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burnourhistory's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Violence and Blood
dandelionsteph's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Murder, Violence, and Death
Morgan believes her mother abandoned her, but we later learn she was apparently taken away from her.theverycraftyvegan's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
An absolutely beautiful book about family, friendship, the damage of greed, the power of doing the right thing, the importance of trust, and more than a little magic.
The Barren Grounds is an indigenous story about a fantasy world very much like C. S. Lewis’ Narnia, but also completely different. Very well written and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to start the second book in the series; The Great Bear.
The Barren Grounds is an indigenous story about a fantasy world very much like C. S. Lewis’ Narnia, but also completely different. Very well written and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to start the second book in the series; The Great Bear.
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal death, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
joyful_patatas's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I did genuinely enjoy this book even as a middle grade book. This one follows the theme of identity and culture where the adventure lets the main character, Morgan, learns a bit of her Cree heritage in her time in Askí with Ochek, Arik, and Eli. The dialogue and dynamic of the group was great to read and the mentions on the how the two-legged animals view the land and creatures is identical to how the Indigenous communities viewed the world. The villain of the story taking on the role similar to the colonizers was also an interesting take by taking actual history and implementing it in a middle grade book.
In all, I do hope more people, children especially, read this book and find joy in following the adventure of these peculiar, but fun bunch.
The reason I gave it three stars is mainly because I am nit-picky. I did find the villain underwhelming because of the lack of story behind him. Why did he go to Askí? Why did he not leave? Why did he build a cabin in an area where they are no prey? He was only alive for less than 50 pages after meeting him. I know this is a middle grade book, so I know I am being hard, but the wild up after the tribe kept describing how horrible he was made the reveal and confrontation underwhelming.
In all, I do hope more people, children especially, read this book and find joy in following the adventure of these peculiar, but fun bunch.
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Violence, Blood, and Child abuse
Minor: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, and Racism
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
I am so happy to have read this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! I especially loved the use of Swampy Cree throughout the book—what a great way to learn!
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
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