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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
jackson_p's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jennabean32's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
4.0
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors. So I was curious to see what this childrens fantasy series would be like. I can't say I like it as well as his adult fantasy, but it was highly enjoyable for sure. It's written in the style as if the main character is writing his story, and there are a lot of instances of the character (as the author, or is it the author as the character?) talking to the reader. This type of thing can be done well or it can be incredibly annoying. Fortunately, it was done well and was very fun.
Alcatraz is a great character, and I think one that older children especially will love. The whole book is very clever and creative. Here's a quote that I particularly liked:
Now, actual torture is frowned upon in civilized society. Fortunately, the authorial community has discovered in storytelling an even more powerful--and more fulfilling--means of causing agony in others. We write stories. And by doing so, we engage in a perfectly legal method of doing all kinds of mean and terrible things to our readers.
Take, for instance, the word I used above. Propondity. There is no such word--I made it up. Why? Because it amused me to think of thousands of readers looking up a nonsense word in their dictionaries.
This is the writing style of the book, so if the above quote sound fun to you, you'll probably like it. If it seems annoying, steer clear. This is not a book for everyone. I would say that just because you enjoy Sanderson's adult fantasy does not mean you will like this. It's completely different in style. But if you like silly, fun children's fantasy, or you're looking for something fun for your kids to read, this is a great choice.
Alcatraz is a great character, and I think one that older children especially will love. The whole book is very clever and creative. Here's a quote that I particularly liked:
Now, actual torture is frowned upon in civilized society. Fortunately, the authorial community has discovered in storytelling an even more powerful--and more fulfilling--means of causing agony in others. We write stories. And by doing so, we engage in a perfectly legal method of doing all kinds of mean and terrible things to our readers.
Take, for instance, the word I used above. Propondity. There is no such word--I made it up. Why? Because it amused me to think of thousands of readers looking up a nonsense word in their dictionaries.
This is the writing style of the book, so if the above quote sound fun to you, you'll probably like it. If it seems annoying, steer clear. This is not a book for everyone. I would say that just because you enjoy Sanderson's adult fantasy does not mean you will like this. It's completely different in style. But if you like silly, fun children's fantasy, or you're looking for something fun for your kids to read, this is a great choice.
raem's review against another edition
3.0
As much as I enjoyed this and read it quickly, there were several moments that were questionable. Mainly that the kids didn't talk or act like kids, mainly the 13 year old girl carrying around a purse and driving. I had to remind myself an adult is telling about his younger self so I'll forgive that part at least. It had some good silly fun. This isn't a book to take serious. I am curious to the rest of the series.
author_lisa's review against another edition
2.0
I do not think that Brandon Sanderson is the author for me. My feelings about his novels range from boring to annoying, including the uber famous Mistborn and the shit-show that is Steelheart. I think that his ideas are really good, but the way he executes those ideas is not so good, in my opinion. I find most of his characters to be quite unlikable, even and perhaps especially the ones who the reader is most definitely supposed to like. I also tend to separate the politics and character of the author from said author's work, but the fact that I don't care for his work combined with the mutterings I have heard claiming that Sanderson is a homophobe....well, suffice it to say that I am really, really put off by Brandon Sanderson. Simply not my cup of tea.
To give an actual review of this specific book, I do want to say that I think that this book could be enjoyable for boys between the ages of 10 and 15 or so. I know that other people enjoy this book too, but I honestly don't understand how or why. Think of the most annoying, melodramatic, self-indulgent whiny brat of a kid, and that's the main character. I get why the kid is that way, but it doesn't make him any less annoying, and it doesn't make me want to read about him. Also, the world Sanderson created is a little too ridiculous for me and much better suited to a child in elementary or middle school.
Don't get me wrong, I read a lot of books aimed towards middle grade readers, but I think that any well-written book will appeal to many people outside of its target audience. In fact, a well-written middle grade book will offer nuances to adult readers that many children won't pick up on. I just don't think that this particular middle grade novel is well-written nor that it has any real depth to offer. I also think that it is a prime example of authors stretching books into a series so that they can get more money. This is not a proper book. In other words, it doesn't really have a conclusion, it ends with the main character being whisked away by his grandpa on another adventure. It also barely started any hope of character growth for Alcatraz, which in my opinion, should have been a little more well-developed if it wants to call itself a complete book. If anyone reading this, loves this book, please explain to me why you love it, because I just don't get it. No matter what age the target audience is, I expect more from my books, and this simply did not deliver.
To give an actual review of this specific book, I do want to say that I think that this book could be enjoyable for boys between the ages of 10 and 15 or so. I know that other people enjoy this book too, but I honestly don't understand how or why. Think of the most annoying, melodramatic, self-indulgent whiny brat of a kid, and that's the main character. I get why the kid is that way, but it doesn't make him any less annoying, and it doesn't make me want to read about him. Also, the world Sanderson created is a little too ridiculous for me and much better suited to a child in elementary or middle school.
Don't get me wrong, I read a lot of books aimed towards middle grade readers, but I think that any well-written book will appeal to many people outside of its target audience. In fact, a well-written middle grade book will offer nuances to adult readers that many children won't pick up on. I just don't think that this particular middle grade novel is well-written nor that it has any real depth to offer. I also think that it is a prime example of authors stretching books into a series so that they can get more money. This is not a proper book. In other words, it doesn't really have a conclusion, it ends with the main character being whisked away by his grandpa on another adventure. It also barely started any hope of character growth for Alcatraz, which in my opinion, should have been a little more well-developed if it wants to call itself a complete book. If anyone reading this, loves this book, please explain to me why you love it, because I just don't get it. No matter what age the target audience is, I expect more from my books, and this simply did not deliver.
thewintersings's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
danemelain's review against another edition
3.0
I believe this book is very quirky and clever. It even teaches great things like it is okay to question stuff, things that you see as bad parts of who you are could be good in the right lense (pun intended), you cannot achieve something just because you want to, and many more Christian adjacent ideas about family and love. However, I think it may impression too hard on kids whose parents are not giving them a firm foundation or are giving their kids ideas that are too firm for the kids. It sits in a place that is quite good for those who have strong beliefs but may need to adjust some of them. Also, Bastile is one of my least favorite hero archetypes/people archetypes. I know they exist but I feel no sympathy for the character cause she chooses to be a jerk most of the book. Overall, solid read though.
kbowens's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.75
hartzski's review against another edition
3.0
Not his best work, in my opinion, but maybe I just do t appreciate the finer points of very-young-adult literature.
The references to Star Wars, Harry Potter, Monty Python were enjoyed though ;)
The references to Star Wars, Harry Potter, Monty Python were enjoyed though ;)