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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
True rating; scrapes 2 stars
In it's favour it is a cute children's adventure story, however the story lacks consistency and some points are left vaguely explained, or not explained at all.
In my opinion a final brutal edit of this book could have made it a decent novel.
In it's favour it is a cute children's adventure story, however the story lacks consistency and some points are left vaguely explained, or not explained at all.
In my opinion a final brutal edit of this book could have made it a decent novel.
This book has been on my "to read" list for goodness only knows how long because it involves Disney, and oh how I love Disney. It might be because this book is WAY too young for me, the main characters being middle schoolers, but I thought the book was lacking in complexity. What there was was cute, but the parents irritatingly questioned their children and refused to believe them when they finally told the truth. The main character, Finn, seemed to like every girl he set eyes on, or at least think that they were pretty, and though adorable, it got somewhat old after a while. The fable and the riddles were good, and the characters were distinctive, although nothing was done with the "artistic" member of the team.
Worth the read, but there's definitely an age cap of about 13 years old on this one. Good concept, but needs a bit more to appeal to older audiences.
Worth the read, but there's definitely an age cap of about 13 years old on this one. Good concept, but needs a bit more to appeal to older audiences.
Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon - Books Completed: 3
This book has been on my shelf for years, so I took the readathon as an opportunity to plow through a middle-grade novel. Being that I lived in Orlando for 5 years, as well as worked at Walt Disney World, I figured I was sure to love this series. The premise is just so interesting! However, Disney After Dark was a little disappointing and weird to say the least.
I will say, I didn't expect a book for children to be so thrilling. There were parts that I would consider downright scary for this book's target audience. For me, though, that was a plus. I did really enjoy hearing the descriptions of specific things that were easy for me to picture from memory. Things like specific areas of the park, cast member costumes worn by some characters, and even the surprisingly in-depth descriptions of the Utilidor really helped me connect to the setting considering how familiar they are to me. (I will say that from working there, I know how big Disney is on character integrity. I was shocked that in a book like this, targeted at young people, the author blatantly describes actors walking around backstage. This felt very taboo for me to be reading.)
Now onto some of the major problems. I didn't love any of the characters and I might even go so far as to say that I disliked more characters than I liked. And, irritated doesn't even begin to cover the way I felt every time a character (usually Maybeck) said something weird and unnatural like "What's with that?" over and over. The story as a whole wasn't awful, but it wasn't very good either. It sets itself up to be continued (and I know the series has like 4 books or something), but it just feels so forced and unnecessary.
A majority of the book (especially early on) felt like an ad for Virtual Magic Kingdom. I used to be super into that game as well, so this aspect was definitely nostalgic for me, but that didn't stop it from feeling inorganic. I also feel like the mentions of VMK which is now long-gone also manage to date this book and make it a bit inaccessible to newer readers. Finally, the religious undertones were unexpected and incredibly off-putting for me. They're subtle and infrequent enough that they managed to catch me off guard each time. I literally had to go make sure I didn't accidentally pick up a children's christian-fiction at one point! Very strange considering Disney is usually good about weeding outright religion and most religious undertones out of their promotions.
Overall, not the worst thing I've ever read.. But, I'm sure glad it's over.
This book has been on my shelf for years, so I took the readathon as an opportunity to plow through a middle-grade novel. Being that I lived in Orlando for 5 years, as well as worked at Walt Disney World, I figured I was sure to love this series. The premise is just so interesting! However, Disney After Dark was a little disappointing and weird to say the least.
I will say, I didn't expect a book for children to be so thrilling. There were parts that I would consider downright scary for this book's target audience. For me, though, that was a plus. I did really enjoy hearing the descriptions of specific things that were easy for me to picture from memory. Things like specific areas of the park, cast member costumes worn by some characters, and even the surprisingly in-depth descriptions of the Utilidor really helped me connect to the setting considering how familiar they are to me. (I will say that from working there, I know how big Disney is on character integrity. I was shocked that in a book like this, targeted at young people, the author blatantly describes actors walking around backstage. This felt very taboo for me to be reading.)
