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cozybooksandgoldenembers's review
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Death
bringmybooks's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
Perfect example of "intended audience" being so important, and I'll tell you why ->
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
I liked this book well enough, but it wasn't a favorite and isn't going to stick with me. HOWEVER, I am 35yo - aka almost 20 years outside of the intended middle grade audience for this book.
(Which is why, if you follow me on social media, you'll see I gave this book 3 stars - but on Goodreads/StoryGraph I've given it 4 stars)
There are two things that I think would have really helped me when it comes to enjoying this book more fully. One would be a time machine, so I could have been somewhere around the age of 8-14 when I read it, and the other would have been if I had read Anne of Green Gables. I could tell there were a lot of references to the source material, but not knowing the source material meant that I didn't get any fuzzy feelings of nostalgia when they came up (and I'm sure there are tons that I didn't even realize *were* references).
As far as the story itself, it was enjoyable. It had a strong plot that would carry a reader's interest forward (which is good, because it maybe seemed a little long for a middle grade novel?). It had fast friends, enemies that became friends, life lessons, and a strong sense of acceptance and love (which was really lovely).
I don't think it will be one I add to my home library, but it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those with middle grade readers (that can handle a bit of spookiness)!
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
I liked this book well enough, but it wasn't a favorite and isn't going to stick with me. HOWEVER, I am 35yo - aka almost 20 years outside of the intended middle grade audience for this book.
(Which is why, if you follow me on social media, you'll see I gave this book 3 stars - but on Goodreads/StoryGraph I've given it 4 stars)
There are two things that I think would have really helped me when it comes to enjoying this book more fully. One would be a time machine, so I could have been somewhere around the age of 8-14 when I read it, and the other would have been if I had read Anne of Green Gables. I could tell there were a lot of references to the source material, but not knowing the source material meant that I didn't get any fuzzy feelings of nostalgia when they came up (and I'm sure there are tons that I didn't even realize *were* references).
As far as the story itself, it was enjoyable. It had a strong plot that would carry a reader's interest forward (which is good, because it maybe seemed a little long for a middle grade novel?). It had fast friends, enemies that became friends, life lessons, and a strong sense of acceptance and love (which was really lovely).
I don't think it will be one I add to my home library, but it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those with middle grade readers (that can handle a bit of spookiness)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Death, and Child death
thelittlestmermaid's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
* Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Balzer + Bray for giving me a free ARC of this book! *
The Grace of Wild Things is a magical and imaginative book inspired by Anne of Green Gables. The story follows Grace, an orphan, who knows that she is different from the other kids around her. Adults are wary around her, and she has a crow friend that talks to her. Set on becoming a witch's apprentice, she runs away from the orphanage in search of the nearest witch. The Witch she finds, however, doesn't exactly welcome Grace with open arms. Grave strikes a bargain with the Witch, only to realize the task is near impossible for her to do alone and has grave consequences.
This story was full of heart, poetry, and charming characters. Grace is a whimsical main character, ever insistent on using flowery language and rambling on and on about anything and everything. The friends she makes along the way have distinct personalities. Any scenes featuring them were quite fun.
The Witch is also a delightful character. She's crabby and complains for most of the book, but despite her evil-doing and wicked ways, she has quite the soft spot for Grace. She never says it out loud, but it's apparent in how she acts throughout the story.
This book made me laugh (and cry) numerous times. There were some things I wish had been mentioned or wrapped up a little better, but overall, this book just brought me such joy. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a whimsical story - it reminded me very much of Spirited Away & Kiki's Delivery Service. And also Witch Hat Atelier. I believe that a fan of any of those would enjoy this book.
4.5 stars
The Grace of Wild Things is a magical and imaginative book inspired by Anne of Green Gables. The story follows Grace, an orphan, who knows that she is different from the other kids around her. Adults are wary around her, and she has a crow friend that talks to her. Set on becoming a witch's apprentice, she runs away from the orphanage in search of the nearest witch. The Witch she finds, however, doesn't exactly welcome Grace with open arms. Grave strikes a bargain with the Witch, only to realize the task is near impossible for her to do alone and has grave consequences.
This story was full of heart, poetry, and charming characters. Grace is a whimsical main character, ever insistent on using flowery language and rambling on and on about anything and everything. The friends she makes along the way have distinct personalities. Any scenes featuring them were quite fun.
The Witch is also a delightful character. She's crabby and complains for most of the book, but despite her evil-doing and wicked ways, she has quite the soft spot for Grace. She never says it out loud, but it's apparent in how she acts throughout the story.
This book made me laugh (and cry) numerous times. There were some things I wish had been mentioned or wrapped up a little better, but overall, this book just brought me such joy. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a whimsical story - it reminded me very much of Spirited Away & Kiki's Delivery Service. And also Witch Hat Atelier. I believe that a fan of any of those would enjoy this book.
4.5 stars
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Death of parent, and Bullying
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