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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this look into life of the children of the Disney Villains, along with a brief look at the children of the princesses/princes and other "good" characters. The story begins about 20 years after all the happily ever afters...with the villains, their sidekicks, the wicked stepmothers, etc banished to the Isle of the Lost, which has been put under a protective dome to keep out magic. We see the how this has changed, hardened, and affected the psyche of our favorite villains, etc through the eyes of their children. Specifically those children of Jafar, Cruella De Ville, the Evil Queen (Snow White) and Malificient. Each of their kids is trying to find their own "evil" way to earn the respect of their parent.
This is a prequel book to the new Disney Channel movie so I know that the character list (for main characters) was set for the author. I think she did a nice job introducing these characters, showing us their own conflict between following in their respective parents footsteps and finding their own way.
It was an easy read, and while it did not wow my socks off, I really did enjoy the book and would be interested in more stories that let us peek into the world of AFTER the happily ever afters.
This is a prequel book to the new Disney Channel movie so I know that the character list (for main characters) was set for the author. I think she did a nice job introducing these characters, showing us their own conflict between following in their respective parents footsteps and finding their own way.
It was an easy read, and while it did not wow my socks off, I really did enjoy the book and would be interested in more stories that let us peek into the world of AFTER the happily ever afters.
The Isle of the Lost follows the only children of four of Disney’s classic villains.
Mal is the daughter of Maleficent and some weak mortal man, as he is often referred to by Maleficent. As I’ve already seen the first three movies, I’m left wondering whether Maleficent is lying or if Descendants 3 decided to make its own family tree. She is considered one of, if not the baddest Villain Kids, mostly because of her mother’s status as ruler of the Isle. Honestly, the only “evil” things she did the entire book were taking a gross cup of coffee without paying and locking Evie in a closet full of animal traps. These are definitely bad, but considering this short book is supposed to be about her slow transformation to not striving to be like her mother anymore? Simply having a bunch of people be scared of her didn’t really prove that to me.
Carlos is the son of Cruella de Vil, although he seems essentially more like her maid. I felt so bad for him sleeping on the floor of a closet without so much as a pillow or blanket. He is the mastermind behind the plot of the book, creating a box that accidentally pokes a hole into their dome-shaped barrier from magic. Despite this, it seemed like the author somewhat forgot about the box. When the scepter disappeared, why didn’t they at least attempt to turn the box back on in case it helped them? Maybe I missed it?
Jay is the son of Jafar, although he is more his shop lackey, sent off to steal things on the daily for Jafar’s shop. He was an interesting character and I enjoyed how throughout the book his personality stayed the same. He reminded me a bit more of Aladdin than Jafar, and I really enjoyed his partners-in-crime dynamic with Mal. I was confused most of the book from the conflicting messages about whether or not he was into Evie, but pleasantly so.
Evie is the daughter of the Evil Queen, who grew up in a castle for sixteen years with no one to speak with besides her parrot (Iago’s offspring) and her mother. Her entire life has involved the Evil Queen grooming her to be the fairest of the land, with not much room for learning anything else. Although I adore Evie and she is my favorite, I was a little confused in the beginning as to how she seemed to know things involving Carlos’ experiments when the author frequently stated that her only education involved spell books and learning things about makeup. How would she know about power cores and batteries, then?
The other character with some perspective chapters was Prince Ben, the son of Beauty and the Beast and soon to be King of Auradon. Most of his chapters are him lamenting about his future of being king, how he’s not even sure he likes his perfect girlfriend Audrey (daughter of Aurora and Phillip), and how he thinks his life is just as bad as the Villain Kids living on the Isle eating moldy food and never experiencing love or kindness. I understand this was all a build-up to the next book where he brings the Core Four to Auradon, but all the whining was grating on my nerves.
All in all, I enjoyed learning more about the Descendants characters! The book was easy to read and a nice change of pace after a 1,000 page book. The plot felt rushed at the end, but the rest of it was I didn’t mind!
Mal is the daughter of Maleficent and some weak mortal man, as he is often referred to by Maleficent. As I’ve already seen the first three movies, I’m left wondering whether Maleficent is lying or if Descendants 3 decided to make its own family tree. She is considered one of, if not the baddest Villain Kids, mostly because of her mother’s status as ruler of the Isle. Honestly, the only “evil” things she did the entire book were taking a gross cup of coffee without paying and locking Evie in a closet full of animal traps. These are definitely bad, but considering this short book is supposed to be about her slow transformation to not striving to be like her mother anymore? Simply having a bunch of people be scared of her didn’t really prove that to me.
Carlos is the son of Cruella de Vil, although he seems essentially more like her maid. I felt so bad for him sleeping on the floor of a closet without so much as a pillow or blanket. He is the mastermind behind the plot of the book, creating a box that accidentally pokes a hole into their dome-shaped barrier from magic. Despite this, it seemed like the author somewhat forgot about the box. When the scepter disappeared, why didn’t they at least attempt to turn the box back on in case it helped them? Maybe I missed it?
