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A review by skylarkblue1
The Troublemakers by Tamzin Merchant
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
After thinking this wonderful world would end after only 2 books, it was such a delight to find this was being made! Though while it was certainly an excellent book it did feel a little bit like it's a standalone adventure more than a proper continuation imo. And honestly, felt like it should have been over 2 books because so much happens but it's so fast paced to try and fit in everything and unfortunately leaves some scenes and plot threads so short due to this.
Ofc I still love the characters, and the new additions fit in really well with the existing cast. Despite how fast paced it all was I think it actually managed to introduce and give a decent arc for at least the main new character and one or 2 of the additional troublemakers. But there was so many additions I honestly couldn't count how many got introduced because so many of them had such a tiny amount of page time, even ones you'd think would be important at the start.
The new world explored in this was absolutely delightful though. While I'd have loved more time exploring the place instead of just a montage-speed rundown of landmarks, it was still so vibrant and colourful and descriptive enough to easily picture! And of course, the excellent illustrations helps too.
The messaging is not very subtle at all, it's very "don't be a dick to nature and don't try and be a pride of the British museum" which is fine but considering how often that kind of message is done nowadays it doesn't really bring anything new to that conversation. Especially considering how nicely the messaging was done in the first couple books, this just felt a little too on the nose. And the messaging is pretty much just the story.
I'll note though, I did really like the ending. I think it's a very nice tie-up to the series.
If you liked the first 2, you'd certainly like this one too. Same kinda hijinks, same charming characters, same beautifully detailed illustrations! And same in a good way haha! If you want to read it as a standalone, you can since it explains basically everything you need to know but it will also spoil the first 2 books (though not massively tbh).
Ofc I still love the characters, and the new additions fit in really well with the existing cast. Despite how fast paced it all was I think it actually managed to introduce and give a decent arc for at least the main new character and one or 2 of the additional troublemakers. But there was so many additions I honestly couldn't count how many got introduced because so many of them had such a tiny amount of page time, even ones you'd think would be important at the start.
The new world explored in this was absolutely delightful though. While I'd have loved more time exploring the place instead of just a montage-speed rundown of landmarks, it was still so vibrant and colourful and descriptive enough to easily picture! And of course, the excellent illustrations helps too.
The messaging is not very subtle at all, it's very "don't be a dick to nature and don't try and be a pride of the British museum" which is fine but considering how often that kind of message is done nowadays it doesn't really bring anything new to that conversation. Especially considering how nicely the messaging was done in the first couple books, this just felt a little too on the nose. And the messaging is pretty much just the story.
I'll note though, I did really like the ending. I think it's a very nice tie-up to the series.
If you liked the first 2, you'd certainly like this one too. Same kinda hijinks, same charming characters, same beautifully detailed illustrations! And same in a good way haha! If you want to read it as a standalone, you can since it explains basically everything you need to know but it will also spoil the first 2 books (though not massively tbh).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Colonisation, Physical abuse, and Kidnapping
Minor: Injury/Injury detail