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fallingletters's review against another edition
1.0
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.
amanduhh_lo's review against another edition
5.0
Read this out loud with my children and really enjoyed it. The story follows Andrea who's life is turned upside down after the disappearance of her brother, Francis. When she discovers a magical dream world called Reverie in the woods near her home, Andrea jumps at the chance to escape her pain and go inside. Once inside, Andrea discovers tent after tent of dreams come alive, but she soon realizes that not all of Reverie's dreams are meant to delight and she realizes Reverie is not an escape; it's a trap. The story deals with a lot of big emotions like loss, guilt, and fear but illustrates how using something else to escape facing your big feelings can backfire. My kids and I were all riveted from beginning to end.
eleana_p's review against another edition
5.0
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.
sciencewithkrystal's review against another edition
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
5.0
thecriticalreader's review against another edition
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
3.75
bitterseason's review against another edition
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
3.25
jillybean_79's review against another edition
3.0
This is a cute middle grade novel. It’s full of magic & mystery but deals with some heavy topics like grief and loss. I do think the Disney-like happy ending counteracts all the growth the main character goes through.
michelesu's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.0