changeablelandscape's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
4.0
I loved this so much as a teenager, it is hard to review it now -- I see all the flaws but it is still great.
aknapp82's review against another edition
3.0
This book picks up basically where the first one left off, but it is much more exciting. There are some scenes that went on way too long and some I wish lasted longer, especially in the land of the dead. But for the most part, there's a lot more action in this one and the story moves along more quickly. But I still have just as many questions as, if not more than, I had when I finished the first book. Absolutely nothing is resolved here, and that's frustrating. I'm hoping the third book finally delivers the explanations I've been looking for.
silvernfire's review against another edition
3.0
Oh good—I liked this more than [b:The Secret Country|51105|The Secret Country (The Secret Country, #1)|Pamela Dean|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309202624s/51105.jpg|49878], which gives me hope that I'll like [b:The Whim of the Dragon|51104|The Whim of the Dragon (The Secret Country, #3)|Pamela Dean|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1309202611s/51104.jpg|49877] even more. The plot is tighter in this book and moves along at a better pace (well, a pace I liked better, anyway). We "know" the world now, so Dean can focus on the intrigue. In a way, there aren't that many surprises, since the children have been playing this story out for years before the start of the series, and they've been discussing what comes next all along. Still, watching them try to change parts of the plot and try to figure out the new bits is intriguing. I just wish this world felt more three-dimensional...or is that deliberate, reinforcing the fact that in many ways it was just a children's game?
gfabulous's review against another edition
5.0
i continue to love and be absolutely baffled by this series. claudia (who is, ostensibly, the Main Villain), is entirely shunted to the side for the majority of the story, despite her nearly successful attempt to MURDER FENCE in the first few chapters of the FIRST BOOK. what?! i get that fence's magic can't hold her, but in what world would he just be like "... well, guess i have to let her do whatever she wants!" like.. fence. you damn fool. you complete moron. this is why everybody keeps dying
manwithanagenda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
March 2021
The first time I read this I was bothered by what I thought was a lot of repetition and a lack of enough story to justify a whole book. I want to talk all of that back. I instead wish that Dean had written more about what was going on in this installment. 'The Hidden Land' picks up where 'The Secret Country' left off with the Carrolls continuing to realize their imaginary kingdom is very real.
We are nearing the end of the events that entailed the Carrolls' Game. The feasts and the Hunt are over, all that is left is the Battle and revelation of the Secret Country's tragic hero. They're also seriously wondering, if the Secret Country is real, where are their counterparts? Ted, Ruth, Patrick, Ellen and Laura are determined to find answers to these questions and find a way home, before it's too late.
There is a ton of lore that is referenced but never spelled out, there are characters who are fleetingly mentioned but their stories remain untold, there are great events that are given little room to expand. I loved the book this time around. I still want more, but now its because these books are very good thing, instead of feeling as if I've been cheated.
June 2010
This was an incredibly anticipated book for me, 'The Secret Country' had been one of the great lost favorites of my childhood and I was finally going to be able to finish the story.
The big flaw with this book is its repetition, apparently 'The Hidden Land' and 'The Secret Country' were intended as a single book, but were separated for unclear reasons (trilogy marketability?).
It would have worked much better combined, it would have saved a lot of unnecessary exposition and retreading that slowed things down. Take all of the extra bits away and it would have made a good 100 pages to add to 'The Secret Country'.
Dean's characters and setting are still captivating but I couldn't get as absorbed into it as I should have.
The Secret Trilogy
Next: 'The Whim of the Dragon'
Previous: 'The Secret Country'
The first time I read this I was bothered by what I thought was a lot of repetition and a lack of enough story to justify a whole book. I want to talk all of that back. I instead wish that Dean had written more about what was going on in this installment. 'The Hidden Land' picks up where 'The Secret Country' left off with the Carrolls continuing to realize their imaginary kingdom is very real.
We are nearing the end of the events that entailed the Carrolls' Game. The feasts and the Hunt are over, all that is left is the Battle and revelation of the Secret Country's tragic hero. They're also seriously wondering, if the Secret Country is real, where are their counterparts? Ted, Ruth, Patrick, Ellen and Laura are determined to find answers to these questions and find a way home, before it's too late.
There is a ton of lore that is referenced but never spelled out, there are characters who are fleetingly mentioned but their stories remain untold, there are great events that are given little room to expand. I loved the book this time around. I still want more, but now its because these books are very good thing, instead of feeling as if I've been cheated.
June 2010
This was an incredibly anticipated book for me, 'The Secret Country' had been one of the great lost favorites of my childhood and I was finally going to be able to finish the story.
The big flaw with this book is its repetition, apparently 'The Hidden Land' and 'The Secret Country' were intended as a single book, but were separated for unclear reasons (trilogy marketability?).
It would have worked much better combined, it would have saved a lot of unnecessary exposition and retreading that slowed things down. Take all of the extra bits away and it would have made a good 100 pages to add to 'The Secret Country'.
Dean's characters and setting are still captivating but I couldn't get as absorbed into it as I should have.
The Secret Trilogy
Next: 'The Whim of the Dragon'
Previous: 'The Secret Country'
gfabulous's review
5.0
i continue to love and be absolutely baffled by this series. claudia (who is, ostensibly, the Main Villain), is entirely shunted to the side for the majority of the story, despite her nearly successful attempt to MURDER FENCE in the first few chapters of the FIRST BOOK. what?! i get that fence's magic can't hold her, but in what world would he just be like "... well, guess i have to let her do whatever she wants!" like.. fence. you damn fool. you complete moron. this is why everybody keeps dying
alarra's review
2.0
DUDE. >:( I was so angry at the ending of this that it negated my enjoyment of the meta of telling stories that most of the book deals with, as the kids find that the story their living in their fantasy land isn't the story they wrote originally. BUT THE ENDING. There is a third book, right?
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