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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
This is a really excellent family-friendly read that will appeal to an expansive age range. Gets the Prudie Seal of Approval, too! I haven't read a book that feels like this in years. It has a very British sort of voice to the narrative, with lots of quirky and charming Harry Potter vibes in terms of the whimsy and creative worldbuilding. I loved every minute of it once I got my sea legs within the world. If you have reluctant readers, this is a great pick to get them interested in reading. And I highly recommend the audiobook read by the author. So fun!
For those interested, the Prudie Seal of Approval means there is nothing inappropriate in the story. There may be some scary parts for very young readers, so make note of the age group the book was written for and maybe avoid letting younger ears or eyes partake.
For those interested, the Prudie Seal of Approval means there is nothing inappropriate in the story. There may be some scary parts for very young readers, so make note of the age group the book was written for and maybe avoid letting younger ears or eyes partake.
(Disclaimer: I wrote this very late at night. I'll go back and edit this more tomorrow)
I hesitate to give any middle grade or YA fiction book a higher rating than a three (unless I read it while I was a part of said age groups) but I truly feel Andrew Peterson's fantasy deserves all four stars.
While this book was as whimsical and silly as every good child's book should be, I was (pleasantly) surprised to discover how dark and terrifying this book was as well. The juxtaposition between the world's whimsy, and the horrors that occurred there was awkward at first, but quickly became part of this book's charm.
I discovered Peterson first through his music, and I couldn't be more thrilled to report he is just as skilled of a writer, as he is a lyricist. My biggest issue with YA and middle grade books is how sloppily they're written. Peterson shatters that stereotype, as I often found myself lured into the story through no other means than the way in which it was written. The characters were deeply rooted and developed, the world of Skree was compellingly imagined, and the creatures found within and around the story were haunting and enchanting. I also really liked the cover and the illustration throughout. My one wish was that they had been in color, as I feel like his work got a bit washed out with the greyscale.
My two concerns with this book were one, the repetition and two, the awkward insertion of Christian themes. The plot of this book was overall well crafted and revealed but in execution it was a bit sloppy and dry. The same basic events happen over and over and over again (particularly toward the end). While I appreciate that audience this has in mind, I don't think more variation would have been too complicated for early readers. This greatly concerns me moving forward, as I hope the other books in the saga differ enough from his one to hold my interest. I also appreciated the Christian themes. While some references were integrated into the story well and cleanly, the majority of them felt cumbersome, awkward, and overt. I would've liked to see more subtly ingrained themes.
Nevertheless, those points are just nitpicky. I would gladly recommend this to anyone interested in a fantasy series!
I hesitate to give any middle grade or YA fiction book a higher rating than a three (unless I read it while I was a part of said age groups) but I truly feel Andrew Peterson's fantasy deserves all four stars.
While this book was as whimsical and silly as every good child's book should be, I was (pleasantly) surprised to discover how dark and terrifying this book was as well. The juxtaposition between the world's whimsy, and the horrors that occurred there was awkward at first, but quickly became part of this book's charm.
I discovered Peterson first through his music, and I couldn't be more thrilled to report he is just as skilled of a writer, as he is a lyricist. My biggest issue with YA and middle grade books is how sloppily they're written. Peterson shatters that stereotype, as I often found myself lured into the story through no other means than the way in which it was written. The characters were deeply rooted and developed, the world of Skree was compellingly imagined, and the creatures found within and around the story were haunting and enchanting. I also really liked the cover and the illustration throughout. My one wish was that they had been in color, as I feel like his work got a bit washed out with the greyscale.
My two concerns with this book were one, the repetition and two, the awkward insertion of Christian themes. The plot of this book was overall well crafted and revealed but in execution it was a bit sloppy and dry. The same basic events happen over and over and over again (particularly toward the end). While I appreciate that audience this has in mind, I don't think more variation would have been too complicated for early readers. This greatly concerns me moving forward, as I hope the other books in the saga differ enough from his one to hold my interest. I also appreciated the Christian themes. While some references were integrated into the story well and cleanly, the majority of them felt cumbersome, awkward, and overt. I would've liked to see more subtly ingrained themes.
Nevertheless, those points are just nitpicky. I would gladly recommend this to anyone interested in a fantasy series!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It is quite the task to build a whole new world and an epic tale within it, but Andrew Peterson achieves both in this book. Janner and his younger brother and sister, Tink and Leeli, are just three kids living their lives. For as long as they can remember, their lives have been dominated by fear of the Fangs who invaded the kingdom and took over. Thankfully, their mother and grandfather are determined to keep their home a place of safety, love, joy, and peace. Still, the kids venture out to explore and trouble is stirred up as they try to seek out answers to the questions that nag in their mind.
I love the world, characters, and story that Peterson has built here. I think it could have been better edited - there are some elements that are a little confusing, unclear, or jumpy in storyline - but it is a good story and I am excited to see where it's headed next in the following books. I'd give it a 3.5/5 stars, but rounding up to 4. I would recommend this book as a read-aloud for young kids, or for chapter book readers. I would estimate the target audience to be kids around ages 10-14.
I love the world, characters, and story that Peterson has built here. I think it could have been better edited - there are some elements that are a little confusing, unclear, or jumpy in storyline - but it is a good story and I am excited to see where it's headed next in the following books. I'd give it a 3.5/5 stars, but rounding up to 4. I would recommend this book as a read-aloud for young kids, or for chapter book readers. I would estimate the target audience to be kids around ages 10-14.
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cute enough that I might read more of the series. I think that this particular book struggles with pacing character introductions, exposition, action, and "secrets" (I figured out most of them ages before the main characters did... though to be fair, I think this is aimed at 10-year-olds) The main character is completely cliche (older brother that wants "more" and is tired of taking care of his siblings)
I didn't find this book particularly "funny," though it was obvious the author meant for it to be very clever. If I was in the target age-range, I think I would have had more fun with the bizarre history references and cheese puns. It also would probably be more fun as a read-aloud in a family rather than as an entertaining fantasy read.
Not the best, not the worst. I took almost a month break in the middle because the first half is very slow, but the second half picked up the story beats a lot (almost too much with all of the repetitive fang attacks). I enjoyed the original illustrations throughout.
I didn't find this book particularly "funny," though it was obvious the author meant for it to be very clever. If I was in the target age-range, I think I would have had more fun with the bizarre history references and cheese puns. It also would probably be more fun as a read-aloud in a family rather than as an entertaining fantasy read.
Not the best, not the worst. I took almost a month break in the middle because the first half is very slow, but the second half picked up the story beats a lot (almost too much with all of the repetitive fang attacks). I enjoyed the original illustrations throughout.
A delightful children’s fantasy novel, probably best read to children right before bed. Episodic chapters, a bit repetitive, but a fun story with crazy characters like Peet the Sock Man, Slarb the Fang, and Nugget the dog. The influence of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis is very evident - looking forward to more from the series.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
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
Audiobook. Abandoned halfway through. I just couldn't get into the story. Narrator was hard to follow.