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nat1998's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
mistflower04's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-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? No
4.0
amithyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Kiran Millwood-Hargrave is one of my favourite authors on account of her beautiful adult book, The Dance Tree. I don't often read children's books but I picked this one up for that reason.
I was expecting to enjoy it much more but the story felt too intangible and unclear, maybe it's because the book relies on a healthy dose of childish imagination that I lack.
Like in Karen Milwood-Hargrave's other books, what's strong in this story is definitely the realistic and beautiful relationships, particularly the friendships. Similarly, the book is well-written, with rich imagery capable of making you cringe, cry, and cackle.
The plot points, however, fell short for me. I kept expecting a magical revelation to explain everything but with each reveal there were many more questions.
I think the fact the story ends with Isa telling us "I don't know what happened in the labyrinth" and that it's "hard to know the facts". To me, that didn't feel mystical, it's just (I'm say to say) bad storytelling. I saw another reviewer say something that resonated with me: that this book felt like someone telling you their perplexing and, at times, dull dream.
I was expecting to enjoy it much more but the story felt too intangible and unclear, maybe it's because the book relies on a healthy dose of childish imagination that I lack.
Like in Karen Milwood-Hargrave's other books, what's strong in this story is definitely the realistic and beautiful relationships, particularly the friendships. Similarly, the book is well-written, with rich imagery capable of making you cringe, cry, and cackle.
The plot points, however, fell short for me. I kept expecting a magical revelation to explain everything but with each reveal there were many more questions.
georgilvsbooks's review against another edition
1.0
I’m sorry but this just wasn’t for me. I was listening to it on audio. It just didn’t capture my attention, I was bored throughout.
Nothing against the author or anyone who has liked this book or plans to read it. It just personally was not for me.
Nothing against the author or anyone who has liked this book or plans to read it. It just personally was not for me.
julie_responsibly's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. Reading it to my eight year old who finally asked if we could read something else because "the writer had a really good idea, but I'm having a hard time caring about anyone or anything going on here." This takes place in an alternate reality where places have similar names to our reality, but everything's different. But I can't really explain how. Dark things are happening. Something is sort of sensed, but maybe not? You know what reading this book feels like? Have you ever had one of those annoying friends who always wants to tell you their dreams? and their dreams are kind of weird and boring but even when you interrupt them or try to move on it just reminds them of another weird dream they had? That's what this is like. Nothing quite makes sense. You can't quite grasp anything. It's a little like being on drugs.
patsypoo's review against another edition
4.0
A really lovely children's book.
I only bought The Girl of Ink and Starts because it's a beautiful looking book. I loved the cover and the inside is also very pretty. I'm very glad I bought it.
The story centres around Isabella, a cartographer's daughter, living on an island called Joya; ruled by her best friend's tyrant of a father. It's a world full of magic, mystery and dangers. And maps! When a girl is found murdered, Isabella and her best friend Lupe, delve deep into their island to try and find out what really happened.
The world building was nicely done and well explained. The two central female characters are clever, strong and independent. Excellent role models for girls and boys alike.
I only bought The Girl of Ink and Starts because it's a beautiful looking book. I loved the cover and the inside is also very pretty. I'm very glad I bought it.
The story centres around Isabella, a cartographer's daughter, living on an island called Joya; ruled by her best friend's tyrant of a father. It's a world full of magic, mystery and dangers. And maps! When a girl is found murdered, Isabella and her best friend Lupe, delve deep into their island to try and find out what really happened.
The world building was nicely done and well explained. The two central female characters are clever, strong and independent. Excellent role models for girls and boys alike.
aquariusmoon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
3.0