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4.46 AVERAGE
4.46 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found this book sweet, touching, quirky, and captivating. I loved the world-building and felt that TJ Klune did a wonderful job of drawing me into this fantastical world so seamlessly. I was immediately hooked on this world where both magicals and non-magicals lived and I loved the idea of exploring what being a magical was like for the children in the world. I loved the character development that I saw throughout the story, from Linus to Lucy and Talia and Sal to Zoe, and all of the side characters (including Extremely Upper Management and the inhabitants of the village of Marsyas) brought new depth to the story. It's definitely a breezy, feel-good story that tugs at your heartstrings, especially if you have a soft spot for children. I appreciated how TJ Klune gave each child a little time to shine, even if he focused a bit more on certain of the children over others.
My two qualms with this book are only semi-qualms. First, Arthur was very tender and possibly a little too tender so soon after meeting Linus. It made sense for him to be so gentle with the children, but he was more affectionate than I think someone in his position would be towards someone coming from the government to judge his home. On the other hand, he was kind and patient and forthright in ways that I am just not, so who am I to say that there aren't people in this world who, despite what they've gone through, can be this way? My second semi-qualm revolved around the gentle way TJ Klune handled the discrimination in the book. It's obvious that being treated differently negatively affected the children, but they seemed enveloped in a bubble of sorts on the island and could deal with that trauma in a safe space and I didn't mind this safety net. The struggle I felt was when they went into the town and people were actively antagonistic towards them, but then changed as a result of one person standing their ground. This seemed unrealistic and disregards the ongoing discrimination that people feel regularly in our world. That being said, this is clearly a fantasy book and the characters of the book live in a fantasy world where the author is free to be as idealistic as he'd like to be.
My two qualms with this book are only semi-qualms. First, Arthur was very tender and possibly a little too tender so soon after meeting Linus. It made sense for him to be so gentle with the children, but he was more affectionate than I think someone in his position would be towards someone coming from the government to judge his home. On the other hand, he was kind and patient and forthright in ways that I am just not, so who am I to say that there aren't people in this world who, despite what they've gone through, can be this way? My second semi-qualm revolved around the gentle way TJ Klune handled the discrimination in the book. It's obvious that being treated differently negatively affected the children, but they seemed enveloped in a bubble of sorts on the island and could deal with that trauma in a safe space and I didn't mind this safety net. The struggle I felt was when they went into the town and people were actively antagonistic towards them, but then changed as a result of one person standing their ground. This seemed unrealistic and disregards the ongoing discrimination that people feel regularly in our world. That being said, this is clearly a fantasy book and the characters of the book live in a fantasy world where the author is free to be as idealistic as he'd like to be.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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:
Yes
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Although it’s a bit twee, I ultimately loved this book. A feel-good story for when you just need something to smile about.
I needed a minute before writing this. This was such a well-written, beautiful story. It brought me to tears on several occasions. We need more Linus Bakers and Arthur Pernassusses and Zoe Chapelwhites in this world. Thankful to have read (well actually, listened to) this book and thankful to my dear friend for recommending it to me.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-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