americangirlemmie's review against another edition
4.0
As we get ready to devour the final installment of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place book, The Long-Lost Home, I wanted to go over a couple of the books in the series, so we could all get even more excited to go pick up our copies! Today, we’ll take a look at the fifth installment–The Unmapped Sea. This book is where the mystery and excitement of the series really starts to pick up, leading into the series conclusion. Up until the fifth book, every novel seemed to be semi-independent; now, we start to see how all of the mysteries connect and result in one big reveal (that will be an exciting part of The Long-Lost Home). Let me tell you, I have some pretty solid theories, but, alas, spoilers, so I will keep them to myself.
In my early childhood years, I developed a very serious fascination with Russian culture and folklore (which I can thank Leigh Bardugo for continuing into my adulthood). Thus, I had a rather biased fascination with the Babushkinovs. Not only were they really wonderfully wild, vivid, entertaining characters, but they added some wonderful dynamics into the story. The clashing of cultures and upbringings was brilliant–especially when the rather wild Babushkinovs interacted with the very reserved (ahemBritishahem) Incorrigibles. Their friendship did not seem an obvious one at the beginning of the novel, but it was wonderfully cherished by both the characters and the readers by the conclusion of the story.
I am also a fan of the way the story uses very real British history and settings in the plot. Brighton, the ever famous British beach paradise, is a central location for the lot, allowing some more realism to the story that was already wonderfully immersive. Every Anglophile will find some enjoyment in the allusions and references spread throughout the text.
Now, those of you who have read my other reviews of this series are probably going to tire of hearing this, but alas, it is always worthy of mention. My favorite part of this series is the storytelling–it resembles that feeling that one has when they come home to a warm cup of tea after a long day of adventuring. It is both comforting and inspiring, as plucky Penelope and the Incorrigibles find adventure in their seemingly normal everyday lives. There are messages of acceptance, family, and going out of your comfort zone. I truly believe this is one of the most brilliant modern Middle School series, and just about everyone could learn something from reading it.
5 out of 5.
In my early childhood years, I developed a very serious fascination with Russian culture and folklore (which I can thank Leigh Bardugo for continuing into my adulthood). Thus, I had a rather biased fascination with the Babushkinovs. Not only were they really wonderfully wild, vivid, entertaining characters, but they added some wonderful dynamics into the story. The clashing of cultures and upbringings was brilliant–especially when the rather wild Babushkinovs interacted with the very reserved (ahemBritishahem) Incorrigibles. Their friendship did not seem an obvious one at the beginning of the novel, but it was wonderfully cherished by both the characters and the readers by the conclusion of the story.
I am also a fan of the way the story uses very real British history and settings in the plot. Brighton, the ever famous British beach paradise, is a central location for the lot, allowing some more realism to the story that was already wonderfully immersive. Every Anglophile will find some enjoyment in the allusions and references spread throughout the text.
Now, those of you who have read my other reviews of this series are probably going to tire of hearing this, but alas, it is always worthy of mention. My favorite part of this series is the storytelling–it resembles that feeling that one has when they come home to a warm cup of tea after a long day of adventuring. It is both comforting and inspiring, as plucky Penelope and the Incorrigibles find adventure in their seemingly normal everyday lives. There are messages of acceptance, family, and going out of your comfort zone. I truly believe this is one of the most brilliant modern Middle School series, and just about everyone could learn something from reading it.
5 out of 5.
fern17's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
-0.5 stars for still the different illustrator. :\ Don't just switch illustrators in the middle of the series, that sucks as much as changing the cover does (which this series also does).
Other than that, finally some stuff regarding Simon and Penelope, some past revealed, some plot twists, but I will be happy when this series is over. I feel it has gone way too long.
Other than that, finally some stuff regarding Simon and Penelope, some past revealed, some plot twists, but I will be happy when this series is over. I feel it has gone way too long.
sandraagee's review against another edition
4.0
One of this series' best installments to date. We're finally starting to get some answers to the questions that have been plaguing us since the beginning of the series, but there's still plenty of mystery left to uncover. Can't wait to see what happens to Penelope and the Incorrigibles next!
nomefriegues's review against another edition
4.0
I am about as salty as the beaches of Brighton about this ending. Not that it was bad! Just my poor heart needs the next book already. I suppose that's what I get for reading/(mostly) listening to this whole series in a week and a half. I'm glad Maryrose Wood got the hint with this and "Interrupted Tale" and gave us a bit more to work with by answering at least as many questions as she introduced. She's confirmed the next book will be the last, so I'm looking forward to how she wraps all these up.
rhythmofryn's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
2.5
alejandrasmith4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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