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grey_skiess's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katietotallybooked's review against another edition
2.5
I didn't overly enjoy it and I also didn't overly dislike it. I actually couldn't stop thinking about how it reminded me of a Series of Unfortunate Events. I feel both have similar writing tones, although I haven't re-read a Series of Unfortunate Events as an adult. I enjoyed the mystery elements, and I enjoyed the sibling dynamics. I think what I didn't enjoy was the multi-verse elements. I found it very confusing to follow. This added a sci-fi element to the book and that just doesn't often appeal to me. The book felt very fall-like so it was a fitting seasonal read. I pictured dreary grey skies and no leaves on the trees. Even the cover reminds me of Fall weather.
As a Youth Librarian I will recommend this to young readers who are interested in mysteries and can handle a book that is intricately plotted. There is a lot to unpack in this books - kidnapping, secret rooms and the multi-verse. Plus that cliff hanger ending will keep young readers who are enjoying it hooked and wanting to read book #2 immediately. Not to mention that Haddix has an extensive backlist so she is a great author to dive into for a reader looking for something new.
As a Youth Librarian I will recommend this to young readers who are interested in mysteries and can handle a book that is intricately plotted. There is a lot to unpack in this books - kidnapping, secret rooms and the multi-verse. Plus that cliff hanger ending will keep young readers who are enjoying it hooked and wanting to read book #2 immediately. Not to mention that Haddix has an extensive backlist so she is a great author to dive into for a reader looking for something new.
bookrescuer's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely delightful and captivating. Eagerly awaiting my library hold for book two. Can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to enjoy this series.
spok1005's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jessycareads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
3.0
thenextgenlib's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
This one started off really good and suspenseful for me then it just went on too long. The surprise was a bit too sci-fi for me when I was expecting a mystery. The constant alternating points of view also annoyed me a bit and wasn’t that necessary. It made many chapters 2 pages long, making it a total of 61 chapters. Many kids might enjoy having shorter chapters but I found them staccato and didn’t allow me to enjoy each character as long as I’d like. It also ends on a cliffhanger leading into book 2, FYI.
This one started off really good and suspenseful for me then it just went on too long. The surprise was a bit too sci-fi for me when I was expecting a mystery. The constant alternating points of view also annoyed me a bit and wasn’t that necessary. It made many chapters 2 pages long, making it a total of 61 chapters. Many kids might enjoy having shorter chapters but I found them staccato and didn’t allow me to enjoy each character as long as I’d like. It also ends on a cliffhanger leading into book 2, FYI.
rannaluv's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
katieproctorbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This type of sci-fi isn’t usually my thing, but I tried it because of the puzzle and mystery aspect. It was really well-written and the audio is very well done—just know that it ends on a cliffhanger!
booksajillian's review against another edition
⭐⭐
I had such high hopes for this book after hearing a Booktuber rave about it, but I did not enjoy it. The description sounded so intriguing, but the story just drug on and on. The book probably would have been 100 pages shorter (and better) if all of the internal dialog and sentences ending in "..." were removed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this out loud and my kids (10 and 8) really enjoyed this book. They have already requested to continue the series.
I had such high hopes for this book after hearing a Booktuber rave about it, but I did not enjoy it. The description sounded so intriguing, but the story just drug on and on. The book probably would have been 100 pages shorter (and better) if all of the internal dialog and sentences ending in "..." were removed.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this out loud and my kids (10 and 8) really enjoyed this book. They have already requested to continue the series.
hidingzeus's review against another edition
2.0
This one was okay. I don't know that I would read the rest in the series, but I could see the overall appeal to kids. Not my favorite.