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gabs_myfullbookshelf's review
3.0
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
Immagica was a fun story. Its not a really unique concept (Chronicles of Narnia and other stories resemble it) but it takes that plotline and adds new twists to it.
The main character, Rosaline, is spirited and loves her little brother Elliot. She was easy to cheer for, and I liked her a lot. Her family situation isn't the best, and she doesn't know exactly why; but discovers the reason and a whole lot more in Immagica.
Immagica wasn't simply a fantastical world, it also had a backstory of sorts; through it, the reader learns a lot about Rosaline's family history. This made the world even more interesting, though it would have still been an imaginative, fun place to read about without this deeper story.
The thing that kept me from loving this book was that though Rosaline is a pretty well written character, most of the other characters--Lex, Ira, etc.--don't get a lot of characterization. They are interesting characters that the book could have done a lot with, but that simply doesn't happen because the plot is so focused on Rosaline. I don't expect all characters to be fleshed out, but it would have been nice to dive deeper into the personalities of some of the other people in this book.
Also, the resolution with Rosaline's mother was a bit too perfect. She started off as a royal grump; just because Rosaline found out the reason why doesn't mean that will change as quickly as it did.
This book was entertaining, it a couple aspects were not fleshed out enough for it to truly wow me.
Immagica was a fun story. Its not a really unique concept (Chronicles of Narnia and other stories resemble it) but it takes that plotline and adds new twists to it.
The main character, Rosaline, is spirited and loves her little brother Elliot. She was easy to cheer for, and I liked her a lot. Her family situation isn't the best, and she doesn't know exactly why; but discovers the reason and a whole lot more in Immagica.
Immagica wasn't simply a fantastical world, it also had a backstory of sorts; through it, the reader learns a lot about Rosaline's family history. This made the world even more interesting, though it would have still been an imaginative, fun place to read about without this deeper story.
The thing that kept me from loving this book was that though Rosaline is a pretty well written character, most of the other characters--Lex, Ira, etc.--don't get a lot of characterization. They are interesting characters that the book could have done a lot with, but that simply doesn't happen because the plot is so focused on Rosaline. I don't expect all characters to be fleshed out, but it would have been nice to dive deeper into the personalities of some of the other people in this book.
Also, the resolution with Rosaline's mother was a bit too perfect. She started off as a royal grump; just because Rosaline found out the reason why doesn't mean that will change as quickly as it did.
This book was entertaining, it a couple aspects were not fleshed out enough for it to truly wow me.
marjories's review
4.0
Roasline is a reader who loves escaping into Narnia, OZ, Neverland, Wonderland and more with her favorite characters. On her 15th birthday, she suddenly comes into a birthright that sends her and her younger brother on an adventure of their own. Being a modern girl, of course the first thing she did was to check her mobile. This story is non-stop action from the beginning. Full of excitement, magical creatures, danger and plenty of imagination. It was reminiscent of Sharkboy and Lavagirl or Inkheart in that not only was she thrown into this magical imagination fueled world, but she had a measure of control that she had to learn how to use.
I think this book would be most enjoyed by middle grade readers. There is a bit of violence and flirting but nothing graphic and the language stays clean. Lots of family drama and secrets but heavy foreshadowing which makes it a bit predictable for older readers. The antagonist could have been written in an ambiguous way, but is not which make the resolution comfortable for younger readers but a bit dissatisfying more sophisticated readers. It is a fun, sweet, innocent read.
This book is a standalone with a definitive ending, but the door is left open for further adventures in Immagica.
I think this book would be most enjoyed by middle grade readers. There is a bit of violence and flirting but nothing graphic and the language stays clean. Lots of family drama and secrets but heavy foreshadowing which makes it a bit predictable for older readers. The antagonist could have been written in an ambiguous way, but is not which make the resolution comfortable for younger readers but a bit dissatisfying more sophisticated readers. It is a fun, sweet, innocent read.
This book is a standalone with a definitive ending, but the door is left open for further adventures in Immagica.
emandm2222's review
3.0
I am glad a requested this from the author to review. I quite enjoyed this book.
The story was cute and the characters had good development throughout the book, as did the relationships that were formed between them. It was pretty easy to connect to the characters and like all of them, even the evil ones. It was nice to be able to connect with characters so easily.
It was also filled with good life lessons, such as love others, ladies shouldn't swear and have an imagination.
I would have liked to have had a setting for where the book was set (or even what country it was), other than her grandmother's home and Immagica. The only reason being, they had different terms that what American's use, so I think it was in either Australia or the United Kingdom, but it would be nice to know for sure.
The only thing I can really criticize is the fact that that age group that the storyline reaches out to is very different to the character's age (15) and commentary, they do not really connect. It read more like a middle grade/late elementary read, rather than a YA read. Not that I am complaining exactly, I love me some Percy Jackson.
Overall, I liked this book. It was well written and a good story. I hope there is a sequel, I want to know how Rosaline's story continues!
The story was cute and the characters had good development throughout the book, as did the relationships that were formed between them. It was pretty easy to connect to the characters and like all of them, even the evil ones. It was nice to be able to connect with characters so easily.
It was also filled with good life lessons, such as love others, ladies shouldn't swear and have an imagination.
I would have liked to have had a setting for where the book was set (or even what country it was), other than her grandmother's home and Immagica. The only reason being, they had different terms that what American's use, so I think it was in either Australia or the United Kingdom, but it would be nice to know for sure.
The only thing I can really criticize is the fact that that age group that the storyline reaches out to is very different to the character's age (15) and commentary, they do not really connect. It read more like a middle grade/late elementary read, rather than a YA read. Not that I am complaining exactly, I love me some Percy Jackson.
Overall, I liked this book. It was well written and a good story. I hope there is a sequel, I want to know how Rosaline's story continues!
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