Scan barcode
lizee59402's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a great first book into a cleverly written series. I like that everything is a bit opposite from the norm. It’s not like a traditional character but a family of vampires afraid of glitter and creatures of the light. I liked the message about being kind and what friendship means as well. This is a great series for readers looking for a book about clever characters and funny language. It really was a laugh out loud book!
cait_readsxox's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a fun and spooky middle grade book. I love the characters and the fun adventure that occurred in this book. I will be continuing the series!
mehsi's review
5.0
A vampire girl, a pumpkin, an annoying prince, lots of icky food (at least for us humans), and a Barbaric Ball!
So I was really excited about this book, I love Laura Ellen Anderson's work, and I was just delighted that she would also be writing (and illustrating) books like this.
This review may be a bit chaotic, I am quite tired, but I do want to write a review, because I really love this book.
Meet Amelia Fang, she is a vampire and has a little pet pumpkin named Squashy (who is super-adorable and I now want a pumpkin pet of my own). Her parents couldn't be more different. Her dad loves crossword puzzles and wears Hawaiian graveyard shirts, her mom is all about appearance and wants Amelia to be more like a vampiress. But they both love her dearly.
Though I have to say I was a bit annoyed at their grovelling for the king and the prince. Really, someone wants your daughter's pet? You just give the little guy away like it is nothing? And then act all huffy and angry when your kid throws a fit? Are you guys for real? You can't just give a pet away like that.
Amelia was a fabulous character and I loved her immediately. I loved how dedicated she was to her friends, how sweet she was towards Squashy, and how even though she wasn't all too happy with the prince she still tried to befriend him, and to help him. Not many people would do that. Plus when she found out the secret behind the prince and the king, she kept it to herself, she used to knowledge to better understand the prince.
Grimaldi was my second favourite character, he was fun, sweet, and I just adore Grim Reapers. I had a laugh that while he was a reaper he wasn't a full one. His task for now was to take care of toads/frogs/small creatures. He is also a great friend to Amelia and always willing to help her out. Also where can I get a scythe with disco lights? *wants one*
Florence, mm, while I did like that she was a rare breed of yeti, and she was a great friend to Amelia... she was also a bit too shouty for me. Plus the way she acted, eh (especially near the end, sure totally ignore your best friend while she tries to explain things). She reminded me a lot of Grenda from Gravity Falls. A good friend, but she doesn't get the most basic of clues, shouts all the time, and doesn't know her own strength.
I really disliked Tangine. Even later when we find out certain things about his heritage, about his mom... sorry, I just couldn't like him. Well, I have to say my dislike got a bit less, but he will have to do much more to make me like him . He was annoying, spoilt, a pest, and oh did I mention he looks like Gideon from Gravity Falls? Less chubby, but just as annoying.
I loved that we had a light and dark world, though not everything is what it seems. I can't wait for it to be explored further in the next book. And yes, I am not saying much, as I don't want to spoil anything.
The story was a delightful rollercoaster of fun, hilarity, friendship, and much much more.
Of course the book is also gorgeously illustrated. Everyone looked adorable, yes, even the most scary of monsters. :)
I would highly recommend this book, and I can't wait for the next one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So I was really excited about this book, I love Laura Ellen Anderson's work, and I was just delighted that she would also be writing (and illustrating) books like this.
This review may be a bit chaotic, I am quite tired, but I do want to write a review, because I really love this book.
Meet Amelia Fang, she is a vampire and has a little pet pumpkin named Squashy (who is super-adorable and I now want a pumpkin pet of my own). Her parents couldn't be more different. Her dad loves crossword puzzles and wears Hawaiian graveyard shirts, her mom is all about appearance and wants Amelia to be more like a vampiress. But they both love her dearly.
Though I have to say I was a bit annoyed at their grovelling for the king and the prince. Really, someone wants your daughter's pet? You just give the little guy away like it is nothing? And then act all huffy and angry when your kid throws a fit? Are you guys for real? You can't just give a pet away like that.
Amelia was a fabulous character and I loved her immediately. I loved how dedicated she was to her friends, how sweet she was towards Squashy, and how even though she wasn't all too happy with the prince she still tried to befriend him, and to help him. Not many people would do that. Plus when she found out the secret behind the prince and the king, she kept it to herself, she used to knowledge to better understand the prince.
