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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
Urk. How to explain what I think about this book without sounding too snotty.
While the writer of this children's book has an MFA in Creative Writing, most of his prior experience is in the production of shows like The OC, Gilmore Girls, and Gossip Girls. His past experience shows as it moves along its predictable (and filmmable) path.
It's being touted as the next Harry Potter and it's just not, although it may take hold depending on its publicity campaign.
It's not a bad book by any means, but it's not particularly special either. I really liked silly obnoxious kids (who behaved mostly like kids). To me there's something about the perfect precocious darlings that are in many books that makes me want to barf. These kids read like they were written by someone who has actually parented real kids. I also liked the idea of a magic book that takes you places because that's what books do - great concept.
I really hated the language. The book has a pseudo-British storytelling feel to its writing, but its set in the US (even the magical places are set up as US places). I found this element really jarring - language and setting should make sense together. Lastly, the book is terribly derivative of many other (and much better) children's books. There's nothing new here and somewhere around two-thirds of the way in I just didn't care enough to finish.
While the writer of this children's book has an MFA in Creative Writing, most of his prior experience is in the production of shows like The OC, Gilmore Girls, and Gossip Girls. His past experience shows as it moves along its predictable (and filmmable) path.
It's being touted as the next Harry Potter and it's just not, although it may take hold depending on its publicity campaign.
It's not a bad book by any means, but it's not particularly special either. I really liked silly obnoxious kids (who behaved mostly like kids). To me there's something about the perfect precocious darlings that are in many books that makes me want to barf. These kids read like they were written by someone who has actually parented real kids. I also liked the idea of a magic book that takes you places because that's what books do - great concept.
I really hated the language. The book has a pseudo-British storytelling feel to its writing, but its set in the US (even the magical places are set up as US places). I found this element really jarring - language and setting should make sense together. Lastly, the book is terribly derivative of many other (and much better) children's books. There's nothing new here and somewhere around two-thirds of the way in I just didn't care enough to finish.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
(4.25 Stars)
The Emerald Atlas is definitely a wonderful middle grade book. It had plenty of adventure, really great characters, danger, and a layered plot. There wasn't at any point that I was bored. Still, this book to me a long while to read. Even though it is not difficult to read, it was not a quick read for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the plot goes and how the main characters develop. Will read the next book in the future. Happy reading!
The Emerald Atlas is definitely a wonderful middle grade book. It had plenty of adventure, really great characters, danger, and a layered plot. There wasn't at any point that I was bored. Still, this book to me a long while to read. Even though it is not difficult to read, it was not a quick read for me. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the plot goes and how the main characters develop. Will read the next book in the future. Happy reading!
Second read:
This book means a lot to me. Primarly because it was the first novel I read and the one who dragged me into reading. Re-reading it was awsome and quite different from the first time.
"You never read the same book twice" I found this quote odd and without sense but now it all comes to my mind.
From the first time I saw the book It has captivated me, in first place because of the cover (which is in my opinion much better the edition in spanish), then the plot was amazing, full of drama and adventure; and the ending was like "REALLY? I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW!!" but well, life is not a whishgranting factory, and the second book won't come out until 2 years later. D:
The three "P" siblings where completely to my liking. I found Kate very nice and sweet, like the kind of older sister everyone wants to have. Michael was so cooooool, I mean I'm in love with him, seriously, he is so smart and nice and really funny when it comes to dwarfs stuff, love him. And last but not least Emma, kind of in love with her name (though it has no point in saying it), I really like her character, but was also sort of weird. Like It's hard to piture an 11 year old girl super badass and fiercely; but well, after all you realiza she's so sweet and kind of weak on the inside too so...
Yeah, the whole time travelling thing what confusing at some point of the story, but it doesn't matter cause I found it super entretaining and fascinating.
The villans where just perfect to this book, cause I found the Countess really unique, for the fact that she really seemed stupid and girly but the fact that she wasn't after all. The Dire Magnus is such a mystery for this fist book, and I cannot wait to read more and know more about him and what happened to their parents.
Third read: I still love this. The first time I read this I was 12, then back again in 2015 and now again. I STILL LOVE THIS. It's middle grade and filled with magic and adventure. Plus, it's hilarious! I laughed out loud many times, cause it's just amazing.
This book means a lot to me. Primarly because it was the first novel I read and the one who dragged me into reading. Re-reading it was awsome and quite different from the first time.
"You never read the same book twice" I found this quote odd and without sense but now it all comes to my mind.
From the first time I saw the book It has captivated me, in first place because of the cover (which is in my opinion much better the edition in spanish), then the plot was amazing, full of drama and adventure; and the ending was like "REALLY? I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW!!" but well, life is not a whishgranting factory, and the second book won't come out until 2 years later. D:
The three "P" siblings where completely to my liking. I found Kate very nice and sweet, like the kind of older sister everyone wants to have. Michael was so cooooool, I mean I'm in love with him, seriously, he is so smart and nice and really funny when it comes to dwarfs stuff, love him. And last but not least Emma, kind of in love with her name (though it has no point in saying it), I really like her character, but was also sort of weird. Like It's hard to piture an 11 year old girl super badass and fiercely; but well, after all you realiza she's so sweet and kind of weak on the inside too so...
Yeah, the whole time travelling thing what confusing at some point of the story, but it doesn't matter cause I found it super entretaining and fascinating.
The villans where just perfect to this book, cause I found the Countess really unique, for the fact that she really seemed stupid and girly but the fact that she wasn't after all. The Dire Magnus is such a mystery for this fist book, and I cannot wait to read more and know more about him and what happened to their parents.
Third read: I still love this. The first time I read this I was 12, then back again in 2015 and now again. I STILL LOVE THIS. It's middle grade and filled with magic and adventure. Plus, it's hilarious! I laughed out loud many times, cause it's just amazing.
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-book-21.html
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
Actually a 4.5 star! And I hate doing this half star thing... But the only books I give five stars to are the ones that I want more of! And while I do want more of this series... I wouldn't mind the wait. But it was definitely better than 4 stars, so.... Here we are! 4.5 stars to The Emerald Atlas! Round of applause everybody! Quite lovely if I do say so myself! :) One of the better MGs that can appeal to people beyond that designated age group. :)
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Great book. Loved the world building. I didn't give 5 stars because it could be a bit confusing at times. I recomment it bigtime!
It's a magical book. I really enjoy it.
For fans of Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Sisters Grimm
For fans of Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Sisters Grimm