Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
This book is so cute! What Disney fan doesn't want to see all of their favorite characters coincide and live in the same world? Auradon is your answer!
I have to admit, I almost chose to not finish this book because there are some *gasp!* incorrect Disney facts; stay with me here. At first, I thought it was simply lazy writing, but THEN right before I put it down, a light bulb turned on, and I realized that this story is being told from the perspective of a villain narrator - a villain narrator wouldn't care about getting their facts about heroes, princesses, etc. straight because they're evil and banished to a miserable little island.... Well played, Ms. Author, well played.....
After that, I was really excited for this book again, reread the first part with a new outlook, and couldn't put it down. It's just an overall fun adventure of four teens learning more about who they are versus who they're expected to become.
I have to admit, I almost chose to not finish this book because there are some *gasp!* incorrect Disney facts; stay with me here. At first, I thought it was simply lazy writing, but THEN right before I put it down, a light bulb turned on, and I realized that this story is being told from the perspective of a villain narrator - a villain narrator wouldn't care about getting their facts about heroes, princesses, etc. straight because they're evil and banished to a miserable little island.... Well played, Ms. Author, well played.....
After that, I was really excited for this book again, reread the first part with a new outlook, and couldn't put it down. It's just an overall fun adventure of four teens learning more about who they are versus who they're expected to become.
Wasn't a fan of the book. The language was a little too juvenile for my liking even considering it's a YA novel. However, I still will be checking out the TV show when it starts.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 Stars
I was solely looking forward to reading this book because of the premise and because I wanted to read about what happens after the happily ever after. With the movie coming soon, I wanted to read this before I watched the movie, since this is a prequel novel of sorts. Since this is a prequel novel, I was expecting an info dump of sorts and lots of back-story with very little plot. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised to find an actual plot.
This book focuses specifically on Mal (daughter of Maleficent), Jay (son of Jafar), Evie (daughter of Evil Queen), and Carlos (son of Cruella de Vil) and their lives on the Isle of the Lost. I was also presently surprised to see that even more children of Disney characters made an appearance (but I'm not going to say who because spoilers).
For me this book was great because of all the Disney references. There were so many instances that went back to old school Disney movies including the princess and even more modern day Disney. Just to name a few, there were references to Sleeping Beauty, Tarzan, Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, the Princess and the Frog, and 101 Dalmatians. I really enjoyed picking up on all of them. I was also presently surprised that I was able to. I think many people may miss some (and I'm sure I did not catch them all). Melissa de la Cruz's attention to detail was paramount in this book and it made the book for me.
I haven't given this book that amazing of a review only because it was a children's book and that was apparent in both the writing and the story. It was too "childish" for me to truly love. I did enjoy the book and look forward to the continuation in the movie, however this book was not up to my typical standards when it comes to books.
For me this book brought me back to my childhood of constantly watching Disney movies and loving every second of them. This book I think is great for a younger audience, especially kids who are a little apprehensive toward reading. I think this is a great book to get them interesting in a story. I borrowed this book from a family friend, whose 9.5 year old absolutely loved this book. I think for me I enjoyed the references to my childhood, but it was a little too juvenile for me.
I was solely looking forward to reading this book because of the premise and because I wanted to read about what happens after the happily ever after. With the movie coming soon, I wanted to read this before I watched the movie, since this is a prequel novel of sorts. Since this is a prequel novel, I was expecting an info dump of sorts and lots of back-story with very little plot. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised to find an actual plot.
This book focuses specifically on Mal (daughter of Maleficent), Jay (son of Jafar), Evie (daughter of Evil Queen), and Carlos (son of Cruella de Vil) and their lives on the Isle of the Lost. I was also presently surprised to see that even more children of Disney characters made an appearance (but I'm not going to say who because spoilers).
For me this book was great because of all the Disney references. There were so many instances that went back to old school Disney movies including the princess and even more modern day Disney. Just to name a few, there were references to Sleeping Beauty, Tarzan, Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, the Princess and the Frog, and 101 Dalmatians. I really enjoyed picking up on all of them. I was also presently surprised that I was able to. I think many people may miss some (and I'm sure I did not catch them all). Melissa de la Cruz's attention to detail was paramount in this book and it made the book for me.
I haven't given this book that amazing of a review only because it was a children's book and that was apparent in both the writing and the story. It was too "childish" for me to truly love. I did enjoy the book and look forward to the continuation in the movie, however this book was not up to my typical standards when it comes to books.
For me this book brought me back to my childhood of constantly watching Disney movies and loving every second of them. This book I think is great for a younger audience, especially kids who are a little apprehensive toward reading. I think this is a great book to get them interesting in a story. I borrowed this book from a family friend, whose 9.5 year old absolutely loved this book. I think for me I enjoyed the references to my childhood, but it was a little too juvenile for me.
