Scan barcode
lb_ferguson's review
3.0
A boy loses everything to great tragedy. He gets sent to a foster home, though that situation is not for the best. His new foster mother is absolutely terrible, his new home is…not good. There are a ton of issues. He has all sorts of anxiety, which combines with his vivid imagination. He goes on a terrific adventure, becomes Black Jack, and meets a a lot of interesting characters.
The whole way through this book, I kept flip flopping between wanting to see jack get home and be safe. And wanting to just put the book down without finishing the story. For all the action in this book, and the suspense, I felt like it was just much to take. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading; yet, all I wanted to do was be done with it all. I did not want to see the ending. There are a few things about this story that was a little off putting for me. I know a lot comes from deep imagination, but some things just seem improbable, no matter how strong the imagination. Jack can do so much, but some of the stuff he does just doesn’t seem possible. But I guess that is the beauty of an imagination. It doesn’t always have to make sense and can be as magical as the mind can dream up.
With that said, it wasn’t a terrible book. Character development was very well thought out. The storytelling was interesting to say the least. It included a number of different illustrations, lyrical notes, literary elements, and descriptive imagery. The world building was almost artistically done. There just was so much about this book that made it an incredibly magical and imaginative journey to behold.
This is marked YA, but I thought that it felt more like a middle grade novel. Jack in the story is likable and somewhat relatable. Many people either like to slip away into their own imagination, or wish they they could slip away into their own little dreamland. Children of Jack’s age would enjoy following his adventures. They too may want to go on their own journey.
Thank you to the Author and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The whole way through this book, I kept flip flopping between wanting to see jack get home and be safe. And wanting to just put the book down without finishing the story. For all the action in this book, and the suspense, I felt like it was just much to take. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading; yet, all I wanted to do was be done with it all. I did not want to see the ending. There are a few things about this story that was a little off putting for me. I know a lot comes from deep imagination, but some things just seem improbable, no matter how strong the imagination. Jack can do so much, but some of the stuff he does just doesn’t seem possible. But I guess that is the beauty of an imagination. It doesn’t always have to make sense and can be as magical as the mind can dream up.
With that said, it wasn’t a terrible book. Character development was very well thought out. The storytelling was interesting to say the least. It included a number of different illustrations, lyrical notes, literary elements, and descriptive imagery. The world building was almost artistically done. There just was so much about this book that made it an incredibly magical and imaginative journey to behold.
This is marked YA, but I thought that it felt more like a middle grade novel. Jack in the story is likable and somewhat relatable. Many people either like to slip away into their own imagination, or wish they they could slip away into their own little dreamland. Children of Jack’s age would enjoy following his adventures. They too may want to go on their own journey.
Thank you to the Author and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
craftymxlibrarian's review against another edition
1.0
I didn't even make it through chapter 1. It starts in the Prologue with racism against Native Americans, and continues through chapter 1 with the "bad people are fat" trope along with the "foster parent in it for the money and social workers don't care" trope. And as a Chicagoan who works in a South side public library, I was VERY turned off by the disparagement of the South side and portrayal of public libraries "smelling like urine."
fictionalfey's review against another edition
5.0
I received this as an ARC via Instagram / Netgalley.This is my honest review of the arc I received.
Spoiler Free-
The first few chapters were honestly very slow going for me, it felt reminiscent to a 90’s male protagonist film, where it fast forwards to their older self, who is jaded and somehow gets the girl. But oh my god. As soon as Jack was taken away, this book…just exploded into colour for me. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. The settings, were exquisitely WRITTEN. Like Matthew Mercer level descriptions, (If you haven’t heard Matthew Mercer describe a setting, you need to), the diversity in this book is spectacular. And I was just absolutely entranced! This may actually top Narnia for me. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!
Spoiler Free-
The first few chapters were honestly very slow going for me, it felt reminiscent to a 90’s male protagonist film, where it fast forwards to their older self, who is jaded and somehow gets the girl. But oh my god. As soon as Jack was taken away, this book…just exploded into colour for me. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. The settings, were exquisitely WRITTEN. Like Matthew Mercer level descriptions, (If you haven’t heard Matthew Mercer describe a setting, you need to), the diversity in this book is spectacular. And I was just absolutely entranced! This may actually top Narnia for me. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!
bookish_satty's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This surprisingly ended up being an awesome reading experience for me after all!