Jay is the son of Jafar, although he is more his shop lackey, sent off to steal things on the daily for Jafar’s shop. He was an interesting character and I enjoyed how throughout the book his personality stayed the same. He reminded me a bit more of Aladdin than Jafar, and I really enjoyed his partners-in-crime dynamic with Mal. I was confused most of the book from the conflicting messages about whether or not he was into Evie, but pleasantly so.
Evie is the daughter of the Evil Queen, who grew up in a castle for sixteen years with no one to speak with besides her parrot (Iago’s offspring) and her mother. Her entire life has involved the Evil Queen grooming her to be the fairest of the land, with not much room for learning anything else. Although I adore Evie and she is my favorite, I was a little confused in the beginning as to how she seemed to know things involving Carlos’ experiments when the author frequently stated that her only education involved spell books and learning things about makeup. How would she know about power cores and batteries, then?
The other character with some perspective chapters was Prince Ben, the son of Beauty and the Beast and soon to be King of Auradon. Most of his chapters are him lamenting about his future of being king, how he’s not even sure he likes his perfect girlfriend Audrey (daughter of Aurora and Phillip), and how he thinks his life is just as bad as the Villain Kids living on the Isle eating moldy food and never experiencing love or kindness. I understand this was all a build-up to the next book where he brings the Core Four to Auradon, but all the whining was grating on my nerves.
All in all, I enjoyed learning more about the Descendants characters! The book was easy to read and a nice change of pace after a 1,000 page book. The plot felt rushed at the end, but the rest of it was I didn’t mind!
I couldn't finish this book. It lacks a particular originality and it reminds me way too much of other books. You can feel the author reaching and reaching very far for this one.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Having enjoyed the movie, I was looking forward to reading this, and it was still pretty good. I liked seeing how the characters met and got to know each other. I liked seeing how the Isle worked on a normal basis. I liked the inside jokes for anyone who's recently seen what's on Disney Channel (or Family, or whatever).
What I did not like was the way it was written. Okay, yes, the voice was dumbed down for younger readers, but still. The descriptions felt a little forced in there and the action didn't feel like action. They went by to rapidly and to choppily to made much sense or be very exciting.
Aside from that, it was a good book. I just think the way it was written could have been improved upon. It wasn't an exceptionally great or interesting style. It was pretty basic. I think the style should've been made more intriguing or with a better voice - and it had that in the very beginning. It should've been written like that all the way through. But the plot and characters were still great.
What I did not like was the way it was written. Okay, yes, the voice was dumbed down for younger readers, but still. The descriptions felt a little forced in there and the action didn't feel like action. They went by to rapidly and to choppily to made much sense or be very exciting.
Aside from that, it was a good book. I just think the way it was written could have been improved upon. It wasn't an exceptionally great or interesting style. It was pretty basic. I think the style should've been made more intriguing or with a better voice - and it had that in the very beginning. It should've been written like that all the way through. But the plot and characters were still great.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was made strictly to satisfy Disney nerds.
I would know, I am one. :)
That being said, I'm sure this review is going to be skewed because of it.
After Happily Ever After all od the Disney Villains are sentenced to live on an island cut off from the rest of the kingdoms. The story is about the children that live and were raised on that island. Being evil is all they know and they strive to live up to their parents legacies.
This is a fun & quick read that happens before the Made for TV Disney Channel Original Movie "The Descendants". It takes a look at a persons personality and whether they are born inheritably evil or changed by the world around them.
For most people I would say this is a borrow from the Library, but with my huge Disney addiction this is a must own. Not to hard cover extreme, but I still want a copy for myself..
I would know, I am one. :)
That being said, I'm sure this review is going to be skewed because of it.
After Happily Ever After all od the Disney Villains are sentenced to live on an island cut off from the rest of the kingdoms. The story is about the children that live and were raised on that island. Being evil is all they know and they strive to live up to their parents legacies.
This is a fun & quick read that happens before the Made for TV Disney Channel Original Movie "The Descendants". It takes a look at a persons personality and whether they are born inheritably evil or changed by the world around them.
For most people I would say this is a borrow from the Library, but with my huge Disney addiction this is a must own. Not to hard cover extreme, but I still want a copy for myself..
This is a “fun” book…… You know the books where you don’t have to think you kind of just experience and enjoy the fantastical awfulness of it. Don’t get me wrong I’m giving it 3 stars because I enjoyed it. The concept is an original one however some aspects are lacking. And don’t get me started on the editing!!!!!!! I don’t know if it’s just my copy but there were added words, subtracted words, and words that made me read the sentence twice because it couldn’t possibly be what I thought it was. But it was….. Hopefully the next installments in the series will be better.