helenfromalex's review against another edition
5.0
Winner of the Children's Book Council of Australia's Best Book for Younger Readers (under its Australian title "A Very Unusual Pursuit"), this is a ripping yarn & a well-deserved winner. Despite the potential for gore, it is just gruesome enough to keep the kids aghast but not too horrified. They absolutely devoured this & are pestering us to get the other titles in the City of Orphans series (very happy to indulge but I want 1st read!!!). A fantastic read.
turrean's review against another edition
3.0
A solid fantasy for those who love tales of Victorian London, orphans, and monsters served with a little thrill of horror. I was looking forward to this, because I enjoyed the author’s [b: The Reformed Vampire Support Group.]
I found Birdie’s relationship with Alfred a bit incomprehensible. He completely lacked any warmth or tenderness toward her. He was a good bogler, rigidly determined not to lose another apprentice, and the text is clear that he does not use his fists on his young charge. But that’s about it for his virtues... Birdie is at first worried about her employment prospects, when Alfred begins to question the wisdom of continuing to be a monster slayer. But when it became clear she could enjoy a far, far better life, I am unconvinced she would be so resistant.
I found Birdie’s relationship with Alfred a bit incomprehensible. He completely lacked any warmth or tenderness toward her. He was a good bogler, rigidly determined not to lose another apprentice, and the text is clear that he does not use his fists on his young charge. But that’s about it for his virtues... Birdie is at first worried about her employment prospects, when Alfred begins to question the wisdom of continuing to be a monster slayer. But when it became clear she could enjoy a far, far better life, I am unconvinced she would be so resistant.
lynnmarie78's review against another edition
4.0
Described as Dickens meets Ghostbusters. Some of it is pretty intense for younger readers. After all the bogles hide in dark places, reach out and snatch children, who are never seen again...
teacher2library's review against another edition
4.0
What a fun magical adventure full of dangerous boggles, daring orphans and an evil doctor! Birdie is a such a stubborn and brave main character, it's impossible not to like her. Can't wait to read what happens next!
On a side note, the depictions of class and working conditions in London society make a great starting point for discussion in the classroom.
On a side note, the depictions of class and working conditions in London society make a great starting point for discussion in the classroom.
trixie_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this a lot at first, but I got rather bored for a bit about 2/3 of the way through. I finished it but didn't love it.
kellibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
We listened to the audio book on a long family car trip. The narrator was wonderful - she did all the accents, plus a great job with the singing. My 11 year old gave it five stars and wanted the sequel immediately, and the rest of us really enjoyed it too.
lizlogan's review against another edition
5.0
A fun beginning to a book series that is simultaneously creepy and historical. Jinks gives just enough information to keep the reader informed but not overburden a child. She also describes the bogles well and dips into British, Scottish, Irish and Welsh folklore without being overwhelming or frightening. I think this series could easily be a new favorite for lovers of a Series of Unfortunate Events, The Name of This Book is Secret or The Mysterious Benedict Society.
jwmcoaching's review against another edition
3.0
An entertaining kick-off to a planned trilogy. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter reminded me of Harry Potter. Very atmospheric setting with authentic dialogue makes the reader feel like one is truly in Victorian England.