annieb123's review against another edition
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse is the third book in a middle grade series written by Tania del Rio. Due out 24th March 2020 from Quirk Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
These books are delightfully strange, humorous, well written, whimsically odd, and generally good (if occasionally dark) fun. This installment sees the inhabitants of Hotel Warren stranded on an uncharted tropical island and having adventures with pirates. The stories work well as standalone stories and it's not necessary to have read the previous books for continuity. The story will require a healthy suspension of disbelief and sense of fun however. The plot is non-stop, rollicking, and it's what I would definitely call a ripping yarn (with pirates, magic, and a sentient multi-eyed octopus sidekick thing called Sketchy).
The content is age appropriate and although it's aimed at a middle grade readership, it would make a fun bedtime read for younger kids. The art, by creator Will Staehle, is quirky and Edward Gorey-esque and moves the plot along as well as adding a load of personality to the narrative.
Highly recommended to all-ages and fans of middle grade fantasy (Spiderwick, Fablehaven, Mister Max, etc).
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse is the third book in a middle grade series written by Tania del Rio. Due out 24th March 2020 from Quirk Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
These books are delightfully strange, humorous, well written, whimsically odd, and generally good (if occasionally dark) fun. This installment sees the inhabitants of Hotel Warren stranded on an uncharted tropical island and having adventures with pirates. The stories work well as standalone stories and it's not necessary to have read the previous books for continuity. The story will require a healthy suspension of disbelief and sense of fun however. The plot is non-stop, rollicking, and it's what I would definitely call a ripping yarn (with pirates, magic, and a sentient multi-eyed octopus sidekick thing called Sketchy).
The content is age appropriate and although it's aimed at a middle grade readership, it would make a fun bedtime read for younger kids. The art, by creator Will Staehle, is quirky and Edward Gorey-esque and moves the plot along as well as adding a load of personality to the narrative.
Highly recommended to all-ages and fans of middle grade fantasy (Spiderwick, Fablehaven, Mister Max, etc).
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
amandapgold's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
3.25
rhodesee's review against another edition
4.0
In the 3rd installment of the Warren the 13th series, Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse The Warren Hotel with it's cast of quirky inhabitants has left dry land to continue its adventures on the high seas. To pirate obsessed Warren its a dream come true but it wouldn't be a book about Warren and his friends without a few bumps along the way. A curse, a shipwreck and the kidnapping of Sketchy certainly fit the bill. Warren and his friends must once again, use their unique skillsets to get the hotel sea-worthy once again and find and rescue Sketchy. This series continues to be a joy to read. I really enjoyed learning Sketchy's story and the new characters that we got to meet along the way (pirates and sea witches and sea monsters, Oh my!). The illustrations are just as wonderful as ever. If you've read the first two books in the series I don't think you will be disappointed by this one!
kylielovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
I think this was my favorite book in the series! I really loved the plot in this one. After finding out the hotel can turn into a ship, Warren and crew get shipwrecked on an island that ends up hosting a pirate retirement home. While there, Sketchy gets kidnapped and must be rescued.
The characters were great again, we have the addition of the retired pirates as well as 10 year old retirement home manager Bonny.
We basically go on this treasure hunt looking for Sketchy and it was just so much fun. I loved traveling around and seeing more of this world.
The illustrations in this book were great just like the other 2 with the only color being blue. The illustrations were one of my favorite parts of this series. Again, they really added a lot to the story and it was a fantastic way to break up the large pages and not feel like there was so much text on each page.
I loved this series and I'm so thankful for QuirkBooks for gifting me this series!
I think this was my favorite book in the series! I really loved the plot in this one. After finding out the hotel can turn into a ship, Warren and crew get shipwrecked on an island that ends up hosting a pirate retirement home. While there, Sketchy gets kidnapped and must be rescued.
The characters were great again, we have the addition of the retired pirates as well as 10 year old retirement home manager Bonny.
We basically go on this treasure hunt looking for Sketchy and it was just so much fun. I loved traveling around and seeing more of this world.
The illustrations in this book were great just like the other 2 with the only color being blue. The illustrations were one of my favorite parts of this series. Again, they really added a lot to the story and it was a fantastic way to break up the large pages and not feel like there was so much text on each page.
I loved this series and I'm so thankful for QuirkBooks for gifting me this series!
managedbybooks's review against another edition
3.0
Warren is adjusting to the demands of running a floating hotel and is planning his 13th birthday party when disaster strikes--the hotel is shipwrecked on a strange island.
kmk182's review
4.0
Warren is such a great character. Truly fun for all ages. While the third and final book got a little dull in the middle for me; its still a series I hold in high regard.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
lokireads'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
calistareads's review
4.0
I loved the first 2 books in the Warren the 13th series. They are a little odd and quirky and different than most other stories out there. There was 2 years between the first 2 book and I have been waiting for the 3rd book and I'm happy it came out. I was ready for it
I do think this is worth 4 stars and it's a good book, yet I still feel like this was my least favorite so far. That's okay, because it's still a great series. If your kids love gothic stories or Lemony snicket, then they will enjoy this book.
The hotel keeps morphing and showing us how special it is. This book revolves around Sketchy, the squid and the setting is a set. The hotel is on a boat. We meet plenty of new characters and there are puzzles and adventures to be had. I do wonder what will happen next with the hotel. What can be added. Maybe it can go to space. I could see that happening in a future installment. I'm still very excited for the next book and I hope there is another one.
Warren learns much more about his family and his history and there are clues given and we learn a little more here, but are still left with plenty of questions. Where will they go next. I'm up for the cuteness.
It's a quick read with great illustrations. It took me so long to read because I only read it at work on my lunch break. It's an adventure tale. I hope people will check out these books so we get more of them.
I do think this is worth 4 stars and it's a good book, yet I still feel like this was my least favorite so far. That's okay, because it's still a great series. If your kids love gothic stories or Lemony snicket, then they will enjoy this book.
The hotel keeps morphing and showing us how special it is. This book revolves around Sketchy, the squid and the setting is a set. The hotel is on a boat. We meet plenty of new characters and there are puzzles and adventures to be had. I do wonder what will happen next with the hotel. What can be added. Maybe it can go to space. I could see that happening in a future installment. I'm still very excited for the next book and I hope there is another one.
Warren learns much more about his family and his history and there are clues given and we learn a little more here, but are still left with plenty of questions. Where will they go next. I'm up for the cuteness.
It's a quick read with great illustrations. It took me so long to read because I only read it at work on my lunch break. It's an adventure tale. I hope people will check out these books so we get more of them.