Grimaldi was my second favourite character, he was fun, sweet, and I just adore Grim Reapers. I had a laugh that while he was a reaper he wasn't a full one. His task for now was to take care of toads/frogs/small creatures. He is also a great friend to Amelia and always willing to help her out. Also where can I get a scythe with disco lights? *wants one*
Florence, mm, while I did like that she was a rare breed of yeti, and she was a great friend to Amelia... she was also a bit too shouty for me. Plus the way she acted, eh (especially near the end, sure totally ignore your best friend while she tries to explain things). She reminded me a lot of Grenda from Gravity Falls. A good friend, but she doesn't get the most basic of clues, shouts all the time, and doesn't know her own strength.
I really disliked Tangine. Even later when we find out certain things about his heritage, about his mom... sorry, I just couldn't like him. Well, I have to say my dislike got a bit less, but he will have to do much more to make me like him . He was annoying, spoilt, a pest, and oh did I mention he looks like Gideon from Gravity Falls? Less chubby, but just as annoying.
I loved that we had a light and dark world, though not everything is what it seems. I can't wait for it to be explored further in the next book. And yes, I am not saying much, as I don't want to spoil anything.
The story was a delightful rollercoaster of fun, hilarity, friendship, and much much more.
Of course the book is also gorgeously illustrated. Everyone looked adorable, yes, even the most scary of monsters. :)
I would highly recommend this book, and I can't wait for the next one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
karolinaz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
3.75
scoutfinch75's review
5.0
Ameila Fang and the Barbaric Ball is full of beautifully written characters and strong friendships, it also introduces us to a new and fantastic spooky world.
I loved every minute of this fast paced, creepy tale. Amelia is a delightfully dark little vampire, who contrary to popular belief doesn't live on a diet of blood, but eats disgusting delicacies such as Curiously Crusty Crabs, Scabs and Severed Fingers, and Putrid Pus-filled Profiteroles! Her best friends are Florence, a rare breed of Yeti and Grimaldi a small and cute Grim Reaper! Also, the Fang residence is amazing! I love that there are doors of every shape and size lining the corridors, some leading to rooms on different floors, some leading outside the mansion and some, simply disappearing at will! Laura Ellen Anderson's amazing imagination and charming illustrations bring this captivating story to life
I'm very excited for the next in the series, Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords. In the words of my ten year old daughter,
"Vampires and Unicorns... squeeeeeeeee!"
scifigeekbekah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
dinnureads's review
5.0
My copy of this book is a birthday gift from my dear friend who also happens to be my library book dealer. It has coloured edges and is utterly fabulous!
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book introduces us to the spooky cast of characters—Amelia (the vampire) and her friends (a Yeti, a grim reaper, and her pet pumpkin). Like I said, it’s really impressive how well Anderson managed to merge creepy and cute. These books sort of remind me of Monster High for younger kids. There’s lots of play on words and gross-out foods and other fun details that kids will love. The story revolves around Amelia, who’s always bored at her family’s annual Barbaric Ball. She’s thrilled when she finds out that this year the king is going to attend with his son, so she’ll finally have someone her own age to hang out with (no other kids are allowed). Unfortunately, when she meets the prince, she finds that he is a spoiled brat. She has to face down her nemesis and maybe learn a thing or two about why he’s such a bully in the process. The story is super cute and engaging, and the book is just plain fun!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book introduces us to the spooky cast of characters—Amelia (the vampire) and her friends (a Yeti, a grim reaper, and her pet pumpkin). Like I said, it’s really impressive how well Anderson managed to merge creepy and cute. These books sort of remind me of Monster High for younger kids. There’s lots of play on words and gross-out foods and other fun details that kids will love. The story revolves around Amelia, who’s always bored at her family’s annual Barbaric Ball. She’s thrilled when she finds out that this year the king is going to attend with his son, so she’ll finally have someone her own age to hang out with (no other kids are allowed). Unfortunately, when she meets the prince, she finds that he is a spoiled brat. She has to face down her nemesis and maybe learn a thing or two about why he’s such a bully in the process. The story is super cute and engaging, and the book is just plain fun!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
xlindsreadsx's review against another edition
4.0
I can't wait to see where this series goes I love all the characters and I hope ameila and tangine become best friends.
jenniferreads2's review
5.0
Super cute. Love the illustrations. For being a short book it does well telling a fully rounded story. I could see this being a good read aloud with kids