logarithm's review against another edition
3.0
(3.5) Good middle grade but the main character really doesn't read as a twelve year old lol
littlebitofe's review against another edition
4.0
Very, very good. Loved the characters and the author's writing style. My only complaint is that it was too short and not overly detailed (as I like it). I think this is perhaps because it is for the younger reader, though. I will be looking for the other books in the series as well as other books by the author.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
I debated between 3 and 4 stars for this. The first part of the book is excellent – it’s the story of Alexa Daley who lives in a walled city and discovers a way out, where she learns to talk to animals. She also discovers the bad secret of the city. The second half moves to QUICKLY tie up all loose ends. Overall, a good fantasy read.
katemarie99's review against another edition
1.0
Kind of only picked this one up in the first place because of the "Elyon" bit and my great love for the Circle series by Ted Dekker. They don't seem to share many connections, although Elyon does seem to represent God in this story. I was slightly irked by how heavily this story borrows from Prince Caspian specifically (a chosen child, talking animals, a very small man [why not just say dwarf?], bears, squirrels that talk too much, a mysterious absent god-figure, etc etc) and really just from Narnia in general. Like I realize we've all been collectively impacted by Narnia, but there are more inventive ways to reinvent a narrative than to steal the plot, the characters, and all the tropes. No thanks.
madlightyear's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I can see how when I was a child I LOVED these books. The writing is very simple, but that leaves room for the world building and the characters to be the stars of the show. Re-reading this as a 26 year old was a joy I wasn’t expecting, and I was very grateful to be able to capture a little bit of my childhood again.
brittanyclampit's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
que_bella's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book. It hooked me from the start with a great and compelling plot and wonderful characters. With unexpected turns at every page, this was a great adventure that I won't forget.
orchidlilly's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely delightful! I fell in love with this book the first time I read it and I've loved it ever since! It has excellent reread value. The characters are charming and relatable, the plot is new and exciting, and the lore of the world is fascinating and fantastically written. Truly a wonderful read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexism, Animal death, Ableism, Alcohol, and Classism
amanda_12's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alyssajc's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, it reminds me so much of Inkheart! One of the best fantasy books I have ever read.