themaxdog's review against another edition
4.0
Full review now available on the blog: http://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk/2016/11/book-review-other-alice-by-michelle.html
The Other Alice is one of those classic YA fantasy stories that seems to instantly become timeless. Crammed full of rich storytelling, the myriad of characters are woven seamlessly alongside the storyline, pulling together to create a vivid tapestry which tugs at the imagination.
The Other Alice is as much about a little brother trying to find his missing big sister as it is about fiction vs reality. Combining part mystery and part fantasy, above all else is the human aspect of the tale, brought home by the emphasis on the overriding message of 'family is important'.
For what is actually quite a complicated story, the author has done wonders in making sure it flows well so it is well-paced while still being relatively fast-paced. It's also highly accessible to a younger audience. Harrison has created one of those rare YA books that can be equally enjoyed by people of all ages - I have no doubts that it would easily appeal as much to a 10-year-old reader as it did to me, aged 22.
Fantasy can often be a tricky genre to pull people into, but with The Other Alice you will be hooked from the very first page. Expert storytelling and an excellent read from Michelle Harrison.
The Other Alice is one of those classic YA fantasy stories that seems to instantly become timeless. Crammed full of rich storytelling, the myriad of characters are woven seamlessly alongside the storyline, pulling together to create a vivid tapestry which tugs at the imagination.
The Other Alice is as much about a little brother trying to find his missing big sister as it is about fiction vs reality. Combining part mystery and part fantasy, above all else is the human aspect of the tale, brought home by the emphasis on the overriding message of 'family is important'.
For what is actually quite a complicated story, the author has done wonders in making sure it flows well so it is well-paced while still being relatively fast-paced. It's also highly accessible to a younger audience. Harrison has created one of those rare YA books that can be equally enjoyed by people of all ages - I have no doubts that it would easily appeal as much to a 10-year-old reader as it did to me, aged 22.
Fantasy can often be a tricky genre to pull people into, but with The Other Alice you will be hooked from the very first page. Expert storytelling and an excellent read from Michelle Harrison.
brewtifulfiction's review against another edition
5.0
I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Other Alice is a book aimed at children aged 9 and upwards, however I am a big kid at heart so thought I would have a read before I gave it to my eldest girls to look at.
Filled with magic, mystery and a cast of characters that are highly entertaining, this story is definitely one to keep you turning the pages.
A clever concept as it is a book within a book, except there is an added twist, this second book has come to life, well its characters have anyway.
Young Alice has been having trouble ending her first real novel but a curse passed down from her father has caused very strange things to occur so when Alice goes missing her little brother Midge is more than concerned.
We are taken on a Journey with him along with his new found friends Tabitha (the talking cat), Piper and Gypsy to not only find his sister but to discover a way of finishing the tale the Alice has created.
The adventure is fast paced and filled with riddles that I'm not sure I could have answered without their help. I was more than intrigued and if anything I'm left hoping that perhaps these characters could be seen in another story.
Wonderfully imaginative, it is a story that is going to leave you spellbound.
The Other Alice is a book aimed at children aged 9 and upwards, however I am a big kid at heart so thought I would have a read before I gave it to my eldest girls to look at.
Filled with magic, mystery and a cast of characters that are highly entertaining, this story is definitely one to keep you turning the pages.
A clever concept as it is a book within a book, except there is an added twist, this second book has come to life, well its characters have anyway.
Young Alice has been having trouble ending her first real novel but a curse passed down from her father has caused very strange things to occur so when Alice goes missing her little brother Midge is more than concerned.
We are taken on a Journey with him along with his new found friends Tabitha (the talking cat), Piper and Gypsy to not only find his sister but to discover a way of finishing the tale the Alice has created.
The adventure is fast paced and filled with riddles that I'm not sure I could have answered without their help. I was more than intrigued and if anything I'm left hoping that perhaps these characters could be seen in another story.
