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penofpossibilities's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
I greatly enjoy K.M. Hargraves writing and stories. They're always so magical. I also think she does a good job at portraying the different ways that patriarchy and women oppression show up for different female characters, but in a way that is digestable for children. The only reason I'm not rating it higher is because I found the ending of the book a bit off putting. Wheras there was mild violence and suspense throughout the book, towards the end there was a reveal which was very shocking and I found it to be almost horror-esque. Maybe I'm easily triggered, I don't know. As a child, I might've been less fazed by this, tbh. Still, it took away from the 'oh whimsical fun adventure' vibes for a bit there though. Allthough I'm used to K.M.Hargrave adding in really serious threads of a story in her otherwise whimsical books (some of her other childrens books have death, grief, (mental) illness, etc.), so maybe this is on me for not expecting it.
Not my favorite of hers, but definately enjoyable!
Not my favorite of hers, but definately enjoyable!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Misogyny, Medical content, and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
pollyanna_paperback's review
5.0
What a brilliant middle grade book! I’m so glad I kicked off 2022 by finishing this one! It has some great twists and turns and plots I couldn’t predict! A thrilling ride and my imagination was set wild on the beauty of bone building!! There are a lot of teaching moments throughout the book and I think everyone should give it a read! Kiran Milwood Hargrave is becoming one of my new favourite authors, I love her stories and her writing it has left me feeling a void in my heart both times I have finished her books!
literaryhag's review
4.0
I absolutely adore Kiran’s children’s books and this one is no different.. i can’t wait to read more from her
nealem_27's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Good read
naomi2012's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
eveirlina's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
timburbage's review
5.0
This is a definite 5 star read.
We follow Sofia in the Italian city of Siena. Small pox went through the town a handful of years ago, and many people died. Sofia's brother Ermine was very close to dying, but pulled through.
Sofia's mother is an bone artist. She makes things, like locks and keys and trinkets, out of bone. Their whole house is made from bones. It is a weird thing for me, but for Sofia it is completely normal. The story kicks off with Il Palio, the big horserace in Siena (which used to be a name of a local restaurant) and then everything goes wrong.
The story takes several twists and turns, and it feels exciting and dangerous in equal measure. We meet a collection of characters who are all engaging, and some of them show a great depth in a short amount of time. It all feels very real, and something that a 12 year old would be able to do. Kids will love how independent Sofia is, and adults won't be rolling their eyes at what actions she takes.
Whilst this story is going, and Sofia is trying to solve the mysteries of everything happening, she shows a strong connection to her brother (without the author overdoing it) and to some other characters too. The world is well designed, and there is a hint of magic in the air.
A wonderful book, for children and adults alike.
We follow Sofia in the Italian city of Siena. Small pox went through the town a handful of years ago, and many people died. Sofia's brother Ermine was very close to dying, but pulled through.
Sofia's mother is an bone artist. She makes things, like locks and keys and trinkets, out of bone. Their whole house is made from bones. It is a weird thing for me, but for Sofia it is completely normal. The story kicks off with Il Palio, the big horserace in Siena (which used to be a name of a local restaurant) and then everything goes wrong.
The story takes several twists and turns, and it feels exciting and dangerous in equal measure. We meet a collection of characters who are all engaging, and some of them show a great depth in a short amount of time. It all feels very real, and something that a 12 year old would be able to do. Kids will love how independent Sofia is, and adults won't be rolling their eyes at what actions she takes.
Whilst this story is going, and Sofia is trying to solve the mysteries of everything happening, she shows a strong connection to her brother (without the author overdoing it) and to some other characters too. The world is well designed, and there is a hint of magic in the air.
A wonderful book, for children and adults alike.
miamia1's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Loved this book and I love this author. Will probably read anything she writes in future