Reviews

Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell

dumbqwerty's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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? No

3.0

bardicbramley's review

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4.0

A very interesting and creative read.
I thoroughly enjoyed.
The characters, settings and lore were inviting and descriptive, drawing you in and hooking you quickly. There were so many little traits of the writing that I loved: the pronoun swapping sidekick, the moral and educational encouragements, the mental health and wellbeing priorities, and the little realities such as clothing changes, hair fixes and toilet breaks that are often overlooked in fantasy. And the reading level was perfectly balanced for a KS2 classroom.

This would be an amazing class read. It has so much potential for projects surrounding the idea of inspirational people, as well as plenty of creative and imaginative opportunities.

makexbelieve's review

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5.0

Travel with wonder into a gaming experience like no other. Wonderscape hooked me from the opening line.

When Arthur, Ren and Cecily investigate a garden full of exploded gnomes, they are teleported through time and space into the middle of an in-reality adventure game where they come face to face with heroes from human history.

Buy this now if your middle grade reader likes video games and adventure. In fact, buy it even if they don't, because Wonderscape is a brilliant novel that sucks you straight into the heart of the action and will be enjoyed by a huge range of readers.

The concept of Wonderscape was superb. I loved all the subtly included STEM aspects through the puzzles, challenges and characters. The historical heroes were a really strong addition, with unlikely cross-time conversations and a few inspirational figures I hadn't heard of before. Bell's world was intricately developed and described in depth and detail. The reader is plunged headlong into an extreme video-game, escape-room scenario (perfect escapism for right now). I really hope the characters return to Wonderscape for another adventure; there are so many realms left to explore!

Children will love Bell's characters. Arthur, Ren and Cecily were very relatable - brave and kind, but also full of doubts and insecurities. Cloud, the time-travelling dog who acts as their guide, is another highlight.

Thank you so much to Walker books for letting me review an eARC of Wonderscape. I really hope this isn't the last time I visit Bell's incredible world - I would especially love to see this book as a film.

alba_marie's review against another edition

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4.0

This wholesome midde goes adventure story set in the future in an "in reality game" populated by historic heroes was cute and fun. Stood out like a sore thumb since it doesn't fit the Halloween theme but onetime with library holds, you don't have a choice.

filliefanatic's review

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adventurous informative fast-paced

3.75

yay, another evil video game.
YaY, Tomoe Gozen and Wangari Maathai!!
good character development, though

book_cwtch's review

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A MG where three kids chase a dog into a house only to have the house catch on fire and be sent to a different realm filled with puzzles they must work together to solve to return to their homes and time period. 

bibliophilogy's review

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4.0

CEHCK OUT MY FULL REVIEW HERE



My thoughts
Thank you so much to Pansing for sending me an ARC to review! This review however is entirely my own! This book is available in all good bookstores now so go grab a copy now!


Three word description : adventure, game, science
My rating : 4 / 5 stars


This is such a fun and exciting read for me! Wonderscape is just what I needed at the moment, a light and very easy read to breeze through in between classes and studying! This is a middle grade novel, but I feel like people of all ages are also able to enjoy this book! It is about Ren, Arthur and Cecily getting mysteriously transported into a futuristic adventure game and they had to find their way back to the 21st century.

Overall, without spoiling much, it is easily one of the best middle grade novels I have read this year! I really hope everyone picks up this book, you will not be disappointed! I highly recommend everyone getting their hands on this book! Wonderscape is thrilling and fast-paced, adventure-filled and astonishing!

bookhamster88's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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? No

5.0

dylanmcg's review against another edition

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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? No

4.25

denise_h_v's review

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adventurous lighthearted 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

3.0