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emromc's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Cute, but felt unpolished. The point of view kept changing, but not in a good way... it was random, and switched from what felt like omniscient third person to limited third, to someone else's limited third... it just felt kind of rough. I never connected with the characters, so that didn't help. I can see an 11 or 12 year old liking it though, and there was nothing that in it that I wouldn't let my kids read. Just one of those MG books that doesn't translate well to adults.
baldwinme40's review
3.0
this story has good bones! it's just unsatisfying how little everything is fleshed out, including characters, world building, and something was off with the suspense, like... the plot happened way too fast and the mysteries were not compelling bc we don't have enough information to even start to guess. so... didn't love it... that cover tho mmmm
christiana's review
2.0
I thought this book was boring and slow (until about the last 1/4 at which time it was hard to keep up). It’s about half description of a fantastical series of 6 (that’s right SIX) worlds and none of the worlds are really well done. There’s so much fantasy that it starts kind of sliding off your brain after awhile. And there is a second book which I will obvs not be reading. Why? And why did I read this whole book?
Also, I am annoyed that a 10 year old boy describes hearing a story from his mom as “sentimental”. NO KID TALKS LIKE THAT.
Also, I am annoyed that a 10 year old boy describes hearing a story from his mom as “sentimental”. NO KID TALKS LIKE THAT.
brandypainter's review
4.0
Melanie Crowder is one of the most underrated MG/YA authors. She continuously writes excellent books, and she has such a range. This is an excellent example of what she is capable of. This book takes place in a multi-verse where the portal between the worlds is a lighthouse on the pacific coast. It is about imperialism, slavery, totalitarianism, and political rebellion. Those are important topics to tackle in a rather short MG novel, but Crowder handles it with finesse. The characters are well drawn and the action is exciting from start to finish.
tlindhorst's review
4.0
The first of a series. Clearly the author knows the OR coast. Interesting ideas re: magic & other worlds.
eowyns_helmet's review
5.0
I am a sucker for portal fantasy, secret societies, parallel worlds, and witches, so this middle-grade adventure was a natural for me. Melanie Crowder starts quiet, with a chapter that deftly sketches out the relationship between Griffin and his widowed father (no spoilers). But then it revs up until we are careening between our world and Somni to thrilling effect. This is a book that adults just may swipe away for a fun, immersive read.
rosem_'s review
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
naomiysl's review
1.0
In every exciting scene, the protagonist is overshadowed by adults. Adults make all the important moves and decisions. In a children's book, this is a cardinal sin. Also, the whole thing started agonizingly slowly.