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ego8's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
psal707's review
Pip is a servant in a monastery in Wickit. He never knew his parents be the monks took him in. One day, while cleaning a tower, Pip finds a small gargoyle named Perfect. She could talk, fly, and swim just like any other dragon, even though she was made out of stone. Pip had to keep her secret because he wasn't allowed pets. Perfect liked to hide in Pip's tunic which she could see out of. Pip was asked by one of the monks to go on the annual trip to get supplies for the upcoming year. He was given the job of all the medical supplies. Gilbert, the monk's doctor, had Pip up all night memorizing the list of supplies. It was a long journey but after all the shopping was done the monks decided to buy Pip a new set of clothes. Pip was so excited. Abbot Michael decided that Pip should join the chorus. It was the chorus's first performance. As they started to walk in Pip left the line to go to the King's palace. He felt like something was going to happen. He got there just in time. Someone had poisoned the King's wine-- but Pip had stopped him. He took the King out through a secret passage and led him to Wicket where he would be safe.
carolsnotebook's review
3.0
Amber (10) and I read this aloud together, and I have to say it’s one of my favorite middle school books I’ve read recently. It’s a great mix of historical fiction and fantasy, but what sets it apart is the medieval background.
Honestly, I don’t remember reading many books with Amber that are set in medieval times, let alone a monastery in the fens. I appreciated how the author taught about the time period without diminishing the fun of the story. And no knights to be seen, mostly monks and “regular” people, and Perfect, a living stone dragon gargoyle, is the only touch of fantasy. The story, to me at least, seems to portray life at that time realistically, both for the monks and the nobles.
It’s a great book, plenty of action and adventure, fun characters. I also liked the Q&A section at the back, telling more about the World of Wickit, like the medicines and religious customs at that time, and the Old Fens.
Honestly, I don’t remember reading many books with Amber that are set in medieval times, let alone a monastery in the fens. I appreciated how the author taught about the time period without diminishing the fun of the story. And no knights to be seen, mostly monks and “regular” people, and Perfect, a living stone dragon gargoyle, is the only touch of fantasy. The story, to me at least, seems to portray life at that time realistically, both for the monks and the nobles.
It’s a great book, plenty of action and adventure, fun characters. I also liked the Q&A section at the back, telling more about the World of Wickit, like the medicines and religious customs at that time, and the Old Fens.
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