Scan barcode
ixienova's review
5.0
I first read these books when I was about 11 years old. Silverwing was the book we were assigned to read in class in 6th grade. I instantly fell in love with it. I think Silverwing was what got me into reading, which is something I now love. My first copies of the series are in such AWFUL shape because I read them SO MUCH. I would literally read them, and as soon as I finished reading them, I'd start all over immediately. And this went on for like 3 years. Literally was obsessed.
The target age range for these books in younger kids (obviously, if we were reading it in school in 6th grade), however I reread them as a now 26 year old adult and I still enjoyed them just as much. Perhaps it's partially the nostalgia factor; it's very hard to dislike something you loved more than anything as a kid, but these books actually have incredibly dark tones and situations that I never picked up on as a kid. As an adult I can now fully appreciate everything in Shade's journey, and how truely terrifying it must have been. All 3 books carry these dark themes, but Sunwing is especially dark, to the point where I'm not sure how it could possibly be marketed for young children. Like it feels like at least YA. But it was my favourite of the trilogy as a kid (and still as an adult), so... hey whatever I guess.
10/10 books, highly recommended, for all ages :) Could easily be considered a YA series just as much as it could be considered a children's series.
The target age range for these books in younger kids (obviously, if we were reading it in school in 6th grade), however I reread them as a now 26 year old adult and I still enjoyed them just as much. Perhaps it's partially the nostalgia factor; it's very hard to dislike something you loved more than anything as a kid, but these books actually have incredibly dark tones and situations that I never picked up on as a kid. As an adult I can now fully appreciate everything in Shade's journey, and how truely terrifying it must have been. All 3 books carry these dark themes, but Sunwing is especially dark, to the point where I'm not sure how it could possibly be marketed for young children. Like it feels like at least YA. But it was my favourite of the trilogy as a kid (and still as an adult), so... hey whatever I guess.
10/10 books, highly recommended, for all ages :) Could easily be considered a YA series just as much as it could be considered a children's series.
_michelle_'s review against another edition
4.0
Shade and Marina make for great, sympathetic heroes; and Goth makes for a truly terrifying villian.
jane_denn's review
4.0
I read this book for school and was surprised by how much I liked it. I thought it would be dull and kiddish, but I really enjoyed the plot and themes and things. I recommend.
readwithmikey's review
4.0
What a creative book - this still stays with me over a decade later. Lots of great storytelling from the unique perspective of bats and raises thought-provoking issues as well. (8)
ryanxvx's review
5.0
Another one from my childhood that held up surprisingly well. Definitely a Watership Down vibe which I didn’t pick up on as a kid.
praptipaul's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
karisjmadison's review
5.0
Liked it enough to read the next book! If you know me, then you will understand what high praise that is!
zelma's review
4.0
This was a great fantasy novel for older juvenile/young adult readers. The research on bat culture was extensive but never got in the way of the story. The characters were fully realized and quite a bit of fun; Shade in particular was quite likable and seemed like a typical preteen. The story itself was a tad predictable at times, but I plan to read the rest of the trilogy at some point.
Course evaluation:
Personal Response: I usually enjoy fantasy and this story was no exception. Oppel did extensive research on bat culture yet doesn’t allow the information to detract from an exciting story. Shade is a fun, relatable character that I rooted for and wanted to succeed.
Evaluation: Oppel creates a vivid world that feels believable due to his detailed research on bat culture; though his characters are animals, they feel like familiar characters that will be relatable to readers. The main character Shade seems like a normal preteen boy and he deals with many of the same emotions felt by that age group. Readers will enjoy watching Shade sift through these universal feelings, face his fears, and finally find his place within his colony – universal issues that all adolescents face.
Course evaluation:
Personal Response: I usually enjoy fantasy and this story was no exception. Oppel did extensive research on bat culture yet doesn’t allow the information to detract from an exciting story. Shade is a fun, relatable character that I rooted for and wanted to succeed.
Evaluation: Oppel creates a vivid world that feels believable due to his detailed research on bat culture; though his characters are animals, they feel like familiar characters that will be relatable to readers. The main character Shade seems like a normal preteen boy and he deals with many of the same emotions felt by that age group. Readers will enjoy watching Shade sift through these universal feelings, face his fears, and finally find his place within his colony – universal issues that all adolescents face.