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kaleria's review against another edition
2.0
This isn't a bad book. I will keep it on my shelf in the classroom for any kid who is interested, but it really isn't great. I will not be purchasing the next books.
I was disappointed in the abruptness of transitions and the lack of flow between ideas. The characters were nice enough, and elements of the book were intriguing, but it felt almost like a patchwork of great/classic ideas that weren't combined well. I read the Secret of Droon right after finishing this, and that series blew Wrenly out of the water.
I also agree with another reviewer that the set up of the Kingdom's economics made me pause as well. And the ease of resolve of "conflicts" (and the gentleness of all conflicts) was also not very interesting. It felt almost as though the author was writing *down* to children, assuming they could not understand or deal with conflicts like stealing or families arguing about boundaries/rules.
I was disappointed in the abruptness of transitions and the lack of flow between ideas. The characters were nice enough, and elements of the book were intriguing, but it felt almost like a patchwork of great/classic ideas that weren't combined well. I read the Secret of Droon right after finishing this, and that series blew Wrenly out of the water.
I also agree with another reviewer that the set up of the Kingdom's economics made me pause as well. And the ease of resolve of "conflicts" (and the gentleness of all conflicts) was also not very interesting. It felt almost as though the author was writing *down* to children, assuming they could not understand or deal with conflicts like stealing or families arguing about boundaries/rules.
cacrocks1's review against another edition
3.0
I am not the intended audience but I'm fairly certain even me at 6/7 would have found this book to resolve too easily. I would've read it anyway, though. And I know it's super popular at my library so it's definitely working for the age range.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
2.0
This was lacking any kind of heart or substance. It was like: the two kids went here, now the emerald is with these different fantasy creatures, so let's go there, oh, now a different creature has it, let's go there. It just felt like the author wanted these kids to have an "adventure" without putting any real thought into it at all. Maybe early readers would enjoy it, but I think kids deserve more.
rokinjaguar's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Eh. It was cute, but not particularly memorable or unique.
bashasmash's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
honestlyholle's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
Simple and adventurous. This would make a great first (or early) read-aloud!
bookishrealm's review against another edition
3.0
Check out my full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jlAUgQfLa8
morganniemarie's review against another edition
4.0
My daughter read this after reading Dragon Masters and asked me to read them so we can talk about them.
I’m kind of underwhelmed after Dragon Masters…it wasn’t BAD, but wasn’t great. I also thought it was dumb that the king wouldn’t let Lucas have friends til after a piece of jewelry went missing. As another commenter said, the conflicts were so gentle it almost wasn’t interesting…
BUT my kiddo liked it so I’ll keep reading and try not to read it with an adult lens
I’m kind of underwhelmed after Dragon Masters…it wasn’t BAD, but wasn’t great. I also thought it was dumb that the king wouldn’t let Lucas have friends til after a piece of jewelry went missing. As another commenter said, the conflicts were so gentle it almost wasn’t interesting…
BUT my kiddo liked it so I’ll keep reading and try not to read it with an adult lens
smiles11's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0