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sarahlopod's review against another edition
4.0
(This review can also be found on my blog.)
I’m not typically into Middle Grade books, but this was an exception for me. I don’t remember what drew me to this title, I believe I saw a review somewhere, but it could have just been featured on a TBR post. I picked it up not really knowing what to expect, but finding myself pleasantly surprised with what I found.
Goldeline is a quick read that’s easy to power through, but contains a lot of heavy content. I was really surprised to see the age range was 10+ considering the themes present. There was a decent amount of violence and death, as well as some spooky scenes. The MC, Goldeline, really went through a lot of traumatic stuff!
I find that it can be difficult to find books with young MCs that aren’t written in an infantile way, but the author pulls off Goldeline’s inner voice wonderfully. The narration is naive and childlike without becoming unreadable. The relationships between the characters were great, and there was even a M/M couple, which was nice to see.
Overall, I thought Goldeline was a nice read and would recommend it to anyone interested. It’s quick to get through and tells a unique story.
I’m not typically into Middle Grade books, but this was an exception for me. I don’t remember what drew me to this title, I believe I saw a review somewhere, but it could have just been featured on a TBR post. I picked it up not really knowing what to expect, but finding myself pleasantly surprised with what I found.
Goldeline is a quick read that’s easy to power through, but contains a lot of heavy content. I was really surprised to see the age range was 10+ considering the themes present. There was a decent amount of violence and death, as well as some spooky scenes. The MC, Goldeline, really went through a lot of traumatic stuff!
I find that it can be difficult to find books with young MCs that aren’t written in an infantile way, but the author pulls off Goldeline’s inner voice wonderfully. The narration is naive and childlike without becoming unreadable. The relationships between the characters were great, and there was even a M/M couple, which was nice to see.
Overall, I thought Goldeline was a nice read and would recommend it to anyone interested. It’s quick to get through and tells a unique story.
oneanjana's review against another edition
5.0
“Momma said the clouds were God’s own handwriting, all the sky was, and the moon was what whispered the future to you. She said she could read mysteries in the way leaves fluttered and trees groaned in the wind, that all birds had their own song you could listen to like a ghost story. That they all had a point, that you could read them.”
— ★★★★★ (5/5) —
I was enchanted.
I want to stop my review right there because (again) I was enchanted.
This book told a dark and captivating tale about Goldeline, or more known as The Ghost Girl, with hair as white as summer snow. After her momma died—burned down, accused as a witch—she lived with Gruff and the boys in the woods, making a living as bandits.
I love the writing style the most! Lyrical, haunting, whimsical, and enchanting (yes, I will use ‘enchanting’ words over and over). The plot is slow-paced, but I don’t mind at all because I always take a delight in beautiful (and enchanting!) writing. You can see yourself a glimpse of the writing in that quote above.
Well, there are things that also bothered me, of course. But I will let it slide. For example, the plot twist and the plot holes. The twist is predictable, but I think for the target readers it will do just fine. And for the final chapters, I didn’t quite like the closure for The Preacher. Seems so easy, and I’d like to see more of that new side of Goldeline. Moreover, I don’t know what to feel about the ending for Goldeline. I’m happy because I think her decision suits her well, but I’m also sad for the friendship.
Overall, for a MG one, I think this was a little bit dark but also heartwarming at the same time. This book also brings out religion topics and how wrong people use religion for their own purposes, or as a cover for hate. I recommend this if you love middle grade books with lyrical and enchanting writing, a little dark but also warm your heart with friendship and a found-family story.
tessa5's review
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
mldeblois13's review against another edition
4.0
Well, I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of a Tale Dark and Grimm in some ways. It is a quirky book and not made for everyone; however, traditional lit lovers might take to this one. It almost seems like a fairy tale retelling. There are some great Lift-a- Lines in this one, so I would consider using it as a mentor text. Warning: there are some adult concepts that kids might pick up on, and in general, religion is not looked at in a very good light in some parts.
brownbagbargainbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
3.25
For fans of brave little girls, adventure, bandits, and a touch of magic in the woods.
