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mariahistryingtoread's review
5.0
I actually finished this almost a month to the day ago. I just never wrote review for some reason. But, I've finally decided to stop putting it off.
I love Eva Ibbotson. I've loved Eva Ibbotson since I was a kid and I've read almost all of her books in this style (i.e. the quirky children's fantasy ones not the european princess/peasant girl? mid 20th century stuff). I remember enjoying this one as I always did, but it wasn't a standout like some of the others. But, I knew without a doubt I'd enjoy it and at the time that's what I wanted.
It didn't disappoint.
Madlyn and Rollo are siblings that go to stay with their elderly relatives in their castle. The elderly relatives run a castle tour that hasn't been profitable since the fancy, shmancy castle tour opened up across the way. But, they desperately need the money in order to pay for the wild cows that have roamed free on the castlegrounds for decades. With the help of some ghosts they just might pull it off.
If you've ever read any of Ibbotson's work you'll have a general idea of how this will go. Sweet, well-mannered kind of weird kids save the day. There are gruesome yet still wholesome ghosts. The characters aren't very deep, but they have a certain charm to them that makes you root for the regardless. The villains are annoyingly realistic enough that when the comeuppance is had it's very rewarding.
The underlying theme of all of Ibbotson's work that I've read is to have respect for others and be kind when you can. It creates a very distinct tone. You will have the kookiest characters - a ghost who has a ghost rat gnawing at his heart for instance - be welcomed 100% as they are immediately. It's such a warm and accepting atmosphere. It's part of why I find her books so comforting.
There's honestly not a lot to say. It's an easy, breezy read. Again, if you want an odd, lighthearted ghost story with a happy ending and strong found family themes then go for it.
I love Eva Ibbotson. I've loved Eva Ibbotson since I was a kid and I've read almost all of her books in this style (i.e. the quirky children's fantasy ones not the european princess/peasant girl? mid 20th century stuff). I remember enjoying this one as I always did, but it wasn't a standout like some of the others. But, I knew without a doubt I'd enjoy it and at the time that's what I wanted.
It didn't disappoint.
Madlyn and Rollo are siblings that go to stay with their elderly relatives in their castle. The elderly relatives run a castle tour that hasn't been profitable since the fancy, shmancy castle tour opened up across the way. But, they desperately need the money in order to pay for the wild cows that have roamed free on the castlegrounds for decades. With the help of some ghosts they just might pull it off.
If you've ever read any of Ibbotson's work you'll have a general idea of how this will go. Sweet, well-mannered kind of weird kids save the day. There are gruesome yet still wholesome ghosts. The characters aren't very deep, but they have a certain charm to them that makes you root for the regardless. The villains are annoyingly realistic enough that when the comeuppance is had it's very rewarding.
The underlying theme of all of Ibbotson's work that I've read is to have respect for others and be kind when you can. It creates a very distinct tone. You will have the kookiest characters - a ghost who has a ghost rat gnawing at his heart for instance - be welcomed 100% as they are immediately. It's such a warm and accepting atmosphere. It's part of why I find her books so comforting.
There's honestly not a lot to say. It's an easy, breezy read. Again, if you want an odd, lighthearted ghost story with a happy ending and strong found family themes then go for it.
oliviacowle's review against another edition
5.0
Read it last year while on holiday in France and I loved it! An exciting book where two kids with the help of a group of ghosts (who haunt their uncle's museum) must save their uncle's cattle from cruelly being turned into unicorns! Quite sad but adventurous all the same.
Couldn't put it down. Would stay up very late at night trying to find out what happened next! A great book with very clear description. Anyone who loves animals would cry while reading this.
Couldn't put it down. Would stay up very late at night trying to find out what happened next! A great book with very clear description. Anyone who loves animals would cry while reading this.
misajane79's review
4.0
The first Ibbotson I've read.
The story of a struggling historic house, or rather castle, hit a bit close to home, though I'm not aware of any ghosts we can recruit to help out.
The characters were charming, though the Blackscar Island plot seemed a little bit too much.
The story of a struggling historic house, or rather castle, hit a bit close to home, though I'm not aware of any ghosts we can recruit to help out.
The characters were charming, though the Blackscar Island plot seemed a little bit too much.
silquesoleil's review against another edition
5.0
There are books for children that can be read by children and children only – for the author is using some kind of weird writing style that he or she believes is how kids talk and think.
Fortunately, “the Beasts of Clawstone Castle” is not one of those books. The writing is beautiful and lovely, the characters are enjoyable in their own eccentric way.
This book can be read by adults as well, if they fancy things like “Coraline” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. It was a quick and enjoyable read for me. Usually I like to mention in my reviews what I think the book is about (the moral of the story, if you want) but in this book there is a conclusion at the end and I don’t want to spoil things; besides, it’s the way that leads to that moral which is far more interesting.
What I really liked was the way how the world of this book was painted, the characters were so alive (yes, the ghosts as well, hahaha); every side character was well described without drifting too far away from the main story.
It’s the kind of story that touches you deep inside and very original in it’s own way. It’s a story about ghosts but by no means an ordinary ghost story.
Fortunately, “the Beasts of Clawstone Castle” is not one of those books. The writing is beautiful and lovely, the characters are enjoyable in their own eccentric way.
This book can be read by adults as well, if they fancy things like “Coraline” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. It was a quick and enjoyable read for me. Usually I like to mention in my reviews what I think the book is about (the moral of the story, if you want) but in this book there is a conclusion at the end and I don’t want to spoil things; besides, it’s the way that leads to that moral which is far more interesting.
