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elipruitt's review against another edition
3.0
3.25 stars
This is essentially Harry Potter books 1 and 2 if Hermione was in Harry's shoes.
We follow Elizabeth, a studious, book-loving young girl, who lives with her terrible aunt and uncle as she is sent to a mysterious and potentially magical hotel while sorting through her own potential burgeoning magical abilities. She runs into some quirky characters and embarks on a mysterious journey of puzzles and family drama leading to a climax that fizzles out before it even really starts.
I was hopeful, even with this being middle grade, that a twist or two--a reveal, if you will-- would be thrown in to spark the final climax, but sadly this plays out exactly as it's laid out to, exactly as you would expect. All the characters are who they say they are and the events take place as the narrative says they will.
I also wish the puzzles, a major aspect of the plot, allowed the reader to be more involved. What a missed opportunity to have the reader also have to puzzle through scenarios and find their way to answers or reveals...
HOWEVER, all in all, I really enjoyed my time. The characters, the setting, and the plot (no matter how derivative) were all cute and cozy and enjoyable enough. Did this offer anything new or exciting? No. But I had a lovely time and will continue in the series.
This is essentially Harry Potter books 1 and 2 if Hermione was in Harry's shoes.
We follow Elizabeth, a studious, book-loving young girl, who lives with her terrible aunt and uncle as she is sent to a mysterious and potentially magical hotel while sorting through her own potential burgeoning magical abilities. She runs into some quirky characters and embarks on a mysterious journey of puzzles and family drama leading to a climax that fizzles out before it even really starts.
I was hopeful, even with this being middle grade, that a twist or two--a reveal, if you will-- would be thrown in to spark the final climax, but sadly this plays out exactly as it's laid out to, exactly as you would expect. All the characters are who they say they are and the events take place as the narrative says they will.
I also wish the puzzles, a major aspect of the plot, allowed the reader to be more involved. What a missed opportunity to have the reader also have to puzzle through scenarios and find their way to answers or reveals...
HOWEVER, all in all, I really enjoyed my time. The characters, the setting, and the plot (no matter how derivative) were all cute and cozy and enjoyable enough. Did this offer anything new or exciting? No. But I had a lovely time and will continue in the series.
bruadarachreader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alizontheamazon's review against another edition
3.0
I did enjoy this, but felt the plot was a little long and convoluted. I’m not that interested to read the sequels
mbbb72's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
knitspinstitch's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
mgrizmar's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
clchristiansen24's review against another edition
5.0
I love this mystery! The main character is very likable, the characters are well-developed, and the plot has some toys that were really fun and surprising!
domesticthrillerqueen's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75