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mithrilreads's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent writing, nice wit, and good to get to know the characters before the story starts off. That is often lacking in a good fantasy for kids. I love having normal fully established as well as characters. Really great read even for an adult as long as the adult knows its a kids book. It has a good narnia meet field of dreams feeling to it.
erinmk's review against another edition
4.0
I was a little nervous to read this to my younger boys (ages 7 & 9) but they are the two that loved it the most! They are already begging to read the next book in the series.
verydazedragon's review against another edition
I just couldn’t focus on the plot. The writing was so bland that it managed to make the action moments boring.
emilygoodpeasant's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.0
tabatha_shipley's review against another edition
3.0
A Yearling publication aimed at 8-12 year olds, this one landed on my wishlist after a few new-to-reading students of mine suggested it. Always eager to find out what has them reading, I finally managed to get my hands on a copy. The book is inventive, creative, and fun. It centers around a boy who discovers doors that lead to other worlds in the attic of his Aunt and Uncle's house. In the classic style of a book that will kick off a series of books, this one leaves many unanswered questions. I can see why it was so enjoyable to teenagers and I would recommend it. One word of caution, stick with it. The beginning is a bit slow, but once it picks up it's hard to put down.
Three stars for a slow beginning but a great ending.
Three stars for a slow beginning but a great ending.
adambroud's review against another edition
2.0
I loved the premise of the book, but unfortunately the story doesn't really get beyond the premise. I found myself 2/3rds of the way done with the book thinking, "How is the author going to fit all the fun stuff in?" and the truth is, he doesn't.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series. Maybe when the series is evaluated as a whole it's a lot more fun. The first book at least seems like a promising setup, but to give a book a good review, I have to see more of the promise.
The tone of the book was also kind of odd at the start. The author seemed to find his voice a few chapters in, but that also takes this book down some stars.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series. Maybe when the series is evaluated as a whole it's a lot more fun. The first book at least seems like a promising setup, but to give a book a good review, I have to see more of the promise.
The tone of the book was also kind of odd at the start. The author seemed to find his voice a few chapters in, but that also takes this book down some stars.
lady_mair's review against another edition
5.0
MAY 2021
I still have such a deep love for this trilogy. This time, I was particularly struck how tightly written Book 1 is. So much happens in a short space, but it never feels rushed. The characters also remain a high point for me. Diving directly into Book 2 now!
JULY 2017
This was a repeat listen to the wondrous audiobook version as I now own all three in the series. This was also in preparation for reading the new prequel book, which just released.
I adore these books! It's fun to return to them and hear all the history and the hints setting up for Book 2 & 3. /This/ is fantasy par excellence! Gotta love all the characters, the spectacular world-building, the suspense, the prose, the narrator, etc. etc.
I will always recommend this trilogy!
I still have such a deep love for this trilogy. This time, I was particularly struck how tightly written Book 1 is. So much happens in a short space, but it never feels rushed. The characters also remain a high point for me. Diving directly into Book 2 now!
JULY 2017
This was a repeat listen to the wondrous audiobook version as I now own all three in the series. This was also in preparation for reading the new prequel book, which just released.
I adore these books! It's fun to return to them and hear all the history and the hints setting up for Book 2 & 3. /This/ is fantasy par excellence! Gotta love all the characters, the spectacular world-building, the suspense, the prose, the narrator, etc. etc.
I will always recommend this trilogy!
scorpiobookfairy's review against another edition
3.0
Cute and unique story... I listened to this on cd, I might not have liked it if I had read the book. There were a lot of points where the author was describing things I felt were unnecessary to describe. But I enjoyed the story, and the characters were predictable but I still liked them... Good filler read :)