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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I have taken to ordering audio books that are read by Jim Dale just because he is the reader. So far, this is working out pretty well for me.
This was a bit of a slow starter for me. I was planning to move on to something else as I neared the end of the first disk, but in the very last few minutes Stephens hooked my attention and held it for the rest of the book.
I alternated between who my favorite character was. It would by Michael with his endearing love of dwarves, but then Emma would be a rapscallion. I love them both.
I am typically leery of time travel, but felt it was well done in this tale.
I have already requested the next book in the series.
This was a bit of a slow starter for me. I was planning to move on to something else as I neared the end of the first disk, but in the very last few minutes Stephens hooked my attention and held it for the rest of the book.
I alternated between who my favorite character was. It would by Michael with his endearing love of dwarves, but then Emma would be a rapscallion. I love them both.
I am typically leery of time travel, but felt it was well done in this tale.
I have already requested the next book in the series.
Children's fantasy. I really liked the premise of the book, though I found some of the dialog and pacing a little clunky. Kate, Michael and Emma were taken away from their parents and have spent the last ten years in various orphanages. They end up being the only three children in a rundown old mansion--and the excitement begins. Time travel, evil countesses, dwarves, and magic are just a few of the adventures in store for the "P" children.
(Coincidentally, I don't quite know why they made such a big deal out of not having a last name and just a letter, and why it was initially chosen (hmm, you want the kids to blend in, why not choose Smith?) and when the truth was revealed it was a little bit of a letdown).
(Coincidentally, I don't quite know why they made such a big deal out of not having a last name and just a letter, and why it was initially chosen (hmm, you want the kids to blend in, why not choose Smith?) and when the truth was revealed it was a little bit of a letdown).
I had been hearing about this book for a while and was really looking forward to reading it...it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am eagerly anticipating the rest of the series. I think this is a series that is going to be a real hit. The characters are all unique and fun. They each have their own voice both in the book and in the world of literature. While the book does have some aspects of other childrens series, there are enough unique characteristics that it is able to stand on its own and not make you think it is copying anything in particular. This was a fun page-turner and I highly recommend it.
Wonderful fantasy adventure of three children and a magical book. At times the narration reminded me of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now where to find the magical sequel....
Looking forward to reading book 2 in this fantasy series. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Pretty fun read, but too many aspects of it seemed cobbled together from other familiar stories and too predictable for this to feel like anything I'll pay attention to later.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Bravo and well done. I was hooked while I read it and am hooked on the series because it was such a fun, satisfying reading experience. I very rarely make proclamations like this, but I may have to start pushing this on people looking for the next Harry Potter or Percy Jackson or widespread well-known favorite. It has action, substance, magic, style, eloquence, and much more.
I suppose it makes sense I’d refer to Harry Potter so quickly in my review, since one of my first thoughts as I started reading was the book felt very familiar and I worried it might simply be a series of clichés and cloned tropes. That feeling faded rapidly, though, as I was swept away by the story, characters, and storytelling. Just the familiarity of that feeling from reading past favorites remained as I forgot all about other books and was enchanted by this on its own terms. Siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma are all strong, rounded, engaging characters and their adventures are complex, dramatic, fantastical, and tense. An excellent first entry in an epic new tale.
I suppose it makes sense I’d refer to Harry Potter so quickly in my review, since one of my first thoughts as I started reading was the book felt very familiar and I worried it might simply be a series of clichés and cloned tropes. That feeling faded rapidly, though, as I was swept away by the story, characters, and storytelling. Just the familiarity of that feeling from reading past favorites remained as I forgot all about other books and was enchanted by this on its own terms. Siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma are all strong, rounded, engaging characters and their adventures are complex, dramatic, fantastical, and tense. An excellent first entry in an epic new tale.
Well-written children:
All they have is each other,
Cool magical pals.
All they have is each other,
Cool magical pals.