Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
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
I 100% read this book based off of my love for the Descendants movie, I will be up front about that. I'm trying to be forgiving because I find it's harder to judge middle grade novels as an older reader, but overall it was a very cute story. I thought it made a nice addition to the movie because you got a feel for the character's mindsets before the plot of the DCOM. My favorite part was definitely seeing our core four starting to band together and become "friends". It was nice to take a lot inside their heads and see their insecurities, especially trying to live up to their parents expectations (Prince Ben included).
The writing is certainly very suited for the middle grade audience- a lot of sass, and a lot of "voice" in that the narration sounds like it's being given by a sassy middle schooler. It wasn't entirely inappropriate, but I sometimes found it more annoying than silly. My biggest issue with this novel (and frankly, this franchise) is the world building. There are so many confusing aspects when trying to mash every famous Disney character into one world/kingdom. For example, we have characters like the mice from Cinderella who can communicate with people (to an extent), and we have characters like Pongo and Perdita from 101 Dalmatians who could not communicate with people in their film but are able to have their barks translated in Auradon? There's also the question of the "tradition" of coronation at 16 years old.... which is, first of all, a terrible idea, and secondly how can that even be considered a tradition if this is essentially the first generation of this royal family? How was Auradon even formed? Where were all of these characters for their respective stories before coming to this kingdom? AND WHO ARE THE OTHER PARENTS OF ALL THESE VILLAIN KIDS?? Like who on earth carried Jafar's baby? These are the questions that haunt me. It just seems that some things were not very well thought out.
Overall it was a cute read. Our villain kids aren't all that villainous, but maybe that's why I like them. Definitely something I would recommend to kids of this age range but older readers like myself will find it pretty predictable and a little cheesy.
I 100% read this book based off of my love for the Descendants movie, I will be up front about that. I'm trying to be forgiving because I find it's harder to judge middle grade novels as an older reader, but overall it was a very cute story. I thought it made a nice addition to the movie because you got a feel for the character's mindsets before the plot of the DCOM. My favorite part was definitely seeing our core four starting to band together and become "friends". It was nice to take a lot inside their heads and see their insecurities, especially trying to live up to their parents expectations (Prince Ben included).
The writing is certainly very suited for the middle grade audience- a lot of sass, and a lot of "voice" in that the narration sounds like it's being given by a sassy middle schooler. It wasn't entirely inappropriate, but I sometimes found it more annoying than silly. My biggest issue with this novel (and frankly, this franchise) is the world building. There are so many confusing aspects when trying to mash every famous Disney character into one world/kingdom. For example, we have characters like the mice from Cinderella who can communicate with people (to an extent), and we have characters like Pongo and Perdita from 101 Dalmatians who could not communicate with people in their film but are able to have their barks translated in Auradon? There's also the question of the "tradition" of coronation at 16 years old.... which is, first of all, a terrible idea, and secondly how can that even be considered a tradition if this is essentially the first generation of this royal family? How was Auradon even formed? Where were all of these characters for their respective stories before coming to this kingdom? AND WHO ARE THE OTHER PARENTS OF ALL THESE VILLAIN KIDS?? Like who on earth carried Jafar's baby? These are the questions that haunt me. It just seems that some things were not very well thought out.
Overall it was a cute read. Our villain kids aren't all that villainous, but maybe that's why I like them. Definitely something I would recommend to kids of this age range but older readers like myself will find it pretty predictable and a little cheesy.
This is a great story a somewhat new twist on clasdic stories with a new take on the famous villains.
Even tho it took me forever to read it (bcuz of stress and life) but it's such a goooood set up for descendents the back story of Mal, Jay, Carlos and Evie was fascinating and sad to follow getting to know them they lives and how they become "friends" ahh just move it. tho I think I love Carlos and Evie a lil more ❤️
I really enjoyed this story it was a little cheesy in places but then what fairy tale isn't. I'm always drawn to fairy tales so I new I needed to read this book and it didn't disappoint!
2.5
I didn't enjoy it up until I was like, 70% through and it got v v cheesy in the end too so idk. I was thinking of not finishing it but I pushed through bc I wanna know what happened pre-Descendants to know more about the characters.
I didn't enjoy it up until I was like, 70% through and it got v v cheesy in the end too so idk. I was thinking of not finishing it but I pushed through bc I wanna know what happened pre-Descendants to know more about the characters.
I absolutely loved this book and the movie. I recommend watching the movie first then reading the book since the book is a prequel to the movie. I feel like watching the movie first will get you more into the story and just make it more enjoyable.
it wouldn't be a good book if it had just been a standalone story, but as supplemental material it does its job. now I gotta watch the movie.