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the_red_one's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
clairabella_bookworm's review against another edition
1.0
Didn't like the style of writing, I'm not a big fan of books written in the first person. I felt the language was quite dense at times and more could have been done to develop the characters.
hellsbell's review against another edition
4.0
originally posted on HellyReads
I went into this blind, not sure what to expect. I knew it had been named the Children's book of the month for Mach at Waterstones (a big UK book chain) so I had a feeling there must be something about it.
There was!
This is marketed as a book for 9-12 year olds, but as a woman close to turning 40, I can honestly say that it didn't feel like a children's book. I agree that it is suitable for that age range, but I really enjoyed it as an adult!
The characters were well created and fleshed out - with plenty of room left for more in the following 2 books. Mouse was particularly good, as she was struggling with regular 13 year old problems despite being in this fantastical world.
The story was exciting and quite fast paced. It read almost like a pirate story - really good fun and crazy adventuring to be had!
The only problem I had with it was the language, as there were some words being used that were invented. This was fine once I got used to it, and probably wouldn't be an issue for younger readers, but it made the first part of the book quite slow to read for me as I was trying to assimilate the new world and creatures within it.
It also felt as though there was an inspiration from Norse mythology - which I LOVED!
Overall a great read, not just for kids - and with the ending as it was, I really cannot wait for the next one!
Received via Netgalley for review.
I went into this blind, not sure what to expect. I knew it had been named the Children's book of the month for Mach at Waterstones (a big UK book chain) so I had a feeling there must be something about it.
There was!
This is marketed as a book for 9-12 year olds, but as a woman close to turning 40, I can honestly say that it didn't feel like a children's book. I agree that it is suitable for that age range, but I really enjoyed it as an adult!
The characters were well created and fleshed out - with plenty of room left for more in the following 2 books. Mouse was particularly good, as she was struggling with regular 13 year old problems despite being in this fantastical world.
The story was exciting and quite fast paced. It read almost like a pirate story - really good fun and crazy adventuring to be had!
The only problem I had with it was the language, as there were some words being used that were invented. This was fine once I got used to it, and probably wouldn't be an issue for younger readers, but it made the first part of the book quite slow to read for me as I was trying to assimilate the new world and creatures within it.
It also felt as though there was an inspiration from Norse mythology - which I LOVED!
Overall a great read, not just for kids - and with the ending as it was, I really cannot wait for the next one!
Received via Netgalley for review.
annabellawk's review against another edition
1.0
I just did not like this book at all. The odd names and the way they spoke just totally threw me off. It took me forever to read because it just wasn't interesting. The plot wasn't compelling, the characters unoriginal ... I can't even think of anything positive to say.
jjones229's review against another edition
4.0
Fast-paced fantasy adventure with a feisty heroine and a fabulously vivid fantasy world setting. I like my fantasy to be told sincerely, intensely and with believable characters and this book didn't disappoint. Altered terradactyl type creatures, merwraiths, humans with strange magical powers populate a world rich in superstition, ritual and legend. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
aarony_22's review against another edition
1.0
Hätte es gerne genossen aber bin leider schon zu alt dafür
jubaju's review against another edition
2.0
1.5 stars
My main problem with this book is the writing. I understand it’s directed at children, but it could have been much better, while remaining accessible. Too many repetitions, Mouse’s heart’s actions are always being described (Soaring! Fluttering!), some verbs are italicised for emphasis but that throws off the rhythm of the sentences and makes her sound too childish for a thirteen year old. Also, the combination of noun-adjective compounds tired me from the start. English doesn’t follow the same rules of German, and it made it awkward to read.
Mouse herself was your typical young heroine who’s been spoiled her whole life and reacts in anger at every single inconvenience. She reminded me a lot of Lyra from His Dark Materials, but I’m willing to give her a chance, as she really grew through this first book. Hopefully we manage to skip ahead a few years in this trilogy to see her full potential.
Her and her brother’s magic are also developing, which sets us up for the following books. Crow is being established as a love interest, and Stag is your usual Black-no-White villain. There will be no surprises in this.
Overall, good plot idea, but very poor execution.
My main problem with this book is the writing. I understand it’s directed at children, but it could have been much better, while remaining accessible. Too many repetitions, Mouse’s heart’s actions are always being described (Soaring! Fluttering!), some verbs are italicised for emphasis but that throws off the rhythm of the sentences and makes her sound too childish for a thirteen year old. Also, the combination of noun-adjective compounds tired me from the start. English doesn’t follow the same rules of German, and it made it awkward to read.
Mouse herself was your typical young heroine who’s been spoiled her whole life and reacts in anger at every single inconvenience. She reminded me a lot of Lyra from His Dark Materials, but I’m willing to give her a chance, as she really grew through this first book. Hopefully we manage to skip ahead a few years in this trilogy to see her full potential.
Her and her brother’s magic are also developing, which sets us up for the following books. Crow is being established as a love interest, and Stag is your usual Black-no-White villain. There will be no surprises in this.
Overall, good plot idea, but very poor execution.
cookiecat73's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a fun read, I enjoyed the worldbuilding and magic and setting. It was a bit darker than I expected, given that it's a middle grade, and I have no problem with that, only I think they skimmed over some of what was going on a bit too much. Some of the events were truly traumatic things to experience, especially considering the characters' ages, and I think the book could have done with adressing that better and either give the characters time to heal, or emphasise how terrible it is that they can't. The whole book was very fast-paced, which again isn't necesarily bad, but it felt rushed, and I think it could have done with some slower-paced scenes and moments of downtime. The plot was very much just throwing things at the mc again and again, with little character development or any sense of overarching plot or arc, just lots of events and action scenes strung together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Xenophobia, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Misogyny, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Animal cruelty, Ableism, Alcohol, Trafficking, Blood, Confinement, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Animal death, Body horror, and Violence
Minor: Pregnancy, Vomit, and Excrement
diax's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kba76's review against another edition
4.0
A drama-filled adventure for younger readers.
Mouse and her younger brother, Sparrow, travel the seas with their nan and her crew. The two children have almost magical powers, and they quickly get caught up in a quest to find three missing sea opals.
The story is full of mythical creatures, strange events and some wonderful writing. There's a complexity to the style that might put off younger readers, but the book explores quite adult themes in an age-appropriate way.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my review.
Mouse and her younger brother, Sparrow, travel the seas with their nan and her crew. The two children have almost magical powers, and they quickly get caught up in a quest to find three missing sea opals.
The story is full of mythical creatures, strange events and some wonderful writing. There's a complexity to the style that might put off younger readers, but the book explores quite adult themes in an age-appropriate way.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my review.