kibbles15's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
One of the newest Newbery Honor books, this was a pleasant middle grade adventure. It actually reads a tiny bit like a reverse gender Treasure Island. Not exactly, but there were some definite similarities. I will say that the first few chapters read very slowly and I pushed through because I have a goal to read all the Newbery/Newbery Honor Award books. I am so glad that I did, the book turned out to be an engaging adventure that ended in an unexpected way. I definitely recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Animal death, Bullying, Colonisation, and Injury/injury detail
thebooktender's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mayrow26's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
amandarawsonhill's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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? No
4.5
lala_books's review
adventurous
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
4.5
ms_la's review
adventurous
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
4.5
yapha's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Sai is determined to escape the slums and her father's life of petty crimes. She lucked into a position as an assistant to Paiyoon, a Mapmaker, and is diligently saving her wages to start a fresh life. When the queen announces a competition to map the fabled Sunderland continent known for both dragons and riches, Paiyoon brings Sai along to help. Once aboard the ship, however, Sai starts to find that what she thought she knew about the country and the people in it may not be the whole truth. She is suspicious of the motives of both Paiyoon and the captain, and finds herself questioning her own life choices. This was an action packed Thai-inspired fantasy adventure. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
lemon_drop's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0