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fieldofhats's review against another edition
2.5 stars. I absolutely love Jaleigh Johnson, and this book was very good for a while. But the second half of the novel really drags for me. The plot was progressing way to fast, and there was no time for stakes to properly develop. The characters also weren’t very clearly defined; Rook and Drift had character traits and things that sort of made them unique, but no actual development. Fox isn’t really a character at all, he’s more like a concept with autonomy. On top of all of that, plot contrivances really ruined it for me. But before I go into that, I want to mention some positive things.
The world is incredibly imaginative, and it’s very easy to get lost in it. The magic is fun and unique, especially with regards to Rook. Creating doors isn’t quite a new concept, but it’s not something you see very often and this take on it was very novel. And the history of the world is amazing as well; hearing about the skyships and the society built around them sounded so cool, and living in the ruins of that society gives the world an almost ancient undertone.
But that’s pretty much all for the positives.
The plot contrivances in the second half were really what threw me over the edge. The section where the team had to go into the Wasteland felt slow to me; Drift leaving Fox behind after escaping from Dozana seemed uncharacteristic; and Rook traveling elsewhere to get Drift and Fox help seemed odd. Couldn’t Rook have just made a door into the cave where Fox was hiding? If not, Johnson didn’t explain why. And even if she needed Rook to not save him in that moment for the plot, she could have written it so that the door didn’t work. It just felt like a clunky way to move the plot along.
I’ve read a few reviews and had some aspects of the end of the book spoiled, and I just don’t see myself caring. I was only about 70 pages from finishing the book, which isn’t a lot, but that’s 70 pages I could be reading of another book I’m actually enjoying.
This is by no means typical of Johnson’s works, though, she’s an amazing author. I haven’t read her Solace series, so perhaps she just isn’t very good at writing Young Adult books, but her adult fantasy novels are amazing. Definitely read this author, but maybe skip this book.
The world is incredibly imaginative, and it’s very easy to get lost in it. The magic is fun and unique, especially with regards to Rook. Creating doors isn’t quite a new concept, but it’s not something you see very often and this take on it was very novel. And the history of the world is amazing as well; hearing about the skyships and the society built around them sounded so cool, and living in the ruins of that society gives the world an almost ancient undertone.
But that’s pretty much all for the positives.
The plot contrivances in the second half were really what threw me over the edge. The section where the team had to go into the Wasteland felt slow to me; Drift leaving Fox behind after escaping from Dozana seemed uncharacteristic; and Rook traveling elsewhere to get Drift and Fox help seemed odd. Couldn’t Rook have just made a door into the cave where Fox was hiding? If not, Johnson didn’t explain why. And even if she needed Rook to not save him in that moment for the plot, she could have written it so that the door didn’t work. It just felt like a clunky way to move the plot along.
I’ve read a few reviews and had some aspects of the end of the book spoiled, and I just don’t see myself caring. I was only about 70 pages from finishing the book, which isn’t a lot, but that’s 70 pages I could be reading of another book I’m actually enjoying.
This is by no means typical of Johnson’s works, though, she’s an amazing author. I haven’t read her Solace series, so perhaps she just isn’t very good at writing Young Adult books, but her adult fantasy novels are amazing. Definitely read this author, but maybe skip this book.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
Give this to your readers who enjoy Brandon Mull's stories or The Unwanteds series by Lisa McMann.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Perhaps a metaphor for our dependence on oil, perhaps just a fun fantasy novel about what happens when the magic a society depends on disappears. Either way, it is the story of friendship, adventure, and the true meaning of home. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
seyfert's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting take on magic with a sprinkle of science fiction (multiverse). It's rather short, which can be good or bad, and does seem to move at a fast pace. For the age group it targets, it hits some important lessons about friendship, trust, and believing in yourself. While it ends nicely, I do hope for another book and answers to questions that aren't important to the story, but my curiosity needs!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
branpender12's review against another edition
First of all, this cover is outstanding! I am really starting to think that Middle-Grade covers are designed better than Young Adult and by far more interesting! I really enjoyed this book and the characters! I was hooked from the time I read the blurb and I was not disappointed! Middle-grade books have really emerged into the light and seem to be bursting with possibilities!
This magical world is so easy to fall into and will leave the reader wanting more! The MCs Drift and Rook find themselves exiled in an unforgiving realm. They have to do things that they may or may not agree with to survive and earn cash in the black-market bazaar. I really connected with both characters and their mysterious third, who I won’t give any spoilers about. I feel like their struggles and hardships and perseverance will give the reader hope and aspirations to achieve whatever they feel is out of reach. It is so easy to become emotionally invested in this book.
