jtryckman's review against another edition
3.0
I really loved "Sea of Trolls", and yet with this book I found myself frequently bored. I'm not sure what it was - perhaps how long it took for the 'plot' to happen, or how slowly certain scenes seemed to go - but "The Land of Silver Apples" was regretfully less enjoyable than its predecessor.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
3.0
I've always enjoyed Nancy Farmer books.
Some of the characters (like Lucy) are very one-dimensional, but yet I was motivated to keep going until the end and am now reading the final book
But I think it would be enjoyable to children.
Actually listened to this book, but am switching my audio books to non-audio for my pages read records.
Some of the characters (like Lucy) are very one-dimensional, but yet I was motivated to keep going until the end and am now reading the final book
But I think it would be enjoyable to children.
Actually listened to this book, but am switching my audio books to non-audio for my pages read records.
sharonskinner's review against another edition
4.0
There's a lot to digest in this second book in this series, and while it is rather long-winded, I really enjoyed following along with the characters on this latest and incredible imaginative adventure.
amandabock's review against another edition
3.0
I was very excited when I saw this on the bookstore shelves, because I really enjoyed the first one, and I'm a huge admirer of Nancy Farmer in general.
I enjoyed the adventure, and certainly the kids who liked [book: Sea of Trolls] will love this one, too. However, I was disappointed in the mythology and folklore allusions in this one. Perhaps it's just that the world of hobgoblins and elves is more well-trodden than the realms of Nordic mythology that Farmer introduced us to in the first book. The story is good, even great (and addresses some of my earlier issues with the character of Lucy), but the novel lacks the depth and innovation of Sea of Trolls.
All of that being said, I will be eager to see what happens to Pega and Thorgil next, which, I now see from the flap copy, we will learn be able from The Islands of the Blesseds in 2009. Why does it seem so arrogant and pushy to have the publication date for the final book so soon? It feels like they're flaunting it in my face, "Ha, ha, the final book is done, but we're going to make you wait two years before we let you see it!"
Sheesh. Think of the effect on a fifth grader. Are they still going to be interested when they're in the seventh grade?
I enjoyed the adventure, and certainly the kids who liked [book: Sea of Trolls] will love this one, too. However, I was disappointed in the mythology and folklore allusions in this one. Perhaps it's just that the world of hobgoblins and elves is more well-trodden than the realms of Nordic mythology that Farmer introduced us to in the first book. The story is good, even great (and addresses some of my earlier issues with the character of Lucy), but the novel lacks the depth and innovation of Sea of Trolls.
All of that being said, I will be eager to see what happens to Pega and Thorgil next, which, I now see from the flap copy, we will learn be able from The Islands of the Blesseds in 2009. Why does it seem so arrogant and pushy to have the publication date for the final book so soon? It feels like they're flaunting it in my face, "Ha, ha, the final book is done, but we're going to make you wait two years before we let you see it!"
Sheesh. Think of the effect on a fifth grader. Are they still going to be interested when they're in the seventh grade?
thinde's review against another edition
2.0
DNF 30%
If you read this book on its own, it would seem to be a high-quality middle-grade fantasy. Sadly, it was book two of the series and, after a slow start, the central plot is exactly the same as book one.
Book 1: Jack unleashes an uncontrolled burst of power to protect his little sister from harm. That power causes harm to the local royalty and he is forced to start a quest to recover the MacGuffin that can reverse the damage. He is accompanied by a girl of his own age that he doesn't like, but who is clearly of future romantic interest.
Book 2: See above.
If you read this book on its own, it would seem to be a high-quality middle-grade fantasy. Sadly, it was book two of the series and, after a slow start, the central plot is exactly the same as book one.
Book 1: Jack unleashes an uncontrolled burst of power to protect his little sister from harm. That power causes harm to the local royalty and he is forced to start a quest to recover the MacGuffin that can reverse the damage. He is accompanied by a girl of his own age that he doesn't like, but who is clearly of future romantic interest.
Book 2: See above.
librarygirlreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
An all-around fun, slightly rambling adventure through the mythology, folklore, society and religion of Dark Ages England. The ending felt rushed, especially after the time spent on the journey, and there were a few loose ends left annoyingly untied, but I whole-heartedly recommend to fans of the first in the series, The Sea of Trolls. The ending was open enough to leave room for a third, but apart from a lack of back-story, particularly regarding Lucy's personality and Thorgil's role, this one could stand alone. While there wasn't a single line I loved quite as much as Trolls' "Just say no to pillaging," I did relish reading aloud any mention of the Bugaboo and his Nemesis. Bugaboo! I also love Farmer's combination of history, folklore and mythology, not to mention the sizable bibliography.