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vanyavampi118's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I really enjoyed the adventure of this book. With a different viewpoint of South African township life, it gives you a new perspective of life.
rhoyaltey's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
The book is mostly meant for a younger audience.
The author must love hyenas very much. He kept comparing many things to hyenas. At some point it felt a little repetitive.
I am glad to have read an adventures fiction with South African characters and setting.
The author must love hyenas very much. He kept comparing many things to hyenas. At some point it felt a little repetitive.
I am glad to have read an adventures fiction with South African characters and setting.
yolie's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
I’ve heard for years about what an incredible author Sello Duiker is, and this was the first novel of his I read.
I was a bit disappointed with it, albeit it’s a story for a much younger audience.
I was a bit disappointed with it, albeit it’s a story for a much younger audience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Abandonment, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty
ka_timbuktu's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
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
5.0
It reads like black Alice in wonderland of Africa
jillcd's review against another edition
4.0
There is a lot of magical realism in this fascinating story set in South Africa. You go from magical stones to talking packs of dogs to old woman who are night riders. The folklore is intriguing and the plot is fast paced to keep you engaged. Kids who enjoy fantasy, folklore, and adventure will enjoy this book.
flowahh_'s review
4.0
“Eleven-year old Nolitye’s granny used to say: If you mess with a woman, you mess with a stone.”
Set in South Africa, in a township called Phola, K Sello Duiker tells the story of Nolitye, her best friend Bheki and her new friend “Four-eyes” who after finding a magical stone have to go on a quest to save the world from evil. The Hidden Star reads is the perfect mix of real-life such as school, bullying, friendship and magical realism - talking dogs, evil witches and magical powers.
So when I started reading this I was so nervous because the author is known for his gut-wrenching stories which will leave you crying in the wee-hours of the morning. I eventually let my guard down when I realised that this read would be more “light-hearted” than TQVOD and Thirteen Cents - which reminds me ig: spinesandtitles pointed out that Nolitye and Bheki’s friendship reminds her of Tshepo and Mmabatho’s (which I totally agree with). But even though this read wasn’t as dark as Duiker’s previous work, he was still able to discuss abject poverty, absent parents and disappearing children.
This was the perfect way to “end” my three year long with this young but brilliant writer. May his wonderful soul Rest In Peace
Set in South Africa, in a township called Phola, K Sello Duiker tells the story of Nolitye, her best friend Bheki and her new friend “Four-eyes” who after finding a magical stone have to go on a quest to save the world from evil. The Hidden Star reads is the perfect mix of real-life such as school, bullying, friendship and magical realism - talking dogs, evil witches and magical powers.
So when I started reading this I was so nervous because the author is known for his gut-wrenching stories which will leave you crying in the wee-hours of the morning. I eventually let my guard down when I realised that this read would be more “light-hearted” than TQVOD and Thirteen Cents - which reminds me ig: spinesandtitles pointed out that Nolitye and Bheki’s friendship reminds her of Tshepo and Mmabatho’s (which I totally agree with). But even though this read wasn’t as dark as Duiker’s previous work, he was still able to discuss abject poverty, absent parents and disappearing children.
This was the perfect way to “end” my three year long with this young but brilliant writer. May his wonderful soul Rest In Peace
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