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gracemcneal's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book is utterly wonderful! When you were a kid, did y0u ever imagine people living up in the trees or in the base of a volcano or some other place tucked away, hidden by nature? I know I did. Well, the authors of this book take that concept of hidden societies and imagine, what if those hidden worlds were in danger?
Kirra’s home has always been safe and peaceful, tucked away in a volcano. Her father’s stories of volcano demons have ensured that no one will find them. Until, one day, someone does. Takers come, and they destroy everything Kirra has ever known. She escapes to a society where everyone lives in the trees, and she blocks out everything from her past life, but nowhere is safe forever.
There is so much to love about this book—setting is incredibly important, and it’s imagined so vividly, it’s easy to imagine yourself right there, living in a volcano or in the very tops of the trees. Kirra is the type of character almost anyone can relate to. She has a sense of adventure and a curiosity to her. But after her world is destroyed she’s quenched all those old instincts. I found myself connecting to Kirra almost instantly, so when her world falls apart, I felt such complete empathy for her. This book is a very fast-paced read. The mystery of the Takers carries the book along during any parts where there isn’t immediate danger, but there’s definitely enough danger and excitement for any middle grade reader. I was pulled through the story, eager to find out what would happen to Kirra and to learn if she would ever find true happiness again after her village is destroyed.
So many moments in this book were magical, but the showdown in the end is spectacularly so! I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone, especially to those of us who love the idea of just a touch of mystery in nature!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book is utterly wonderful! When you were a kid, did y0u ever imagine people living up in the trees or in the base of a volcano or some other place tucked away, hidden by nature? I know I did. Well, the authors of this book take that concept of hidden societies and imagine, what if those hidden worlds were in danger?
Kirra’s home has always been safe and peaceful, tucked away in a volcano. Her father’s stories of volcano demons have ensured that no one will find them. Until, one day, someone does. Takers come, and they destroy everything Kirra has ever known. She escapes to a society where everyone lives in the trees, and she blocks out everything from her past life, but nowhere is safe forever.
There is so much to love about this book—setting is incredibly important, and it’s imagined so vividly, it’s easy to imagine yourself right there, living in a volcano or in the very tops of the trees. Kirra is the type of character almost anyone can relate to. She has a sense of adventure and a curiosity to her. But after her world is destroyed she’s quenched all those old instincts. I found myself connecting to Kirra almost instantly, so when her world falls apart, I felt such complete empathy for her. This book is a very fast-paced read. The mystery of the Takers carries the book along during any parts where there isn’t immediate danger, but there’s definitely enough danger and excitement for any middle grade reader. I was pulled through the story, eager to find out what would happen to Kirra and to learn if she would ever find true happiness again after her village is destroyed.
So many moments in this book were magical, but the showdown in the end is spectacularly so! I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone, especially to those of us who love the idea of just a touch of mystery in nature!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
gpittfield's review
5.0
A beautifully written tale
What a wonderful story of fantasy with some amazingly accurate life lessons. Great read for children and adults alike, especially in the trying times we find ourselves in.
What a wonderful story of fantasy with some amazingly accurate life lessons. Great read for children and adults alike, especially in the trying times we find ourselves in.
cjsjellybean's review
5.0
This book was incredible!! I don't typically read young adult books but every once in a while I will check them out. I am so glad I took a chance on If We Were Giants. The book captured my attention from the very beginning and I loved reading about Kirra and her volcano. I am very excited to check out the published book and see the included full color insert. I spent so much time imagining what all of the locations and characters looked like and seeing the concept artwork would be so exciting. The story was fast paced throughout and ended on a note that leaves room for a possible sequel. (Which I am REALLY hoping happens!!) My oldest daughter is 8, and while she isn't quite at the point of enjoying chapter books, I can't wait to share this with her when the time is right. Thank you so much to Disney-Hyperion and Netgalley for the chance to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
shawnacrompton's review
3.0
Pleasantly surprised by this debut from Dave Matthews! It’s nowhere near the level of other YA fictions like Hunger Games or Divergent but I can see this turning into a series and being made into movies. The message is great and I was really enthralled in some parts. Whereas other parts I was bored and skimming. Overall good debut!
mommasaystoread's review
5.0
As a homeschool mom to a special needs boy, I'm always on the lookout for something that captures his attention. If We Were Giants certainly did that. This book not only held his attention, but he actually wanted to keep reading long past his required daily reading time. Not many books have done that, and since I was reading with him, I completely understood why. This story is absolutely captivating, and it reminds us of the importance of community and taking care of our planet. It's a story of bravery in the face of adversity, of standing up for what's right and putting yourself out there even when it's hard. And it's all done brilliantly by Dave Matthews and Clete Barrett Smith. After finishing the book, I can honestly say that even if I didn't have a child to share it with, I'd have still thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I would recommend it to readers of any age.