I did not like the way the narration changes, thus the reason for the four stars. I feel like the author could have portrayed this part of the book in a less confusing way through the eyes of one of the actual characters or through a new character but not as a third person narration. The action scenes throughout the book were also weak and I didn’t feel like they helped the MC’s instead they hindered them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves magical adventures and a tale of friendship. Overall the book was highly developed and well thought out and the few things that I didn’t like are not enough of an issue to stand in the way of recommendations.
Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher, and author for allowing me to read this book. The thoughts and opinions portrayed are my own and in no way influenced by these parties.
This magical world is so easy to fall into and will leave the reader wanting more! The MCs Drift and Rook find themselves exiled in an unforgiving realm. They have to do things that they may or may not agree with to survive and earn cash in the black-market bazaar. I really connected with both characters and their mysterious third, who I won’t give any spoilers about. I feel like their struggles and hardships and perseverance will give the reader hope and aspirations to achieve whatever they feel is out of reach. It is so easy to become emotionally invested in this book.
I did not like the way the narration changes, thus the reason for the four stars. I feel like the author could have portrayed this part of the book in a less confusing way through the eyes of one of the actual characters or through a new character but not as a third person narration. The action scenes throughout the book were also weak and I didn’t feel like they helped the MC’s instead they hindered them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves magical adventures and a tale of friendship. Overall the book was highly developed and well thought out and the few things that I didn’t like are not enough of an issue to stand in the way of recommendations.
Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher, and author for allowing me to read this book. The thoughts and opinions portrayed are my own and in no way influenced by these parties.
kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
5.0
Rook and Drift are exiles, forced to live in hiding because they possess magic from another world. Rook has the ability to open doors that will transport her to any place she can imagine, but when she opens a doorway to a mysterious snowy forest, a creature comes bounding into her life that will change her forever. Unable to trust anyone, hunted down by a government that hates their other-worldly magic, Rook and Drift try desperately to control the unreliable magic buzzing around their city. The magic of the world is poisoned and twisted, and only Rook and her friends have a chance at controlling the magic before it destroys their city.
I devoured this book, and was utterly fascinated with every scene! The characters, the world-building, the beautiful magic, the masterful writing, the adventure, the mysteries... I loved it all!
The world-building is incredibly imaginative! I loved the way the magic works, the deep history of the wizards from another world, and the poor exiled children stranded with no memory of their home. The whole scene unfolded before me in this wide tapestry of people and events and magical history.
The main characters are adorable and pitiful and strong, and my heart was wrenched for them in so many ways. Their miserable search for answers about their past lives made me very emotional, because aren't we all searching for the answer to that same question: "Who am I?"
The way the exiles desperately cling to one another and form a little family all their own was so touching and sweet. I was cheering for them, and crying for them, and laughing with them!
Rook is so dependent on Drift, two little girls trying to find a way to keep food in their mouths and shelter over their heads. Drift is smart and savvy, while Rook is the heart of the group. I just adore their friendship!
The adventure was glorious! Running, hiding, and barely escaping from the bad guys, then comes a big twist and everything is changed. The characters can hardly keep up with each new dangerous situation, and the reader is kept on their toes through every chapter. Even the quieter scenes were full of mystery and unanswered questions that kept me reading and reading into the wee hours.
I want to pick up more books by this author!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I devoured this book, and was utterly fascinated with every scene! The characters, the world-building, the beautiful magic, the masterful writing, the adventure, the mysteries... I loved it all!
The world-building is incredibly imaginative! I loved the way the magic works, the deep history of the wizards from another world, and the poor exiled children stranded with no memory of their home. The whole scene unfolded before me in this wide tapestry of people and events and magical history.
The main characters are adorable and pitiful and strong, and my heart was wrenched for them in so many ways. Their miserable search for answers about their past lives made me very emotional, because aren't we all searching for the answer to that same question: "Who am I?"
The way the exiles desperately cling to one another and form a little family all their own was so touching and sweet. I was cheering for them, and crying for them, and laughing with them!
Rook is so dependent on Drift, two little girls trying to find a way to keep food in their mouths and shelter over their heads. Drift is smart and savvy, while Rook is the heart of the group. I just adore their friendship!
