nolemdaer's review
5.0
Morrison does it again with the excellent third book in the Tyme series. While the first was a more classic adventure/quest story, and the second a political thriller, Transformed is a full-on investigation story, although with heavy aspects of political intrigue.
Morrison's commitment to character development is present again as Syrah reflects Rapunzel's journey from immaturity and ignorance to maturity and wisdom. It actually helped, at least for me, to know Syrah would be developing throughout the story, because he was really just terrible at the beginning. Luckily, my faith in Morrison was not in vain.
Morrison's writing was again functional for the story she was telling. I must admit that while I think she's exceptionally strong in terms of plotting and macro-perspective storytelling (she definitely knows how to build suspense and keep you hanging onto your seat, with several twists and turns), her technical writing is not exceptional but—oh, horror of horrors—is "just" good. To be truthful, there's really not much to critique. (My only quibble is that sometimes the narration tended to show AND tell. It's a common bit of advice to "show not tell" in writing, but at times Morrison would clearly show what a character was doing or feeling and then state it right after. It's thus clear that she CAN show without telling, so it made me wonder—why the additional punch to really drive the point home? Perhaps for younger readers?)
And, to note, the casual and prevalent diversity of Tyme is truly wonderful. I must commend Morrison's creation of a world free from prejudice based on skin color, sexuality, parental status (we got a council member nursing her baby!), etc. Her ability to simultaneously create fantasy tensions between classes, magical/non-magic people, etc. and create a truly fantasy world without our own world's judgements and hatred is absolutely impressive and the best I've seen.
Overall, yet another excellent story that works equally well as part of the series and on its own. I truly admire /not only/ Morrison's worldbuilding, characterization, plotting, and storycrafting, but also her ability to simultaneously create a standalone novel and a part of a larger story seamlessly and seemingly without effort.
Morrison's commitment to character development is present again as Syrah reflects Rapunzel's journey from immaturity and ignorance to maturity and wisdom. It actually helped, at least for me, to know Syrah would be developing throughout the story, because he was really just terrible at the beginning. Luckily, my faith in Morrison was not in vain.
Morrison's writing was again functional for the story she was telling. I must admit that while I think she's exceptionally strong in terms of plotting and macro-perspective storytelling (she definitely knows how to build suspense and keep you hanging onto your seat, with several twists and turns), her technical writing is not exceptional but—oh, horror of horrors—is "just" good. To be truthful, there's really not much to critique. (My only quibble is that sometimes the narration tended to show AND tell. It's a common bit of advice to "show not tell" in writing, but at times Morrison would clearly show what a character was doing or feeling and then state it right after. It's thus clear that she CAN show without telling, so it made me wonder—why the additional punch to really drive the point home? Perhaps for younger readers?)
And, to note, the casual and prevalent diversity of Tyme is truly wonderful. I must commend Morrison's creation of a world free from prejudice based on skin color, sexuality, parental status (we got a council member nursing her baby!), etc. Her ability to simultaneously create fantasy tensions between classes, magical/non-magic people, etc. and create a truly fantasy world without our own world's judgements and hatred is absolutely impressive and the best I've seen.
Overall, yet another excellent story that works equally well as part of the series and on its own. I truly admire /not only/ Morrison's worldbuilding, characterization, plotting, and storycrafting, but also her ability to simultaneously create a standalone novel and a part of a larger story seamlessly and seemingly without effort.
jinglesmell1337's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.75
Megan Morrison has this ability to simultaneously write a world that is so unique and fun to explore, while perfectly balancing it with such logeable characters i could follow anywhere.
My goodness. Syrah starts out so convincingly just awful. So thoroughly just a jerk. Yet somehow in just 350 pages, Morrison has me rooting for him all the way. His character development was so expertly written. I never felt like it went too fast, especially since most of the development happened on-page, not during the time gap. So many times, Syrah does something that is so clearly just a little hop (see what I did there?) in the direction away from his old self. What makes it so real, though, is the numerous times he fails at this. He does something or thinks something that is so vain, so shallow and selfish, you remember who he started out as.
So when he makes the decisions at the end that really mark his growth, it feels fully, painfully earned.
The friendship between Syrah and Harrow was unexpected, but really shined, along with Harrow and Deli’s friendship, and the slow makeup between Deli and Syrah.
And the mystery elements were super fun! Just enough clues were given at exactly the right times, and the reveal at the end was super clever.
Overall I hope we get more of the Tyme series. The Easter eggs are so fun and the interwoven-ness adds another level of depth to the series. I love that you can pick them up in any order and still understand them. (Which I did: Disenchanted, Grounded, Transformed)
My goodness. Syrah starts out so convincingly just awful. So thoroughly just a jerk. Yet somehow in just 350 pages, Morrison has me rooting for him all the way. His character development was so expertly written. I never felt like it went too fast, especially since most of the development happened on-page, not during the time gap. So many times, Syrah does something that is so clearly just a little hop (see what I did there?) in the direction away from his old self. What makes it so real, though, is the numerous times he fails at this. He does something or thinks something that is so vain, so shallow and selfish, you remember who he started out as.
