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lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
This is the first time I've read a "middle grade" (or upper primary) book for my pleasure as an adult. That leaves me somewhat at sea in terms of rating the story as I can't help but compare it to books written for adults, with adult protagonists.
I really did enjoy this, particularly the rich cast of characters, the weaving of folk tales into the narrative and how the setting was used to enrich the story. It's a beautiful tale of overcoming fear, set in a lush and finely crafted parallel Cumbria. Populated by fairies, Underfell's residents are much more akin to the Fae than they are to Tinkerbell.
There are obstacles, challenges, riddles and more to be completed, a kestrel and a long-lost brother needing to be found. The journey Ivy takes to solve these problems also becomes her journey back to herself. This has left me wanting to read more books aimed at this age group.
I really did enjoy this, particularly the rich cast of characters, the weaving of folk tales into the narrative and how the setting was used to enrich the story. It's a beautiful tale of overcoming fear, set in a lush and finely crafted parallel Cumbria. Populated by fairies, Underfell's residents are much more akin to the Fae than they are to Tinkerbell.
There are obstacles, challenges, riddles and more to be completed, a kestrel and a long-lost brother needing to be found. The journey Ivy takes to solve these problems also becomes her journey back to herself. This has left me wanting to read more books aimed at this age group.
graaaace's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A delightful blend of history, folklore and Cumbria as we know it. I especially like Kit representing the old Cumbria we know only know from our historic buildings and old photographs. Ivy, whose trauma after being lost on the fell makes up a key aspect of the drive of the plot, must find her little brother Callum in Underfell before it's too late.
el_viral's review
5.0
I wouldn't normally read a book aimed at this age group, but I know Alex and wanted to read her book! Honestly I was worried I'd have to give it a lower rating and feel guilty about it, but this was honestly an excellent read. You have to take it for what it is, so I'm certainly not comparing this to adult books, but to similar books I've read aimed at a younger audience (mostly YA).
Ivy's adventure in Underfell, overcoming her fear and panic to rescue her brother and transform him back to a boy from the bird he has become, was a great comment on how we deal with our self-doubts and negative self-talk. The way the fairies were described, with their bird wings, was very original. And of course I enjoyed the queer element that came into it at the end. Overall a very enjoyable book that I'm sure would be even better for it's intended age group.
Ivy's adventure in Underfell, overcoming her fear and panic to rescue her brother and transform him back to a boy from the bird he has become, was a great comment on how we deal with our self-doubts and negative self-talk. The way the fairies were described, with their bird wings, was very original. And of course I enjoyed the queer element that came into it at the end. Overall a very enjoyable book that I'm sure would be even better for it's intended age group.
neethunair's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
yossy_cookie's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I feel like I missed something, because this book has very high reviews! I haven't read a huge amount of middle grade and did keep reminding myself as I read this that it is a middle grade aimed at 8-12 year olds (I don't know how many 8 year olds would know what "tup" means though).
I thought it was an OK low fantasy story. Personally, I didn't really feel hugely invested in the characters. I think that this would probably be a nice introduction into the fantasy genre.
I thought it was an OK low fantasy story. Personally, I didn't really feel hugely invested in the characters. I think that this would probably be a nice introduction into the fantasy genre.
pekalla's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book so much - would recommend for adults and children alike. A gripping and original plot, and I found it a moving and uplifting read. I really enjoyed the way the main character's experience of anxiety was explored, as well as the incidental lgbtq+ representation.
zoe_d_marriott's review
5.0
The Sky Beneath the Stone is a beautifully written, fast-paced (but substantial!) fantasy adventure for children aged 8-12. Confidently and playfully written - especially for a debut - and touching commendably sensitively on themes of children's mental illness, as well as offering nuanced portrayals of diverse characters, the book is alive with lush descriptions of the natural world, well-realised relationships between characters, and intricately woven folkloric elements. But this novel's beating heart is a deep love for family and longing for home, manifested in the protagonist, Ivy, who both longs for and fears adventure under the wide blue sky. Will be perfect for readers who've enjoyed classics like The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper, but will also appeal to readers of more recent children's maintstays like The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson or The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan.