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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Kidnapping, Abandonment
Super fun middle grade fantasy adventure from the author of The Hate U Give. Loved the friendships, the adventures and mythical characters, and the parallels to other fantasy fandoms. Nic Blake is a fantastic character, can’t wait to follow her future adventures.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found it interesting to discover that Angie Thomas had ventured into the realm of fantasy literature, and it seems that this book has the potential to be adapted into a film. However, I would have appreciated more development of the fantastical world. It did not feel fully realized, and I did not feel compelled to visit it (that J.K Rowling moment of visiting Hogwarts for the first time never really transpired), as too much time was spent on earth
I listened to the audiobook version, which was well-narrated and featured strong characters, albeit with some clichéd sidekicks. While the inclusion of African American history was a novel approach, I was conflicted, as it primarily focused on traumatic experiences such as slavery, being Black in America, and racial profiling. When reading fantasy, you typically seek to escape the harsh realities of the real world, so I would have preferred to see more uplifting moments in African American history highlighted.
I listened to the audiobook version, which was well-narrated and featured strong characters, albeit with some clichéd sidekicks. While the inclusion of African American history was a novel approach, I was conflicted, as it primarily focused on traumatic experiences such as slavery, being Black in America, and racial profiling. When reading fantasy, you typically seek to escape the harsh realities of the real world, so I would have preferred to see more uplifting moments in African American history highlighted.
I was able to get an ARC of this book and decided to read it before my kids got their hands on it!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It’s absolutely a middle grade fantasy series, which I think will be perfect for my 10 year old. However even as an adult the story was interesting enough to hold my attention.
I definitely saw the Harry Potter inspiration, but the story is still unique enough to make it it’s own. I felt like the characters were what made this book with the plot taking a back seat at times. The pace of the book was mostly good with a larger event happening every couple of chapters, however the in between could be a bit slow (especially for the younger crowd).
The ending of the book definitely surprised me and made me want to continue reading the series as it comes out!
As for the downsides, I felt like the descriptions at times were a bit lacking. Especially in the climactic chapters the descriptions felt a little rushed and lacking, so I had a hard time imagining what exactly was occurring. Then suddenly it would be over and things would be moving on. I get that it is middle grade, so the pace was kept fast for a reason, but I would have appreciated more description.
Overall I actually really enjoyed how history was woven into the book and how the Remarkables were given the gift. I thought it was creative and well done. However, some parts were just much or redundant. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the racism in the book. For example, the scene of the kids in the store was too much for me considering the main audience of the book. I do understand and respect why the author put it in, however I know for a lot of young kids who will read this book racism isn’t at the forefront of their mind (mine included), and some things I prefer them to learn about from me as the parent rather than a book.
In the end I’d say I give this book about 3.5-4 ⭐️
It’s a very fun read that I will definitely be handing off to my kids!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It’s absolutely a middle grade fantasy series, which I think will be perfect for my 10 year old. However even as an adult the story was interesting enough to hold my attention.
I definitely saw the Harry Potter inspiration, but the story is still unique enough to make it it’s own. I felt like the characters were what made this book with the plot taking a back seat at times. The pace of the book was mostly good with a larger event happening every couple of chapters, however the in between could be a bit slow (especially for the younger crowd).
The ending of the book definitely surprised me and made me want to continue reading the series as it comes out!
As for the downsides, I felt like the descriptions at times were a bit lacking. Especially in the climactic chapters the descriptions felt a little rushed and lacking, so I had a hard time imagining what exactly was occurring. Then suddenly it would be over and things would be moving on. I get that it is middle grade, so the pace was kept fast for a reason, but I would have appreciated more description.
Overall I actually really enjoyed how history was woven into the book and how the Remarkables were given the gift. I thought it was creative and well done. However, some parts were just much or redundant. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the racism in the book. For example, the scene of the kids in the store was too much for me considering the main audience of the book. I do understand and respect why the author put it in, however I know for a lot of young kids who will read this book racism isn’t at the forefront of their mind (mine included), and some things I prefer them to learn about from me as the parent rather than a book.
In the end I’d say I give this book about 3.5-4 ⭐️
It’s a very fun read that I will definitely be handing off to my kids!
Book 1 in @angiethomas first MG fantasy series!
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an advanced digital copy.
There were times when this book dragged on a little and I was ready for the next part of the story. But dang, this is some impactful writing. I truly think kids will find comfort in this story while also discover tough questions to discuss about the world. Even as an adult, I found myself researching some of the historical figures and events mentioned to learn more. This is a wonderful stepping stone for children and adults to discover black history that they might not have known before.
The fantasy elements were fascinating and wonderful. I loved being immersed in this world and am eager for more. Even though this is a middle grade book, I would have loved more depth and development of the characters. A lot of them felt a little flat, which is unlike an Angie Thomas novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the heck out of this book and can’t wait for the next one.
There were times when this book dragged on a little and I was ready for the next part of the story. But dang, this is some impactful writing. I truly think kids will find comfort in this story while also discover tough questions to discuss about the world. Even as an adult, I found myself researching some of the historical figures and events mentioned to learn more. This is a wonderful stepping stone for children and adults to discover black history that they might not have known before.
The fantasy elements were fascinating and wonderful. I loved being immersed in this world and am eager for more. Even though this is a middle grade book, I would have loved more depth and development of the characters. A lot of them felt a little flat, which is unlike an Angie Thomas novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the heck out of this book and can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended middle grade fantasy/mystery read! Get for the adventure and strong female lead character development and stay for the African American history lessons woven throughout. So. Good.