mat_tobin's review
5.0
I was a little nervous that something would be lost in a sequel to the Cardboard Kingdom: identities had been established and friendships forged so where would the team of writers and lone illustrator, Chad Sell go next without a narrative or focus feeling forced? Still keeping with the 'crafting costumes from cardboard' theme, the second book takes place in the week leading up to Halloween and two of our gang are either out of commission through fear, injury or a nasty episode with the local teens. It takes the whole group together to overcome the mysterious monster that is terrorising the neighbourhood but in coming together, they all defeat the monster within too.
Whilst it didn't quite have the fluidity of the original with regards to the plot, and it was a little darker (quite literally with colouring), thematically, I still think this was a fine addition. Sell and company are keen to never have a simple case of good or bad when it comes to character and there is always a sense of redemption and learning throughout that I really enjoy. The diversity of the gang with regards to race, body shape, gender identity and ethnicity is never the focus but is extremely welcome: I adore the Sorceress.
Whilst it didn't quite have the fluidity of the original with regards to the plot, and it was a little darker (quite literally with colouring), thematically, I still think this was a fine addition. Sell and company are keen to never have a simple case of good or bad when it comes to character and there is always a sense of redemption and learning throughout that I really enjoy. The diversity of the gang with regards to race, body shape, gender identity and ethnicity is never the focus but is extremely welcome: I adore the Sorceress.
missmeganmann's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I liked this one a lot more! It felt much more cohesive and each vignette just picked up the story instead of feeling slightly disjointed. It was such a great story too!
chess__bored's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.25
so diverse and fun! someone get Cartoon Network on the phone!
miblette's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kwbat12's review against another edition
3.0
After the amazingness of the first one, I really didn't love this one.
zepysgirl's review against another edition
3.0
I think I liked it better when it was more interconnected short stories than one big arc like this. I kept forgetting who the minor characters were.
librarypatronus's review
5.0
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC of this in exchange for my honest review
This series is just so wholesome and adorable, and lightly tense/spooky. I loved the diversity, how the friendships work, and seeing some young crushes. Plus the art was really cute, especially all the costumes! Definitely going to recommend my young reader picks this up too, because I’m sure it’ll be a hit.
This series is just so wholesome and adorable, and lightly tense/spooky. I loved the diversity, how the friendships work, and seeing some young crushes. Plus the art was really cute, especially all the costumes! Definitely going to recommend my young reader picks this up too, because I’m sure it’ll be a hit.