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thecasuallibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
carlisajc's review against another edition
3.0
This book is about the star Sirius who gets kicked out of the skies for murder (one which he didn't commit) and sent to Earth as a dog. He has to recover something called the Zoi to save the entire universe.
This is an interesting book, one that I have mixed feelings about. First, I love the premise. It's imaginative and creative. And I'm taking Astronomy right now, too, so reading a book which contained some astronomical basis was pretty cool and super interesting.
But it was still kind of weird and vague. The "Zoi" is a very important aspect of this book, as it's something that Sirius is chasing and looking for the entire time. But it's never really explained what it is. Just this all-powerful object that the wrong people shouldn't get ahold of. I just wish I had a better idea of what it was now, after having read the book.
But it's a good fantasy. Diana Wynne Jones is classic and Neil Gaiman gives the introduction, praising her and this book. So try it out if you're a fantasy fan!
This is an interesting book, one that I have mixed feelings about. First, I love the premise. It's imaginative and creative. And I'm taking Astronomy right now, too, so reading a book which contained some astronomical basis was pretty cool and super interesting.
But it was still kind of weird and vague. The "Zoi" is a very important aspect of this book, as it's something that Sirius is chasing and looking for the entire time. But it's never really explained what it is. Just this all-powerful object that the wrong people shouldn't get ahold of. I just wish I had a better idea of what it was now, after having read the book.
But it's a good fantasy. Diana Wynne Jones is classic and Neil Gaiman gives the introduction, praising her and this book. So try it out if you're a fantasy fan!
applegnreads's review
3.0
I enjoyed this but in the end it was only a kid's book and rather predictable. Not my favorite of hers but ok anyway.
robbynjreeve's review
3.0
REQUIRED READING
Sirius is a luminary exiled to earth for a crime he didn't commit, in a dog's body. Jone's novel is a struggle between the life and thoughts of a dog, and a star's desperate attempt to prove his innocence, and return back to where he belongs. Though the story idea was very interesting it was hard to keep up with the balance between the two different aspects. Sirius' search of the Zoi and his part in his life before Earth was confusing to follow. His part as a dog was more loveable and enjoyable, but because he was so distracted by this personality and the mindset of a dog, the search for the zoi took longer than necessary and the story dragged on.
Sirius is a luminary exiled to earth for a crime he didn't commit, in a dog's body. Jone's novel is a struggle between the life and thoughts of a dog, and a star's desperate attempt to prove his innocence, and return back to where he belongs. Though the story idea was very interesting it was hard to keep up with the balance between the two different aspects. Sirius' search of the Zoi and his part in his life before Earth was confusing to follow. His part as a dog was more loveable and enjoyable, but because he was so distracted by this personality and the mindset of a dog, the search for the zoi took longer than necessary and the story dragged on.
dromwald's review
5.0
I decided to read this YA book purely because I recently lost my dog - best friend, member of my family, losing her left me bereft. All I can say is that reading this helped and will likely appeal to anyone who ever formed a bond with a dog or wanted to.
christine_e_schulze's review
5.0
Well, after YEARS of wanting to track down and read this book by my favorite author, I've finished it at last. What a beautiful tale full of whimsy and heart, another triumph by the late Diana Wynne Jones.
Update 2024: Not me still RAVING about how much I loved this whimsical, beautiful tale!
Update 2024: Not me still RAVING about how much I loved this whimsical, beautiful tale!
tabbrower's review
4.0
Delightful! Quick, tender, funny. Kind of a process piece with dogs and magic--I love it.