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A review by confessions_of_a_bookaholic
Hunters of the Lost City by Kali Wallace
4.0
For the last 50 years the people of Vittoria have believed they were the only people left in the world, sole survivors of a magical war and plague. Twelve year old Octavia has never questioned her town's history, but when she meets a new girl whilst exploring outside of the city walls, her entire world view is thrown into question. Perhaps Vittoria isn't the only surviving town after all, but why would the elders lie about such a thing?
I love a good middle grade fantasy read, and this one definitely caught my attention. It ticks all the boxes - magic, beasts, danger and a determined and wilful child as lead character.
Octavia is a great lead. She is definitely determined, and has a clear idea of who she wants to be, and of what is right and wrong. Like many characters in this genre she learns quickly that she shouldn't always trust in adults to do the right thing. I liked that Octavia was precocious and strong willed, and that all of her actions had others at their heart. She is supported by a wide ranging cast of characters, of whom Master Flavia was probably my favourite. I always appreciate the characters who help our leads to stand up for what they feel is right.
The plot of the book was very well done. We are introduced to life in Vittoria and the rules of the city immediately, and get a feel for the world. It doesn't take long for the action to start, and Octavia to be stranded outside of the walls. I thought the plot moved along at a nice pace. There is enough action dotted through to keep you on the edge of your seat, but the underlying storyline is what really takes focus. I enjoyed reading of Octavia's struggle to adjust her world view in the face of new information, and her willingness to try and learn more about this new world.
I thought the world this story is written in was fascinating, and would love to learn more about it. Although I think Kali Wallace has done a fantastic job in this book, I would say that she has left herself plenty of room to write more stories in this world if she chooses to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good middle grade fantasy read, and this one definitely caught my attention. It ticks all the boxes - magic, beasts, danger and a determined and wilful child as lead character.
Octavia is a great lead. She is definitely determined, and has a clear idea of who she wants to be, and of what is right and wrong. Like many characters in this genre she learns quickly that she shouldn't always trust in adults to do the right thing. I liked that Octavia was precocious and strong willed, and that all of her actions had others at their heart. She is supported by a wide ranging cast of characters, of whom Master Flavia was probably my favourite. I always appreciate the characters who help our leads to stand up for what they feel is right.
The plot of the book was very well done. We are introduced to life in Vittoria and the rules of the city immediately, and get a feel for the world. It doesn't take long for the action to start, and Octavia to be stranded outside of the walls. I thought the plot moved along at a nice pace. There is enough action dotted through to keep you on the edge of your seat, but the underlying storyline is what really takes focus. I enjoyed reading of Octavia's struggle to adjust her world view in the face of new information, and her willingness to try and learn more about this new world.
I thought the world this story is written in was fascinating, and would love to learn more about it. Although I think Kali Wallace has done a fantastic job in this book, I would say that she has left herself plenty of room to write more stories in this world if she chooses to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.