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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I hated it, I liked it, I loved it, and then I hated it again! Such a unique book and a specific type of reader would love it. This book relies heavily of being “artsy”. It’s very poetic and symbolic and those just aren’t my type of books. However, I did find myself intrigued and couldn’t truly hate the book as I thought I was going to in the beginning. I’m very sad Yukio was used more as a plot device than a fully developed character because I really, really enjoyed him. I think if his character was more fleshed out I could’ve liked the book more. I half read, half listened to this book and I think it’s better listened to. Though the readers voice does begin to grate towards the end.
Trent Dalton has done it again. For me, this book is on par with "Boy Swallows Universe"
I knew I would enjoy this story when I weeped throughout the first chapter. I love Dalton's metaphors, I love his story telling and I love the characters.
I knew I would enjoy this story when I weeped throughout the first chapter. I love Dalton's metaphors, I love his story telling and I love the characters.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dickensian storytelling, a bit over-reliant on storytelling tropes relating to caves and confronting nemeses.
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Trent Dalton's "All Our Shimmering Skies" is an absolute gem of a novel that left me thoroughly enchanted and deeply moved. From the very first page, I was drawn into the vibrant and often harrowing world of 12-year-old Molly Hook, a protagonist you can't help but love. Molly is brave, bold, sassy, and honest, but most of all—perhaps unjustifiably so—hopeful. I couldn’t NOT cheer her on earnestly throughout her fantastical journey.
The story's primary antagonist, Molly's cruel uncle, is a proper nasty piece of work. His relentless pursuit of Molly and her unlikely travel companions Yukio and Greta adds a chilling tension to the narrative. Yet, despite the countless harrowing events she witnesses and endures, Molly maintains an inspirationally sunny and pertinacious disposition that lights up the darkest moments of the tale.
Dalton's narrative style is nothing short of magical. His depth of detail breathes vitality into what could become a same-same backdrop of endless Australian bushland. The story reads like something of a myth or legend, with Molly embarking on a treasure hunt guided by the sky itself. The sky "talks" to her and sends her "sky gifts” to aid her along the way. This infusion of wonder and the supernatural into the harsh realities of Molly's life creates a unique and captivating blend that kept me hooked until the very end. Worth noting is that Dalton’s consultation with relevant Aboriginal communities is evident: in weaving the mystical “Longcoat Bob” into his tale, he has demonstrated sensitivity and tact via incorporating aspects of existing Aboriginal lore. Although Dalton’s tale is a work of fiction, and he embellishes his work with flourishes of magical realism, Indigenous culture is referenced respectfully.
"All Our Shimmering Skies" is a beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of hope, resilience, and love. Open your heart to the novel’s protagonists, soak up the arresting imagery, bask in Dalton’s sumptuous language, and lose yourself in a delightful tale. Highly recommended.
The story's primary antagonist, Molly's cruel uncle, is a proper nasty piece of work. His relentless pursuit of Molly and her unlikely travel companions Yukio and Greta adds a chilling tension to the narrative. Yet, despite the countless harrowing events she witnesses and endures, Molly maintains an inspirationally sunny and pertinacious disposition that lights up the darkest moments of the tale.
Dalton's narrative style is nothing short of magical. His depth of detail breathes vitality into what could become a same-same backdrop of endless Australian bushland. The story reads like something of a myth or legend, with Molly embarking on a treasure hunt guided by the sky itself. The sky "talks" to her and sends her "sky gifts” to aid her along the way. This infusion of wonder and the supernatural into the harsh realities of Molly's life creates a unique and captivating blend that kept me hooked until the very end. Worth noting is that Dalton’s consultation with relevant Aboriginal communities is evident: in weaving the mystical “Longcoat Bob” into his tale, he has demonstrated sensitivity and tact via incorporating aspects of existing Aboriginal lore. Although Dalton’s tale is a work of fiction, and he embellishes his work with flourishes of magical realism, Indigenous culture is referenced respectfully.
"All Our Shimmering Skies" is a beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of hope, resilience, and love. Open your heart to the novel’s protagonists, soak up the arresting imagery, bask in Dalton’s sumptuous language, and lose yourself in a delightful tale. Highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Death of parent, War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Gore, Suicide, Car accident, Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault
adventurous
inspiring
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:
N/A