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hirvimaki's review against another edition
3.0
An intriguing story of a world overlaid (or underlaid) upon the usual (our) world, with characters experiencing both, interacting with elements fantastical and still walking in the mundane. Fletcher has a great gift of metaphor.
drsldn's review against another edition
3.0
Mel nagged me and nagged me to read this and I wanted to but never quite got to it. So glad I finally did - its a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy romp, and highly recommended to anyone visiting London or who loves this city. I was somewhat put off by the author's very obvious lack of appreciation for 20th/21st century architecture and sculpture (I definitely don't agree with her sentiments about the British Library at St Pancras!) but it was great fun charting the adventure in my mind and gleefully identifying that "I've been there!!" Echoes of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere only made it more familiar and fun, and a dictionary maker as heroic support can only be a good thing - loads of lovely interesting words. Looking forward to the next in the trilogy.
aliceboule's review against another edition
3.0
The story is as touching as it is sweet and interesting. Plus, always a pleasant listen with Jim Dale reading.
khaleesimod93's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
For this being a middle grade novel and revolving around a 12 year old kid, I love the alternate London and the plot. George is not all that special, but that's what I really loved about him. He stumbled onto this alternate city where stone creatures come to life, and he's just like, what in the world did I get into? The plot isn't too complicated, so it's great for middle school kids, but it's still intriguing enough for adults to enjoy. Stoneheart was an extremely easy read for me, but also fun! I look forward to finishing this series. I really hope the other two are as good as this one.
geralddaniels's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
kraley's review
4.0
I loved this trilogy. It was very different than other fantasy books. I loved that statues came alive and that there were good ones and bad ones. I found myself wanting to walk around London looking at the various statues and imagining them in this scenario. It was a clever premise and one that I didn't grow tired of. I would love to read a spin-off series as well. This would make a great read-aloud and boys especially would like all of the adventure.
amotisse's review
4.0
Listened to this one in an afternoon.
Somewhat different to other fantasies we have read.
The reader, like the characters, is projected into an other London
Without really having time to catch a breath or understand what is happening.
Some intriguing characters like the clockman and interesting concepts.
Despite how garish gargoyles can be, I have always felt them to be guardians and kindred or misunderstood creatures
Rather than monsters so this darker portrayal seems to focus on the bitterness they might hold within.
Didn't realise it was a trilogy
But will happily seek out the next two.
Somewhat different to other fantasies we have read.
The reader, like the characters, is projected into an other London
Without really having time to catch a breath or understand what is happening.
Some intriguing characters like the clockman and interesting concepts.
Despite how garish gargoyles can be, I have always felt them to be guardians and kindred or misunderstood creatures
Rather than monsters so this darker portrayal seems to focus on the bitterness they might hold within.
Didn't realise it was a trilogy
But will happily seek out the next two.
ogreart's review against another edition
4.0
Although I felt there were some parts of the book that were a little uneven, I think I would like to hear the next book in the trilogy. The characters were just really coming into their own when the book ended.
The idea of the Spits and the Taints was interesting and I am looking forward to seeing how the author develops this in the future volumes. He has already hinted at a wider magical world. I would like to see how he fleshes it out.
I almost forgot to mention the wonderful narration by Jim Dale. Again, top notch.
The idea of the Spits and the Taints was interesting and I am looking forward to seeing how the author develops this in the future volumes. He has already hinted at a wider magical world. I would like to see how he fleshes it out.
I almost forgot to mention the wonderful narration by Jim Dale. Again, top notch.
lvoorhies's review
4.0
The premise is unique and I liked the characters but the villain is pretty awful and the third (I think think) book is pretty violent for kids this age.