girlpuck's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? No
4.25
thedayoflight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
octobertune's review against another edition
3.0
Read this review, and many more on my blog October Tune!
Honestly, one of the reasons I was interested in this book, was because it was co-written by John Barrowman, who most of you might know from either Doctor Who, Torchwood or Arrow. Then, of course, I read the summary and I thought it sounded interesting, so that is the reason I eventually bought it.
The first thing I noticed, was that this book has a map of the island the twins and their mum are staying on, which is something I really like – because sometimes I find it hard to imagine the place in which the book happens; because of the way people describe it, so with this book I often found myself flipping back to the beginning of the book to see where the people in the story were at that moment.
I also really liked the concept; being able to animate yourself into paintings, or having your drawings come to life. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? Okay, maybe the whole ‘scary things appearing when you’re scared’ thing isn’t really that awesome (I mean, spiders the size of a cat, no thank you!), but the rest is really something I would love to be able to do!
There were some parts in the book where I wasn’t 100% sure what exactly happened, and I had to re-read that part again to understand what had happened (and sometimes after re-reading it I still didn’t understand it), because so many things happened all at once, and the POV’s kept changing and telling the same part of the story again, so that was a bit annoying. There was also one character who had a Scottish accent, and her dialogue was written that way, which is something I find annoying, an accent being written down (like Hagrid’s in Harry Potter). Because sometimes I just don’t get what they’re saying.
I gave this book three planets, because though I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters, and some parts were a bit confusing to me, I did really enjoy this book, and I am definitely going to read the second one, because I just really want to know what happened! I can’t really handle it when a book ends in a ‘cliffhanger’ (though this wasn’t really a proper cliffhanger, but still, not everything that happened in this book was solved).
Honestly, one of the reasons I was interested in this book, was because it was co-written by John Barrowman, who most of you might know from either Doctor Who, Torchwood or Arrow. Then, of course, I read the summary and I thought it sounded interesting, so that is the reason I eventually bought it.
The first thing I noticed, was that this book has a map of the island the twins and their mum are staying on, which is something I really like – because sometimes I find it hard to imagine the place in which the book happens; because of the way people describe it, so with this book I often found myself flipping back to the beginning of the book to see where the people in the story were at that moment.
I also really liked the concept; being able to animate yourself into paintings, or having your drawings come to life. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? Okay, maybe the whole ‘scary things appearing when you’re scared’ thing isn’t really that awesome (I mean, spiders the size of a cat, no thank you!), but the rest is really something I would love to be able to do!
There were some parts in the book where I wasn’t 100% sure what exactly happened, and I had to re-read that part again to understand what had happened (and sometimes after re-reading it I still didn’t understand it), because so many things happened all at once, and the POV’s kept changing and telling the same part of the story again, so that was a bit annoying. There was also one character who had a Scottish accent, and her dialogue was written that way, which is something I find annoying, an accent being written down (like Hagrid’s in Harry Potter). Because sometimes I just don’t get what they’re saying.
I gave this book three planets, because though I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters, and some parts were a bit confusing to me, I did really enjoy this book, and I am definitely going to read the second one, because I just really want to know what happened! I can’t really handle it when a book ends in a ‘cliffhanger’ (though this wasn’t really a proper cliffhanger, but still, not everything that happened in this book was solved).
oneangrylibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I am so glad I FINALLY read this book. It has been on my "to-read" list for ages. Hollow Earth tells the story of Matt and Em, two twins with the amazing ability to bring to life anything they draw. What unfolds is an action filled adventure with a mix of intrigue that had me itching to constantly read one chapter more. I love the blend of art and magic in this wonderful entry to a new series. I can't wait to promote this book with my students.
thebookwalian's review against another edition
3.0
Probably a 3.5. Enjoyable enough, definitely aimed at children.
flamesplash's review against another edition
3.0
This is a cute start to a series I'll certainly continue reading. Written by a Scottish brother and sister about a scottish brother and sister we get to enter the world where people can draw things into reality. I think my love of Myst and the more recent Drawn games pulled me towards this, along with John Barrowman of Doctor Who fame co-authoring it.
The premise is cute, there are secret people who can draw things to bring them to life, and these siblings happen to be really good at it, and as such someone wants them to do bad things with it. Queue the chaos.
The premise is cute, there are secret people who can draw things to bring them to life, and these siblings happen to be really good at it, and as such someone wants them to do bad things with it. Queue the chaos.
writingwwolves's review against another edition
5.0
Totally addicted from the first few chapters, the next two books will be read immediately. This story is so different from other fantasy books which is why I'm so excited about it.
wickedplutoswickedreading's review against another edition
5.0
This was fantastic. I loved the concept, the characters, the fact that Matt and Em are twins, the fantastical elements, the setting being Scotland.....
I loved this. Period.
John Barrowmen, you beautiful, cheeky devil.
I loved this. Period.
John Barrowmen, you beautiful, cheeky devil.
stiricide's review against another edition
2.0
This is actually probably a solid three stars, but I'm developing less and less patience for books that are clearly written to have sequels, that fail to wrap up pretty significant story arcs within a single novel, just because. Not setting the stage for things to come, but literally having a major character kidnapped and then just... leaving them kidnapped. I'm just over it. Write a series, sure, but finish your stories. This trend of turning everything in to trilogies because then we can buy three separate books is exhausting, and not leading to particularly exceptional storytelling.