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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
medium-paced
medium-paced
I have mixed feelings about this book. I'll freely admit that I'm prejudiced against it because my 11-year-old is literally addicted to this series. She won't read anything else, only these books over and over (and over . . .).
She's been pestering me to read it too—so I finally did, and I was underwhelmed. This book feels like someone cut up Harry Potter, shook it around a little, and pasted it back together. The worldbuilding was okay, but I was disappointed by the characters—they are distinct and recognizable as individuals, but we don't go very deep with any of them except Sophie (the protagonist), and even with her, I still feel that I don't know her very well.
Knowing that my daughter is currently reading nothing but these books, I was disappointed by two things: 1) the sentence structures are very simple and I just wish it was more challenging, and 2) there is far too much blushing and crushing going on for a 12-year-old protagonist. I would have liked it heaps better without all that.
That all said, it's not a bad read. It's well planned and plotted (although it felt a little too planned, if you know what I mean—it's hard to get into the story and forget that the author is yanking the strings behind the scenes), and it's engaging and hard to put down. My daughter goes crazy for all the little worldbuilding details like the food and animals and fancy houses. I did appreciate that our protagonist has a strong sense of personal integrity as well.
Overall, I think Shannon Messenger has hit this one out of the park for her tween fans, but it's not going to be on my list of favorites anytime soon. I'm on the fence as to whether I'll continue reading the series, but seeing how delighted my daughter was that I read the first book, I may have to continue—especially since she's reading one of my favorite books (A Little Princess) in exchange.
She's been pestering me to read it too—so I finally did, and I was underwhelmed. This book feels like someone cut up Harry Potter, shook it around a little, and pasted it back together. The worldbuilding was okay, but I was disappointed by the characters—they are distinct and recognizable as individuals, but we don't go very deep with any of them except Sophie (the protagonist), and even with her, I still feel that I don't know her very well.
Knowing that my daughter is currently reading nothing but these books, I was disappointed by two things: 1) the sentence structures are very simple and I just wish it was more challenging, and 2) there is far too much blushing and crushing going on for a 12-year-old protagonist. I would have liked it heaps better without all that.
That all said, it's not a bad read. It's well planned and plotted (although it felt a little too planned, if you know what I mean—it's hard to get into the story and forget that the author is yanking the strings behind the scenes), and it's engaging and hard to put down. My daughter goes crazy for all the little worldbuilding details like the food and animals and fancy houses. I did appreciate that our protagonist has a strong sense of personal integrity as well.
Overall, I think Shannon Messenger has hit this one out of the park for her tween fans, but it's not going to be on my list of favorites anytime soon. I'm on the fence as to whether I'll continue reading the series, but seeing how delighted my daughter was that I read the first book, I may have to continue—especially since she's reading one of my favorite books (A Little Princess) in exchange.
Wow! I really cruised through that one!
If I could describe it in one word, I would say "complex." The detail put into everything, from the food to the names, was amazing. I also loved the characters, especially Dex. One thing I wasn't particularly imressed with was the writing. It was good, but I didn't really feel like I was really there. Still, it was so good! Looking forward to the next one.
If I could describe it in one word, I would say "complex." The detail put into everything, from the food to the names, was amazing. I also loved the characters, especially Dex. One thing I wasn't particularly imressed with was the writing. It was good, but I didn't really feel like I was really there. Still, it was so good! Looking forward to the next one.
C - 6.5
A - 7
W - 6
P - 7
I - 8
L - 7
E - 8
Total - 7.07 (4 stars)
A - 7
W - 6
P - 7
I - 8
L - 7
E - 8
Total - 7.07 (4 stars)
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
I ended up being pleasantly surprised by this one. It took me awhile to get into it but once I did I was hooked. The two things I didn't like were how fake the whole "elf" thing felt. I'm not sure how to explain it. It just felt super cheesy. There is also a weird crush thing going on between a 12 year old and 15 year old and that made me uncomfortable. Obviously kids have crushes at that age and such but it was talked about over and over and over and oveeeer again.
My favorite part of the story was the parental figures. They were such a beautiful addition to the story. I'm beyond excited to continue on with the series! :D
My favorite part of the story was the parental figures. They were such a beautiful addition to the story. I'm beyond excited to continue on with the series! :D
medium-paced