So when he makes the decisions at the end that really mark his growth, it feels fully, painfully earned.
The friendship between Syrah and Harrow was unexpected, but really shined, along with Harrow and Deli’s friendship, and the slow makeup between Deli and Syrah.
And the mystery elements were super fun! Just enough clues were given at exactly the right times, and the reveal at the end was super clever.
Overall I hope we get more of the Tyme series. The Easter eggs are so fun and the interwoven-ness adds another level of depth to the series. I love that you can pick them up in any order and still understand them. (Which I did: Disenchanted, Grounded, Transformed)
cassie_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Another phenomenal contribution. My only complaint is that there wasn't nearly enough of Jasper and Serge. And by not nearly enough, I mean they weren't in it at all. But I can't wait for book 4!
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
5.0
Megan Morrison has done it again. I haven't read retellings as refreshing as the Tyme series in years. This book reveals how much planning has gone into this series overall. It turns out the frog Jack gifted Rapunzel in Grounded, aptly named Prince Frog, really is a prince.
(This may or may not be a surprise to you based on how good you are at picking up on clues. I figured out he was a person turned into a frog and I was surprised that it wasn't resolved in that book until I found out this one existed).
Prince Syrah is an arrogant, inconsiderate jerk who is forced to learn his lesson the hard way when his selfish wish on a magical wishing well transforms him into a frog.
This book takes place after the events of the first two novels during the weekend of the All Tyme Championships which is the tournament that Rapunzel qualified in as Jacks Champion for Yellow Country in Grounded. Syrah has been a frog a little over 15 months overall and he met Rapunzel a few months after he first changed. He's incapable of communicating to people directly so he tries to use messages in foggy mirrors or letters scratched into the dirt amongst other things to talk to people. So far he hasn't had any luck but that doesn't stop him from trying.
Syrah was so infuriating dense at the beginning of this book. I enjoyed watching him unpack his cavalier attitude as he came to grips with his mistakes. Overcoming apathy was an underlying theme that I appreciated seeing being given some consideration. Democracy so often is not included as an option at all in fantasy settings. In this case than, Morrison went out of her way to explore how important it is not only to vote but to be informed as well. Syrah's arc in this regard was my favorite part because I enjoyed seeing him go through the cycle that I feel a lot of younger people go through emotionally when they first begin to register the weight of politics.
Rather than goof off for the rest of his life because he could, he discovered how validating hard work can be. I loved how much this book emphasized putting in legitimate effort over natural talent.
Delicata was a wonderful love interest. As someone who also has been labeled uptight for being a serious person I identified a lot with her. Especially the way she buried her inner feelings as not to appear weak - vulnerability equaling weakness is a toxic trait I still haven't been able to fully shake. I like that she wasn't only a prize l for the main character to 'win' as a more tangible reward for Syrah becoming a better person. She's a fully developed character possessing her own flaws, feelings, and motivations.
Harrow is best boy. That is all.
As previously hinted at, the core of this story is whether or not people can be trusted to govern themselves. And while there's plenty of opinions presented the unfortunate answer is that while, yes people should have the right to do so that does not discount the fact that given the choice people voluntarily vote against their own self interest all the time. And in a universe that has monarchies is it right to maintain the monarchy over the capricious will of the people when the monarchy is doing a good job? Is democracy a human right in a world removed from real life sociopolitical context?
Disenchanted examines some of the dangers of having a monarchy, but in the end despite the reformation, Blue Kingdom does remain a monarchy albeit an elected one.
This isn't a pro-monarchy book by any means. It just encourages you to think deeply about the cost of democracy - and on a broader scale doing what's right no matter the situation - even if it is the right thing to do. Critical analysis has been missing from a lot of middle grade books I've been reading lately. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for and I think Megan Morrison very much understands that. It never feels like she's writing down to the audience. The themes are interwoven naturally into the plot so Syrah's growth was an organic, logical build over time.
I appreciated Morrison's willingness to do what needs to be done for a stronger narrative over what might make people happy. The subversion of tropes was in top-notch form.
Also the way she seamlessly created a fun, casually diverse world is impressive. It shouldn't be, and thankfully, representation in books is on the rise, but I've read enough white washed (nothing wrong with white books only the proliferation at the expense of other races and/or ethnicities) middle grade to be excited about this.
Enough gushing, if it wasn't obvious from this or the other two reviews I've done for this series I love it very much. Megan Morrison is a great author. Tyme is a rich universe with a lot of potential for the future. I hope this isn't all there is because there's so much more I want to see, but if this is the end, it was a heck of a ride.