The adventure was glorious! Running, hiding, and barely escaping from the bad guys, then comes a big twist and everything is changed. The characters can hardly keep up with each new dangerous situation, and the reader is kept on their toes through every chapter. Even the quieter scenes were full of mystery and unanswered questions that kept me reading and reading into the wee hours.
I want to pick up more books by this author!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
krys_and_books's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
***
Rook and Drift are two best friends with particular magical skills trying to survive in a world that doesn’t trust magic after an incident that caused mass destruction and left behind “the exiles”, children from a world full of magic. Rook, our MC, can open doorways to wherever, or she could if she had a better hold of her magic. She, along with Drift who can create winds and fly/float/fall with style, use their skill sets to stay ahead of those who don’t want them around. After one memorable incident she accidentally opens a door that lets in Fox, an exile, a boy who can shift into fox form and uses shadows.
One day they come across a woman who claims to come from the same world they did, an adult who survived, and tells them they can use their magic to save this world and return to their own. Tempting of course, but these things are never easy and the truth less so.
It’s a fun magical ride. I loved the relationship between Rook and Drift and how easily Fox fell into their dynamic.
Fun fast read. Recommend fo someone looking to add some magic to their reading.
***
Rook and Drift are two best friends with particular magical skills trying to survive in a world that doesn’t trust magic after an incident that caused mass destruction and left behind “the exiles”, children from a world full of magic. Rook, our MC, can open doorways to wherever, or she could if she had a better hold of her magic. She, along with Drift who can create winds and fly/float/fall with style, use their skill sets to stay ahead of those who don’t want them around. After one memorable incident she accidentally opens a door that lets in Fox, an exile, a boy who can shift into fox form and uses shadows.
One day they come across a woman who claims to come from the same world they did, an adult who survived, and tells them they can use their magic to save this world and return to their own. Tempting of course, but these things are never easy and the truth less so.
It’s a fun magical ride. I loved the relationship between Rook and Drift and how easily Fox fell into their dynamic.
Fun fast read. Recommend fo someone looking to add some magic to their reading.
justabutterfly's review against another edition
2.0
Most of this book rubbed me the wrong way for whatever reason.
It's compelling, but most of the plot just felt rushed. It sets up the "here are things as they are now" part and then just sprints off into the distance. Where is the world-building? Nowhere in sight. There's a few mentions of concepts, like a disease caused by the disappearance of magic and some of the children disappearing or serving the ruling family (or whoever runs the country this takes place in), but the disease shows up for two scenes, and other children only show up near the end, and they aren't serving anyone. This really needed some more characters, since Rook and Drift (and later Fox) can't carry the story by themselves at all.
The plot twists here also felt...boring and predictable. Most of it just felt unsavory, and I didn't like where the plot was going after some of the more major events.
The characters are kind of boring here too. Fox was simple enough to be likable, but again, the two leads weren't very interesting. They were more like "the girl who flies and stuff" and "the girl who can create doors to anywhere semi-reliably but then doesn't use it for the late-middle of the book because she can't anymore" than real people.
The writing was okay, but there were a few sections where it seems off.
On the plus side, there's absolutely no romance in this book beside one scene with a husband and wife! Forced romances would have made this book much worse, so points for that.
All in all, I think I was just expecting too much of this book. It has a lot of potential, but not much of it goes anywhere, so it just feels unsatisfying. If you haven't read hundreds of fantasy books you might like this a lot, but if you're a veteran the pretty common tropes here will annoy/bore you.
It's compelling, but most of the plot just felt rushed. It sets up the "here are things as they are now" part and then just sprints off into the distance. Where is the world-building? Nowhere in sight. There's a few mentions of concepts, like a disease caused by the disappearance of magic and some of the children disappearing or serving the ruling family (or whoever runs the country this takes place in), but the disease shows up for two scenes, and other children only show up near the end, and they aren't serving anyone. This really needed some more characters, since Rook and Drift (and later Fox) can't carry the story by themselves at all.
The plot twists here also felt...boring and predictable.
