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A review by protoman21
Doll Bones by Holly Black
5.0
Now this is more like it! After reading Newbery Award winning Flora and Ulysses, I was disappointed because though it was good, it didn't seem to live up to that lofty standard, but Doll Bones, a Newbery Honor book for the same year brought back my faith in the award committee! Doll Bones perfectly captures those moments in childhood between being a kid and being a young adult where some of your friends and classmates are ready to grow up, but maybe you aren't quite there yet. Zach's devastating loss at the beginning of the book took me right back to my childhood and was a great contributor to the authentic feel of the entire book.
Poppy is the most childlike of the group, but she makes up for it with her vivid imagination and commitment to their play games. Alice has interest in more adult pursuits, but has not lost the joy of play yet. Both are strong characters and make for a fun trio on their quest. The story has nice creepy undertones without being gory or sensationalistic.
The pacing moves along well and the various dangers are always right there nipping at the characters' heels. It is funny how the fear of getting in trouble, when well done, is more powerful than the seemingly endless near death experiences in other less well written books. Bravo to Holly Black! I'm sure this book will be giving lots of kids (and some adults) nightmares for years to come!
Poppy is the most childlike of the group, but she makes up for it with her vivid imagination and commitment to their play games. Alice has interest in more adult pursuits, but has not lost the joy of play yet. Both are strong characters and make for a fun trio on their quest. The story has nice creepy undertones without being gory or sensationalistic.
The pacing moves along well and the various dangers are always right there nipping at the characters' heels. It is funny how the fear of getting in trouble, when well done, is more powerful than the seemingly endless near death experiences in other less well written books. Bravo to Holly Black! I'm sure this book will be giving lots of kids (and some adults) nightmares for years to come!