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gracegicurtis's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.0
hkeogh13's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book. It was always going to be incredible, Hardy is a fantastic author, but it surpassed my expectations. I really adored how Hardy chose to set the story in a different climate, setting a teacher up with a whole bank of new descriptive exemplars to describe hot, humid climates. I also thought that character development (esp. through separating the twins for part of the plot and focusing on Welby) was very well done.
The main takeaway I had though was how well Hardy could deconstruct the white-washed 1st world/ 3rd world narrative we have in our world today. She effortlessly manages to question the language used by those in the 'First Continent' and, on the quest to find the mystery continent, every outcome questions what we assume about travelling and exploring. I loved it. A really incredible feat of writing.
The main takeaway I had though was how well Hardy could deconstruct the white-washed 1st world/ 3rd world narrative we have in our world today. She effortlessly manages to question the language used by those in the 'First Continent' and, on the quest to find the mystery continent, every outcome questions what we assume about travelling and exploring. I loved it. A really incredible feat of writing.
gretchenrelm's review against another edition
4.0
The twins Maudie and Arthur are off on another adventure. After renowned explorer Ermitage Wrigglesworth goes missing, Eudora Vane gathers an armada to search for him. Harriet and the crew of the Aurora join the search to keep an eye on Eudora because she never does anything unless it benefits her. Along the way, the twins become distant as they each explore their own interests. The crew discovers an empty grave and Eudora steals the Aurora, with Arthur still on board! New discoveries are made, new friendships found and one lost, and Eudora gets what she deserves, for the moment.
spacepenguin22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
3.25
einnymydog's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
3.5
momreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What brought this book down from what could have been a solid 4 stars for me was the issues I felt the author was trying too hard to write about. Another book that focuses heavily on what we are doing to the environment and how we could all live peacefully and in harmony with nature. I don't mind it in a book but I felt this bordered on environmental preaching. Other than that, a good, solid fun read that definitely left an opening for a third book.
leahthebooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
4.0
The adventures of Maudie and Arthur Brightstorm continue. Now under the guardianship of Captain Harriet Culpepper, the Brightstorm twins join her sky ship crew on another expedition, this time to find the missing explorer Ermitage Wrigglesworth. Wrigglesworth disappeared while exploring Stella Oceanus, perhaps on a quest to discover a mythical firebird or the fabled fourth continent. Once again they find themselves in conflict with their nemesis Eudora Vane. What they discover is huge, but what they stand to lose is even greater still. This series has imaginative storytelling, likeable heroes, and despicable villains. It emphasizes positive character traits, but allows it's characters to make mistakes, to feel emotions like anger, fear, loneliness, sadness, etc. and to work through them and learn from them. It would be a great read aloud series for middle grade kids.
kim_reed's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0