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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I just really love swimming around in this universe and getting to know these characters. I find this series to be a really lovely mix of historical fiction, supernatural fantasy, detective stories, romance, and the coming of age of sorts of Abigail at the center of all of this.
I am so glad to see more development of the relationship between my clear OTP, Abigail and Charlie, and I hope to see even more in the final two books. I also love seeing Abigail trying to reconcile all these disparate philosophies about what being a woman in this world should look like and mean, and then figure out what she actually wants from her life and who she wants to be; I wish I had had more of that in my books as a girl.
Abigail is also a super badass paleontologist, and she gets to show off some of that impressive knowledge and skill in this book, which is nice, since without showing her in her element, this series could easily run the risk of making Jackaby the intelligent one and Abigail the one living in his shadow, since this whole world of supernatural detective work is Jackaby's element and is new to Abigail (plus, he is clearly a very confident person and a man, so he will be automatically assumed to know more and be more capable than Abigail).
This series is definitely YA, and reading it won't be a challenge for adults or even for kids with high-level reading skills, but I don't think all books need to be, and this series brings me great joy as it is.
I am so glad to see more development of the relationship between my clear OTP, Abigail and Charlie, and I hope to see even more in the final two books. I also love seeing Abigail trying to reconcile all these disparate philosophies about what being a woman in this world should look like and mean, and then figure out what she actually wants from her life and who she wants to be; I wish I had had more of that in my books as a girl.
Abigail is also a super badass paleontologist, and she gets to show off some of that impressive knowledge and skill in this book, which is nice, since without showing her in her element, this series could easily run the risk of making Jackaby the intelligent one and Abigail the one living in his shadow, since this whole world of supernatural detective work is Jackaby's element and is new to Abigail (plus, he is clearly a very confident person and a man, so he will be automatically assumed to know more and be more capable than Abigail).
This series is definitely YA, and reading it won't be a challenge for adults or even for kids with high-level reading skills, but I don't think all books need to be, and this series brings me great joy as it is.
DNF @ 35%
The first book, though not the most mind-blowing story I've read, was entertaining enough to be enjoyable. Sadly, the charms from book one didn't bleed into book two, and I was left rather bored.
The first book, though not the most mind-blowing story I've read, was entertaining enough to be enjoyable. Sadly, the charms from book one didn't bleed into book two, and I was left rather bored.
Once again we have been graced with a superbly fun read from William Ritter. Beastly Bones is a great follow up to Jackaby, riddled with the same wit, and charming socially-unaware dialogue so reminiscent of Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock. Partnered with supernatural mysteries and otherworldly creatures, it is intriguing enough to delight any reader from middle school through adulthood. Ritter does an excellent job presenting not just Jackaby, but the novel's POV: Abigail Rook, as well. His "girl power" themes are absolutely flawless, and I was very impressed with this instalment, even more than Jackaby for that reason. Fellow middle school and young adult authors take note! This is how you present a "strong female heroine!"
Don't miss Jackaby and Beastly Bones!
Don't miss Jackaby and Beastly Bones!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Devoured this book today. Thoroughly enamored with Abigail and Jackaby and their adventures. I can't wait for more!
Though not quite as strong as the first in the series, I still love these characters and the setting. The bonus of 19th century dinosaur hunters cannot be underestimated. Looking forward to learning more about Jenny's past in the next one--so many tidbits dropped with no actual resolution yet.
Some girls work in shops or sell flowers. Some girls find husbands and play house. I assist a mad detective in investigating unexplained phenomena—like fish that ought to be cats but seem to have forgotten how. My name is Abigail Rook, and this is what I do.
After reading and LOVING Jackaby, I really don't know what to hope for in a second installment. Beastly Bones was a delightfully fun novel, full of adventure, mythology-fairy lore, and of course - mystery and Jackaby's trademark, absentminded humour. If there were any way to read these books and then forget them so I can read them again afresh, I would do it. Either selective amnesia needs to become a thing, or Mr. Ritter needs to start writing again. Petition, anyone?
After reading and LOVING Jackaby, I really don't know what to hope for in a second installment. Beastly Bones was a delightfully fun novel, full of adventure, mythology-fairy lore, and of course - mystery and Jackaby's trademark, absentminded humour. If there were any way to read these books and then forget them so I can read them again afresh, I would do it. Either selective amnesia needs to become a thing, or Mr. Ritter needs to start writing again. Petition, anyone?
"The greatest figures in history are never the ones who avoid failure, but those who march chin-up through countless failures, one after the next, until they come upon the occasional victory."
another fun installment of the Jackaby series. I do hope there is another. They are light and funny and I like a few of the themes continuing through each book.
another fun installment of the Jackaby series. I do hope there is another. They are light and funny and I like a few of the themes continuing through each book.
Another 3.5* for this series. I'm excited to see how it concludes!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dinosaur supernatural romp.