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.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
If Charles Dickens had written a script for Ghostbusters, it would have resembled what Catherine Jinks has given readers. Victorian England in 1870 was a setting ruled by class distinctions and not a great place to be an orphan. Luckily for Birdie, Alfred Bunce has taken her as his apprentice and she helps him to trap and kill bogles. In the course of their work they meet Miss Edith Eames, a lady of quality who is interested in the scientific study of folklore. She offers to take Birdie in and give her an education, which Birdie thinks is an awful offer when she is doing honest work as a bogler's girl. They also run into Dr. Morton, a physician with an interest in the occult. There is a cast of supporting characters including housemaids, pickpockets, gravediggers, and even asylum workers that all fill the complex world of Bethnal Green and the surrounding London neighborhoods. The food, clothing, and figures of speech all transport the reader back in time so that you almost expect Oliver Twist to pop up and speak to Birdie.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed with a bit of fantasy, or stories like The Spiderwick Chronicles that have creatures from folklore, will have a good time reading about Birdie and Alfred and their bogling business.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed with a bit of fantasy, or stories like The Spiderwick Chronicles that have creatures from folklore, will have a good time reading about Birdie and Alfred and their bogling business.