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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.
Just read this while sitting in the hospital with my husband. Loved it! Will post a review soon.
I pre-read this to see if it would be appropriate for my 8 year old. No, I think she should wait a few more years. I did enjoy it though. But I am still sooooooooooo sick of Jim Dale, and it has been years since I listened to the Potter books.
I was suprised by the depth and complexity of this story, thinking at first glance that it would be a light-hearted, seemingly one-dimensional story. I LOVED IT. I haven't had this much magical fun since Harry Potter. The characters were compelling, the adventure was innovative and nothing felt cliched or forced. The loose ends tied up beautifully, making for a rich, emotionally deep, exciting full-circle of a tale. I can't wait for the next installment!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Kate remembers the last time she saw her parents and remembers her mother telling her to protect her younger siblings. Michael and Emma, the younger two, have no recollection of their parents; the only life they know is fending for themselves in orphanage after orphanage. Kate is positive that her parents are coming back, but even she has to admit is seems less and less likely. When an adoption opportunity goes sour, the kids are sent to the most remote orphanage they've ever been to. When they arrive, they realize it's the strangest one they've ever been to as well. In fact, they're the only kids in the orphanage. Not only is the orphanage strange, the town is too. The inhabitants are grim and there aren't any children.
One day, the children stumble upon a book in the basement of the old orphanage and shortly thereafter discover that the book has magical properties. The book is, in essence, a portal through time. Thus begins and epic and decidedly non-linear adventure to save the world of magic.
This was an especially charming, if slightly confusing middle-grade adventure story. The three children, Kate, Michael, and Emma, all have very distinct personalities. Kate is the headstrong leader. Michael is the bookish one (who is also obsessed with dwarves) and Emma is one of the most adorably sassy young ladies I've ever come across. My main criticism for this book is that there are a lot of moments when characters get separated and, upon regrouping, demand to have events recounted. Not only does it get repetitive, it feels like a crutch for the author. Still, high adventure and lots of fun. My middle-school kids loved it.
One day, the children stumble upon a book in the basement of the old orphanage and shortly thereafter discover that the book has magical properties. The book is, in essence, a portal through time. Thus begins and epic and decidedly non-linear adventure to save the world of magic.
This was an especially charming, if slightly confusing middle-grade adventure story. The three children, Kate, Michael, and Emma, all have very distinct personalities. Kate is the headstrong leader. Michael is the bookish one (who is also obsessed with dwarves) and Emma is one of the most adorably sassy young ladies I've ever come across. My main criticism for this book is that there are a lot of moments when characters get separated and, upon regrouping, demand to have events recounted. Not only does it get repetitive, it feels like a crutch for the author. Still, high adventure and lots of fun. My middle-school kids loved it.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well-written with strong, interesting, real characters, this could be the next Harry Potter for kids. Love, love, loved it! Can't wait for the next.