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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this sequel of Charlie Bone because Charlie got to do more traveling and I feel like the story and characters developed by having to deal with tough themes like death and integrity. I hope Billy returns to his time and that Matilda isn’t a bad person. I’m glad Tancred is okay. I’m surprised Norton Cross is a bad guy. I wonder why he joined with Mrs. Tilpin. Also what do the Bittermouses have to do with the story? Will Charlie’s parents finally return in the next book? When I originally read the books as a kid, this was the last one I read so I don’t know what’s gonna happen next which is exciting!
The seventh book in the Children of the Red King series. Count Harken, the Shadow, is back. Charlie's ancestors have been taken to the evil land of Badlock. Charlie travels there through a painting to save them. Runner Bean, Benjamin's dog, becomes stuck in the painting and Charlie asks Billy to help him get Runner Bean back. Then Billy gets trapped in Badlock and Charlie must rescue him as well. Can Charlie rescue Runner Bean and Billy or will the Count finally succeed?
I feel like I could copy and paste one of my reviews from any of the last several books in the series and it would still detail how I feel about this particular book completely. Despite this being the seventh book in the series, the writing and characterization have failed to develop. I'm not saying that its horrible or the worst series I've ever read or anything, but the issues that I do have with it haven't improved in the slightest. I believe this particular book actually may have even gone on to highlight some of the main issues I have with the book in further detail... mainly characterization.
However, I do feel like I should note some of the book's good qualities. I really enjoyed the new development of picture traveling and meeting the new characters inside. I find certain details described about the universe inside the painting fascinating and I hope the final book will return to touch base on it further. I also really loved "the giant." I actually don't know why, but I found him the most authentic character thus far.
Overall, I would give this book 2.75 stars. While I keep waiting for this series to blow me away, I keep getting let down. Hopefully the last book will do something that will leave a memorable impression on me.
However, I do feel like I should note some of the book's good qualities. I really enjoyed the new development of picture traveling and meeting the new characters inside. I find certain details described about the universe inside the painting fascinating and I hope the final book will return to touch base on it further. I also really loved "the giant." I actually don't know why, but I found him the most authentic character thus far.
Overall, I would give this book 2.75 stars. While I keep waiting for this series to blow me away, I keep getting let down. Hopefully the last book will do something that will leave a memorable impression on me.
A must-read for those who have read all of the previous Charlie Bone books, but nothing much of substance happens here. I was hoping for much more.