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juller's review against another edition
3.0
A middle grade book with a creepiness factor similar to, but maybe not as intense as The Night Gardener. The main character, Lucy, is 11 years old and her brother Oliver is 13. However, I would say that the book is more geared toward the 8-11 range due to the fact that the brother isn't as developed a character, more of a stereotype that is hyper concerned about acne, though also likable. Lucy is a great character. Really. When she needs to help a friend, she takes off to rescue them in her nightgown and flipflops!
The dad's reactions are at times a little off.
Overall 3.67 stars.
The dad's reactions are at times a little off.
Overall 3.67 stars.
klhtet's review
5.0
The best book I've read so far in this year and I've read quite a number in this couple months.
I like how the battle of love vs. fear is explored. Although fear is supposedly greater for mere mortals like us, love and hope combined always win and that message is clear. The beauty of this book is the unexpected twists which are equal part heartwarming as they are magical.
I like how the battle of love vs. fear is explored. Although fear is supposedly greater for mere mortals like us, love and hope combined always win and that message is clear. The beauty of this book is the unexpected twists which are equal part heartwarming as they are magical.
mes91's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
This was OK, I just felt like it was a bit too simple, there could have been so much more involved here to add to the plot. It had potential, will still read the sequel.
toadinpottsfield's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
topdragon's review against another edition
5.0
I always look forward to a new book by Gregory Funaro but wow, this time he really dials it up to 11!
Eleven year-old Lucy Tinker and her older brother Oliver (age 13) are struggling through life after the death of their mom two years earlier. Their father is the proprietor of a small clock repair shop and tries to maintain optimism in the face of very little income and is just trying to get through each day as it comes. But into their life comes a golden opportunity in the form of Mr. Quigley who wants to hire Mr. Tinker. Seems Mr. Quigley has recently bought a once grand house called the “Blackford House” and within it is a huge cuckoo clock that no longer works. He invites the little family to move into the house for the summer while the clock is repaired. The money he offers for the job is staggering. It’s a dream come true for the Tinkers.
Not long after their arrival, Lucy and Oliver discover that not all is as it seems and in fact there are some unexplainable and truly magical things happening in the house and the surrounding Shadow Woods. I won’t go into details in order to avoid spoilers but trust me, it’s really cool.
Readers will likely identify with either Oliver or Lucy (or both) as they separately discover the magical nature of what they encounter. The build-up through the first half of the plot is enticing and serves to develop these characters nicely. The mystery of the nature of the magic as well as the history of the house also builds, leading to the second half which is filled with exciting, and at many times, scary and perilous action.
One thing I always appreciate in a good YA or children’s novel is when the author does not dumb down the plot or the situation. Here, I was pleased to see the scenes when Mr. Tinker and Oliver work on the clock, thoroughly and interestingly describing the mechanics of how cuckoo clocks actually work. As an educated adult, I can tell you I certainly learned a thing or two about winding mechanisms, pendulums, pipe couplings, and conductor spheres and how the various parts work together. But more importantly, several major themes run through this book, including the nature of fear and love, and the importance of balance in all things. In addition, the family must always deal with life after the death of their mother from cancer. From my point-of-view, as someone who has lost an immediate family member in this same way, I can say this is handled extremely well in the book and with just the right amount of subtlety and pathos.
Bottom line: this is a wonderful book for young people (and not-so-young), alike. The overarching themes wind their way through an energetic and unique plot that keep the pages turning. This is one of those books that you won’t let things like eating and sleeping get in the way of.
While the story is complete in this one volume, there is a brief hint of further adventure to come in just the last couple of paragraphs. I certainly hope so and if so, I’ll be first in line to get my hands on it!
Eleven year-old Lucy Tinker and her older brother Oliver (age 13) are struggling through life after the death of their mom two years earlier. Their father is the proprietor of a small clock repair shop and tries to maintain optimism in the face of very little income and is just trying to get through each day as it comes. But into their life comes a golden opportunity in the form of Mr. Quigley who wants to hire Mr. Tinker. Seems Mr. Quigley has recently bought a once grand house called the “Blackford House” and within it is a huge cuckoo clock that no longer works. He invites the little family to move into the house for the summer while the clock is repaired. The money he offers for the job is staggering. It’s a dream come true for the Tinkers.
Not long after their arrival, Lucy and Oliver discover that not all is as it seems and in fact there are some unexplainable and truly magical things happening in the house and the surrounding Shadow Woods. I won’t go into details in order to avoid spoilers but trust me, it’s really cool.
Readers will likely identify with either Oliver or Lucy (or both) as they separately discover the magical nature of what they encounter. The build-up through the first half of the plot is enticing and serves to develop these characters nicely. The mystery of the nature of the magic as well as the history of the house also builds, leading to the second half which is filled with exciting, and at many times, scary and perilous action.
One thing I always appreciate in a good YA or children’s novel is when the author does not dumb down the plot or the situation. Here, I was pleased to see the scenes when Mr. Tinker and Oliver work on the clock, thoroughly and interestingly describing the mechanics of how cuckoo clocks actually work. As an educated adult, I can tell you I certainly learned a thing or two about winding mechanisms, pendulums, pipe couplings, and conductor spheres and how the various parts work together. But more importantly, several major themes run through this book, including the nature of fear and love, and the importance of balance in all things. In addition, the family must always deal with life after the death of their mother from cancer. From my point-of-view, as someone who has lost an immediate family member in this same way, I can say this is handled extremely well in the book and with just the right amount of subtlety and pathos.
Bottom line: this is a wonderful book for young people (and not-so-young), alike. The overarching themes wind their way through an energetic and unique plot that keep the pages turning. This is one of those books that you won’t let things like eating and sleeping get in the way of.
While the story is complete in this one volume, there is a brief hint of further adventure to come in just the last couple of paragraphs. I certainly hope so and if so, I’ll be first in line to get my hands on it!
liv_booksss's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
missbookiverse's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this! Mostly due to all the talking animals (I need more page time for that skunk and beaver!) and because it had this great spooky atmosphere. The protagonists, a brother sister duo, were well fleshed out, both dealing with the loss of their mother in different ways and pondering individual issues. I also liked that the mechanical repair work wasn't dumbed down for kids. I mean, I had trouble following it but I'm sure some readers will get a kick out of it.
lannthacker's review against another edition
3.0
Delightfully spooky middle grade novel. Beware: start of a series!