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justabutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
A fun middle grade adventure novel with some witty writing, and an interesting intrigue plot. Some of the tropes are a bit dated (namely ), but it was still pretty enjoyable. I may or may not have dreams about books trying to kill me in various creative ways for the next few days, however.
Looking forward to the next installment and seeing Alex free the books!
Spoiler
the evil uncle trope for Lord PatchLooking forward to the next installment and seeing Alex free the books!
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
I want more books with these characters and this world.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2018/comments_08/lost_books_the_scroll_of_kings.html
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2018/comments_08/lost_books_the_scroll_of_kings.html
bethmitcham's review against another edition
4.0
I have a soft spot for protagonists called Alex, but in this case he justifies it with stubbornness, competence, and a willingness to accept help. The Queen also has a developed personality, and her brother and his dyslexia worked well.
thomasray's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting to say the least. I liked the characters, even though there isn't much straightforward development. there is, but it's unlike anything I've ever read.
audreylee's review against another edition
5.0
Prineas has a history of writing great middle-grade fantasy. Her Magic Thief series was fantastic. "The Lost Books" is a rollicking good fantasy tale with magic books, an impoverished kingdom, and a sword-wielding librarian. There is also a teenage queen who is determined to do the best for her people, but has people actively working against her. I definitely plan to recommend this to my young readers who love fantasy.
thedazzlingone's review against another edition
4.0
I love Conn's voice in these novels. He's a very entertaining character.
singinglight's review against another edition
3.0
by Sarah Prineas
Opening line--"A wizard is a lot like a pyrotechnist."
After the events of The Magic Thief, Conn continues to search for his locus magicalus, while Nevery does battle with the academicos. But Wellmet itself is threatened by the mysterious Shadows, and Conn faces some hard choices.
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this one. I never felt a real connection to any of the events that were occurring. Despite all of the adventure, I didn't feel particularly sad or horrified, or anything. Now, this might be a function of my age. I'm a fair bit older than the intended audience. However, I did feel like the characters themselves were kind of bursting at the seams, metaphorically speaking. I kept expecting them to do something unexpected which would astound me and show their growth. But they never quite did.
It was still nice to catch up the the characters, who I continue to enjoy. And there are certainly a lot of twists and turns. I think part of the problem is with me, because I kept comparing them and the story with a certain other Thief who I know and love. But Gen's story isn't Conn's, and Gen's audience isn't Conn's either. So, while the comparison is natural (for reasons I can't divulge because they're spoilers), I don't think it's a fair one.
Book source: public library
Book information: Harper Collins, 2009
Opening line--"A wizard is a lot like a pyrotechnist."
After the events of The Magic Thief, Conn continues to search for his locus magicalus, while Nevery does battle with the academicos. But Wellmet itself is threatened by the mysterious Shadows, and Conn faces some hard choices.
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this one. I never felt a real connection to any of the events that were occurring. Despite all of the adventure, I didn't feel particularly sad or horrified, or anything. Now, this might be a function of my age. I'm a fair bit older than the intended audience. However, I did feel like the characters themselves were kind of bursting at the seams, metaphorically speaking. I kept expecting them to do something unexpected which would astound me and show their growth. But they never quite did.
It was still nice to catch up the the characters, who I continue to enjoy. And there are certainly a lot of twists and turns. I think part of the problem is with me, because I kept comparing them and the story with a certain other Thief who I know and love. But Gen's story isn't Conn's, and Gen's audience isn't Conn's either. So, while the comparison is natural (for reasons I can't divulge because they're spoilers), I don't think it's a fair one.
Book source: public library
Book information: Harper Collins, 2009
qa9's review against another edition
5.0
The narrating voice of Conn is so witty and entertaining. I love the books and I'm glad I decided to read the second one.
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