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nugat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
qkk1993's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
debz57a52's review
2.0
If you're a fan of the movie, this book is likely going to be your least favorite. Although Jack Frost is the focus of it, he is not exactly the Jack Frost of the movie. For me, this is fine - I've read all five books now and I'm on board with Jack's transformation and how his story in the movie and the books can be wedged together.
But this volume is about 45-50% flashback, as told through a story that Katherine tells from Mr. Qwerty, and therefore, it seems like a slog. These things already happened, and Katherine's story (and to a lesser extent, Jack's continuation of Katherine's story) fill in gaps in the timeline that are useful to know, yes. But these flashbacks, especially in such concentrated amounts, slow the plot down so much that it's not really fun reading the book. There's no forward motion. No new developments.
Plus, one of the things I love about the movie plotline is Jack finding his purpose, his "thing," and that whole discussion is really absent in this story of Jack. Actually, the Jack of the book seems considerably less "fun" than the Jack of the movie, although he is still thoughtful and clever and quick and brave.
Now that I've read all five books in this series, plus the other supporting picture books, I have to say that I see where all the different parts of each book got pulled into the movie plot. I originally thought the movie covered the first book or two, but no - it really covered all five books, but in a unique way, with some of the threads being pulled out of each book to make a new cohesive (and shorter) story of the Guardians. I wish I'd read the whole series before seeing (and loving) the movie - I wonder how it would color my feelings about these books, especially the last two. But I can't change time. This is my least favorite book in the series.
But this volume is about 45-50% flashback, as told through a story that Katherine tells from Mr. Qwerty, and therefore, it seems like a slog. These things already happened, and Katherine's story (and to a lesser extent, Jack's continuation of Katherine's story) fill in gaps in the timeline that are useful to know, yes. But these flashbacks, especially in such concentrated amounts, slow the plot down so much that it's not really fun reading the book. There's no forward motion. No new developments.
Plus, one of the things I love about the movie plotline is Jack finding his purpose, his "thing," and that whole discussion is really absent in this story of Jack. Actually, the Jack of the book seems considerably less "fun" than the Jack of the movie, although he is still thoughtful and clever and quick and brave.
Now that I've read all five books in this series, plus the other supporting picture books, I have to say that I see where all the different parts of each book got pulled into the movie plot. I originally thought the movie covered the first book or two, but no - it really covered all five books, but in a unique way, with some of the threads being pulled out of each book to make a new cohesive (and shorter) story of the Guardians. I wish I'd read the whole series before seeing (and loving) the movie - I wonder how it would color my feelings about these books, especially the last two. But I can't change time. This is my least favorite book in the series.
faustianbarga1n's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
the weakest installment of the series and the final battle was mid but i love jack’s backstory in this so much. the ending pisses me off BAD though
wendylioness's review against another edition
5.0
Of course I would love this one best of the picture books in the Guardians of Childhood series. I think the illustrations in this one are the most beautiful, and the story has a very big heart.
However, I'm a bit confused because the story seems inconsistent with the chapter books. I hope Katherine is in the next one.
However, I'm a bit confused because the story seems inconsistent with the chapter books. I hope Katherine is in the next one.
wendylioness's review against another edition
4.0
This series has been building up to this book and I had been squealing over it so much when it came out.
When I had the time, I read the first third and was delighted, and then put it aside till another semester finished.
Then last night I read the last two-thirds in one sitting.
If you love Jack Frost, you will love this book. However, it’s a different story from the movie the Rise of the Guardians, so you have to separate them in your mind.
These books have been some of the few that awaken my inner child and lover of Peter Pan.
The only downers are the odd pacing of the books and the way things are summarized. Joyce finds a lyrical voice every now and then even within the summarizing and those places are lovely but I do wish he’d taken more time to polish this book. Having said that, it was a mostly satisfying conclusion to the Guardians series.
But now I really want a book series that is all about Jack Frost and Katherine. I would buy those books.
When I had the time, I read the first third and was delighted, and then put it aside till another semester finished.
Then last night I read the last two-thirds in one sitting.
If you love Jack Frost, you will love this book. However, it’s a different story from the movie the Rise of the Guardians, so you have to separate them in your mind.
These books have been some of the few that awaken my inner child and lover of Peter Pan.
The only downers are the odd pacing of the books and the way things are summarized. Joyce finds a lyrical voice every now and then even within the summarizing and those places are lovely but I do wish he’d taken more time to polish this book. Having said that, it was a mostly satisfying conclusion to the Guardians series.
But now I really want a book series that is all about Jack Frost and Katherine. I would buy those books.
nicxmac's review against another edition
5.0
After what feels like forever, I have finally read this book. I didn't expect this to be an illustrated book but it was a fun and quick read. Both the story and the illustrations were amazing. I'll be reading the actual Jack Frost novel next!
Some ramblings from the past before this book was even announced or published:
EDIT: 8/22/15
YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
FINALLY, Our prayers have been answered! :D
----------------
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
----
and I just saw this on tumblr so my feelings are all heightened!!!
Jack be nimble,
Jack be quick,
Jack forgot to check if the ice was thick.
Emma was still,
Emma was late,
Emma’s brother is now part of the lake.
Time has passed,
Time has gone,
Time brought Jack back wrong.
He was solemn,
He was brave,
He left his coat on Emma’s grave.
Emma was sad,
Emma was scared,
But she knew inside that Jack really cared.
Jack was lost,
Jack had forgot,
That he had a story before the plot.
Jack had wondered,
Jack had fought,
Jack had remembered what he had forgot.
I hope you dream.
I hope you wonder.
