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dswhite's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished this book and loved everything about it. I especially liked the characters and how they changed and grew. I never read Wolf Hollow and I feel this book stands on its own.
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
4.25
I'd read the first book, Wolf Hollow, as part of a book club earlier this year. I really liked it (5*), more so for delving a little deeper (looking for things to discuss, save, etc). I'd heard there was a sequel, and figured I'd give it a go here to finish up the year.
This had quite a few references to what happened in the first book ... although that was mainly to set the scene for a relationship between Annabelle/her family and the boy Andy, who with Betty, in book 1, had gone beyond bullying. I was wondering if the time past between books would be an issue for me, but it wasn't. There was quite a bit of "remembering" to refresh the reader as to the earlier events. Really though, all one needed to remember is that Annabelle and her family and Andy have a rocky past.
Unlike the first book, this had some magical/mystical aspects. Our MC, Annabelle, is struck by lightning. It almost (in fact did?) killed her. Someone gave her chest compressions to restart her heart and got her to a safe place ... and after this, she can "understand animals". Not really having full fledged conversations with them, but she can understand what they want, and they her.
This whole thing (magic/gifts) and the basic language of the book ("I reckon I'd been distracted by might-have-beens and if-onlys") made me think of the book Savvy - another young girl with an accent and a gift (the whole family there has gifts that come when they turn 13). It also reminded me of [book:The Wake Up|35122155] - which I read June2019 (so over four years ago). I don't remember all of the story, but there too, a man is gifted a communication with animals. The term "wake up" was used here too. It was a little odd to have the storyline take this supernatural turn, it just didn't really match the first book, and didn't even last the entire book here. Was it supposed to be real? Otherwise how did she know certain things?
There is a bit of a mystery of missing dogs ... I think the reader is lead to expect one thing, when it's really something else, and some aren't even related. I read a couple other "dog" books this December. I might just be a bit dog-booked out.
The underlying idea here though is one of forgiveness and being able to see someone/something for what it really is. Of taking chances. I really liked it. It never quite got to the same point as the first book, but I liked that I was able to easily just step back into this world, to immediately know the characters and setting right as I started up (even though there were new characters introduced).
I like the title tie-in and cover.
This had quite a few references to what happened in the first book ... although that was mainly to set the scene for a relationship between Annabelle/her family and the boy Andy, who with Betty, in book 1, had gone beyond bullying. I was wondering if the time past between books would be an issue for me, but it wasn't. There was quite a bit of "remembering" to refresh the reader as to the earlier events. Really though, all one needed to remember is that Annabelle and her family and Andy have a rocky past.
Unlike the first book, this had some magical/mystical aspects. Our MC, Annabelle, is struck by lightning. It almost (in fact did?) killed her. Someone gave her chest compressions to restart her heart and got her to a safe place ... and after this, she can "understand animals". Not really having full fledged conversations with them, but she can understand what they want, and they her.
This whole thing (magic/gifts) and the basic language of the book ("I reckon I'd been distracted by might-have-beens and if-onlys") made me think of the book Savvy - another young girl with an accent and a gift (the whole family there has gifts that come when they turn 13). It also reminded me of [book:The Wake Up|35122155] - which I read June2019 (so over four years ago). I don't remember all of the story, but there too, a man is gifted a communication with animals. The term "wake up" was used here too. It was a little odd to have the storyline take this supernatural turn, it just didn't really match the first book, and didn't even last the entire book here. Was it supposed to be real? Otherwise how did she know certain things?
There is a bit of a mystery of missing dogs ... I think the reader is lead to expect one thing, when it's really something else, and some aren't even related. I read a couple other "dog" books this December. I might just be a bit dog-booked out.
The underlying idea here though is one of forgiveness and being able to see someone/something for what it really is. Of taking chances. I really liked it. It never quite got to the same point as the first book, but I liked that I was able to easily just step back into this world, to immediately know the characters and setting right as I started up (even though there were new characters introduced).
I like the title tie-in and cover.
jtlars7's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Very good. A hopeful sequel to Wolf Hollow.
constancegpappas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ihateava's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
spring_lilac's review against another edition
3.0
Returning to Wolf Hollow was like reconnecting with old friends. Another sweet story about Annabelle as she deals with after effects of being struck by lightning. A great cast of characters add to the story that has a slight air of mystery and injustice.
kerstc's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Minor: Child abuse
msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Lauren Wolk is hands down one of my favorite children's authors that is currently writing. She writes vividly, creating not only a descriptive world, but one with robust characters. When I heard that she was writing a new book, I was thrilled. When I heard she was writing a sequel to Wolf Hollow, I was ecstatic.
Admittedly, my remembrance of Wolf Hollow is fuzzy (I had to read a Cliff Notes version again. LOL). However, I loved the emphasis was on Annabelle and her needing to forgive those involved with the events in the previous book. (But before you ask, no, you don't need to read Wolf Hollow first). I could relate to Annabelle--feeling sorry for someone because they are hurting and yet still being pissed. Who can't relate to that??
While Wolf Hollow was set more in an obvious Historical Fiction period, My Own Lightning falls into an interest genre dilemma. Is it realistic fiction? Is it historical because it is a different time period? Is it an animal tale due a Doctor Doolittle-esque subplot? It is a book that, due to its variation, will appeal to many readers. Or so I hope.
Admittedly, my remembrance of Wolf Hollow is fuzzy (I had to read a Cliff Notes version again. LOL). However, I loved the emphasis was on Annabelle and her needing to forgive those involved with the events in the previous book. (But before you ask, no, you don't need to read Wolf Hollow first). I could relate to Annabelle--feeling sorry for someone because they are hurting and yet still being pissed. Who can't relate to that??
While Wolf Hollow was set more in an obvious Historical Fiction period, My Own Lightning falls into an interest genre dilemma. Is it realistic fiction? Is it historical because it is a different time period? Is it an animal tale due a Doctor Doolittle-esque subplot? It is a book that, due to its variation, will appeal to many readers. Or so I hope.
oceana_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Loved this story and how Annabelle has grown and changed from the last book “Wolf Hollow”.
shiny_raccoon's review against another edition
3.0
Red. 320 pages.
Historical fiction. A sequel which is a little hard to follow if you didn’t read book 1. Moved a little slow at times.
Historical fiction. A sequel which is a little hard to follow if you didn’t read book 1. Moved a little slow at times.