVE IT!" books like Harry Potter, The Dark Is Rising, or The Young Wizards series. There's no "Hey, this rocks!" moment just before the character accidentally blows something up. It's all misery, dire pursuit, pain, fear, bleeding, running for their lives, etc., etc., etc., all the time.
Instead, we get a book about a couple of traumatized, depressed, alienated kids befriending a wolf pup, saving the world, and burying the dead (in that order). Which could have been interesting (compelling! unusual in children's fantasy!) if the pacing had worked. But it didn't.
I was so, so disappointed.
The pacing stumbles and lurches, with far too much detail spent on minutiae and not near enough attention given to essential plot and character moments before rushing on to other things. The world-building makes no sense. And, worst of all, there's no FUN in this 'verse. The sole character who enjoys anything is the Bandit King, who loves and lives for thievery. Magic is a burden or a torment. Parents are terrible or neglectful. No one plays. There's none of the natural joy and curiosity you expect from "Magic is real and YOU HAVE IT!" books like Harry Potter, The Dark Is Rising, or The Young Wizards series. There's no "Hey, this rocks!" moment just before the character accidentally blows something up. It's all misery, dire pursuit, pain, fear, bleeding, running for their lives, etc., etc., etc., all the time.
Instead, we get a book about a couple of traumatized, depressed, alienated kids befriending a wolf pup, saving the world, and burying the dead (in that order). Which could have been interesting (compelling! unusual in children's fantasy!) if the pacing had worked. But it didn't.
FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!!
This was April’s pick for Middle-grade Monthly hosted by Jade (jadeyraereads) and Gavin (how to train your Gavin).
I am very new to the world of Middle-grade as an adult but this was a good first book to jump back into the genre.
This book was pure. It was so honest when it came to loss and family. It was beautiful to read. I am very happy with how the ending turned out!
Aine and Ned are some of the most adorable and relatable characters! I can’t believe this story is targeted for younger audiences because it is so well written! It kept my attention the whole time. Loved this book!
This was April’s pick for Middle-grade Monthly hosted by Jade (jadeyraereads) and Gavin (how to train your Gavin).
I am very new to the world of Middle-grade as an adult but this was a good first book to jump back into the genre.
This book was pure. It was so honest when it came to loss and family. It was beautiful to read. I am very happy with how the ending turned out!
Aine and Ned are some of the most adorable and relatable characters! I can’t believe this story is targeted for younger audiences because it is so well written! It kept my attention the whole time. Loved this book!