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avoraciousreader68's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
Garlan is a kitchen boy at the King’s castle, but what he really dreams of being is a Knight. His uncle is the cook and he tells Garlan to never stop aiming for his dream. Then one day, Garlan intercepts a dying man and he has to go off on a dangerous journey practically by himself. The fate of the world rests on the little kitchen boy’s shouders. Will he survive?
This is a heartwarming tale of adventure and danger in a cool fantasy world. Garlan is an age that’s between MG and YA, so it works for both genres. Anyone who has ever wanted to see more, be more, do more with their life then this is the story for you. Garlan is a great character. Grounded in reality he’s not a daydreamer. He does his work, but hopes for more even though he doesn’t think it will ever happen. Then he’s thrown headlong into a quest that has the fate of the world depending on him and he rises to the occasion. Along the way he faces things he never dreamed of and meets friends of all kinds. All-in-all a great read.
elementarymydear's review
4.0
This is a really lovely fantasy, that takes you on a magical journey.
The fantasy world had just the right balance of familiarity (and sometimes nostalgia) and originality. It felt reminiscent of children’s fantasy books such as the Narnia books, but with the author’s own fresh twist. The world was so immersive that it was easy to get lost in the story.
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There was also a really lovely cast of characters, including fantasy creatures of all shapes and sizes. They were entertaining and sometimes funny, but still had depth and complexity.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read that felt very nostalgic for the fantasy books I read as a kid!
I was provided with a free copy for the Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award.
The fantasy world had just the right balance of familiarity (and sometimes nostalgia) and originality. It felt reminiscent of children’s fantasy books such as the Narnia books, but with the author’s own fresh twist. The world was so immersive that it was easy to get lost in the story.
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There was also a really lovely cast of characters, including fantasy creatures of all shapes and sizes. They were entertaining and sometimes funny, but still had depth and complexity.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read that felt very nostalgic for the fantasy books I read as a kid!
I was provided with a free copy for the Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award.
connorjdaley's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received a copy to review for BBNYA, and my review has been withheld until after the competition ended. I also grabbed a paperback copy, as I prefer to read physical. And what a beautiful cover.
This is a fun mix of elemental-esque magics, as the seasons are at war with winter. The big bad is so bad that he is locked away and still posing problems. One of the most enjoyable things, is that while the stakes are high, world-endingly so, the entrance of our de facto hero is in the king’s kitchens as a lowly kitchen boy. He does desire to be a knight, but he’s just a boy. One with nearly no experiences in life.
Through the novel, the author shows Garlan as he leanrs, experiences, and grows. He has to experience danger, loss, near-death activities (several times), and even new friendships. He is not infallible, nor is he invincible, he feels both real and knightly.
Although the ending does really deliver on the whole battling seasons plot line, I did find some of the other stops/action sequences to feel a bit uninvolved. They served the purpose of teaching Garlan, but at the same time didn’t always tie back to winter.
Personally a 4/5* for me. As this is more so whimsical than many other fantasies, as well as featuring such a young protagonist, the fairytale-esque style of storytelling did make this read a little overlong for me.
theliteraryapothecary's review
3.0
Little White Hands is a tale of a small hopeful Knight who goes on a mighty adventure to help the Four Seasons battling. Garlan makes friends and enemies along the way, and even learns a lesson or two.
My CAWPILE total score came out to 42/7 categories = 6 = 3 Stars, which is right along with my initial rating after finishing the book. (After looking this up again, on a different platform, I see it's listed as children's - which makes a lot more sense. Rating stays the same but adjusting some wording to match.)
Characters - 7 - Unique characters that fit the tale for the age range.
Atmosphere/Setting - 6 - I loved the atmosphere when the Blue Man walked through the town/forest/scene, etc.
Writing Style - 6 - Nothing wrong with it, and now that I've seen it's been advertised as children's book elsewhere things make a lot more sense. When I originally looked this book up, it didn't say anything about children's books, but the cover was quite young. I thought maybe it was one of those books that's about children but with deeper themes and therefore not a children's book. So initially I thought this read really really young. It still does but it makes sense now.
Plot - 5 - Technically, there was a plot that went throughout the book, but so much happened that I got distracted from this main plot line at times.
Intrigue - 4 - There wasn't a whole lot of intrigue in this book. Which is not surprising as it's a children's book ... But it did have a few moments of intrigue and for that I give it 4.
