Reviews

Greystone - De fremmede: Greystone 1 by Jette Aagaard Enghusen, Anne Lambelet, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Nanna Gyldenkærne

breakfastgrey's review against another edition

2.0

This book was ultra-disappointing. The hook is amazing-- three kids discover that three children with the same names and birthdays who do not look like them have been kidnapped-- and I've enjoyed other books by Haddix in the past. Unfortunately, The Strangers features tropes instead of characters, incredibly convenient plot progression, and absolutely pedestrian writing. I really wanted to like this so much more than I did.

julleah's review against another edition

Kidnapping and parent death happen early in the book. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent, Trafficking, and Panic attacks/disorders

beckielee0214's review against another edition

4.0

It was a fun quick read. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

I think there are themes my 7 year old wouldn't understand yet, but I would be ok for her to read it around 9 or 10. It would be a good introduction so some difficult topics could be talked about.

ilovexadenandviolet's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious 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

5.0

ericathrone's review against another edition

1.0

Did not finish. Stopped at roughly 50%.

In short, the author made liberal use of the clichéd "Adults are Useless" trope. Are parents and guardians really so untrustworthy? No, of course not. Added to that three sad children trying to keep a stiff upper lip and a constantly shifting point of view and you have uneven storytelling and an unpleasant reading experience overall. I could say more, but, honestly, I want to be done with this book.

courtney_elledge's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

morganrondo's review against another edition

3.0

The first third of this book was amazing. I was totally drawn in by the storytelling and mystery. Then, we started to get some answers. I figured I was confused because I still had a while to go, but most of my questions were never answered. I'm disappointed because the plot was such a clever idea. However, details were missing or didn't make sense. Margaret Peterson Haddix is one of my favorite authors, so it was surprising that I was left not wanting to read the rest of the series.

caitlinxreads's review against another edition

4.0

The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a fun middle grade novel about alternate worlds, family, and solving mysteries. This start to a new series follows the Greystone siblings as they attempt to find their missing mother. The relationship between Chess, Emma, and Finn was incredible. I really enjoyed following their adventure which includes clues, danger, and codes.

Things I loved: sibling relationship, codes, mystery, descriptions, alternate world angle

Things I didn't love: not enough clues and puzzles, I wanted more worldbuilding in the alternate world

If the next book contains improved worldbuilding, I am sure that I will also really enjoy it.

readballoon's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

cate07luna's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5