hannah_greendale's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bibliophilicjester's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
another book that was just okay for me.
this had WAY more religion than i was expecting and while i do occasionally enjoy a religious zealot, this one wasn't my favorite example of that. i'm also not sure what age/audience this was written for because it is DARK and has some serious triggers. i'm always here for a creepy wood, though. characters fight and are attacked, and there's a decent amount of gruesome death referenced and seen on-page that i'd be careful exactly which kid i handed this to. it's also written the way goldeline speaks, mostly, which doesn't always work for me. i WILL say though, i think the ending was perfect for the story. i know a lot of people want to see dark stories wrapped up with sunshine and happiness for all, but i always appreciate when an ending makes sense for the story as a whole. this one did!
i got what this was trying to do, but there were a few too many things that bothered me specifically; of course it all comes down to my personal preference. i'd also read another book by this author, as i don't think 3 star ratings are bad!
also, i'll keep it incredibly vague so it doesn't spoil anything, but skip this if you're not sure...
we meet two characters toward the end who are absolutely wonderful, and unless i missed it, i don't think goldeline checks in with them again. i want to know if they're okay!! maybe i just missed it within the book and there was a line about it. maybe i read too fast or something. if i'm wrong and it is mentioned, please let me know!!
this had WAY more religion than i was expecting and while i do occasionally enjoy a religious zealot, this one wasn't my favorite example of that. i'm also not sure what age/audience this was written for because it is DARK and has some serious triggers. i'm always here for a creepy wood, though. characters fight and are attacked, and there's a decent amount of gruesome death referenced and seen on-page that i'd be careful exactly which kid i handed this to. it's also written the way goldeline speaks, mostly, which doesn't always work for me. i WILL say though, i think the ending was perfect for the story. i know a lot of people want to see dark stories wrapped up with sunshine and happiness for all, but i always appreciate when an ending makes sense for the story as a whole. this one did!
i got what this was trying to do, but there were a few too many things that bothered me specifically; of course it all comes down to my personal preference. i'd also read another book by this author, as i don't think 3 star ratings are bad!
also, i'll keep it incredibly vague so it doesn't spoil anything, but skip this if you're not sure...
we meet two characters toward the end who are absolutely wonderful, and unless i missed it, i don't think goldeline checks in with them again. i want to know if they're okay!! maybe i just missed it within the book and there was a line about it. maybe i read too fast or something. if i'm wrong and it is mentioned, please let me know!!
thedizzyreader's review
4.0
Ever since her mother burned at the stake, Goldeline's been on the run with a gang of bandits. She's the Ghostly Girl whom travelers fear, lest they find themselves lost and stripped of all their worldly possessions. But is there anyplace in the Hinterlands where she can stay safe from the Preacher for good?
Solid middle-grade fantasy with a strong female lead! Quick, sometimes spooky, and a great read alike for fans of The Thickety and Neil Gaiman. Goldeline has such a fantastic inner voice. Her narration really made the novel for me, but there were many other delightful gems, such as the positive portrayal of a M/M relationship.
Solid middle-grade fantasy with a strong female lead! Quick, sometimes spooky, and a great read alike for fans of The Thickety and Neil Gaiman. Goldeline has such a fantastic inner voice. Her narration really made the novel for me, but there were many other delightful gems, such as the positive portrayal of a M/M relationship.
abigailbat's review
3.0
A fast-paced fantasy adventure through an imagined Southern landscape, Goldeline is a good choice for tweens who like fairy tale retellings and fantasy of that ilk. Although I don't think this is a retelling of a particular tale, it has that feel to it.
Billed as a readalike for The Thickety, it didn't have enough magic for what I would be looking for in a readalike, but it has a similar strong female protagonist who's looking out for a younger companion as they journey through lands strange and creepy.
Billed as a readalike for The Thickety, it didn't have enough magic for what I would be looking for in a readalike, but it has a similar strong female protagonist who's looking out for a younger companion as they journey through lands strange and creepy.