(This may or may not be a surprise to you based on how good you are at picking up on clues. I figured out he was a person turned into a frog and I was surprised that it wasn't resolved in that book until I found out this one existed).
Prince Syrah is an arrogant, inconsiderate jerk who is forced to learn his lesson the hard way when his selfish wish on a magical wishing well transforms him into a frog.
This book takes place after the events of the first two novels during the weekend of the All Tyme Championships which is the tournament that Rapunzel qualified in as Jacks Champion for Yellow Country in Grounded. Syrah has been a frog a little over 15 months overall and he met Rapunzel a few months after he first changed. He's incapable of communicating to people directly so he tries to use messages in foggy mirrors or letters scratched into the dirt amongst other things to talk to people. So far he hasn't had any luck but that doesn't stop him from trying.
Syrah was so infuriating dense at the beginning of this book. I enjoyed watching him unpack his cavalier attitude as he came to grips with his mistakes. Overcoming apathy was an underlying theme that I appreciated seeing being given some consideration. Democracy so often is not included as an option at all in fantasy settings. In this case than, Morrison went out of her way to explore how important it is not only to vote but to be informed as well. Syrah's arc in this regard was my favorite part because I enjoyed seeing him go through the cycle that I feel a lot of younger people go through emotionally when they first begin to register the weight of politics.
Rather than goof off for the rest of his life because he could, he discovered how validating hard work can be. I loved how much this book emphasized putting in legitimate effort over natural talent.
Delicata was a wonderful love interest. As someone who also has been labeled uptight for being a serious person I identified a lot with her. Especially the way she buried her inner feelings as not to appear weak - vulnerability equaling weakness is a toxic trait I still haven't been able to fully shake. I like that she wasn't only a prize l for the main character to 'win' as a more tangible reward for Syrah becoming a better person. She's a fully developed character possessing her own flaws, feelings, and motivations.
Harrow is best boy. That is all.
As previously hinted at, the core of this story is whether or not people can be trusted to govern themselves. And while there's plenty of opinions presented the unfortunate answer is that while, yes people should have the right to do so that does not discount the fact that given the choice people voluntarily vote against their own self interest all the time. And in a universe that has monarchies is it right to maintain the monarchy over the capricious will of the people when the monarchy is doing a good job? Is democracy a human right in a world removed from real life sociopolitical context?
Disenchanted examines some of the dangers of having a monarchy, but in the end despite the reformation, Blue Kingdom does remain a monarchy albeit an elected one.
This isn't a pro-monarchy book by any means. It just encourages you to think deeply about the cost of democracy - and on a broader scale doing what's right no matter the situation - even if it is the right thing to do. Critical analysis has been missing from a lot of middle grade books I've been reading lately. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for and I think Megan Morrison very much understands that. It never feels like she's writing down to the audience. The themes are interwoven naturally into the plot so Syrah's growth was an organic, logical build over time.
I appreciated Morrison's willingness to do what needs to be done for a stronger narrative over what might make people happy. The subversion of tropes was in top-notch form.
Also the way she seamlessly created a fun, casually diverse world is impressive. It shouldn't be, and thankfully, representation in books is on the rise, but I've read enough white washed (nothing wrong with white books only the proliferation at the expense of other races and/or ethnicities) middle grade to be excited about this.
Enough gushing, if it wasn't obvious from this or the other two reviews I've done for this series I love it very much. Megan Morrison is a great author. Tyme is a rich universe with a lot of potential for the future. I hope this isn't all there is because there's so much more I want to see, but if this is the end, it was a heck of a ride.
pertinent_sonder's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Aaand Morrison has done it again.
This book probably has the most delightful character development so far in the series. And I love good cahracter arcs.
Syrah starts off as an arrogant... well, jerk. He doesn't want to accept responsibility, neither for work nor for his mistakes.
As he progresses through the story, trying to uncover the mystery behind the plague and he starts seeing things with a more mature mindset. Frequently, he asks himself, "Why was I like that?" something most young people can probably relate to on some level.
The supporting characters are amazing and loveable. The blossoming of Syrah and Harrow's friendship is truly endearing.
Morrison uses the story of the Frog Prince to address the pertinent issue of the merits of democracy by encouraging the reader to dwell on it's different facets.
I really like how Morrison doesn't write to convince readers of one set opinion, but to encourage them to expand their view. A great message for not only young kids still figuring out the world, but also for adults who sometimes forget to change their perspective.
This book series has quickly climbed my list of favourite book series. Until the next one comes out, I'll be convincing everyone who'll listen to give these a try.
This book probably has the most delightful character development so far in the series. And I love good cahracter arcs.
Syrah starts off as an arrogant... well, jerk. He doesn't want to accept responsibility, neither for work nor for his mistakes.