I hope you have fun because this is done.
Keep believing everyone.
Jack be fearless,
Jack be bold,
Jack drowned when he was 17 years old.
Some ramblings from the past before this book was even announced or published:
Spoiler
EDIT: 8/22/15
YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
FINALLY, Our prayers have been answered! :D
----------------
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
PLEASE LET IT BE JACK FROST
----
and I just saw this on tumblr so my feelings are all heightened!!!
Jack be nimble,
Jack be quick,
Jack forgot to check if the ice was thick.
Emma was still,
Emma was late,
Emma’s brother is now part of the lake.
Time has passed,
Time has gone,
Time brought Jack back wrong.
He was solemn,
He was brave,
He left his coat on Emma’s grave.
Emma was sad,
Emma was scared,
But she knew inside that Jack really cared.
Jack was lost,
Jack had forgot,
That he had a story before the plot.
Jack had wondered,
Jack had fought,
Jack had remembered what he had forgot.
I hope you dream.
I hope you wonder.
I hope you have fun because this is done.
Keep believing everyone.
Jack be fearless,
Jack be bold,
Jack drowned when he was 17 years old.
tami_provencher's review against another edition
5.0
I hardly have words for how much I love this book (and The Guardians series)! I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot, because Jack Frost is the final (5th) book in the series and I don't want to accidentally give away plot points from books earlier in the series. I highly recommend reading the entire series in order and Jack Frost is a fitting finale! William Joyce's gift for imaginative storytelling and the way in which he holds childhood as something sacred and to be eternally treasured are unmatched.
If the illustration on the cover looks familiar, you may remember the Dreamworks animated movie of 2012 Rise of the Guardians, which is based on William Joyce's The Guardians series. One of the things I love about this book is that, although it does contain the origin story of Jack Frost like the 2012 movie, it is NOT in any way a rehash of the movie, itself. From a story perspective both the movie and the book Jack Frost fit together in the history of The Guardians. It is one of the rare exceptions where a movie based on the literary characters perfectly complements and ADDS to the effectiveness and enjoyment of the story.
One of my favorite aspects of the Jack Frost story is the introduction of the country Raconteuristan, peopled by Raconturks, the leaders of whom are chosen "by the beauty, wit, and power of the stories they told." Their only rule is that fiction can never "be used to hurt any real person, and most important, anyone who was overtly cruel or mean would be banished." I find the Raconturks' use of language to be one of the most delightful things about which I have ever read:
All the books in The Guardians series emphasize the simple motivation to uphold the values of love, kindness, compassion and friendship, as the pillars of peaceful and loving existence in this world. The villain in the story, Pitch Black, started as a kind and noble man, brought to evil through extreme sorrow and is one of the most tangible literary examples of how grief, anger and bitterness left unchecked can twist our motivations and behavior. The books in this series are the kinds of stories I would have gotten lost in as a child--and find I still can as an adult. There is comfort in experiencing a story where the values by which I try to live provide the path and the tools to navigate difficult times and situations.
The entire Guardians series is 100% family-friendly and filled with hope and a touch of magic. They are the perfect independent or read-aloud choice for these social-distancing times! It was exactly what I needed!
Other books in The Guardians series:
Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King
E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core
Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies
The Sandman and the War of Dreams
If the illustration on the cover looks familiar, you may remember the Dreamworks animated movie of 2012 Rise of the Guardians, which is based on William Joyce's The Guardians series. One of the things I love about this book is that, although it does contain the origin story of Jack Frost like the 2012 movie, it is NOT in any way a rehash of the movie, itself. From a story perspective both the movie and the book Jack Frost fit together in the history of The Guardians. It is one of the rare exceptions where a movie based on the literary characters perfectly complements and ADDS to the effectiveness and enjoyment of the story.
One of my favorite aspects of the Jack Frost story is the introduction of the country Raconteuristan, peopled by Raconturks, the leaders of whom are chosen "by the beauty, wit, and power of the stories they told." Their only rule is that fiction can never "be used to hurt any real person, and most important, anyone who was overtly cruel or mean would be banished." I find the Raconturks' use of language to be one of the most delightful things about which I have ever read:
Most impressively, they had also contrived a method of using invented words that, when spoken at the proper volume and inflection, could completely incapacitate any foe. These words were called "onomatopoeia" and they were most impressive in sound and effect. Fwapp! Kapow! Shhing! Splat! Ka-ping! Ka-thunk! Crack-a-twang! Kerr-BLOOM! Ker-SPLAT! KER-BLAM! KER-FWANG!
All the books in The Guardians series emphasize the simple motivation to uphold the values of love, kindness, compassion and friendship, as the pillars of peaceful and loving existence in this world. The villain in the story, Pitch Black, started as a kind and noble man, brought to evil through extreme sorrow and is one of the most tangible literary examples of how grief, anger and bitterness left unchecked can twist our motivations and behavior. The books in this series are the kinds of stories I would have gotten lost in as a child--and find I still can as an adult. There is comfort in experiencing a story where the values by which I try to live provide the path and the tools to navigate difficult times and situations.
The entire Guardians series is 100% family-friendly and filled with hope and a touch of magic. They are the perfect independent or read-aloud choice for these social-distancing times! It was exactly what I needed!
Other books in The Guardians series:
Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King
E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core
Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies
The Sandman and the War of Dreams
bluesapphirereads's review against another edition
3.0
Gotta say, I feel like there was a book missing between book 4 and this one. It was still well written but it had been 100 years between books and it felt like the plot and war between light and dark was a footnote in the book instead of splitting into 2 and giving each plot the attention they deserved.
decembermagpie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0