When I first started the book I wasn't quite engaged with the characters or the plot itself for about 25% of the book so I set it aside for later and forgot about it. While trying to choose a YA book to read without the usual YA tropes for Reddit Fantasy Bingo Challenge 2023 I again came across this book especially on Booktube so I decided to give it a second chance and I'm really glad I did because this ended up being an exciting, suspenseful and intriguing reading journey for me.
I'm a big fan of coming of age stories and I loved Jack as the main protagonist as well as Valerian, Memphis and Pirate Rooker Flynn as main side characters. There are other side characters whom I adored as well but I won't mention them here because to be honest all the characters well well fleshed out and had individual personality. I liked the pace a lot especially after that first 25% of the book. The action scenes were well written and that ending made me tear up!
Overall a great book which I would definitely recommend to all.
When I first started the book I wasn't quite engaged with the characters or the plot itself for about 25% of the book so I set it aside for later and forgot about it. While trying to choose a YA book to read without the usual YA tropes for Reddit Fantasy Bingo Challenge 2023 I again came across this book especially on Booktube so I decided to give it a second chance and I'm really glad I did because this ended up being an exciting, suspenseful and intriguing reading journey for me.
I'm a big fan of coming of age stories and I loved Jack as the main protagonist as well as Valerian, Memphis and Pirate Rooker Flynn as main side characters. There are other side characters whom I adored as well but I won't mention them here because to be honest all the characters well well fleshed out and had individual personality. I liked the pace a lot especially after that first 25% of the book. The action scenes were well written and that ending made me tear up!
Overall a great book which I would definitely recommend to all.
rorycarroll's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
tezzarudge's review against another edition
5.0
What a truly wonderful story.
The story is encapsulating, magical, memorable and told with a voice that connects straight to your heart.
I don't need to write a long review here, I just need to tell you, to pick this up and read it
The story is encapsulating, magical, memorable and told with a voice that connects straight to your heart.
I don't need to write a long review here, I just need to tell you, to pick this up and read it
andrewdmth's review
5.0
Boy do I regret not finishing this sooner.
Legend of Black Jack captures the adventures of childhood, reminiscent of stories like the Neverending Story, Wonderland, Neverland, and others, yet it is uniquely its own. Never once did I think it stole from any one of those. Instead it has a wikk of its own—A magic that can only be explained by reading this for yourself.
As a writer, AR Witham, never once talks down to you, but instead takes you by the hand and drags you into a wonderful adventure. This is a story for all ages, and will go down among those greats I mentioned, as a Legend in and of itself.
Thank you for writing and sharing this, AR. I look forward to the next jaunt.
Legend of Black Jack captures the adventures of childhood, reminiscent of stories like the Neverending Story, Wonderland, Neverland, and others, yet it is uniquely its own. Never once did I think it stole from any one of those. Instead it has a wikk of its own—A magic that can only be explained by reading this for yourself.
As a writer, AR Witham, never once talks down to you, but instead takes you by the hand and drags you into a wonderful adventure. This is a story for all ages, and will go down among those greats I mentioned, as a Legend in and of itself.
Thank you for writing and sharing this, AR. I look forward to the next jaunt.
sarkbordark's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
Since I am not the target demographic, I try to imagine how I would enjoy this if I were. The MC is 14, and that is probably the general age this is geared for. It's a fun coming of age adventure with a very imaginative world. It had a bit of a dark Nedverland feel to it. Just swap out mermaids for zombies and "indians" for talking rhinos. It's a good story and Jack is a sympathetic MC.
stacey_the_chapter_conundrum's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a really fun, fast paced portal fantasy story featuring a 14 year old boy with an incredible memory named Jack. He's definitely a character that you want to root for throughout the book and the way that he creatively uses modern day knowledge to solve plot points is really entertaining!
I wish that we had a bit more time to sit with him and understand more of his feelings and reactions to everything that was happening (similarly to how he was written in the beginning of the book)!
Overall this was a really fun adventure with a lot of heartfelt and funny moments!
I wish that we had a bit more time to sit with him and understand more of his feelings and reactions to everything that was happening (similarly to how he was written in the beginning of the book)!
Overall this was a really fun adventure with a lot of heartfelt and funny moments!
msrichardsreads89's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
4.0
This was such a fun, entertaining adventure! This has so much heart, and the audiobook narration by the author is spot on. It immediately hooked me and didn't let go until the end. The protagonist, Jack, is a lovable, endearing character, and I loved following him on his journey. This book has magic, pirates, different magical races, and epic battles. The artwork is stunning. I cannot wait to read more by A.R. Witham, and I am so glad I got to experience The Legend of Black Jack!