Reviews

Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell

mselke's review against another edition

2.0

I'm trying to keep in mind that this book was meant for kids. Unfortunately, I've read a LOT of kidlit that was awesome, and this one just doesn't hold up.

There are unique creatures, a cool setting, and the potential for a neat story line. But it felt rushed and jumbled - like the author was just trying to push the character through meeting as many bizarre life forms as possible.

It is the beginning of a series, and it's a quick read. I'm betting elementary students would enjoy this book more than I did. It's possible the character becomes more rounded and interesting... but I have a lot of books on my shelf and I don't think I'm going to invest the time to find out.

malin_lara's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.75

usedupalltheglue's review against another edition

3.0

Liked this book a lot. Started out thinking it was a kid's book, at least maybe preteen but after reading I would definitely call it YA. After I got over the initial shock of the abrupt violence and hardship I wasn't expecting, I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall. I would rate it 3.5 if I could.

bookdivalv's review against another edition

3.0

I started to listen to the audio book version of this a few years ago, and alas, disk 2 started to skip, and it's taken me this long to actually get back to it. The world is very *realised*...what I mean is there is a depth to it, like Middle Earth or Narnia. I got the impression that there was a lot of thought put into creating the world of the Deepwoods. There were some very moving scenes, and I cried a little more than once. I also squirmed in some parts- some of the creatures in the Deepwoods are just creepy! This is a good one to recommend to boys- it's a fast read, it's got action and sky pirates and monsters, and as the first in a rather long series if they get hooked they'll keep coming back for more.

catbraganza's review

3.0

Beyond the deepwoods was filled with action. However, I felt it lacked character development. It was hard to really feel anything about those in the story. The ending did somewhat reconcile some of the poor character development. I thought it was just okay.

little0wl's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

A childhood favourite, read aloud to my 4 year old. Some genuinely emotional scenes and so much imagination. The illustrations are a highlight as well

deathsmile's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Bullying, Death, and Abandonment

sandrap's review against another edition

4.0

After the ninth or tenth time Twig was almost killed I thought that was all this book was going to be about - Twig's next struggle to NOT die - and for the most part that's really what it was, the poor boy had been almost eaten, bludgeoned, drowned, digested and a number of other things more then I can count, and by the time I finished chapter 11 I had to wonder what was the point of all this? Was this book just a series of events or was there a reason for all of it?

There was, believe me and because there is an underlying plot and not just a series of adventures strung together I love this book. read more

evharms's review against another edition

4.0

Childhood favorite of mine that I wanted to revisit. About 80% of the book is out of the frying pan into the fire encounters, and only in the last few chapters does the actual story unfold a bit. Looking forward to the other books. The illustrations carry this book!

rdgarrett94's review against another edition

3.0

Out of the 4 that I’ve read so far, this one felt the most like a children’s book. The story was repetitive (meet some creatures, encounter a problem, get out of problem through luck). Per the author’s recommendation, I’m reading the series in what they considered to be chronological order, but after reading the first book in the series, but the 4th chronologically, I’m almost wondering if the more satisfying reading order is by release date.