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bardo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
confessions_of_a_bookaholic's review against another edition
4.0
For the last 50 years the people of Vittoria have believed they were the only people left in the world, sole survivors of a magical war and plague. Twelve year old Octavia has never questioned her town's history, but when she meets a new girl whilst exploring outside of the city walls, her entire world view is thrown into question. Perhaps Vittoria isn't the only surviving town after all, but why would the elders lie about such a thing?
I love a good middle grade fantasy read, and this one definitely caught my attention. It ticks all the boxes - magic, beasts, danger and a determined and wilful child as lead character.
Octavia is a great lead. She is definitely determined, and has a clear idea of who she wants to be, and of what is right and wrong. Like many characters in this genre she learns quickly that she shouldn't always trust in adults to do the right thing. I liked that Octavia was precocious and strong willed, and that all of her actions had others at their heart. She is supported by a wide ranging cast of characters, of whom Master Flavia was probably my favourite. I always appreciate the characters who help our leads to stand up for what they feel is right.
The plot of the book was very well done. We are introduced to life in Vittoria and the rules of the city immediately, and get a feel for the world. It doesn't take long for the action to start, and Octavia to be stranded outside of the walls. I thought the plot moved along at a nice pace. There is enough action dotted through to keep you on the edge of your seat, but the underlying storyline is what really takes focus. I enjoyed reading of Octavia's struggle to adjust her world view in the face of new information, and her willingness to try and learn more about this new world.
I thought the world this story is written in was fascinating, and would love to learn more about it. Although I think Kali Wallace has done a fantastic job in this book, I would say that she has left herself plenty of room to write more stories in this world if she chooses to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good middle grade fantasy read, and this one definitely caught my attention. It ticks all the boxes - magic, beasts, danger and a determined and wilful child as lead character.
Octavia is a great lead. She is definitely determined, and has a clear idea of who she wants to be, and of what is right and wrong. Like many characters in this genre she learns quickly that she shouldn't always trust in adults to do the right thing. I liked that Octavia was precocious and strong willed, and that all of her actions had others at their heart. She is supported by a wide ranging cast of characters, of whom Master Flavia was probably my favourite. I always appreciate the characters who help our leads to stand up for what they feel is right.
The plot of the book was very well done. We are introduced to life in Vittoria and the rules of the city immediately, and get a feel for the world. It doesn't take long for the action to start, and Octavia to be stranded outside of the walls. I thought the plot moved along at a nice pace. There is enough action dotted through to keep you on the edge of your seat, but the underlying storyline is what really takes focus. I enjoyed reading of Octavia's struggle to adjust her world view in the face of new information, and her willingness to try and learn more about this new world.
I thought the world this story is written in was fascinating, and would love to learn more about it. Although I think Kali Wallace has done a fantastic job in this book, I would say that she has left herself plenty of room to write more stories in this world if she chooses to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
whatjasread's review against another edition
this just didn't work for me. I think I had different expectations, but the writing wasn't to my personal tastes as a reader! I think it read a lot more as a YA than a middle grade, I couldn't picture Octavia as a 12 year old at all. The violence was a bit more than I expected and I think the writing was a bit heavy and dense for a middle grade novel, I don't see it being something that many children around that age would enjoy reading.
kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Octavia has lived all her life within the walls of her city, the last refuge for humanity in a world that has been destroyed by war and plague. The only living things outside the walls were monsters. There was no human life left anywhere except in Octavia's city.... or so she believed. Octavia meets a mysterious girl who claims to be from another city. Together they could destroy everything the town believes and bring healing to a society drowning in lies.
I loved this book so much! The adventure, the magic, the world building, the character growth; this book has it all! I got emotionally attached to the characters very quickly, and it was so wonderful to see how Octavia grows and heals and changes as the story progresses. There are so many big revelations and plot twists as Octavia learns just how deep the lies really go. Every time she discovers something new in her world, the reader discovers it along with her.
I loved the writing style. It pulled me into the story and captured my heart. The pacing is wonderful and really keeps you reading through the night.
