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billyjepma's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I’ve had this book on my shelf for years, and while I can’t say that it floored me—it doesn’t quite have enough depth to stick with you, I don’t think—it has such a heart of gold that I couldn’t help but be won over by the end. The tone is all over the place, admittedly, and the first half of the book is laid out in a way I found hard to get into. But once things came together around that halfway point, I was quickly and thoroughly swept up in the unique brand of whimsy, history, and commentary that Gidwitz’s tender storytelling has to offer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, and Antisemitism
Minor: Grief, Violence, Racism, Bullying, Animal death, and Death of parent
fantasynovel's review against another edition
5.0
A middle grade novel that mentions Rashi and features Rabbi Yehuda? Three child saints? Medieval France? A healthy helping of Adam Gidwitz trademark humor? AMAZING BOOK, 10/10, will read again
handsliftedhigh's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
mipa_jt's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
hamilgrom's review against another edition
4.0
What I enjoyed most about this book was the unique setting and interesting historical context. There's a lot of themes packed in here and many lessons that younger readers can learn. Great story for all younger and older readers!
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think there's been another year when there was both a Newbery Honor Book and a Printz Honor Book set in the Inquisition. I'm curious whether a book about the Inquisition has been honored by either of these committees before, and curious about what made 800 year old history such a hot topic in 2016. And a bit irked that neither current author seemed to be able to separate hating and killing people for differences of faith from thinking that religions are not all equally true and valid.
But now to review this book:
A holy greyhound, a monk, and three children: a Jew, a huge, dark-skinned monk-in-training, and a peasant girl who sees visions make for unusual traveling companions. But not as unusual, perhaps, as the motley crew of inn-dwellers, who each have part of their journey to tell. Wanted by King Louis, venerated as saints, and full of adventure and humor, the children are fantastic characters in a story well-worth your time.
But now to review this book:
A holy greyhound, a monk, and three children: a Jew, a huge, dark-skinned monk-in-training, and a peasant girl who sees visions make for unusual traveling companions. But not as unusual, perhaps, as the motley crew of inn-dwellers, who each have part of their journey to tell. Wanted by King Louis, venerated as saints, and full of adventure and humor, the children are fantastic characters in a story well-worth your time.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
"You've met them, too?" I ask. "What is this? A we-met-the-kids reunion?"
I was squealing when I spotted this book at the library, I didn't know that Adam Gidwitz had written another book. I just had to have to bring it with me.
NOTE: I am tired so this review may be a bit chaotic.
Three kids, all three with amazing gifts (visions, healing, strength) and their holy dog are on the run for the King. How did it come to this? Well, we find that out through stories people tell at a certain inn, an inn also visited by the kids themselves (not only once, but twice as the story comes together).
The book consists of 2 parts (at least I would consider it that). The first part is the story of the kids told through the eyes of various witnesses (and one magical/holy nun). The parts from the nun are more from the POV of the children, whereas the others are from the POV of the one who saw it all happen. The second part is from the Inquisitor's eyes (and the text is all bold there just like the times when he used to talk). I also liked that during the time we see the story through the Inquisitor's eyes we also learn about him. About the person he is, how he came to be in that place, what his plans are.
Every time we learn something new about the kids (backstories), until they finally reunite together. And then we see their adventures together. Dragon hunting, saving books, figuring out who is foe and who is a friend. As that is a thin line in a country so drenched in religion. Even if they can do miracles, there are people who might not see it as that.
My favourite character is Jeanne, followed by Jacob, and then lastly William. My problem with William was that he was a bit too violent for my taste. I loved him when he was pondering life's problems, but when he was bashing in heads... not so much. Jacob was an interesting character, but there was something that didn't sit well with me about him. I am not sure how to explain.
Jeanne was just terrific. I loved how she stuck to what she believed, no matter what happens she doesn't waver. Plus she is strong, not afraid. Not even when bound, she stays fierce.
