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soramun's review against another edition
3.0
I very much enjoyed the first book, and it reminded me of my own childhood and the tv shows I used to watch as a kid. Pure fun and nonsense. Unfortunately, I didn't really find the same feeling reading this book. It was still enjoyable, but the goals of the characters no longer felt child-like. It was a lot more dramatic than whimsical and fun, but I guess the story arc of the first book had to come to a conclusion. I still think it was enjoyable and I liked that everything pretty much wrapped up nicely, so I think I would still recommend this series to people. Especially those who enjoy middle grade books.
perilous1's review against another edition
4.0
Originally reviewed for YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/21815-the-doldrums-and-the-helmsley-curse
The Doldrums are back in this mystery and intrigue-laden Middle Grade continuation. Though it’s definitely a sequel, the story has been crafted in such a way that readers needn’t have discovered book #1 to enjoy and fully comprehend The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse. Here, Archer (and readers by extension) finally meet Archer’s famous/infamous grandparents, and are given their first look into the inner-workings of the exploration society they belong to. But as it turns out, the society has some shady dealings afoot. And the disappearance of Ralph and Rachel Helmsley may not have been an accident at all.
While there are consistent themes of friendship across both books, this one branches out in several varied respects. First, there’s Archer’s chance at a relationship with the grandparents his mother has kept him away from since he was a baby. Will they be everything he’s hoped and longed for, or is there something to the rumors swirling about them? There is the mid-book addition of a possible new female member to Archer’s trio of friends. And then there’s the difficult matter of Archer’s boarding school friend and roommate—who happens to be the son of the man the Helmsley’s suspect of arranging the iceberg incident. It’s this last point where Archer is faced with the difficult task of empathizing with someone he cares for, but believes is being misled. It also presents him with an opportunity to NOT judge someone by their family ties—which is a grace he’s not being afforded by most of his own city.
On that last note, it’s worth mentioning that there is an added conflict thread involving a popular local paper that’s willing to leap to accusatory conclusions about the long-lost Helmsleys. The readiness with which most of the city’s population believe this tabloid-worthy gossip is both timely and sadly believable. It also carries alienating consequences for Archer and his friends.
As it was with the first book, Gannon’s illustrations are a tremendously artful source of charm and vintage ambiance. Whether it’s the full page or small portrait segments, black-and-white or richly colored, the detailing is distinct and affecting.
Archer’s mother is still a controlling, wretched, and borderline emotionally abusive source of side antagonism on the outskirts of the main plot. And unfortunately, we aren’t privileged with much by way of character growth in her, or the reasoning behind why she’s so uncaring toward her own parents. But at the same time, she is perhaps a broad-stroke example to young readers of an irrational and callous misuse of parental authority.
Ultimately this seems a more complex story, but one that’s been executed with the same deft quality as the first book in the series.
The Doldrums are back in this mystery and intrigue-laden Middle Grade continuation. Though it’s definitely a sequel, the story has been crafted in such a way that readers needn’t have discovered book #1 to enjoy and fully comprehend The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse. Here, Archer (and readers by extension) finally meet Archer’s famous/infamous grandparents, and are given their first look into the inner-workings of the exploration society they belong to. But as it turns out, the society has some shady dealings afoot. And the disappearance of Ralph and Rachel Helmsley may not have been an accident at all.
While there are consistent themes of friendship across both books, this one branches out in several varied respects. First, there’s Archer’s chance at a relationship with the grandparents his mother has kept him away from since he was a baby. Will they be everything he’s hoped and longed for, or is there something to the rumors swirling about them? There is the mid-book addition of a possible new female member to Archer’s trio of friends. And then there’s the difficult matter of Archer’s boarding school friend and roommate—who happens to be the son of the man the Helmsley’s suspect of arranging the iceberg incident. It’s this last point where Archer is faced with the difficult task of empathizing with someone he cares for, but believes is being misled. It also presents him with an opportunity to NOT judge someone by their family ties—which is a grace he’s not being afforded by most of his own city.
On that last note, it’s worth mentioning that there is an added conflict thread involving a popular local paper that’s willing to leap to accusatory conclusions about the long-lost Helmsleys. The readiness with which most of the city’s population believe this tabloid-worthy gossip is both timely and sadly believable. It also carries alienating consequences for Archer and his friends.
