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kmacoz's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
forever_day's review against another edition
4.0
I’ll rescind my comment about the second book that the plot would get too repetitive. This one switched things up sufficiently to keep it fresh: Arthur has accepted he can’t go home and has to deal with this now, the Key holder is keen to give it up rather than trying to kill him, and the ocean scenery felt new and fresh. Remains fast-paced and very readable, I think this was the best of the series so far.
However, the ending chapter… very creepy.
(I do think it might benefit from a brief explanation of special terms e.g. of what a denizen is again. I can sort of remember from book 1 and you get by with context, but I can’t really remember if they are special in any way except that they have to live in the House.)
However, the ending chapter… very creepy.
(I do think it might benefit from a brief explanation of special terms e.g. of what a denizen is again. I can sort of remember from book 1 and you get by with context, but I can’t really remember if they are special in any way except that they have to live in the House.)
mirabel_oopsie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lakesbecky's review against another edition
4.0
Pirates, giant whales and talking rats! Arthur once again battling to save our world and wrest a key from the trustee... Best yet I think
erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Garth Nix comes at us with pirates and nautical themes in Book 3 of the Keys tot the Kingdom series. I liked this one but I wonder if it was for entirely the wrong reasons!
I could not help but notice that this book is peppered with ties to C.S. Lewis (Narnia), especially Voyage of the Dawn Treader, including a portal through an ocean painting, talking sailor rats, a magical device that allows one to see and hear what is happening to a loved one, the whole timey-wimey stuff with time at home moving much slower than in The House, and recurring jokes about using wardrobes as portals to other worlds. I found it cute that he leaned into such obvious tropes.
Exploring inside a giant whale reminded me way too much of Lord JabuJabu in Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, despite the whole TARDIS feel of things not being relational to their outside appearance. I am loving that that Garth Nix manages to create a character who has an impossible appetite that they struggle to control, without making the struggle about body image.
I have to be reading way to much into things about a cult forming around a magical fish.. but I couldn't help but feel that the fact that it was a Carp was some sort of Christian metaphor (fishers of men? carpenters?) either way.. it again put me in mind of Zelda (Windwaker this time) with a barbelled carp popping up and telling you where to go.. "Keeeh?!"
I don't think this review makes overly much sense. I'm blaming my allergies.
I could not help but notice that this book is peppered with ties to C.S. Lewis (Narnia), especially Voyage of the Dawn Treader, including a portal through an ocean painting, talking sailor rats, a magical device that allows one to see and hear what is happening to a loved one, the whole timey-wimey stuff with time at home moving much slower than in The House, and recurring jokes about using wardrobes as portals to other worlds. I found it cute that he leaned into such obvious tropes.
Exploring inside a giant whale reminded me way too much of Lord JabuJabu in Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, despite the whole TARDIS feel of things not being relational to their outside appearance. I am loving that that Garth Nix manages to create a character who has an impossible appetite that they struggle to control, without making the struggle about body image.
I have to be reading way to much into things about a cult forming around a magical fish.. but I couldn't help but feel that the fact that it was a Carp was some sort of Christian metaphor (fishers of men? carpenters?) either way.. it again put me in mind of Zelda (Windwaker this time) with a barbelled carp popping up and telling you where to go.. "Keeeh?!"
I don't think this review makes overly much sense. I'm blaming my allergies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Eating disorder
Moderate: Death
changelingreader_adrian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5