Wonderfully imaginative, it is a story that is going to leave you spellbound.
kba76's review against another edition
4.0
Midge's sister, Alice, writes fabulous stories but has always been keen to ensure she leaves no story unfinished. The reasons for this become clear when characters from one of her unfinished stories start to appear in town. When Alice herself goes missing, Midge takes it upon himself to track her down and try to rectify the things that have gone wrong.
A clever story within a story, this is a perfect blend of magic and horror that will delight, but also scare, its readers. Meant for readers aged 9 years and above, I think this will charm anyone interested in writing.
A clever story within a story, this is a perfect blend of magic and horror that will delight, but also scare, its readers. Meant for readers aged 9 years and above, I think this will charm anyone interested in writing.
jfield351's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Definitely would’ve loved this when i was 8 years old. as an 18 year old it’s a bit too young for me. but still enjoyable
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
lyrixc's review
5.0
I’ve read this book twice. I first read it for my book club, then again because it was brilliant. It’s amazing from start to finish! The characters are really well written and I love the plot. The way it is written is purely amazing! Midge is so clever and the riddles are really fun :)
brewtifulfiction's review
5.0
I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Other Alice is a book aimed at children aged 9 and upwards, however I am a big kid at heart so thought I would have a read before I gave it to my eldest girls to look at.
Filled with magic, mystery and a cast of characters that are highly entertaining, this story is definitely one to keep you turning the pages.
A clever concept as it is a book within a book, except there is an added twist, this second book has come to life, well its characters have anyway.
Young Alice has been having trouble ending her first real novel but a curse passed down from her father has caused very strange things to occur so when Alice goes missing her little brother Midge is more than concerned.
We are taken on a Journey with him along with his new found friends Tabitha (the talking cat), Piper and Gypsy to not only find his sister but to discover a way of finishing the tale the Alice has created.
The adventure is fast paced and filled with riddles that I'm not sure I could have answered without their help. I was more than intrigued and if anything I'm left hoping that perhaps these characters could be seen in another story.
Wonderfully imaginative, it is a story that is going to leave you spellbound.
The Other Alice is a book aimed at children aged 9 and upwards, however I am a big kid at heart so thought I would have a read before I gave it to my eldest girls to look at.
Filled with magic, mystery and a cast of characters that are highly entertaining, this story is definitely one to keep you turning the pages.
A clever concept as it is a book within a book, except there is an added twist, this second book has come to life, well its characters have anyway.
Young Alice has been having trouble ending her first real novel but a curse passed down from her father has caused very strange things to occur so when Alice goes missing her little brother Midge is more than concerned.
We are taken on a Journey with him along with his new found friends Tabitha (the talking cat), Piper and Gypsy to not only find his sister but to discover a way of finishing the tale the Alice has created.
The adventure is fast paced and filled with riddles that I'm not sure I could have answered without their help. I was more than intrigued and if anything I'm left hoping that perhaps these characters could be seen in another story.
Wonderfully imaginative, it is a story that is going to leave you spellbound.
katiemirren's review
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
3.5
saccalai's review
4.0
Alice writes wonderful stories that her little brother Midge loves to listen to. But she bears a curse that means she must finish every single one of her stories, no matter how silly the ending. When she tries to write a novel she gets stuck and being unable to finish ends up bringing the characters to life, including some who are very dangerous.
Despite the dangers, I found myself wanting to live in one of Alice's worlds. She makes any simple thing seem magical where it would normally seem boring. I really enjoyed this book and I'm a big fan of Michelle Harrison's other books too.
Despite the dangers, I found myself wanting to live in one of Alice's worlds. She makes any simple thing seem magical where it would normally seem boring. I really enjoyed this book and I'm a big fan of Michelle Harrison's other books too.
blakefarron's review
3.0
I've always liked stories that have played with the idea of bringing characters from books to life, and this is no exception. It was a cute, fun, imaginative read, if a bit cliche in places. The characters were fun, though the protagonist was a bit cardboard cut out. Really liked the fairytale references, especially the very light Alice in Wonderland theme (obviously).
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