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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
I'll admit that I got Stoneheart because 1-it was on sale, and 2- OMG, a Jim Dale narrated book that I hadn't heard of?! I wound up really enjoying it. Quick synopsis - George is on a school trip at the London museum of natural history when, being blamed for a bully's actions, he's sent to wait outside as punishment. In anger and frustration, he hits and breaks a small carved dragon on the exterior of the building. To his astonishment, a stone pterodactyl breaks off from the roof of the building and begins chasing and attacking him. To George's amazement, no one else appears to notice... until a WWI soldier statue comes to his rescue. At that point, Edie, a young runaway begins following George and the Gunner. Edie has seen statues move for years, but she has never seen anyone else who can see what she does. I won't give away any more, but I do have a few other thoughts....
I loved the world building. I loved the concept that a city (especially one as old as London) has many layers and that George "fell through" to one not seen by most.
The walker was an interesting concept/character.
I want to know more of Edie's back story. We got glimpses, but not enough and I'm intrigued.
Disappearing parent syndrome -- grrr.
Dragons -- yay!
I loved the world building. I loved the concept that a city (especially one as old as London) has many layers and that George "fell through" to one not seen by most.
The walker was an interesting concept/character.
Spoiler
Because it was his fate to walk after breaking something, I'm now worried for George...I want to know more of Edie's back story. We got glimpses, but not enough and I'm intrigued.
Disappearing parent syndrome -- grrr.
Dragons -- yay!
George breaks a dragon carving from the Natural History Museum and suddenly he's plunged into a world of the statues of London at war with each other and a strange man who walks around the city. It's interesting and the pace is breakneck throughout. I like how George grows and how his relationship with Edie grows and I'm curious about what happens next.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An intriguing story of a world overlaid (or underlaid) upon the usual (our) world, with characters experiencing both, interacting with elements fantastical and still walking in the mundane. Fletcher has a great gift of metaphor.
Mel nagged me and nagged me to read this and I wanted to but never quite got to it. So glad I finally did - its a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy romp, and highly recommended to anyone visiting London or who loves this city. I was somewhat put off by the author's very obvious lack of appreciation for 20th/21st century architecture and sculpture (I definitely don't agree with her sentiments about the British Library at St Pancras!) but it was great fun charting the adventure in my mind and gleefully identifying that "I've been there!!" Echoes of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere only made it more familiar and fun, and a dictionary maker as heroic support can only be a good thing - loads of lovely interesting words. Looking forward to the next in the trilogy.
The story is as touching as it is sweet and interesting. Plus, always a pleasant listen with Jim Dale reading.