Spoiler
Two main characters get kidnapped because of course they do, and we need a way to advance the plot. All of the children have amnesia because it's a convenient plot device. Zzzzzz. Fox is actually Rook's brother, and this knowledge ex machina (the magic of the place they go to lifts part of her amnesia or something! How more contrived can you get?) helps Rook make it past the final scene. This twist in particular I really don't get at all, honestly. Given how there's a foreshadowing bit in the beginning about some characters who show up in the last third, you'd think the author would've hinted a bit more at it, but aside from the fact that Fox and Rook become friends overnight there isn't much. Also, the ending to the main plot feels like it wraps up things too nicely. It feels like there should be more problems after Rook does her thing, but then it's just like "hey, you can't go back home and you still have partial amnesia but everything else is basically fixed! Lucky you!"The characters are kind of boring here too. Fox was simple enough to be likable, but again, the two leads weren't very interesting. They were more like "the girl who flies and stuff" and "the girl who can create doors to anywhere semi-reliably but then doesn't use it for the late-middle of the book because she can't anymore" than real people.
The writing was okay, but there were a few sections where it seems off.
On the plus side, there's absolutely no romance in this book beside one scene with a husband and wife! Forced romances would have made this book much worse, so points for that.
All in all, I think I was just expecting too much of this book. It has a lot of potential, but not much of it goes anywhere, so it just feels unsatisfying. If you haven't read hundreds of fantasy books you might like this a lot, but if you're a veteran the pretty common tropes here will annoy/bore you.
ginalyn's review against another edition
5.0
I love the concept of this book. The magical powers are so unique and beautiful. It took me a while to finish the book because the thought of children being shunned and left to starve broke my pregnant heart. Now that my hormones are a little more stable and my daughter is here I was finally able to finish it. The beautiful ending of finding a home and having a true home, the unbelievably well thought out ending, the very likable and connecting characters are all reasons to read this book. I enjoyed it immensely.
thelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
★★★★☆
yes please thank you
+ THE COVER DELIVERED -- I GOT EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED FROM A BOOK WITH THAT COVER. THAT NEVER HAPPENS.
Ahem. All over the top excitement aside, I'm in love. I suppose there wasn't anything super duper exciting or magical about this book -- but I'm just very excited that I got pretty much exactly what I expected it when I picked it.
+ One of my favorite parts is that this has so many good little details that I feel like I found little, handwritten notes throughout the whole thing. Kinda like I was sitting next to a cozy fire while this book swept me away on an adventure.
+ Ok one of my favorite animals is a fox so I'm very much a fan of Fox (the character).
+ The plot was intriguing, entertaining, and pretty exceptionally well-paced. The author pulled off the whole moving-MC-away-from-group with grace. I was impressed because the group didn't stall despite no longer holding the narrative, but you could easily figure out what they had been doing while the narrative was following the MC.
+ I honestly wish that Kaz Brekker was in this universe because you can bet that Dirtyhands would have jobs for those kids.
+ There's a not-so-recent trend of pirates being awesome role models and it makes me very happy.
Please tell me I get to see more of that part in the next book (also, please let there be a next book).
+ I kept expecting people who made promises to die - which shows you what kind of books I've been reading lately!
+ I could see pretty much all the little surprises coming, but I still loved them. And sometimes there were little twists on the twists which took me by surprise.
I'm so definitely going to recommend that my library order this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this novel.
Originally posted on Book Devourers
yes please thank you
+ THE COVER DELIVERED -- I GOT EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED FROM A BOOK WITH THAT COVER. THAT NEVER HAPPENS.
Ahem. All over the top excitement aside, I'm in love. I suppose there wasn't anything super duper exciting or magical about this book -- but I'm just very excited that I got pretty much exactly what I expected it when I picked it.
+ One of my favorite parts is that this has so many good little details that I feel like I found little, handwritten notes throughout the whole thing. Kinda like I was sitting next to a cozy fire while this book swept me away on an adventure.
+ Ok one of my favorite animals is a fox so I'm very much a fan of Fox (the character).
+ The plot was intriguing, entertaining, and pretty exceptionally well-paced. The author pulled off the whole moving-MC-away-from-group with grace. I was impressed because the group didn't stall despite no longer holding the narrative, but you could easily figure out what they had been doing while the narrative was following the MC.
+ I honestly wish that Kaz Brekker was in this universe because you can bet that Dirtyhands would have jobs for those kids.
+ There's a not-so-recent trend of pirates being awesome role models and it makes me very happy.
Please tell me I get to see more of that part in the next book (also, please let there be a next book).
+ I kept expecting people who made promises to die - which shows you what kind of books I've been reading lately!
+ I could see pretty much all the little surprises coming, but I still loved them. And sometimes there were little twists on the twists which took me by surprise.
I'm so definitely going to recommend that my library order this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this novel.
Originally posted on Book Devourers