Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I read this one to the twins and we all enjoyed it. The book was fast moving enough to keep us all interested (sometimes too interested as some of the chapters ended in suspense.)
These middle school adventure stories are all alike. Character development is poor and yet they are sentimental. Not sure how they sell books other than teachers and parents push them.
Good for fans of Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, etc.
Originally posted here at In the Senter of it All
Genre: Fantasy
AR level: 4.9
Grade appropriate: 5th and up
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5--I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I will say it’s for a more mature reader. There’s a bit of language (see my note) and in the beginning the children are taken from their loving parents for their safety. Being an expecting mother (and pretty emotional right now) that was a hard part for me to get through. But once I got past that part I was sucked in!
Creativity: 5/5--Nothing like any other fantasy book I’ve read before.
Characters: 5/5-- Loved the characters. They seemed very real, likable and believable.
Engrossing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Appeal to kids: 4/5-- Kids who are fantasy fans already will eat it up. Not for kids who are new to fantasy.
Appropriate length to tell the story 4/5-- Longer than I expected.
CONTENT:
Language: mild--several instances, “damn” “hell” “bloody”
Sexuality: none
Violence: mild-- heros fight the evil characters
Drugs/Alcohol: mild-- the main villain drinks wine and brandy (maybe vodka at one point?) but it is not discussed at length.
Genre: Fantasy
AR level: 4.9
Grade appropriate: 5th and up
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5--I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I will say it’s for a more mature reader. There’s a bit of language (see my note) and in the beginning the children are taken from their loving parents for their safety. Being an expecting mother (and pretty emotional right now) that was a hard part for me to get through. But once I got past that part I was sucked in!
Creativity: 5/5--Nothing like any other fantasy book I’ve read before.
Characters: 5/5-- Loved the characters. They seemed very real, likable and believable.
Engrossing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Appeal to kids: 4/5-- Kids who are fantasy fans already will eat it up. Not for kids who are new to fantasy.
Appropriate length to tell the story 4/5-- Longer than I expected.
CONTENT:
Language: mild--several instances, “damn” “hell” “bloody”
Sexuality: none
Violence: mild-- heros fight the evil characters
Drugs/Alcohol: mild-- the main villain drinks wine and brandy (maybe vodka at one point?) but it is not discussed at length.
What a great fantasy book for middle grade children (or children at heart). If you are a fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or.time traveling adventures, this book might just be for you. The book follows the adventures of three children in what I’ll call a classic fantasy quest. Along the way they encounter Dwarves, wizards, and monsters of various varieties. I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator did a great job. I did find a bit of a disconnect because the narrator has a British accent, but the story takes place in Maryland and other parts of New England. The narrator made me feel like I was back at Hogwarts. Really just an oddity as he does a fantastic job.
I really enjoyed this book. It did take me a while to get into (when i started i felt like it was aimed specifically at people younger than me) but once it got going it was interesting, and heart-wrenching, and funny and brilliant. I am definitely looking forward to the next instalment.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
This book was one of my favourites when I was younger.
I remember reading the first one before the others came out and I just couldn't wait for the others to come out. I loved this type of story and I probably would still enjoy reading it.
I remember reading the first one before the others came out and I just couldn't wait for the others to come out. I loved this type of story and I probably would still enjoy reading it.
This book has the excitement of Rowling's Harry Potter, Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, and Pullman His Dark Materials. For fans of those books, go ahead read it a.s.a.p, you won't regret it.
Although the first quarter pages of the book is really really remind me of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but as the story goes, it turns out to be amazing! It has everything you would want in a book: adventure, mythical creatures (although not so much), pretty scenery, magic (of course), and (I can't believe I'm listing this) melodramatic dialog that will make you (almost) drop some tears.
I see this book as part of a promising series, and would totally wait for the second installment!
Although the first quarter pages of the book is really really remind me of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but as the story goes, it turns out to be amazing! It has everything you would want in a book: adventure, mythical creatures (although not so much), pretty scenery, magic (of course), and (I can't believe I'm listing this) melodramatic dialog that will make you (almost) drop some tears.
I see this book as part of a promising series, and would totally wait for the second installment!