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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such an imaginative story. It teaches the lesson that you should deal with your problems by not running away in an attempt to forget them, but by facing them with courage. In that process you will find growth.
Review originally published 7 July 2023 at Falling Letters.
There seems to be a niche of middle grade books that really isn’t for me. These books involve a speculative fiction journey by the protagonist, the journey being an allegory or avenue for resolving some challenge in their ‘real’ life. The speculative elements often feel to me extremely contrived and limited in imagination, there only to serve a particular plot. The worlds don’t come to life for me. A few titles I can think of that fit this niche are [b: The Clackity|59365597|The Clackity (Blight Harbor)|Lora Senf|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654100019l/59365597._SX50_.jpg|93536958], [b: The Prince of Nowhere|58733672|The Prince of Nowhere|Rochelle Hassan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1635101334l/58733672._SY75_.jpg|84719835], and The Circus of Stolen Dreams. I have yet to meet a child to whom I would recommend books in this niche, but I suppose they’re out there somewhere! I didn’t dislike The Circus of Stolen Dreams as much as The Clackity, but I did skim the later half of the book. There just wasn’t anything to keep my attention. The intrigue of Reverie never lives up to its promise, with the dreams explored especially feeling like simple plot points. I was also a uncomfortable with how Andrea’s brother apparently being kidnapped in the middle of the night without a trace is addressed throughout the story. This is definitely not one of those books that you give to a child who has experienced the trauma within.
There seems to be a niche of middle grade books that really isn’t for me. These books involve a speculative fiction journey by the protagonist, the journey being an allegory or avenue for resolving some challenge in their ‘real’ life. The speculative elements often feel to me extremely contrived and limited in imagination, there only to serve a particular plot. The worlds don’t come to life for me. A few titles I can think of that fit this niche are [b: The Clackity|59365597|The Clackity (Blight Harbor)|Lora Senf|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654100019l/59365597._SX50_.jpg|93536958], [b: The Prince of Nowhere|58733672|The Prince of Nowhere|Rochelle Hassan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1635101334l/58733672._SY75_.jpg|84719835], and The Circus of Stolen Dreams. I have yet to meet a child to whom I would recommend books in this niche, but I suppose they’re out there somewhere! I didn’t dislike The Circus of Stolen Dreams as much as The Clackity, but I did skim the later half of the book. There just wasn’t anything to keep my attention. The intrigue of Reverie never lives up to its promise, with the dreams explored especially feeling like simple plot points. I was also a uncomfortable with how Andrea’s brother apparently being kidnapped in the middle of the night without a trace is addressed throughout the story. This is definitely not one of those books that you give to a child who has experienced the trauma within.
Wow! Lorelei Savaryn is such a wordsmith. This was a gorgeously written book, the language drew me into the dreamworld and I didn't want to leave. The language is complex (not in a way to hinder meaning) but will be a good challenge for stronger readers to enhance their vocabulary- the descriptions are a marvel.
There are moments of poignancy that many MG readers may not fully grasp but as an adult reader, I really appreciated the messages of hope and resilience that the author imbued into the story. For kids who are going through tough challenges, it's important to hear. This is a story of loss, redemption, and hope; life is not always easy but we can get through it.
MG readers will love the eeriness of the Circus, there is just enough to keep you off-kilter and give a jolt of fear from time to time. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future offerings from this author.
There are moments of poignancy that many MG readers may not fully grasp but as an adult reader, I really appreciated the messages of hope and resilience that the author imbued into the story. For kids who are going through tough challenges, it's important to hear. This is a story of loss, redemption, and hope; life is not always easy but we can get through it.
MG readers will love the eeriness of the Circus, there is just enough to keep you off-kilter and give a jolt of fear from time to time. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future offerings from this author.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-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:
No