Now onto some of the major problems. I didn't love any of the characters and I might even go so far as to say that I disliked more characters than I liked. And, irritated doesn't even begin to cover the way I felt every time a character (usually Maybeck) said something weird and unnatural like "What's with that?" over and over. The story as a whole wasn't awful, but it wasn't very good either. It sets itself up to be continued (and I know the series has like 4 books or something), but it just feels so forced and unnecessary.
A majority of the book (especially early on) felt like an ad for Virtual Magic Kingdom. I used to be super into that game as well, so this aspect was definitely nostalgic for me, but that didn't stop it from feeling inorganic. I also feel like the mentions of VMK which is now long-gone also manage to date this book and make it a bit inaccessible to newer readers. Finally, the religious undertones were unexpected and incredibly off-putting for me. They're subtle and infrequent enough that they managed to catch me off guard each time. I literally had to go make sure I didn't accidentally pick up a children's christian-fiction at one point! Very strange considering Disney is usually good about weeding outright religion and most religious undertones out of their promotions.
Overall, not the worst thing I've ever read.. But, I'm sure glad it's over.
This was just really boring and slow. Like were is the flavor?
It took a few chapters to get into the story, because you really jump right in, and have to figure out what's going on. Plus, this book clearly leads to a sequel, because the action didn't really conclude at the end of the book. I don't mind sequels, but I prefer when each book can still stand alone by itself.
That being said, I really liked the creative plot, especially revolving around a place I love, Disney World! I really felt like I was there with the action. It's true, it really would be awesome to wake up there at night, while the park is deserted. To be honest, I wouldn't even mind being chased by the Small World dolls, if only so I can make them my friends by smiling at them. :) That might have been my favorite part.
That being said, I really liked the creative plot, especially revolving around a place I love, Disney World! I really felt like I was there with the action. It's true, it really would be awesome to wake up there at night, while the park is deserted. To be honest, I wouldn't even mind being chased by the Small World dolls, if only so I can make them my friends by smiling at them. :) That might have been my favorite part.
This book is about what goes on after the lights are out in Magic Kingdom. A very fun read.
When Finn and four other Orlando teens are chosen to be Disney World's first holographic, interactive guides, things start out normal. Until Finn begins dreaming that he's taken his hologram's place in the park. Over time, Finn and the other guides learn that their nighttime visits to the park is anything but a dream and that they've been chosen for a very special mission. To save Disney World, and the world around it, from evil forces that have been lurking inside. Known as the Overtakers, these infamous Disney characters come alive at night to try and take over Disney World. It's up to Finn, Charlene, Willa, Maybeck and Philby to save the park and their home. Will they succeed before the sun rises?
Being a HUGE Disney fan, this novel immediately captured my attention with the idea of nighttime escapades fighting classic Disney villains. I loved the mystery element with trying to guess who was the Overtaker behind this particular plot (not that it was hard with the cover art and all) and their henchmen.
Being a HUGE Disney fan, this novel immediately captured my attention with the idea of nighttime escapades fighting classic Disney villains. I loved the mystery element with trying to guess who was the Overtaker behind this particular plot (not that it was hard with the cover art and all) and their henchmen.
I loved this story. It's rekindled my love of Disney, which was my goal. I did feel like I was missing a couple things, like I had moments where I was like-ok WHERE did that come from? HOW are these things/events connecting? But I really enjoyed it. I will be continuing this series for sure.
Cutesy young teens trying to conquer evil at Disney world. Definitely would suggest it for older kids and preteens.
The series that originally got me into reading. It is absolutely incredibly written and totally captivating to Disney lovers such as myself. My mother saw the commercial for this new series on Disney Channel when I was in middle school and bought me the first one and I owe basically everything to Ridley Pearson and this series. [a:Ridley Pearson|6244|Ridley Pearson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263049167p2/6244.jpg]