This book is all about religion. From crusades (bleh) to how Jews are treated to how everyone is supposed to be a good Christian to saints and miracles. There are angels, God, nuns, priests, and more. At times the subject (especially in regards to Jews) was a bit heavy.
It was also a book that seemed like it went on and on. It happens sometimes with books, they are AMAZING and you want to read it all, but it just seems like you can't get everywhere.
I loved how, like with all Adam Gidwitz books and stories, the narrator pops in between the stories. :P It is a bit less in this one, but it still happens and I just adore that!
Michelangelo?
The ending was terrific, I was delighted for everyone. Though I have to say there were a few things that made me go: OHHHHH, OMG? *Flips back to the beginnings to check if it was true*
The book is also, just like medieval texts used to be, illuminated. The borders of the pages have gorgeous illustrations crawling all over. Sometimes featuring things that are happening in the story, and sometimes it goes for the weird. :P
All in all, this is one hell of a book and I would highly recommend it to everyone. You won't be disappointed. It is funny, but also serious, it is miraculous, sad, beautiful.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was squealing when I spotted this book at the library, I didn't know that Adam Gidwitz had written another book. I just had to have to bring it with me.
NOTE: I am tired so this review may be a bit chaotic.
Three kids, all three with amazing gifts (visions, healing, strength) and their holy dog are on the run for the King. How did it come to this? Well, we find that out through stories people tell at a certain inn, an inn also visited by the kids themselves (not only once, but twice as the story comes together).
The book consists of 2 parts (at least I would consider it that). The first part is the story of the kids told through the eyes of various witnesses (and one magical/holy nun). The parts from the nun are more from the POV of the children, whereas the others are from the POV of the one who saw it all happen. The second part is from the Inquisitor's eyes (and the text is all bold there just like the times when he used to talk). I also liked that during the time we see the story through the Inquisitor's eyes we also learn about him. About the person he is, how he came to be in that place, what his plans are.
Every time we learn something new about the kids (backstories), until they finally reunite together. And then we see their adventures together. Dragon hunting, saving books, figuring out who is foe and who is a friend. As that is a thin line in a country so drenched in religion. Even if they can do miracles, there are people who might not see it as that.
My favourite character is Jeanne, followed by Jacob, and then lastly William. My problem with William was that he was a bit too violent for my taste. I loved him when he was pondering life's problems, but when he was bashing in heads... not so much. Jacob was an interesting character, but there was something that didn't sit well with me about him. I am not sure how to explain.
Jeanne was just terrific. I loved how she stuck to what she believed, no matter what happens she doesn't waver. Plus she is strong, not afraid. Not even when bound, she stays fierce.
This book is all about religion. From crusades (bleh) to how Jews are treated to how everyone is supposed to be a good Christian to saints and miracles. There are angels, God, nuns, priests, and more. At times the subject (especially in regards to Jews) was a bit heavy.
It was also a book that seemed like it went on and on. It happens sometimes with books, they are AMAZING and you want to read it all, but it just seems like you can't get everywhere.
I loved how, like with all Adam Gidwitz books and stories, the narrator pops in between the stories. :P It is a bit less in this one, but it still happens and I just adore that!
Michelangelo?
Spoiler
I so didn't expect him to turn out that way. I thought, given how Jeanne and everyone else thought of him, and his reputation, that he was an evil man. But he was sweet, kind, caring. I certainly didn't see that twist come when it came. Well, this explains a whole lot. :PThe ending was terrific, I was delighted for everyone. Though I have to say there were a few things that made me go: OHHHHH, OMG? *Flips back to the beginnings to check if it was true*
The book is also, just like medieval texts used to be, illuminated. The borders of the pages have gorgeous illustrations crawling all over. Sometimes featuring things that are happening in the story, and sometimes it goes for the weird. :P
All in all, this is one hell of a book and I would highly recommend it to everyone. You won't be disappointed. It is funny, but also serious, it is miraculous, sad, beautiful.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
writingsparrow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jemcarney's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Medievalists told by a modern. Not great depiction of virtue from an angel. Fun takeoff of Canterbury Tales, but overall not recommended.