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hedgielib's review
4.0
A main character who is trying to deal with her anxiety on her own -- and to not tell her mother how bad it is. I appreciated the frustration and authenticity of Kiki's voice as she dealt with the challenges of her head and the world she has created.
mrs_bookdragon's review
5.0
WHAT AN ADVENTURE! I connected with Kiki so strongly in her worrier personality and the struggle she faced with wanting to be brave, but not knowing how to. This was a great story of found family, friendship, and finding your inner warrior-but also about being yourself. I loved the messages in this book! I also LOVED the twist at the end.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was phenomenal.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was phenomenal.
fallingletters's review
3.0
Review originally published 15 January 2023 at Falling Letters.
- Clear differentiation that Kiki draws inspiration from Indian folklore, not Hindu religion (pg 15)
Kiki creatively combines two worlds (pg 16)
- Haha grilled cheese (pg 18)
-- ?! wish I had noted down an exact quote here…
- Good pacing; keeps you intrigued even before the first hint of action
- Enjoyed the ‘twist’ regarding a certain friendly character – saw it coming about a hundred pages early, this isn’t something super common in the MG spec fic I read
- Appreciate even more the exploration of mental health. While it’s becoming more common to explore mental illnesses in middle grade, it’s not so common to do so in a MG spec fic novel (at least, in one where the spec fic elements aren’t essentially allegorical). A valuable representation of what it’s like to have anxiety/OCD, when you haven’t yet found the words to describe that that’s what your experiencing.
- Clear differentiation that Kiki draws inspiration from Indian folklore, not Hindu religion (pg 15)
Kiki creatively combines two worlds (pg 16)
- Haha grilled cheese (pg 18)
-- ?! wish I had noted down an exact quote here…
- Good pacing; keeps you intrigued even before the first hint of action
- Enjoyed the ‘twist’ regarding a certain friendly character – saw it coming about a hundred pages early, this isn’t something super common in the MG spec fic I read
- Appreciate even more the exploration of mental health. While it’s becoming more common to explore mental illnesses in middle grade, it’s not so common to do so in a MG spec fic novel (at least, in one where the spec fic elements aren’t essentially allegorical). A valuable representation of what it’s like to have anxiety/OCD, when you haven’t yet found the words to describe that that’s what your experiencing.
rmpiano's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I've read for this age group in a long time. A really imaginative use of religious and folkloric elements, as well as a sympathetic exploration of anxiety and how disruptive it can be.
lporto's review
2.0
Meh - I think the narration was the largest draw back for this story. This was a British story but the narrator was using an Australian accent - it was a sour note. The other scraping note for me was one of the children in the alternative land speaks with what sounds like a stuff nose. UGH! STOP!
This was a fun story but the performance ruined it for me.
This was a fun story but the performance ruined it for me.
malliecallaghan's review
5.0
I was totally sucked into Kiki's adventure and loved every second! The cast of characters was great, Kiki's journey with her mental health and personal strength is so powerful, and I'm so excited to have more adventures in Mysore
megrob's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
julia0000's review
4.0
A very cute and fast-paced middle-grade fantasy. Found family feels, intricate (but very easily understandable) mythology, and never-ending action. Kiki has anxiety, South Indian ancestry, and a fascination with Indian mythology. Every anxious kid (and adult) could read this beautiful fantasy novel about art and the power of fighting our own monsters.
ashleykwbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
I liked this quite a lot until the end, which I felt was... a bit of a copout.