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writeralicia's review
First off, let me say that the primary reason this book didn't get more stars from me is that I found it to be directed to a younger audience than I expected. And it could be that my expectations are my own fault, so try not to hold this against the book. This book is marketed as young adult, but The Wizard of Oz is more of a middle grade story. Likewise, I felt like this book is a middle grade book, and I generally avoid middle grade. You can call me sick if you like, but it's tough to please me when you avoid cursing, sexual tension, and violence. Sorry.
That being said, this was a nice middle grade book. I loved the parallels between the characters and story line in this book versus the Wizard of Oz. I'd think it's tough to create a brand new, original story while still making clear connections to the story that served as inspiration.
The characters were fun a believable. Gail had just lost her parents and, understandably, lacked some self-control with respect to her temper. This made her likably flawed. Gail was a spunky character who took underdog kids under her wing and looked out for them. She was a great Dorothy in that respect, but she was still an original character because of her sparky temper. Nick—a handsome, popular boy, who often spoke in a monotone and seemed to lack passion about everything—was the perfect tin man.
So although I didn't love-love-adore this book, I see some wonderful qualities in it. I highly recommend it to middle grade readers and to anyone who loves The Wizard of Oz.
That being said, this was a nice middle grade book. I loved the parallels between the characters and story line in this book versus the Wizard of Oz. I'd think it's tough to create a brand new, original story while still making clear connections to the story that served as inspiration.
The characters were fun a believable. Gail had just lost her parents and, understandably, lacked some self-control with respect to her temper. This made her likably flawed. Gail was a spunky character who took underdog kids under her wing and looked out for them. She was a great Dorothy in that respect, but she was still an original character because of her sparky temper. Nick—a handsome, popular boy, who often spoke in a monotone and seemed to lack passion about everything—was the perfect tin man.
So although I didn't love-love-adore this book, I see some wonderful qualities in it. I highly recommend it to middle grade readers and to anyone who loves The Wizard of Oz.
codeimagine's review
3.0
I know its probably aimed towards a younger age, so I kind of disliked the writing a little and some of the cliche situations. Yet, I overall generally liked the book. I originally that it was going to be something like Wizard of Oz, but it wasn't completely. It had some elements, though I didn't know Wizard of Oz was a series of books and I've only read the first one so I don't have a clue,
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Ooh! This was a great book, with great powers, and great characters, and the wit was really great! I really enjoyed this book!
mj_james_writes's review
2.0
The writing of this book was actually good. I just didn't like it. I thought the vague references to The Wizard of Oz was dumb and poorly done, I also did not like the plot at all. However, I could see how others would enjoy it.
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