amandabock's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, more if there is a sequel. In so many ways, haven’t his troubles just begun?
imhikinghere's review against another edition
2.0
This book could have gone in six or seven different directions at any given point and still I would not have expected the outcome. Surprise aside, however, the sense of unease and the complete distrust I had for every character made the story a chore to read. I can't call it quaint or intriguing, just strange.
musicalpopcorn's review against another edition
2.0
A pilgrim by the name of Secundus sweeps Boy away from his goats on a quest for relics.
I was quite enjoying this book for the first half, but when the twist came, I began to lose interest. Boy’s condition is never explained. His lesson is not hard earned or fleshed out. I feel this book was too rushed. There wasn’t any explanation of a lot of the how’s and why’s of the story...
Also there was apparently no language barrier between France and Italy.
I liked the premise of the story, but when it took a turn to the more fantastical, it really lost its way and rushed itself.
I was quite enjoying this book for the first half, but when the twist came, I began to lose interest. Boy’s condition is never explained. His lesson is not hard earned or fleshed out. I feel this book was too rushed. There wasn’t any explanation of a lot of the how’s and why’s of the story...
Also there was apparently no language barrier between France and Italy.
I liked the premise of the story, but when it took a turn to the more fantastical, it really lost its way and rushed itself.
teacher2library's review against another edition
5.0
How far would you go to be saved?
Off the beaten path, strange, and beautiful. I devoured this book in a day! Readers will never forget Boy's journey of discovery and his long way home.
That being said, I'm not sure how many middle-graders this book would resonate with today. The religious overtones especially would be a bit much if you've not had prior background experience, and I don't think the author's note at the back gives full justice to the saints and relics situation in Europe at the time, nor does she recommend further reading.
Still, it's an interesting, one-of-a-kind read for fans of the Middle Ages and historical fiction. I would recommend with The Passion of Dollsa and The Inquisitor's Tale.
Off the beaten path, strange, and beautiful. I devoured this book in a day! Readers will never forget Boy's journey of discovery and his long way home.
That being said, I'm not sure how many middle-graders this book would resonate with today. The religious overtones especially would be a bit much if you've not had prior background experience, and I don't think the author's note at the back gives full justice to the saints and relics situation in Europe at the time, nor does she recommend further reading.
Still, it's an interesting, one-of-a-kind read for fans of the Middle Ages and historical fiction. I would recommend with The Passion of Dollsa and The Inquisitor's Tale.
k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
4.0
I am not especially fond of books set in medical Europe. The superstition and filth distress me, so I struggled to get into this story. But I really like boy. Because he is good. I found the kindnesses initiated by the actions of Boy touching. And I came to love crusty old Secundus.
karibaumann's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely see comparisons to The Inquisitor’s Tale, but I thought this would be easier for students to understand on their own. A nice adventure with some surprising twists.
buj's review against another edition
2.0
It's a nice enough concept with likable characters and twists, but it felt underdeveloped and moved from one point to the next much quicker than expected. Maybe I didn't like it because I had high expectations, it's told in a more fable-like way, or because it's middle-grade (and they're hit or miss for me), but it wasn't what I wanted.
It could definitely be something special to someone else though.
It could definitely be something special to someone else though.