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A review by storytime_with_amy11
The Garden of Lost Secrets by A.M. Howell
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Stars/rating - ★★★
Setting- ☆☆☆☆☆
Character development ☆☆☆
Favourite quote -
'The tress rustled and murmured in the stiff wind; sunlight flickered through the branches which were waving goodbye to their leaves for another year.’
~
Firstly! I have to say the term 'don't judge a book by its cover' really didn't apply to me for this book because the cover is simply beautiful and I did in fact judge it.
I was intrigued with the synopsis of this book anyway but what really bought me into it was the idea of Magic and mystery floating about. Another thing which caught my attention was the setting and era the book was set in - October 1916
I guess, in a way I wanted more, I EXPECTED MORE. Not just the whole Magic, Mystery theme but I thought that the book was missing one or two things and it did get very repetitive and plain in the middle. It also took me a while to actually get into this book as I found myself getting very easily distracted and took me a while to read as it didn't grab my attention.
The last 10- 12 chapters of the book served really really well however, but this could've been structured a lot better and a lot less rushed to get things done when it could've been planned or highlighted earlier on in the book. Additionally, This book is not the most terribly exciting or well-executed. Even though we spend the majority of our time with Clara and also often just Clara, I don't think we end up knowing her that well and I certainly didn't warm to her that much as I would to any of the other characters.
One of the things I did like and kept me continuing on with the story was the War theme and setting of this story. I loved it! I am a massive history nerd and adore historical type books so this book definitely delivered with that as well as the theme of Hope, friendship and mystery. I also love how this book highlights how grief effects people differently especially indicated with the characters of Will and Robert.
Overall, I think this book would be a great read for younger audiences and middle grade readers. I personally wouldn't read again however.
Setting- ☆☆☆☆☆
Character development ☆☆☆
Favourite quote -
'The tress rustled and murmured in the stiff wind; sunlight flickered through the branches which were waving goodbye to their leaves for another year.’
~
Firstly! I have to say the term 'don't judge a book by its cover' really didn't apply to me for this book because the cover is simply beautiful and I did in fact judge it.
I was intrigued with the synopsis of this book anyway but what really bought me into it was the idea of Magic and mystery floating about. Another thing which caught my attention was the setting and era the book was set in - October 1916
I guess, in a way I wanted more, I EXPECTED MORE. Not just the whole Magic, Mystery theme but I thought that the book was missing one or two things and it did get very repetitive and plain in the middle. It also took me a while to actually get into this book as I found myself getting very easily distracted and took me a while to read as it didn't grab my attention.
The last 10- 12 chapters of the book served really really well however, but this could've been structured a lot better and a lot less rushed to get things done when it could've been planned or highlighted earlier on in the book. Additionally, This book is not the most terribly exciting or well-executed. Even though we spend the majority of our time with Clara and also often just Clara, I don't think we end up knowing her that well and I certainly didn't warm to her that much as I would to any of the other characters.
One of the things I did like and kept me continuing on with the story was the War theme and setting of this story. I loved it! I am a massive history nerd and adore historical type books so this book definitely delivered with that as well as the theme of Hope, friendship and mystery. I also love how this book highlights how grief effects people differently especially indicated with the characters of Will and Robert.
Overall, I think this book would be a great read for younger audiences and middle grade readers. I personally wouldn't read again however.