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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
This book reminded me ever so slightly of The Secret Garden except not as well developed. It was a nice, old fashioned story but the characters made some really odd choices that didn't seem to fit with either the plot or their personalities. In fact, one character really seemed expendable – and she might have been the character I liked the most. Plot points felt forced or tacked on, and I really think this story would have been wonderful with just a touch more sinister-y-ness. But it’s a book meant for children so I suppose more sinister would not have been appropriate.
I did like the feel of the story overall. I liked the birds and I liked Daphne and Ruby. I would probably recommend the book to some of my students who aren’t yet ready to tackle a book like The Secret Garden but want something a little old fashioned.
I did like the feel of the story overall. I liked the birds and I liked Daphne and Ruby. I would probably recommend the book to some of my students who aren’t yet ready to tackle a book like The Secret Garden but want something a little old fashioned.
I read this book because Amazon recommended it for people who liked The Night Circus. I lOVED The Night Circus, I wanted to read something in a similar vein, and the description sounded interesting.
It wasn't similar. I suppose this wasn't suggested as a similar book because a magician is involved in the story...but really, the similarities end there.
For one, this is a young adult book and The Night Circus is not. I often read YA books (and enjoy them greatly) but I just wasn't prepped for this to be a YA book.
It is told from the point of view of the main character - a 12 year old girl who's been sequestered to her house due to a heart condition. She is the daughter of one of the caretakers of the house. When the resident of the house dies - she leaves behind her aviary of birds. The mystery of the story revolved around these birds (who never seem to age) and the kidnapping/murder of the children of the family.
I have to say, I thought the book a little bit creepy. At parts I thought - I'm glad I'm not sitting alone in the house reading this (although full disclosure...I'm easily freaked out.) It was a journey of discovery and one that ended happily if not a bit too happily ever after. BUT as much as I am easily freaked out I am a sucker for all's well that ends well.
So to recap - not at all like The Night Circus. But a intriguing read in its own right.
It wasn't similar. I suppose this wasn't suggested as a similar book because a magician is involved in the story...but really, the similarities end there.
For one, this is a young adult book and The Night Circus is not. I often read YA books (and enjoy them greatly) but I just wasn't prepped for this to be a YA book.
It is told from the point of view of the main character - a 12 year old girl who's been sequestered to her house due to a heart condition. She is the daughter of one of the caretakers of the house. When the resident of the house dies - she leaves behind her aviary of birds. The mystery of the story revolved around these birds (who never seem to age) and the kidnapping/murder of the children of the family.
I have to say, I thought the book a little bit creepy. At parts I thought - I'm glad I'm not sitting alone in the house reading this (although full disclosure...I'm easily freaked out.) It was a journey of discovery and one that ended happily if not a bit too happily ever after. BUT as much as I am easily freaked out I am a sucker for all's well that ends well.
So to recap - not at all like The Night Circus. But a intriguing read in its own right.
2.5 stars. ONLY because it really isn't my type. I hoped for a good murder mystery (with birds!) and yes, this is a murder mystery, but it's also other things which I can't exactly state without giving away the plot. Frustrating book to review.
The Aviary is geared toward the middle grades, and is more adventure novel than anything else. The story is imaginative, Victorian, and could be fun to read if you're into this sort. The characters are good. The most I can say is...I finished it because I wanted to know the end.
The Aviary is geared toward the middle grades, and is more adventure novel than anything else. The story is imaginative, Victorian, and could be fun to read if you're into this sort. The characters are good. The most I can say is...I finished it because I wanted to know the end.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
I enjoyed this somewhat strange book. I found myself lost in its gothic world, fully believing in magic...
Amazon was so determined to get me to read this book - it's been first in my recommended reading for ages. I'm so glad they did! It's a lovely story, with plenty of the fantastical and supernatural. Some of the "twists" you'll guess from the blurb, but it doesn't even matter.