As it was with the first book, Gannon’s illustrations are a tremendously artful source of charm and vintage ambiance. Whether it’s the full page or small portrait segments, black-and-white or richly colored, the detailing is distinct and affecting.
Archer’s mother is still a controlling, wretched, and borderline emotionally abusive source of side antagonism on the outskirts of the main plot. And unfortunately, we aren’t privileged with much by way of character growth in her, or the reasoning behind why she’s so uncaring toward her own parents. But at the same time, she is perhaps a broad-stroke example to young readers of an irrational and callous misuse of parental authority.
Ultimately this seems a more complex story, but one that’s been executed with the same deft quality as the first book in the series.
lucilleancrath's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked the mystery and adventure in this one. The kids get into all sorts of trouble, which doesn't feel clishe because they're intelligent and good-natured, so the way they maneuver around obstacles is also quite unique. There's no melodrama and stupid misunderstandings. I'd definitely read this story to someone younger.
nerdygnome's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up. A little slower paced and a little less humorous than the first book in the series, but our family was still charmed by the characters and setting of the story. And of course, the illustrations are gorgeous. A good read aloud.
savagemommy's review
4.0
A little more complex, more nuanced in regards to interpersonal relationships, than the first. Somehow, my 5yo was still excited about it? Wild.
nerdygnome's review
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up. A little slower paced and a little less humorous than the first book in the series, but our family was still charmed by the characters and setting of the story. And of course, the illustrations are gorgeous. A good read aloud.
yarnbandit's review
2.0
I only read this because I checked it and the first book out at the same time, and this one had come from the “new” shelf in the children’s section, and what if some poor misguided kid wanted to read it but couldn’t because I’d checked it out, and wouldn’t it be a shame if I’d deprived that kid of this terrible book and didn’t even read it? Library guilt made it read it.
somelatenightreading's review against another edition
4.0
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This is the sequel to ‘The Doldrums’ by Nicholas Gannon. I loved ‘The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse’ just as much as the first book! It’s so much fun and the plot is really exciting and fast moving. I still didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to, but it is a children’s book so is targeted at a younger audience. While I would love a third book, I am happy with how this once wrapped up and I’m satisfied with where we left off.
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“The best you can do is what you think’s right and hope others will do the same.” -222
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“It would appear the Helmsley Curse is far from over.” -245
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“When you turn someone who is very kind into someone terrible, technically you’re the terrible one.” -292
.
I’m obsessed with this bookmark (and all the bookmarks in the Etsy store) by @biggerprint! Head over to her Etsy store (link in my Instagram bio) and use the code LATENIGHT for 20% off and a free limited edition dog-themed bookmark!
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This is the sequel to ‘The Doldrums’ by Nicholas Gannon. I loved ‘The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse’ just as much as the first book! It’s so much fun and the plot is really exciting and fast moving. I still didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to, but it is a children’s book so is targeted at a younger audience. While I would love a third book, I am happy with how this once wrapped up and I’m satisfied with where we left off.
.
“The best you can do is what you think’s right and hope others will do the same.” -222
.
“It would appear the Helmsley Curse is far from over.” -245
.
“When you turn someone who is very kind into someone terrible, technically you’re the terrible one.” -292
.
I’m obsessed with this bookmark (and all the bookmarks in the Etsy store) by @biggerprint! Head over to her Etsy store (link in my Instagram bio) and use the code LATENIGHT for 20% off and a free limited edition dog-themed bookmark!
novelstorian's review
3.0
This book was just as whimsical and charming as the first. 'The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse' follows Archer and his friends as they navigate through his grandparents' surprising arrival and the "curse" that follows. This book is definitely one to look out for if you are into middle-grade novels and long to explore the unknown along with some fun, interesting characters. The writing is also so much better in this book than the first, and the story follows so much better in this one. The illustrations, which are my favourite part of these books, are scattered throughout the book and add so much life to the story.
It almost creates this desire in me to seek out my own adventure instead of waiting for it to find me.
3 stars.
It almost creates this desire in me to seek out my own adventure instead of waiting for it to find me.
3 stars.
elisa_vbv's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0