As he progresses through the story, trying to uncover the mystery behind the plague and
Spoiler
poisoning of the Governor,The supporting characters are amazing and loveable. The blossoming of Syrah and Harrow's friendship is truly endearing.
Morrison uses the story of the Frog Prince to address the pertinent issue of the merits of democracy by encouraging the reader to dwell on it's different facets.
I really like how Morrison doesn't write to convince readers of one set opinion, but to encourage them to expand their view. A great message for not only young kids still figuring out the world, but also for adults who sometimes forget to change their perspective.
This book series has quickly climbed my list of favourite book series. Until the next one comes out, I'll be convincing everyone who'll listen to give these a try.
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit and Death
booksbeyondtime's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-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? Yes
3.0
ephermeyal's review
4.0
I didn't expect to like this book so much but I did and it was such a cute refreshing read. I enjoyed the characters, especially Syrah and his growth. I really like him and Harrow's friendship.
I have some issues with the plot line but I don't really mind because this was just a casual read for me.
For a book aimed for kids, this was pretty nuanced and I appreciate that.
I still enjoyed the second book the most though so I was elated to see the Practical Elegance insert. We stan sustainable ethical fashion uwu. However, It had been a while since I had read it so I'm not sure just how in depth it went with that issue.
I have some issues with the plot line but I don't really mind because this was just a casual read for me.
For a book aimed for kids, this was pretty nuanced and I appreciate that.
I still enjoyed the second book the most though so I was elated to see the Practical Elegance insert. We stan sustainable ethical fashion uwu. However, It had been a while since I had read it so I'm not sure just how in depth it went with that issue.
holtfan's review against another edition
5.0
"Anna! Anna! ANNA!"
Across the library, my sister looks up in mild annoyance.
"GUESS WHAT I FOUND?"
She neither knows nor cares but well over two decades of living with me have taught her that the best thing to do is to hear me out when I am like this.
"THE LIBRARY GOT TRANSFORMED. IT IS OUT!"
The librarians, meanwhile, join in the yelling. "AMY. SHUSH." But they've known me for almost two decades and chuckle while they say it.
And that is how I came into this book. And y'all, it is everything I hoped for and more.
It was so, so good!
Tyme is a wonderfully developed world with great, memorable characters, solid, believable character change, and, at least in the case of this book, unexpected endings. It is not a cliff hanger, but it leaves you wanting more.
And I want more.
But mostly I'm happy with the story I was given. This was a great retelling of the Frog Prince. It fits better as the third in the series since you kind of need to know about Rapunzel and Jack. But you also don't. You can just be generally familiar with their stories and jump in.
Two things super impressed me:
1. It has been a while (at least a year) since I read the first two books in the series but I didn't feel like I needed to give them a re-read to enjoy this book. It came back to me super fast without being unduly repetitious.
2. The romance. I adored it.
I am so delighted it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for more! My sister better be ready. I'm going to shout every time I find one.
Pre-Read:
I have one question...WHY IS THIS BOOK NOT OUT YET?!
Across the library, my sister looks up in mild annoyance.
"GUESS WHAT I FOUND?"
She neither knows nor cares but well over two decades of living with me have taught her that the best thing to do is to hear me out when I am like this.
"THE LIBRARY GOT TRANSFORMED. IT IS OUT!"
The librarians, meanwhile, join in the yelling. "AMY. SHUSH." But they've known me for almost two decades and chuckle while they say it.
And that is how I came into this book. And y'all, it is everything I hoped for and more.
It was so, so good!
Tyme is a wonderfully developed world with great, memorable characters, solid, believable character change, and, at least in the case of this book, unexpected endings. It is not a cliff hanger, but it leaves you wanting more.
And I want more.
But mostly I'm happy with the story I was given. This was a great retelling of the Frog Prince. It fits better as the third in the series since you kind of need to know about Rapunzel and Jack. But you also don't. You can just be generally familiar with their stories and jump in.
Two things super impressed me:
1. It has been a while (at least a year) since I read the first two books in the series but I didn't feel like I needed to give them a re-read to enjoy this book. It came back to me super fast without being unduly repetitious.
2. The romance. I adored it.
Spoiler
And by that I mean, the lack of it. It made the character change so much more believable. Syrah might like the girl but that ship sailed. He burned his bridges. He paid penance as a frog but that did not change the reality of his situation. It also meant he had a sweet friendship with Rapunzel that wasn't romantic. He genuinely ships Jack with her. It showed maturity on his part. So both "main females" are given strong roles without being sidelined as romantic love interests.I am so delighted it did not disappoint. I cannot wait for more! My sister better be ready. I'm going to shout every time I find one.
Pre-Read:
I have one question...WHY IS THIS BOOK NOT OUT YET?!