decafplease's review
5.0
One of the most memorable books of the year! This is definitely going into my Best of 2012 list. And the sequel is coming out next year, which is getting me totally psyched up. Celie is one of the gutsiest (?) heroines I've ever come across, and I thought Alanna had it going. And the castle is pure awesomeness. Sorry, Howl, but I think I would like to stay in this one instead, forever.
mrst's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
federo999's review
5.0
This is a fantastic story about a girl who helps her family survive an attack through her knowledge of the castle.
joanie23's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
literatehedgehog's review
3.0
Book club - 5th
Fun fantasy fluff with light cliff-hanger chapter endings, sufficient (but not excellent) explanation of magic, and fairly tame scenes of adventure and danger. The best part of the story, of course, is the magically growing, possibly sentient, royal castle and its kid-dream additions of "bouncy rooms," passages through fireplaces, and secret spy tower.
Recommended for...
A good book for student book clubs that can work independently, but I'm not sure I would recommend highly to the avid fantasy reader. Some of the problems are tied up too neatly with the barest of explanations, so a fan of Diana Wynne Jones, McKinley, etc, would probably feel a little unsatisfied.
Fun fantasy fluff with light cliff-hanger chapter endings, sufficient (but not excellent) explanation of magic, and fairly tame scenes of adventure and danger. The best part of the story, of course, is the magically growing, possibly sentient, royal castle and its kid-dream additions of "bouncy rooms," passages through fireplaces, and secret spy tower.
Recommended for...
A good book for student book clubs that can work independently, but I'm not sure I would recommend highly to the avid fantasy reader. Some of the problems are tied up too neatly with the barest of explanations, so a fan of Diana Wynne Jones, McKinley, etc, would probably feel a little unsatisfied.