The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
ollie_again's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The reason why I didn't DNFed this book is the art, that is the main seller of it because the story itself was not very good. Don't get me wrong, the idea of three timelines clashing and creating an exciting diverse world of dinosaurs walking among men walking among robots and cyborgs was a great idea. It has everything a kid could want to read about: futuristic skateboards, technology, robots, dinosaurs, pirates, and planes... it was adventurous as heck in that sense.
My main issue is that the story did not hold together, it was a hotchpotch of exciting things but there was no strong string that would make it cohesive and engaging to read. Especially during the action scenes I sometimes didn't know what was happening because the writing was not very good. Sometimes I felt I'm going more off the pictures themselves rather than the text. The author is an incredible visual artist but his writing just did not do justice to the artwork. So, it is worth reading for the pictures but do not expect masterful writing.
Some choices in the story concerning Black people rubbed me the wrong way too, the message of 'well I lived through slavery, so be grateful you don't have it that bad now' it's maybe meant well but pretty shitty take regardless imo. The story is pretty diverse overall but maybe in places, it's done heavyhandedly.
My main issue is that the story did not hold together, it was a hotchpotch of exciting things but there was no strong string that would make it cohesive and engaging to read. Especially during the action scenes I sometimes didn't know what was happening because the writing was not very good. Sometimes I felt I'm going more off the pictures themselves rather than the text. The author is an incredible visual artist but his writing just did not do justice to the artwork. So, it is worth reading for the pictures but do not expect masterful writing.
Some choices in the story concerning Black people rubbed me the wrong way too, the message of 'well I lived through slavery, so be grateful you don't have it that bad now' it's maybe meant well but pretty shitty take regardless imo. The story is pretty diverse overall but maybe in places, it's done heavyhandedly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Child death, and Death
Minor: Vomit, Racial slurs, and Slavery
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a fun middle grade adventure story with absolutely STUNNING art. The story itself is enjoyable, though probably best enjoyed by those in its target audience. However, even as an adult I found the story amusing—and I could pore over the artwork in the book for hours.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death
Minor: Death of parent
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