You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
very enjoyable
15th August 2023 update:
I've just read this aloud to the grandchildren. I had wondered if the oldest might find it a little childish, but he was still wanting to check after dinner each evening to see if there was time for reading, so I guess not.
I enjoyed it just as much on this second reading.
Original review:
What a lovely fable for our modern age.
Those of us who have studied a little history are well aware of the institutionalised church's attempt over the centuries to rid the world of anything that might look like the worship of nature. In this book, the Brothers of Wol had stamped out magic. They'd even convinced some of those who had the magic to betray their own kind, through indoctrination, through threats against loved ones . . . we all know the story. However, in the book, magic has started creeping back in. Nobody's a fully-fledged magician yet (or so they believe), but occasional people have specific magical talents. Like Willow.
Sadly, Willow's talent is only for finding lost things. Her glamorous mother and sisters have much more exciting and useful talents. But then the infamous Moreg Vaine (who informs Willow that she's known her mother since they were children) arrives and needs Willow to help her find last Tuesday.
You and I know that days have been lost when calendars have been revised. In 1582 the Western world lost 10 days - no birthday celebrations for you that year if you were born between the 4th and 15th of October. Imagine, however, that the day happened but it has been magicked away so that nobody remembers it, so that the things that happened on that day are forgotten. Imagine all the ramifications.
This is a fabulous premise. And Valente has made a terrific children's story out of it. There is adventure along the way. There are mythical creatures and magical forests. There's danger and delight. And meshed throughout is what makes it a great read also for adults - the historical comment and the psychological understanding. This book is definitely a winner for me.
I've just read this aloud to the grandchildren. I had wondered if the oldest might find it a little childish, but he was still wanting to check after dinner each evening to see if there was time for reading, so I guess not.
I enjoyed it just as much on this second reading.
Original review:
What a lovely fable for our modern age.
Those of us who have studied a little history are well aware of the institutionalised church's attempt over the centuries to rid the world of anything that might look like the worship of nature. In this book, the Brothers of Wol had stamped out magic. They'd even convinced some of those who had the magic to betray their own kind, through indoctrination, through threats against loved ones . . . we all know the story. However, in the book, magic has started creeping back in. Nobody's a fully-fledged magician yet (or so they believe), but occasional people have specific magical talents. Like Willow.
Sadly, Willow's talent is only for finding lost things. Her glamorous mother and sisters have much more exciting and useful talents. But then the infamous Moreg Vaine (who informs Willow that she's known her mother since they were children) arrives and needs Willow to help her find last Tuesday.
You and I know that days have been lost when calendars have been revised. In 1582 the Western world lost 10 days - no birthday celebrations for you that year if you were born between the 4th and 15th of October. Imagine, however, that the day happened but it has been magicked away so that nobody remembers it, so that the things that happened on that day are forgotten. Imagine all the ramifications.
This is a fabulous premise. And Valente has made a terrific children's story out of it. There is adventure along the way. There are mythical creatures and magical forests. There's danger and delight. And meshed throughout is what makes it a great read also for adults - the historical comment and the psychological understanding. This book is definitely a winner for me.
Full of humour, action, adventure and magic with a great message for young readers at the end.
My 9yo really enjoyed this but sometimes found it stretched her reading ability. I’d say it might be a bit of a challenge for anyone below age 9 (or strong age 8 readers).
My 9yo really enjoyed this but sometimes found it stretched her reading ability. I’d say it might be a bit of a challenge for anyone below age 9 (or strong age 8 readers).
This is a wonderful younger middle-grade full of magic and adventure.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
Very enjoyable kids fantasy. Wasn’t expecting to, but I will be putting the rest of the series on hold at the library
The story reminded me a bit of [b: The Neverending Story|27712|The Neverending Story|Michael Ende|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554230952l/27712._SY75_.jpg|1122661] for some reason. I don't know why. Maybe because there are so many different and unique characters and creatures in it? The Magic? The Adventure?
It also read to me more for a younger audience.
My favourites were Oswin (the Monster Under the Bed) and Feathering the Cloud Dragon.
I thought the narrator, Tuppence Middleton, did a great job. She is one of the first one's who actually does good different voices for each character.