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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
This book was recommended to me by my fellow book seller and I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. I lot of this book reminded me of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" where the children jump from orphanage to orphanage, living adventures and misadventures along the way. In this story, you just change a mean uncle for a good one and mix magic with it.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The story is about three siblings that are forced to leave their home and have their memories almost completely erased. Without memories of their parents and no last name, the children go from orphanage to orphanage, ending up with a mysterious man, Dr Pym and end up finding out a world across time and space where magic is real. As they discover the existence of three very powerful books, The Books of Beginning, they are faced with the task of having to find the Emerald Atlas to return home. The thing is they are not the only ones that need it desperately.
It's a very easygoing reading, flowing nicely and you really get to know the three main characters, Kate, Michael and Emma that are thrown in a world they don't understand. The story builds up quite nicely and I really enjoyed reading how events affected each sibling differently.
I wouldn't say that it arrives to the level of Harry Potter, not even close in my opinion, but I still want to read the next book.
Read my other reviews at: http://booktraveller.weebly.com/
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The story is about three siblings that are forced to leave their home and have their memories almost completely erased. Without memories of their parents and no last name, the children go from orphanage to orphanage, ending up with a mysterious man, Dr Pym and end up finding out a world across time and space where magic is real. As they discover the existence of three very powerful books, The Books of Beginning, they are faced with the task of having to find the Emerald Atlas to return home. The thing is they are not the only ones that need it desperately.
It's a very easygoing reading, flowing nicely and you really get to know the three main characters, Kate, Michael and Emma that are thrown in a world they don't understand. The story builds up quite nicely and I really enjoyed reading how events affected each sibling differently.
I wouldn't say that it arrives to the level of Harry Potter, not even close in my opinion, but I still want to read the next book.
Read my other reviews at: http://booktraveller.weebly.com/
Enjoyable book. I also listened to the Audiobook at the same time and the narrator is very good.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good crossover book- adults and teens will like this too. Siblings Kate, Emma and Michael were separated from their parents in a mysterious opening scene. They end up in an orphanage (sort of) and unlock a passageway into another world, Lion Witch and Wardrobe style. Some of the dark humor made me think of Lemony Snicket.
The book is a clever mix of Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events. The story started out great, Stephens introducing the reader to the lovable characters Emma, Michael and Kate. However, I found that as the book went on, the storyline was very hard to follow. The constant change of focus was very confusing, especially the last few chapters. John Stephens IS undoubtedly an incredible writer and his book does have a good storyline, it's just too complicated for my taste. I'd probably recommend this book for 9-12 year Olds
I didn't listen to this one with 100% of my attention, but it was pretty good and Jim Dale could read me anything and I would love it.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Doing a re-read for the upcoming to-be-read sequel: [b:The Fire Chronicle|13262797|The Fire Chronicle (The Books of Beginning, #2)|John Stephens|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340866193s/13262797.jpg|18464395]
Kate, Michael, and Emma were dropped off at an orphanage when Kate was 4. She was told by her mother to take care of her siblings and so she has. She's watched them through 10 years, many orphanages, some rather hellish, and all the while believing that their parents will come back.
Weeell, best of luck, dearies. It'll be a while.
So they are told that if they don't shape up, (Emma is a bit of a handful(she reminded me of Daphene from The Sisters Grimm), Michael is bookish and usually avoids conflict, Kate is desperately trying to keep them all in hand and together) then they will be shipped off to someplace worse then they're already at.
They mess up and are carted off to Cambridge Falls, the town where there are no children anywhere. And an apparently crazy man runs the so called "orphanage" where they are living.
And things get slightly more exciting from there.
Were you expecting time travel in this book?
How about a actual witch who looks and acts like a peppy teenage girl, but under that bubbly exterior is a evil, murdering witch who will do anything to get what she wants. And, of course, she isn't the big bad villain. No, she's the crony.
How about books (BOOKS) with magical properties?
How about these children protagonists being involved in prophecies and crap from a Reealllly long time ago?
How about dwarves?
How about a man who lives out in the woods and is totally awesome.
Spoiler
His relationship with Emma is adorable. I adore friendships like theirs. He's also a father figure who will do anything for the kid that has decided that she will do anything for him. So cute. Only part of the book that made me, "Awwwww."Overall, a bit long, could have used some editing. Characters were okay but certainly nothing special. Except for Gabriel...I would love some backstory on him. PLEASE?!
But I enjoyed reading it and definitely will be finishing up the series.