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A review by shadeyc
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Usually, I really enjoy middle grade books. I expect the kids to be growing and learning and experiencing new things, and it's a breath of fresh air to have often hard topics dealt with gently, and slightly simplified for younger readers. I'm used to coming out of the book feeling like I could pass it on to one of the many children for whom I am the best Aunty ever.
I don't hate this book, but I don't like enough to suggest to my niblings.
Probably mostly because it was REALLY DARK.
There is some hard core neglect and abuse going on in this and it's not gentle in any way or form.
And while our MC is a bright brave spark, and the side characters are a great found family, there aren't any smart kids in this book.
In fact, no one showed a brain cell until around the 75% mark. Including the adults. That's a long slog. Especially when the majority of that time was spent thinking the MC was going to get any number of characters killed off because of the lack of smarts.
I did like the majority of the characters, and hated the one I was supposed to.
But I kind of mostly rage read this book, and I'm not used to that happening with middle grade. I expected there would at least be a little bit of fun. But...none of them have fun...
I don't hate this book, but I don't like enough to suggest to my niblings.
Probably mostly because it was REALLY DARK.
There is some hard core neglect and abuse going on in this and it's not gentle in any way or form.
And while our MC is a bright brave spark, and the side characters are a great found family, there aren't any smart kids in this book.
In fact, no one showed a brain cell until around the 75% mark. Including the adults. That's a long slog. Especially when the majority of that time was spent thinking the MC was going to get any number of characters killed off because of the lack of smarts.
I did like the majority of the characters, and hated the one I was supposed to.
But I kind of mostly rage read this book, and I'm not used to that happening with middle grade. I expected there would at least be a little bit of fun. But...none of them have fun...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Physical abuse