I’m gonna be honest, as an adult woman, I fucking love the Descendants movies, and I loved this book. It’s the nostalgia. Something about it just feels so comforting, like an old childhood friend. The concept of a story told from the perspectives of the children of all the Disney villains was fascinating to me when I first heard about the Descendants movie years ago, and I’m glad I’m finally getting around to reading these books. The movies are some of my favorites Disney has ever done, and I think Melissa de la Cruz was a good choice as an author to bring these stories to page. I like the voice she gives the characters. This book felt a little bit like Percy Jackson too, which is why I loved it. I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5/5 stars
In this book, all the fairy tale characters live in tow places, the good live in Auradon, and the evil live on the Isle of the lost. A dome is placed over the Isle preventing the villains from escaping. In this book, we follow the daughters of Maleficent and Evil Queen. We also follow the sons of Jafar, and Cruella de Vil.
The world development is this book was okay. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't two bad. I feel like the author was trying to push some of the modern stuff in the book, even though, to me, it did not seem right to fit in there. The character development was okay as well, it could of been better when describing each character.
Mal: Daughter of Maleficent. Tries to be an mean and evil as possible.
Jay: Son of Jafar. A theif and is partners with Mal for thieving, but not friends.
Evie: Daughter of Evil Queen. She has been castle schooled for years and is finally going to go to Dragon hall.
Carlos: Sone of Cruella de Vil. More like her personal servant. He is very good at science.
Ben: Son of King Beast and Queen Belle. Next in line for the throne of Auradon.
My favorite character in this book is defiantly Mal. It is nice to see a mean character be the protagonist in the book and not them have to be the antagonist.
One thing I did like about the book though was that even though it lacked some elements, it was still fairly entertaining to read. It is short and I was able to read it in a day. This is a middle grade novel, so it is aiming for a younger audience.
My favorite part would have to be the part where Mal tries to get revenge on you know who if you read the book. It was funny how she kept changing her mind throughout the story of how to do it then finally coming up with a final solution then changing her mind again last minute.
One complaint I have about the book is that it is a prequel to the Disney's movie Decedents which means that I have to google the ending of the movie to figure out what happens to all the characters.
Overall, It is a good book. None of the things I despised about it really got in the way though. I would recommend this book for people who are way behind in there reading challenge. It is a fast speedy read with only like 300 pages!!
In this book, all the fairy tale characters live in tow places, the good live in Auradon, and the evil live on the Isle of the lost. A dome is placed over the Isle preventing the villains from escaping. In this book, we follow the daughters of Maleficent and Evil Queen. We also follow the sons of Jafar, and Cruella de Vil.
The world development is this book was okay. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't two bad. I feel like the author was trying to push some of the modern stuff in the book, even though, to me, it did not seem right to fit in there. The character development was okay as well, it could of been better when describing each character.
Mal: Daughter of Maleficent. Tries to be an mean and evil as possible.
Jay: Son of Jafar. A theif and is partners with Mal for thieving, but not friends.
Evie: Daughter of Evil Queen. She has been castle schooled for years and is finally going to go to Dragon hall.
Carlos: Sone of Cruella de Vil. More like her personal servant. He is very good at science.
Ben: Son of King Beast and Queen Belle. Next in line for the throne of Auradon.
My favorite character in this book is defiantly Mal. It is nice to see a mean character be the protagonist in the book and not them have to be the antagonist.
One thing I did like about the book though was that even though it lacked some elements, it was still fairly entertaining to read. It is short and I was able to read it in a day. This is a middle grade novel, so it is aiming for a younger audience.
My favorite part would have to be the part where Mal tries to get revenge on you know who if you read the book. It was funny how she kept changing her mind throughout the story of how to do it then finally coming up with a final solution then changing her mind again last minute.
One complaint I have about the book is that it is a prequel to the Disney's movie Decedents which means that I have to google the ending of the movie to figure out what happens to all the characters.
Overall, It is a good book. None of the things I despised about it really got in the way though. I would recommend this book for people who are way behind in there reading challenge. It is a fast speedy read with only like 300 pages!!
3.5*
Vroeger was ik lid van de Disney boekenclub, en had ik ook nog eens een hele verzameling videobanden, dus natuurlijk moest ik dit boek lezen!
Het verhaal was leuk, en door de vele referenties met Disney zoals ik het ken, bracht zoveel herinneringen terug!
Ik vond het te kinderachtig om er helemaal van te genieten, logisch; het is dan ook een kinderboek ;).
Overigens ben ik hierdoor wel nieuwsgierig naar de film geworden (al ziet de trailer er verschrikkelijk uit?!)..
Vroeger was ik lid van de Disney boekenclub, en had ik ook nog eens een hele verzameling videobanden, dus natuurlijk moest ik dit boek lezen!
Het verhaal was leuk, en door de vele referenties met Disney zoals ik het ken, bracht zoveel herinneringen terug!
Ik vond het te kinderachtig om er helemaal van te genieten, logisch; het is dan ook een kinderboek ;).
Overigens ben ik hierdoor wel nieuwsgierig naar de film geworden (al ziet de trailer er verschrikkelijk uit?!)..