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saidtheraina's review against another edition
3.0
Some of the reviews of this book said that the parkour terms used throughout bogged down the text. And though I do agree that a (preferably illustrated) glossary would have been helpful, I felt that the unfamiliar terms contributed a poetic rhythm to the text. As someone who learned most of her vocabulary through intuiting definition by context, this didn't bother me at all, once I shifted into a certain mindset.
It is impressive to include so many unfamiliar elements in one book. It is yet more impressive to weave them together in a manner that is not only enticing, but high-action. And for me, this book succeeded. I learned about parkour, hacking, living in London, and Mali.*
The language here rocks back and forth, like the gears on a roller coaster. I imagine that the author (who lives in Burkina Faso) has learned a nonRomance language, and thus has gained the rhythmic separation from the English language that many do when they learn a a language from another family. I feel myself rushing forward as I read, using the same familiar consonants and vowels over and over again (I particularly noticed this in chapter 17).
I really enjoyed the nontraditional plot. Not quite Indiana Jones, not quite a sports book, not quite a spy flick. Some kind of combo of all of those. And, for me, it worked.
*Incidentally, this is the third book featuring Mali I've read in the very recent past (including Where I Belong by Gillian Cross, and [b:To Timbuktu: Nine Countries Two People One True Story|9304907|To Timbuktu Nine Countries, Two People, One True Story|Casey Scieszka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312062007s/9304907.jpg|14187794]). No, not on purpose.
It is impressive to include so many unfamiliar elements in one book. It is yet more impressive to weave them together in a manner that is not only enticing, but high-action. And for me, this book succeeded. I learned about parkour, hacking, living in London, and Mali.*
Spoiler
I particularly appreciated that Davies included sections following the villain. This added a sense of suspense, and ensured that it was clear that the villian was equally cruel to all comers.The language here rocks back and forth, like the gears on a roller coaster. I imagine that the author (who lives in Burkina Faso) has learned a nonRomance language, and thus has gained the rhythmic separation from the English language that many do when they learn a a language from another family. I feel myself rushing forward as I read, using the same familiar consonants and vowels over and over again (I particularly noticed this in chapter 17).
I really enjoyed the nontraditional plot. Not quite Indiana Jones, not quite a sports book, not quite a spy flick. Some kind of combo of all of those. And, for me, it worked.
*Incidentally, this is the third book featuring Mali I've read in the very recent past (including Where I Belong by Gillian Cross, and [b:To Timbuktu: Nine Countries Two People One True Story|9304907|To Timbuktu Nine Countries, Two People, One True Story|Casey Scieszka|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312062007s/9304907.jpg|14187794]). No, not on purpose.
lazygal's review
5.0
My biggest complaint about this book was that there was no explanation of the parkour moves (the author does link to a website at the end of the book, but a little more information would have been nice), and there's nothing really about the Dogon tribe or what a Nommo is. While I usually get annoyed with too much time spent on explanations or exposition, in the case of books that are set in real, but unusual settings, it's needed!
Having griped a little, let me now say that the book will really appeal to boy readers. The suspense level is a little low (it becomes obvious that Danny and Omar will 1. be trapped in each "environment" and 2. will figure out an escape route), but the way in which they meet each obstacle will surprise readers. The combination of parkour and hacking will appeal to readers because it's unusual; it wouldn't be a surprise to see parkour picking up here in the US.
This book really deserved a 4.5, but I'm giving it a rare 5 because my complaints are really more in the arena of wanting additional information rather than plot or character related.
ARC provided by publisher.
Having griped a little, let me now say that the book will really appeal to boy readers. The suspense level is a little low (it becomes obvious that Danny and Omar will 1. be trapped in each "environment" and 2. will figure out an escape route), but the way in which they meet each obstacle will surprise readers. The combination of parkour and hacking will appeal to readers because it's unusual; it wouldn't be a surprise to see parkour picking up here in the US.
This book really deserved a 4.5, but I'm giving it a rare 5 because my complaints are really more in the arena of wanting additional information rather than plot or character related.
ARC provided by publisher.
maidmarianlib's review
4.0
Outstanding adventure novel, lots of great action and really believable charters with abilities that help them get though things without luck.
smlunden's review
3.0
Meh. Fact is, I will recommend it wildly to anyone interested in parkour, but otherwise it was just ok. I am still giggling over a hacker that does parkour. I mean, it is a fabulous combination of skills, but I doubt I will ever meet someone with that specific skill set. A good action book if you are able to overlook many of the unlikely situations.
cweichel's review
4.0
This was a great book. It had me sucked in from the first page. It is fast paced, full of excitement and totally gripping. I know a few boys I will definitely give this one to.
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