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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
This book had even more scenes that the movies did not include that I almost wish they had, was still a good read! 2 more to go.
"Your kind wither in the blink of an eye." He leaned close to the bars of the cage and winked.
After randomly remembering how much I loved this book series as a kid, I picked up The Spiderwick Chronicles to see if it held up over the years, and I was pleasantly surprised. Cashing in on the children's-fantasy kick of the early 2000's, this heavily illustrated book is in the same fantastical vein of the Harry Potter series with the childish, macabre aesthetic of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Despite the intended audience, the only thing about this book that seems intended for children is its incredibly short length; everything from the illustrations, to the darker content of the book --even the vocabulary used in the narration-- seems intended for a young adult audience. The only downfall of the series, in my eyes, is that the short length (around 10,000 words a book) results in a very rapid rise-and-fall of plot climaxes. The series' final climax happens so quickly I almost missed it, which obviously mitigates whatever catharsis can happen for the reader. All in all, one of those series you'd like to keep around for whenever you have children.
After randomly remembering how much I loved this book series as a kid, I picked up The Spiderwick Chronicles to see if it held up over the years, and I was pleasantly surprised. Cashing in on the children's-fantasy kick of the early 2000's, this heavily illustrated book is in the same fantastical vein of the Harry Potter series with the childish, macabre aesthetic of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Despite the intended audience, the only thing about this book that seems intended for children is its incredibly short length; everything from the illustrations, to the darker content of the book --even the vocabulary used in the narration-- seems intended for a young adult audience. The only downfall of the series, in my eyes, is that the short length (around 10,000 words a book) results in a very rapid rise-and-fall of plot climaxes. The series' final climax happens so quickly I almost missed it, which obviously mitigates whatever catharsis can happen for the reader. All in all, one of those series you'd like to keep around for whenever you have children.
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The books stick to a very strict formula. It is a formula that works, but I was left wanting more in this book. The series of short, clever adventures that propel each book a bit further in the series are good. The imagination utilized in the creation of the faerie world is stunning. The author(s) (I'm still not quite clear on this) write incredibly evocative descriptions of the fantastical setting and the creatures dwelling within it. In this book, the introduction of the elves left me wanting more. But the books are gauged toward a young audience with limited reading capabilities that the writers take into account.
I'd like to see these writers work on books for adults. Some of their descriptions were as enthralling as those of Tolkien. This is a compliment I don't give lightly.
Also, I want to commend the artist responsible for the illustrations; they are delightful.
I'd like to see these writers work on books for adults. Some of their descriptions were as enthralling as those of Tolkien. This is a compliment I don't give lightly.
Also, I want to commend the artist responsible for the illustrations; they are delightful.
As always, we love these books! My seven year old is so excited to read at bedtime with this series. Adventure, fun, sibling squabbles, and trouble with goblins, griffins, elves, and boggarts -- giving the supernatural a kid friendly spin ;)~
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated