Scan barcode
stephanieridiculous's review against another edition
2.5
As far as middle grade romps go this was fine. It's action packed, it emphasizes friendship and creative problem solving, and reinforces familial bonds. It's a fun spin on Jumanji with a South Asian flair.
I have two complaints. First, I am surprised that a Simon and Schuster book got published without better editing. There is a line where "tale" is used instead of "tail" and truly, it should be "tail." There was also some punctuation missing, and quite a few instances of physical actions not lining up (e.g. a character walking and the next action described is standing up, when there was no reason or time for them to stop and sit.) Second, there's a scene towards the end that involves a lot of blood, and I think it's too much for the target audience. While there are slightly mature themes earlier in the book, the detail and time given to the blood makes me cautious about which youngin's I recommend this for.
All in all though, this is a fine easy read, although I doubt I'll pick up any more in the series.
I have two complaints. First, I am surprised that a Simon and Schuster book got published without better editing. There is a line where "tale" is used instead of "tail" and truly, it should be "tail." There was also some punctuation missing, and quite a few instances of physical actions not lining up (e.g. a character walking and the next action described is standing up, when there was no reason or time for them to stop and sit.) Second, there's a scene towards the end that involves a lot of blood, and I think it's too much for the target audience. While there are slightly mature themes earlier in the book, the detail and time given to the blood makes me cautious about which youngin's I recommend this for.
All in all though, this is a fine easy read, although I doubt I'll pick up any more in the series.
wakenda's review
2.0
I thought this book sounded cute, but it wound up being pretty dull. It's a Jumanji-esque middle grades novel, where Farah, a Bangladeshi American girl, follows her little brother with ADHD into the game The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand, along with her two bland and generic best friends. They have to complete challenges to destroy the game and set everyone trapped within it free, but the challenges themselves aren't creative at all, and just involve them playing incredibly simple real world games. The premise of the game is faulty and inconsistent, the characters aren't very distinctive and don't seem to grow at all over the course of the book and there doesn't really seem to be a need for them to be a team, since her friends basically contribute nothing over the course of the book. I wanted to like it, because there aren't many own voices hijabi adventure books out there, but I was not a fan.
dmills's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
wordsareworlds's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
roeckitcody's review
4.0
I absolutely adore this book. Jumanji but reversed [if I remember Jumanji right] with Middle-Eastern characters and culture- simply breathtaking.
Farah is headstrong and I couldn't help but root for her and her friends as they fought to defeat The Gauntlet.
this is the kind of story that stays with you- reminds you of the joys of being a kid, of being competitive, of friendship.
Wildly fanciful, well-written, and tightly paced THE GAUNTLET is a book for everyone- for the child in you, the young-at-heart, those who always thirst for adventure.
This book is for the adventurous children who may have been told they couldn't for whatever reason- this book proves they can.
and yes. I totally teared up at the acknowledgement. this will be a go-to MG rec for me. super important, and so lovely.
Farah is headstrong and I couldn't help but root for her and her friends as they fought to defeat The Gauntlet.
this is the kind of story that stays with you- reminds you of the joys of being a kid, of being competitive, of friendship.
Wildly fanciful, well-written, and tightly paced THE GAUNTLET is a book for everyone- for the child in you, the young-at-heart, those who always thirst for adventure.
This book is for the adventurous children who may have been told they couldn't for whatever reason- this book proves they can.
and yes. I totally teared up at the acknowledgement. this will be a go-to MG rec for me. super important, and so lovely.
jenniharbour's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
carlisajc's review
3.0
I love, love, love the premise of this book. A MG Jumanji with a Muslim main character? Count me in, 100% And I really enjoyed getting to know Farah and her friends.
However, I was a little disappointed by the plot. Everything gets handed to the three MCs, every challenge has a quick and convenient fix that just pops out of nowhere. So I never felt the fear and anxiety I think I was meant to be feeling, because I knew something would happen or someone would appear that would solve the dilemma. I just wish these young characters had been more of the moving force of the plot.
But despite that, I thought it was really atmospheric and beautiful. It's a very visual story that I think young readers will eat up! And I loved how it portrays Muslim culture without it seeming "exotic" or "other." It's just a normal part of life for Farah. Really great representation.
However, I was a little disappointed by the plot. Everything gets handed to the three MCs, every challenge has a quick and convenient fix that just pops out of nowhere. So I never felt the fear and anxiety I think I was meant to be feeling, because I knew something would happen or someone would appear that would solve the dilemma. I just wish these young characters had been more of the moving force of the plot.
But despite that, I thought it was really atmospheric and beautiful. It's a very visual story that I think young readers will eat up! And I loved how it portrays Muslim culture without it seeming "exotic" or "other." It's just a normal part of life for Farah. Really great representation.
moonysplace's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
armelle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75