Logic/Relationships: 7 - Logic: not really sure how to score this in something like logic. However, Garlan makes a lot of good friendships and learns the true value of friendship.
Enjoyment: I did enjoy it, despite it's flaws. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I knew that it was supposed to be a children's book from the start - instead of just reading young. That is my mistake for not doing my homework at the beginning.
My CAWPILE total score came out to 42/7 categories = 6 = 3 Stars, which is right along with my initial rating after finishing the book. (After looking this up again, on a different platform, I see it's listed as children's - which makes a lot more sense. Rating stays the same but adjusting some wording to match.)
Characters - 7 - Unique characters that fit the tale for the age range.
Atmosphere/Setting - 6 - I loved the atmosphere when the Blue Man walked through the town/forest/scene, etc.
Writing Style - 6 - Nothing wrong with it, and now that I've seen it's been advertised as children's book elsewhere things make a lot more sense. When I originally looked this book up, it didn't say anything about children's books, but the cover was quite young. I thought maybe it was one of those books that's about children but with deeper themes and therefore not a children's book. So initially I thought this read really really young. It still does but it makes sense now.
Plot - 5 - Technically, there was a plot that went throughout the book, but so much happened that I got distracted from this main plot line at times.
Intrigue - 4 - There wasn't a whole lot of intrigue in this book. Which is not surprising as it's a children's book ... But it did have a few moments of intrigue and for that I give it 4.
Logic/Relationships: 7 - Logic: not really sure how to score this in something like logic. However, Garlan makes a lot of good friendships and learns the true value of friendship.
Enjoyment: I did enjoy it, despite it's flaws. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I knew that it was supposed to be a children's book from the start - instead of just reading young. That is my mistake for not doing my homework at the beginning.
fantasybooknerd01's review
4.0
This is the tale of Garlan. The kitchen boy who wants to be a knight.
Mark Cushen weaves an enthralling and enchanting tale of dreaming big. Of working for your dreams and never letting go of your ambitions.
The story revolves around Garlan who is told that an ancient evil is returning to the land and that the king must know of its return. However, when he speaks to his mentor, he decides that he will undertake a quest to avert disaster, and with his friend, a sentient floating piece of wood called Oldface, they tackle the ancient evil together, taking the news to The four Seasons who live in Dryad Wood. A place out of time and out of the world.
This is a classic tale of the underdog finding ways to make his dreams a reality. However, the tale also describes an individual who has spirit and will try his hardest for those around him.
Filled with a wondrous cast of characters that include faeries, wizards, the four seasons, murderous snowmen, and yetis
Mark Cushen’s writing is reminiscent of classic faerie tales and it captures your imagination. Never once did the story lull in its adventure. There was always something in the plot that keeps your attention. Always a new situation to keep you entertained. And this is an entertaining book from start to finish.
Sometimes, children’s books can fall into the trap of trying to talk down to children, and never once did this feel like it was talking down to children, trying to impart them with the knowledge that they may need in their future lives. It treats them as individuals who will understand the story and its message. There are some sweet moments in this book. Particularly when Garlan helps a scarecrow deal with the death of his master, telling him about his own losses and how he dealt with the situation
In fact, there are some pretty grown-up scenes in this book and one of them wouldn’t be too out of place in a Joe Abercrombie novel in all honesty as it was pretty bloodthirsty.
In addition to this, there are a wonderful cast of characters. Garlan is pure innocence,, he approaches each problem that he faces with pragmatism and determination. In addition, he has a number of advisors that lead him on the right path or are quick to give him the advice that he needs.
Never once does Garlan not listen to advice. He listens to the counsel that others give him and uses it to his advantage, and generally comes out on top.
This book was a delight from start to finish. It was one of those books that lightened my day each time I read it. The prose is full of whimsy and warmth and this book begs to be read in the middle of winter with a cosy glass of something warm.
if you liked this review, have a look at some of the others I wrote on www.fantasybooknerd.com
Mark Cushen weaves an enthralling and enchanting tale of dreaming big. Of working for your dreams and never letting go of your ambitions.
The story revolves around Garlan who is told that an ancient evil is returning to the land and that the king must know of its return. However, when he speaks to his mentor, he decides that he will undertake a quest to avert disaster, and with his friend, a sentient floating piece of wood called Oldface, they tackle the ancient evil together, taking the news to The four Seasons who live in Dryad Wood. A place out of time and out of the world.
