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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
This book was mostly okay. While there were things about it that I enjoyed, a lot of the plot really dragged. Charlie is made to go to this school because he has a magical power, but we don’t even get to the school until almost halfway through the book, and once we do I’m not sure why we’re there. It’s a school for kids who want to study the arts, but they also make a handful of magical kids go there? Their powers have nothing to do with the arts so I’m not quite sure what the whole point is. I especially don’t understand why they have to sleep there if all the kids live within a ten mile radius and go home every weekend.
Charlie was a passive main character, which I hated. He does almost nothing himself, every clue or mystery has to be solved and given to him by another character. I’m not sure what the goal of this story is even supposed to be. I think if I had read this when I was in elementary or middle school I would have loved it but as an adult it’s pretty meh.
Charlie was a passive main character, which I hated. He does almost nothing himself, every clue or mystery has to be solved and given to him by another character. I’m not sure what the goal of this story is even supposed to be. I think if I had read this when I was in elementary or middle school I would have loved it but as an adult it’s pretty meh.
A nostalgic reread of one of my fave childhood reads
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Charlie Bone thought he was an ordinary 10-year-old; it wasn’t until he discovered that he has a magical ability (he can hear the voices of people in photographs) that he learned he was a descendant of the Red King, an ancient magician whose descendants are endowed with magical powers. Upon learning that he is endowed, Charlie’s cruel and uncaring Grandmother Bone and her evil sisters send him off to Bloor Academy, where many endowed children study. There he discovers the truth of his family, as well as the many dangers that lie ahead as he attempts to use his gifts for good.
Charleston (my 10-year-old son) received a copy of this book from our friend Alyssa, who is in her early thirties and enjoyed this series as a child. Charleston loved the book and was eager for me to read it as well. I can see why he liked it: it’s a fun premise, the pacing is great, and Charlie Bone is an endearing protagonist (reminding me a lot of Charlie Bucket of Chocolate Factory fame). But it has its flaws, primarily that it is trying way too hard to be Harry Potter (ordinary boy discovers hidden abilities and is sent off to a magical school by his unkind relatives, etc. etc.) but lacks the character depth, complex story, imaginative world-building, and elevated prose of Rowling’s superior series.
Charleston will be continuing with these books, and I’m glad that he has found a new series (without any objectionable content!) to enjoy. We’d both recommend Charlie Bone for young readers interested in an action-packed, magical read who are not quite ready for Harry Potter.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (Rounded to 3 Stars on Goodreads) // Book Format: Audiobook (I’m certain I would have enjoyed this more in print; the narration is well-done, but fiction generally doesn’t work well for me on audio.)
Charleston (my 10-year-old son) received a copy of this book from our friend Alyssa, who is in her early thirties and enjoyed this series as a child. Charleston loved the book and was eager for me to read it as well. I can see why he liked it: it’s a fun premise, the pacing is great, and Charlie Bone is an endearing protagonist (reminding me a lot of Charlie Bucket of Chocolate Factory fame). But it has its flaws, primarily that it is trying way too hard to be Harry Potter (ordinary boy discovers hidden abilities and is sent off to a magical school by his unkind relatives, etc. etc.) but lacks the character depth, complex story, imaginative world-building, and elevated prose of Rowling’s superior series.
Charleston will be continuing with these books, and I’m glad that he has found a new series (without any objectionable content!) to enjoy. We’d both recommend Charlie Bone for young readers interested in an action-packed, magical read who are not quite ready for Harry Potter.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (Rounded to 3 Stars on Goodreads) // Book Format: Audiobook (I’m certain I would have enjoyed this more in print; the narration is well-done, but fiction generally doesn’t work well for me on audio.)
A little bit similar with Harry Potter series but lighter. I just finished this book only for 5 hours relaxed reading.
I think most of JK. Rowling's HP fans will comparing them. That's wrong because each series has different target readers. This book targetting for younger readers than Harry Potter.
As one of a big fans of fiction adventure stories, I love this Charlie Bone's adventure! It was very fun to read! I'll go to the bookstore to buy his next adventure ;D
I think most of JK. Rowling's HP fans will comparing them. That's wrong because each series has different target readers. This book targetting for younger readers than Harry Potter.
As one of a big fans of fiction adventure stories, I love this Charlie Bone's adventure! It was very fun to read! I'll go to the bookstore to buy his next adventure ;D
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I am....so disappointed.
In fourth grade, I started reading this series and I was completely enthralled for the first 2-3 books. I was curious how it would hold up as an adult and I can honestly say, it does not.
For a first book in a SEVEN book series, this does nothing for me. The “climax” is so incredibly slow and boring? Charlie barely does anything? I find the premise to be interesting only in the sense that these endowed kids are descendants of a gifted king. COOL COOL super here for it! But honestly everything else is a mess.
Also like cmon people it’s so obvious that the piano teacher is Charlie’s dad good god
In fourth grade, I started reading this series and I was completely enthralled for the first 2-3 books. I was curious how it would hold up as an adult and I can honestly say, it does not.
For a first book in a SEVEN book series, this does nothing for me. The “climax” is so incredibly slow and boring? Charlie barely does anything? I find the premise to be interesting only in the sense that these endowed kids are descendants of a gifted king. COOL COOL super here for it! But honestly everything else is a mess.
Also like cmon people it’s so obvious that the piano teacher is Charlie’s dad good god