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calamitywindpetal's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Murder
lizreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
3.75 stars, rounded up a little because I think MG readers will love this more than I did. I keep wanting to find a middle grade fantasy that I love as much as HP, which is perhaps an impossible bar. But I liked this story and think it’s a solid MG fantasy pick. This novel has bonds between humans and fantastic beasts, a magical competition, and keeps you guessing where characters’ loyalties really lie. However, I wish there were more character development, as it’s mostly plot based— aside from Barclay, we don’t learn much about the others. Maybe that’s coming in subsequent books. The pacing felt slow to begin and quick to wrap up, but I was engaged enough to keep turning the pages. I think this is a good pick for older MG readers, with the caveat that there’s some violence (dangerous beasts and one dangerous adult) that may be scary for some.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death
emileereadsbooks's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Kids for the free digital copy I read in partnership with the audio.
This book is one you want to hug when you are done. Full of magic and intrigue and coming of age emotions, this book is a delight. Barclay is thrust into an adventure against his will, and has to contend with his past as he tries to shape his future. The world building in this one is fabulous and doesn't hinder the fast pace of the plot. The characters are fully realized and complex. I can't wait to see where this series goes.
For fans of Harry Potter (especially the Goblet of Fire) and The Wingfeather Saga.
This book is one you want to hug when you are done. Full of magic and intrigue and coming of age emotions, this book is a delight. Barclay is thrust into an adventure against his will, and has to contend with his past as he tries to shape his future. The world building in this one is fabulous and doesn't hinder the fast pace of the plot. The characters are fully realized and complex. I can't wait to see where this series goes.
For fans of Harry Potter (especially the Goblet of Fire) and The Wingfeather Saga.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
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