This is a classic tale of the underdog finding ways to make his dreams a reality. However, the tale also describes an individual who has spirit and will try his hardest for those around him.
Filled with a wondrous cast of characters that include faeries, wizards, the four seasons, murderous snowmen, and yetis
Mark Cushen’s writing is reminiscent of classic faerie tales and it captures your imagination. Never once did the story lull in its adventure. There was always something in the plot that keeps your attention. Always a new situation to keep you entertained. And this is an entertaining book from start to finish.
Sometimes, children’s books can fall into the trap of trying to talk down to children, and never once did this feel like it was talking down to children, trying to impart them with the knowledge that they may need in their future lives. It treats them as individuals who will understand the story and its message. There are some sweet moments in this book. Particularly when Garlan helps a scarecrow deal with the death of his master, telling him about his own losses and how he dealt with the situation
In fact, there are some pretty grown-up scenes in this book and one of them wouldn’t be too out of place in a Joe Abercrombie novel in all honesty as it was pretty bloodthirsty.
In addition to this, there are a wonderful cast of characters. Garlan is pure innocence,, he approaches each problem that he faces with pragmatism and determination. In addition, he has a number of advisors that lead him on the right path or are quick to give him the advice that he needs.
Never once does Garlan not listen to advice. He listens to the counsel that others give him and uses it to his advantage, and generally comes out on top.
This book was a delight from start to finish. It was one of those books that lightened my day each time I read it. The prose is full of whimsy and warmth and this book begs to be read in the middle of winter with a cosy glass of something warm.
if you liked this review, have a look at some of the others I wrote on www.fantasybooknerd.com
boekensteeg's review
3.0
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a voluntarily and honest review.
Original review on my blog Boekensteeg
Little White Hands is Mark Cushen's debut. In this book you will meet Garlan, a simple kitchen boy with a big dream: to work at the royal guard. This dream seems impossible until Garlan learns that he has been chosen to save the country from eternal winter.
Five hundred years ago in the great war, winter was defeated and imprisoned ever since. Faeland has not known winter for 500 years, until now. An icy cold arrivers in the Faeland, and a harsh winter arrives. The ruler of winter seems stronger than ever, and must be stopped. Can Garlan stop the ruler of winter and prevent an eternal winter?
Little White Hands is a book that shows you should never stop dreaming. Mark Cushen has managed to create a totally unique world in this book, and although this book revolves around the ruler of winter and Garlan, I felt I had just not received enough information about the war and the ruler of winter. Garlan also remains very superficial, and I would have liked to see him further developed as a character.
Where in most fantasy books the balance between male and female characters is very equal, this book has almost only male characters, so I could not relate to any of the characters. In addition, the book has a lot of secondary characters, who in my opinion often had little added value to the story.
Mark Cushen has a fine writing style with a normal pace. Although the story contains a lot of adventure, I really missed the thrills a bit. All in all Little White Hands is a decent debut that gets 3 stars from me.
Original review on my blog Boekensteeg
Little White Hands is Mark Cushen's debut. In this book you will meet Garlan, a simple kitchen boy with a big dream: to work at the royal guard. This dream seems impossible until Garlan learns that he has been chosen to save the country from eternal winter.
Five hundred years ago in the great war, winter was defeated and imprisoned ever since. Faeland has not known winter for 500 years, until now. An icy cold arrivers in the Faeland, and a harsh winter arrives. The ruler of winter seems stronger than ever, and must be stopped. Can Garlan stop the ruler of winter and prevent an eternal winter?
Little White Hands is a book that shows you should never stop dreaming. Mark Cushen has managed to create a totally unique world in this book, and although this book revolves around the ruler of winter and Garlan, I felt I had just not received enough information about the war and the ruler of winter. Garlan also remains very superficial, and I would have liked to see him further developed as a character.
Where in most fantasy books the balance between male and female characters is very equal, this book has almost only male characters, so I could not relate to any of the characters. In addition, the book has a lot of secondary characters, who in my opinion often had little added value to the story.
Mark Cushen has a fine writing style with a normal pace. Although the story contains a lot of adventure, I really missed the thrills a bit. All in all Little White Hands is a decent debut that gets 3 stars from me.
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