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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-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:
Complicated
I loved this book. (Shout out to my sister PrincessOfParis for getting me into this series) it was full of exciting scenes and really good characters. (*ahem* KEEFE) one of the good things about this was the climax was so unexpected. I just enjoyed this to the max.
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
2.5/5 - As I don't have the option to give out half-stars, I've rounded my rating down to 2/5 as this book wasn't engaging or memorable enough for me personally, but I would probably round it up to 3/5 for younger readers who fall within the target audience. The world-building and the way in which the author chose to propel the plot forward felt lazy to me. The characters and school setting were enjoyable though.
I've seen reviews comparing this series to Harry Potter. I've only read this first instalment so far, so I can't say if the rest will live up to the hype, but unfortunately for me, there is no comparison - Harry Potter (if we're just talking about the work of literature and not the author) is the clear winner in all aspects (complexity of writing, plot, world-building, pacing etc.). I do not think it is a fair comparison to make, however, as this definitely reads a lot younger.
I've seen reviews comparing this series to Harry Potter. I've only read this first instalment so far, so I can't say if the rest will live up to the hype, but unfortunately for me, there is no comparison - Harry Potter (if we're just talking about the work of literature and not the author) is the clear winner in all aspects (complexity of writing, plot, world-building, pacing etc.). I do not think it is a fair comparison to make, however, as this definitely reads a lot younger.
3 1/2 stars, mostly because I'm not the target audience. Interesting story that at first seems similar to Harry Potter but that is only a superficial similarity. It is definitely different and nothing like I imagined. The author was continually able to surprise me and keep me guessing. If I was 12 I would probably rate this at least 4.
Keeper of Lost Cities was a good book, not amazing, but good. It kept my interest, as well as, elicited emotions from me.
The fantasy and adventure are my favorite part of the book. My favorite character is Dex and it's no surprise that I also think he's the smartest one of the whole group of kids. Speaking about the kids, I did feel that the 12 year olds were written as if they were older than 12. Also, the older kids the 15 year olds I couldn't understand why they were hanging out with a whole bunch of 12 year olds. I remember being 15 and not wanting my friends little brothers and sisters constantly with us. That was somewhat confusing and surprising. Other than that I quite enjoyed the story and I'm definitely going to continue to the next book.
Good read, 3.5 stars
The fantasy and adventure are my favorite part of the book. My favorite character is Dex and it's no surprise that I also think he's the smartest one of the whole group of kids. Speaking about the kids, I did feel that the 12 year olds were written as if they were older than 12. Also, the older kids the 15 year olds I couldn't understand why they were hanging out with a whole bunch of 12 year olds. I remember being 15 and not wanting my friends little brothers and sisters constantly with us. That was somewhat confusing and surprising. Other than that I quite enjoyed the story and I'm definitely going to continue to the next book.
Good read, 3.5 stars
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
read this book in 3 hours and 24 minutes. Im proud of myself!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read this because my nieces love the series. Definitely a fun middle grade series with all of the good things: Magic school, mysteries, and adventure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Torture, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury
Includes discussions of severe allergic reactions.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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