What I really liked was the way how the world of this book was painted, the characters were so alive (yes, the ghosts as well, hahaha); every side character was well described without drifting too far away from the main story.
It’s the kind of story that touches you deep inside and very original in it’s own way. It’s a story about ghosts but by no means an ordinary ghost story.
ninaliebtschokolade's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
theladydoor's review against another edition
3.0
I fell in love with Eva Ibbotson’s Which Witch years ago, but I didn’t realize just how many other books she had written. For the past few years, I’ve been going to the public library every so often to borrow one of her works, and very often polishing it off that very day.
Ibbotson’s style is so very unique. She writes about ghouls, witches, and monsters and manages to make them all lovable, deep characters. She achieves this all without resorting to hokum by creating characters who are misunderstood or strive to attain a goal that any reader might understand.
In this story, three children are sent to live with their aunts and uncle, who live in a dilapidated castle on the verge of ruin. The only thing that keeps them there is a herd of wild, beautiful white cattle. The children arrive, already unhappy, but soon become enchanted with the castle and learn to love their well-intentioned relatives. They conspire to save the castle, and actually begin to succeed. But then, danger comes in the form of a neighboring industrialist who wants no more than to buy up the castle and turn it into a theme park.
As with many of Ibbotson’s books, there is adventure, rescue, and a lot of the supernatural involved. I have given this only three stars however, because I felt it was not as engaging as some of her other works. Still, it is an enjoyable read, and I look forward to listening to the audiobook, as it is read by David Tennant.
In this story, three children are sent to live with their aunts and uncle, who live in a dilapidated castle on the verge of ruin. The only thing that keeps them there is a herd of wild, beautiful white cattle. The children arrive, already unhappy, but soon become enchanted with the castle and learn to love their well-intentioned relatives. They conspire to save the castle, and actually begin to succeed. But then, danger comes in the form of a neighboring industrialist who wants no more than to buy up the castle and turn it into a theme park.
As with many of Ibbotson’s books, there is adventure, rescue, and a lot of the supernatural involved. I have given this only three stars however, because I felt it was not as engaging as some of her other works. Still, it is an enjoyable read, and I look forward to listening to the audiobook, as it is read by David Tennant.
dumbestidiiotalive's review
4.0
I forgot all about the unicorn plot, but it was good; I wish there were more Open Day haunting scenes. The ending is good, all the loose ends get tied up neatly. Best ghosts are Sunita and Ranulf de Torqueville
hisaacson's review
4.0
Full review here:
http://hollybooknotes.blogspot.com/2008/07/mythological-creatures-week.html
http://hollybooknotes.blogspot.com/2008/07/mythological-creatures-week.html
abigailbat's review
4.0
Madlyn and Rollo have been sent to stay with their aunt and uncle for the summer. When they arrive at Clawstone Castle, they discover that the castle is in trouble. Tourists have all but stopped visiting and the money is running out. And it's important to have money for the upkeep of the wondrous, rare white cattle that live on the grounds. With the help of a ghostly uncle, Madlyn and Rollo assemble a team of spectres and ghouls to help them bring visitors to the castle... but will it be enough to save them??
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-developed and likeable, especially the ghosts. Although the description of the ghosts is a bit gruesome at times, you get to know and love them. Many twists and turns in the plot keep the action moving forward... Just when you think things are going to be okay, something new comes along and Madlyn & Rollo are faced with a new problem.
Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-developed and likeable, especially the ghosts. Although the description of the ghosts is a bit gruesome at times, you get to know and love them. Many twists and turns in the plot keep the action moving forward... Just when you think things are going to be okay, something new comes along and Madlyn & Rollo are faced with a new problem.
Highly recommended!
gracealicia's review
4.0
Is there anything more wistful that a good children’s book?
The Beasts of Clawstone Castle is a spooky and playful story of two siblings and their determined efforts to save their family’s castle and cattle. After being sent to stay with their elderly aunt and uncle, Rollo and Madlyn find them in desperate need of help. In order to bring more people in for tours. In order to do this the children, enlist the help of some local ghosts. But they must compete with the rich and ruthless Lord Tremblow next door, who has set his eyes on the castle.
This is a fun and spooky book filled with great characters and enjoyable plot. I rather liked that the ghosts truly had not had peaceful ends. A little dark but done in such a way that I didn’t even notice as a child. I first read this when I was in grade six, and I can see how it has shaped the books I have come to love today. Sci-fi and fantasy – something I can see very clearly in this book. I would recommend to anyone for a fun and quick read.
The Beasts of Clawstone Castle is a spooky and playful story of two siblings and their determined efforts to save their family’s castle and cattle. After being sent to stay with their elderly aunt and uncle, Rollo and Madlyn find them in desperate need of help. In order to bring more people in for tours. In order to do this the children, enlist the help of some local ghosts. But they must compete with the rich and ruthless Lord Tremblow next door, who has set his eyes on the castle.
This is a fun and spooky book filled with great characters and enjoyable plot. I rather liked that the ghosts truly had not had peaceful ends. A little dark but done in such a way that I didn’t even notice as a child. I first read this when I was in grade six, and I can see how it has shaped the books I have come to love today. Sci-fi and fantasy – something I can see very clearly in this book. I would recommend to anyone for a fun and quick read.