There are a couple of sad and dark scenes in the plot. There are few people who die or are murdered, and there is talk of blood, but it's not too graphic or scary. It's just right for a middle grade book, and it is not disturbing or upsetting. I liked that those things give weight and gravitas to the story, raising the stakes for our heroes so their actions really having meaning.
I also liked that there is a map of the city at the beginning so you can really visualize everything that is happening. I only wish there was a map of the lands outside the walls, but I guess a map like that would give away too many spoilers as Octavia begins to explore outside her city.
This is such an exciting book! Now I want to read more books from this author!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this book so much! The adventure, the magic, the world building, the character growth; this book has it all! I got emotionally attached to the characters very quickly, and it was so wonderful to see how Octavia grows and heals and changes as the story progresses. There are so many big revelations and plot twists as Octavia learns just how deep the lies really go. Every time she discovers something new in her world, the reader discovers it along with her.
I loved the writing style. It pulled me into the story and captured my heart. The pacing is wonderful and really keeps you reading through the night.
There are a couple of sad and dark scenes in the plot. There are few people who die or are murdered, and there is talk of blood, but it's not too graphic or scary. It's just right for a middle grade book, and it is not disturbing or upsetting. I liked that those things give weight and gravitas to the story, raising the stakes for our heroes so their actions really having meaning.
I also liked that there is a map of the city at the beginning so you can really visualize everything that is happening. I only wish there was a map of the lands outside the walls, but I guess a map like that would give away too many spoilers as Octavia begins to explore outside her city.
This is such an exciting book! Now I want to read more books from this author!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
smorrison4's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
50 years after the end of the Great Wizard War, the only people left living are the people in Vittoria or are they?
I love Octavia, she is a straight shooter, who knows what she wants from life, isn't afraid to reach for her dreams, and she is open to new possibilities. The story was entertaining and kept me engaged throughout.
**Possible spoiler alert! If you know think of this comparison before you read it you might know what to expect. It reminded me of The Village by M. Night Shyamalan.**
I love Octavia, she is a straight shooter, who knows what she wants from life, isn't afraid to reach for her dreams, and she is open to new possibilities. The story was entertaining and kept me engaged throughout.
**Possible spoiler alert! If you know think of this comparison before you read it you might know what to expect. It reminded me of The Village by M. Night Shyamalan.**
booknallnight's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Hunters of the Lost City is a well-imagined and fun Middle Grade Fantasy. This is a tad descriptive in places but for the age range this is written for, I think it's needed. It's also a little slower paced as you are drawn into the story and characters, but I didn't see this as a deterrent.
The world building in this one is fantastic and has everything I love in a magical fantasy. I love the characters and the dynamic between Octavia and Sima. The journey they begin, and end with, is a wonderful example of how friendship is born...thru trust, loyalty and truth.
I can see this being a great one for a book discussion in a classroom setting. There isn't anything scary or gory in this story, and I think the kids would have fun with the monsters and the magic.
If you enjoy Middle Grade Fantasy, or just need a change of pace, this is a good one to pick up.
I sincerely appreciate Quirk Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
The world building in this one is fantastic and has everything I love in a magical fantasy. I love the characters and the dynamic between Octavia and Sima. The journey they begin, and end with, is a wonderful example of how friendship is born...thru trust, loyalty and truth.
I can see this being a great one for a book discussion in a classroom setting. There isn't anything scary or gory in this story, and I think the kids would have fun with the monsters and the magic.
If you enjoy Middle Grade Fantasy, or just need a change of pace, this is a good one to pick up.
I sincerely appreciate Quirk Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
lovelybookshelf's review against another edition
I was kind of struggling to stay interested in the story, but then a low-key white savior trope appeared and it's completely distracting me, so I'm not continuing on.
fleurdefryc's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a fantastic fantasy read! The world building was complex and definitely meant for older middle grade readers. I loved the descriptions of the ferox and the setting! The magic system was very interesting and the twists and turns kept me guessing what would happen. I love the strength and intelligence that Octavia showed. Sima and Rufus were excellently constructed characters. There were definitely tense and violent moments, which is why I would suggest this only for older middle grade readers, but they will enjoy the journey of Octavia and the city of Vittoria. I loved the voice of this story and loved every moment of the journey of reading it.
mbmurphy3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
5.0