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tyelperinquar's review against another edition
i had to read this for fifth grade book club as a kid and absolutely hated the style of writing so much. i still remember to this day how much I hated this book
olbeelaine's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
aggressive_nostalgia's review against another edition
Engaging, but not terrific fantasy, with a few subtle elements that lack some logic to the more discerning reader (I did, however, like that she created an alphabet :). A quick read with likable characters and a few interesting twists; nothing spectacular, but still creative and engaging.
meadowofravens's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rujman's review against another edition
5.0
THIS. WAS/IS. THE. MOST ENJOYABLE. book I have ever read.
eletricjb's review against another edition
3.0
It was, at least, a unique premise. I gotta stop reading middle grade fiction masquerading as YA fiction.
vortacist's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
nishnish's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wrentheblurry's review against another edition
4.0
GENRE: Fiction, fantasy.
SUMMARY: When Conn, young pickpocket and sneakster extraordinaire, takes the great magician Nevery's special wizard stone from his pocket and lives, Nevery becomes intrigued. Before long he makes Conn his apprentice, though the magical magistrate will not recognize Conn as such until he finds his own special wizard stone, called a locus magicalicus. Conn has only 30 days to complete this task, and Nevery is too busy trying to determine why the supply of magic in town is depleting to help him find it. Conn has his own theory about the diminishing magic, and sets off to make things right, with or without Nevery's help.
EVALUATION: I liked this book very much. The character of Conn is opinionated, curious, practical, and honest. He was also a thief, but only so that he can survive. He puts aside that lifestyle after he joins with Nevery. The supporting characters are done equally as well as Conn, and all lend color and insight into the story. I especially enjoyed the wizard's journal entries which punctuated the end of every chapter.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Conn isn't your typical fantasy book hero, and I think tweens will appreciate his uniqueness as I did. The storyline is interesting, and I suspect that there will be more books in this series in the future.
READER'S ANNOTATION: Conn has only 30 days to find his wizard's locus magicalicus, but that's hard to do when the entire city is being drained of magical power.
ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL:
• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
• Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke.
• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
• RuneWarriors by James Jennewein.
SUMMARY: When Conn, young pickpocket and sneakster extraordinaire, takes the great magician Nevery's special wizard stone from his pocket and lives, Nevery becomes intrigued. Before long he makes Conn his apprentice, though the magical magistrate will not recognize Conn as such until he finds his own special wizard stone, called a locus magicalicus. Conn has only 30 days to complete this task, and Nevery is too busy trying to determine why the supply of magic in town is depleting to help him find it. Conn has his own theory about the diminishing magic, and sets off to make things right, with or without Nevery's help.
EVALUATION: I liked this book very much. The character of Conn is opinionated, curious, practical, and honest. He was also a thief, but only so that he can survive. He puts aside that lifestyle after he joins with Nevery. The supporting characters are done equally as well as Conn, and all lend color and insight into the story. I especially enjoyed the wizard's journal entries which punctuated the end of every chapter.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Conn isn't your typical fantasy book hero, and I think tweens will appreciate his uniqueness as I did. The storyline is interesting, and I suspect that there will be more books in this series in the future.
READER'S ANNOTATION: Conn has only 30 days to find his wizard's locus magicalicus, but that's hard to do when the entire city is being drained of magical power.
ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL:
• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
• Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke.
• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
• RuneWarriors by James Jennewein.