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mira_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
3.0
luminous's review against another edition
4.0
I chewed through the last 30% like a mouse chews through anything blocking its way into my house. Wonderful experience. Feels like bloated YA. Conflicted about the style. I loved it at times and at times it slowed the story down. I do love the author's voice, though.
Actually, that helped me put my finger on what kept this from being five stars. It's written in a mature, literary style, and the way the story unfolds with its book-within-a-book (popsugar should make that a prompt) and seemingly smart plot, you think the story is going to be meatier than standard YA. And it is, but only in the complexity.
I liked that the story contained diversity. Loved it, actually. Something that drives me NUTS is books that pretend racism or sexism don't exist or don't affect people's lives, especially in 1910.
Liked the other worlds. Wished to see more of them. Felt like it took way too long to get into that bit, and then there was never enough of it. Book could have used some more aggressive editing, IMO.
Overall though, an amazing experience if you like fantasy, YA, portals, evil secret societies (come on, you know it's evil; that can't possibly be a spoiler), big lovable protective dogs, or any combo of the above, you'll probably enjoy this too.
Actually, that helped me put my finger on what kept this from being five stars. It's written in a mature, literary style, and the way the story unfolds with its book-within-a-book (popsugar should make that a prompt) and seemingly smart plot, you think the story is going to be meatier than standard YA. And it is, but only in the complexity.
I liked that the story contained diversity. Loved it, actually. Something that drives me NUTS is books that pretend racism or sexism don't exist or don't affect people's lives, especially in 1910.
Liked the other worlds. Wished to see more of them. Felt like it took way too long to get into that bit, and then there was never enough of it. Book could have used some more aggressive editing, IMO.
Overall though, an amazing experience if you like fantasy, YA, portals, evil secret societies (come on, you know it's evil; that can't possibly be a spoiler), big lovable protective dogs, or any combo of the above, you'll probably enjoy this too.
crickedcactus's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this whimsical yet serious novel! I can't help it, I'm a sucker for portal fantasy.
Great magical realism: The story is based in early 1900s America, but the worlds leading from the doors being are magical and fantastical.
It felt like a mix between Kindred, by Octavia Butler and Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke. (Both amazing books btw, go read them if you haven't yet).
Great magical realism: The story is based in early 1900s America, but the worlds leading from the doors being are magical and fantastical.
It felt like a mix between Kindred, by Octavia Butler and Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke. (Both amazing books btw, go read them if you haven't yet).
blogthatbook's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, full disclosure, I bought this book because I liked the look of the cover and was intrigued by the name. Hey, I do that a lot, what can I say, I'm into visuals.
I also don't often read book blurbs, mainly because they can be a little misleading.
So I went into this book not knowing what I was in for.
What I ended up with was a love-hate relationship.
For me, the story really didn't start until the second half of the book, that's when things began to gather some pace and things really started to happen.
I actually wanted to call it quits quite often early on because I was constantly thinking to myself that nothing was really happening, or I should say the story wasn't really moving forward, and it was based in a time period that doesn't really interest me in a fictional sense. But I simply couldn't stop, this thing just kept drawing me back to it, and that was solely down to Alix's writing style. It's actually quite hypnotic. It's relaxing, warming and comforting. And I'm really glad, in the end, that I continued to read because as I reached last page I'd fully enjoyed the experience. And even though I'm a macho type, at least that's what I keep telling myself, the tears were free-flowing on two notable occasions. (If you've already read this book then you know exactly which occasions they were)
So, if you're thinking of reading this book, DO IT! And stick with it, the journey is well worth your time.
I also don't often read book blurbs, mainly because they can be a little misleading.
So I went into this book not knowing what I was in for.
What I ended up with was a love-hate relationship.
For me, the story really didn't start until the second half of the book, that's when things began to gather some pace and things really started to happen.
I actually wanted to call it quits quite often early on because I was constantly thinking to myself that nothing was really happening, or I should say the story wasn't really moving forward, and it was based in a time period that doesn't really interest me in a fictional sense. But I simply couldn't stop, this thing just kept drawing me back to it, and that was solely down to Alix's writing style. It's actually quite hypnotic. It's relaxing, warming and comforting. And I'm really glad, in the end, that I continued to read because as I reached last page I'd fully enjoyed the experience. And even though I'm a macho type, at least that's what I keep telling myself, the tears were free-flowing on two notable occasions. (If you've already read this book then you know exactly which occasions they were)
So, if you're thinking of reading this book, DO IT! And stick with it, the journey is well worth your time.
hebberelle's review against another edition
4.0
Stunning world building, but somewhat predictable in plot line. I loved the IDEA of this book, but I was sadly able to see the entire thing by about a third of the way in. The big surprises were not, but the story is still beautiful.
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ataraxiary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
lizzanator's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5