Reviews

Ingo by Helen Dunmore

thewizardem's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

elliemaetw's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

academicprincess's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is one of my absolute favourite comfort books. I must have read it 20 times. But as an adult I can see the heartbreak in it that gives it real depth. Plus the lead character actually feels like a normal child 

motionocean's review against another edition

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4.0

God, vil lese resten.

bookbowerbird's review against another edition

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5.0

One of my favorite books, it's in the top shelf of my bookcase along with the other three in the series (The Deep, Tide Knot, & Crossing of Ingo)

iamcat's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense 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

tmholsman_1994's review against another edition

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4.0

When I first read this book I kind of liked that it was almost like reading how Ariel’s life would have been if she was a human and not a mermaid. Rereading it years later I still have that feeling about it, but it goes into more detail of the ocean and the animals that live there and how the animals that reside there just let humans “visit” their home.

nayywoolf's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.0

abbie_bryant's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

theinkthief's review against another edition

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4.0

Ingo was a special favourite of mine when I was younger. I recently reread it, wanting to recapture that spellbound feeling I had the first time I read it. Dunsmore's novels have the power to transport the reader, to make them feel as though they've entered another world entirely.

"Ingo" immerses readers in a world of enchantment, blending the allure of the sea with a sense of mystery and magic. This spellbinding fantasy novel, crafted for young adult readers, explores themes of family, belonging, and the irresistible pull of the unknown.

The story revolves around Sapphire, a young girl living on the Cornish coast, who discovers a hidden underwater world called Ingo. As she becomes entangled in the secrets of this mystical realm, she must navigate the challenges of divided loyalties between her terrestrial family and her newfound aquatic kin. The novel is a poignant exploration of identity and the delicate balance between the tangible and the magical.

Dunsmore seamlessly weaves themes of curiosity, the power of nature, and the bonds that tie families together. The ocean, a character in its own right, serves as a mesmerizing backdrop to the narrative. The author's descriptive prose vividly brings Ingo to life, making it a character as real and complex as the human protagonists. The story delves into the consequences of choices and the price of embracing the extraordinary.

The allure of "Ingo" lies in its ability to transport readers to a world where the boundary between reality and fantasy blurs. The author's ability to capture the essence of the sea and its mysteries is both poetic and evocative. I found myself captivated by the world-building and the atmospheric writing, which felt as though it had transported you to Ingo itself.

While "Ingo" is a captivating read, there were instances where the pacing felt uneven, particularly in the middle of the narrative. Some character motivations might leave readers wanting more depth and exploration.

"Ingo" is highly recommended for readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and environmental themes. It's a captivating journey for those who enjoy tales of hidden worlds, family bonds, and the allure of the unknown. Young adult readers, in particular, will find the protagonist's journey relatable and thought-provoking.

Helen Dunsmore's "Ingo" is a compelling dive into a world where magic meets reality, where the sea whispers secrets, and family ties are tested by the lure of the extraordinary. It's a beautifully crafted tale that resonates with readers of all ages, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a longing for the mysteries that lie beneath the waves.