Reviews

Children of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks

beastreader's review

4.0

Children of the Wild is a charming and magical read! I really felt for Elbert. He really evolved through the progression of this story with a range of emotions. Every single emotion was felt and understood. This book is one that the whole family could read together and enjoy.

To be honest, I was not sure what Elbert was turning into with his physical change but as it was revealed, I thought it suited him well. Even as he better understood what the change meant; he embraced it. He realized that being different is not a bad thing and makes him unique. The other cast of characters that he encountered were endearing.

shannlynn's review

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

5.0

This was an incredibly captivating and engaging book! I know the target audience is younger, but I couldn’t put it down the entire time. I read this in one sitting and don’t regret it at all. I absolutely agree that this is for fans of Hayao Miyazaki because we’ve seen all his movies, and this has a wonderfully similar vibe. Elbert is going through some changes, and they aren’t what you would think of as typical growth spurts. This book is full of magic, fantasy, imagination, and a range of emotions that can be a bit tough to cover. I highly recommend picking up this book even if it seems a bit young for you because I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

ashleynichole1021's review

4.0

Historical fantasy books aren’t typically my go to but I gave this one a shot anyways, because I simply loved the cover. The magic and the creatures is something rather newish to me but the more I read books like this the more I’m enjoying them. It’s a nice way to take a step back from reality and that’s definitely what I needed right now. Super good book with amazing characters. 

bilberrysweet's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

This story about a farm boy and his metamorphosis into something magical is an interesting historical fantasy read. We see a the dynamics of a family trying to overcome the grief of losing a young child yet trying to continue being there for each other.
The family dynamics of trying to overcome the loss of a young child while trying to help each other through grief. The characters and settings are written well so the reader can be in the story.

emilyhei's review against another edition

4.0

Young Elbert has been having unusual occurrences happening to him.  Elbert finds out that that the strange things happening to him are escalating and that he will need to make a choice, because he has a gift of magic and he can follow that path or reject it altogether.  Which path will Elbert take?

I thought this was written in such a way that you could easily visualize what was happening.   I enjoyed  the story and was eager to figure out what was happening with Elbert. I think young adults will be thrilled with Children of the Wild.

bwagner's review

fast-paced

4.0

This is a cute story to read.  It is well written and fun to read.  It is a story about a young boy who starts to feel something funny inside him.  When he realizes it is magic, he now has to decide to embrace it or find it a curse.  This young boy is a great character.  I enjoyed watching him try to sort out his emotions.  He is a strong character that any older child would enjoy reading about.  There is great plot growth which just added to this child’s story.  I enjoyed reading it.  This is a great fantasy story that I highly recommend.

tytanmom23's review

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks. This is such a good fantasy, young adult read. Its the story of Elbert who lives on a farm in the early 20th century. Elbert thinks he's just a normal teenager with a normal family until one day he begins to physically feel different. He gets a weird sensation on his chest and he begins to grow feathers. He begins to see the world differently and almost feels at one with nature. As Elbert goes thru his self discovery he struggles with self doubt and grief. While going thru this process he begins to really feel like himself and learns to be the real Elbert. There is magic, shape shifting, mythical themes and magical abilities. This is such a fun journey for young adults and even older adults! 

faithfulgirl4's review

adventurous slow-paced

4.0

 

Each of us are born with differing traits that set us apart from each other. Elbert starts noticing things changing for him when he turns 14 years old. While his siblings seem completely normal, Elbert starts to notice feathers and a burning in his chest. What is his destiny? What is he to become as a person?

An enjoyable read with some points of humor along the way!

 

shellyk51's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.0

 What a fascinating story. I loved the shapeshifting aspect to it. The historical part of the story was similar to Tuck Everlasting, as had been recommended. I have never read that book. I did find this story attention keeping, able to draw me in and quite intriguing. I found the characters to be developed very well. The detail was good. It's a story that I'll read to my grandson when he's a little older. I believe it'll grab his attention. 

jennadb's review

4.5

4.5 stars

Children of the Wild is an YA historical fantasy tale. Krysta Twalks is a relatively new author and one to be watched. This unique and vividly imaginative tale is original. It is refreshing to read something a little different from the norm.

Mythological creatures, shape shifters, magic, magical abilities and transformations are just some of the things that you will find in this magical tale.

One boy is about to find out who he really is. I mean it’s not everyday that you suddenly sprout feathers and can magically produce sparks. He finds he is surrounded by magical creatures he never knew existed. He finds himself in a world full of wonder and danger. 

Elbert must learn to wield his magic along with learning to be who he is and accepting who he is. He must learn to deal with the grief of losing a sister whilst looking after his other siblings. He finds himself in a fight with a friend and being aware of enemies that could threaten it all.

Acceptance, overcoming grief and hope is just some of what he must learn… 

I am sure YA’s will enjoy this magical tale.