akayeh's review against another edition
5.0
The author does seem to have read or watched a lot of bad 1950-1970’s sci-fi.
nicolelynnreads's review against another edition
3.0
Finally finished this one. Definitely a strong action-packed beginning with really well written characters, but towards the middle it began to crawl for me. I felt like they just kept hitting set back after set back and I began to loose interest. The writing and action wasn't pulling me in like it should have. I had to put it aside and kind of push myself to finish it. When I picked it back up it was a quick read to the finish, but still seemed to lack something for me. Of course I am reading this from an adult POV so maybe younger readers wouldn't mind all the repeated setbacks? IDK, but I'm going to give book 2 a try in the future to see if it's any better. :)
tylexie's review against another edition
4.0
I was having a hard time taking my nose out of this book. I only rated it 4 stars because it isn't one of the best books ever, but just a really good book.
queer_racoon's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
alissabar's review against another edition
3.0
This was definitely an action packed adventure as promised, and the cover alone makes one want to pick it up and read. It was a little intense and gruesome at times and because of that, I would recommend it to older kids rather than younger ones. Hmmmm... maybe the 10 and older group. It was a creative, wild ride!
hmonkeyreads's review against another edition
3.0
For an adult, this is just OK. It's fun but I had to force myself to finish it.
For a kid, I think it would be awesome! There is more action in this book than in a summer blockbuster movie! Pirates, giants, skeletons, mid evil soldiers, witches and warlocks...I'm sure I'm leaving some things out.
For a kid, I think it would be awesome! There is more action in this book than in a summer blockbuster movie! Pirates, giants, skeletons, mid evil soldiers, witches and warlocks...I'm sure I'm leaving some things out.
yapha's review against another edition
3.0
This book didn't work for me. Too much unnecessary violence. (I'm okay with blood thirsty pirates, but vivisection? Really?) The action didn't string together well and the ending was wrapped up too neatly. It was a great premise, but too much was squeezed into one book.
benjfleck's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know why I keep reading children's books, especially ones that feature smarmy, know-it-all kids. Urgh.
I gave this 3 stars because I could see myself MAYBE liking it more if I read it as a kid, but I really think it deserves 2 stars.
The book follows the three Walker children: Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor. The plot... um... it is there? The book moves at such a high speed (which isn't a good thing) that it's hard to keep track of what is happening. Quick plot development takes over the more important character development. The kids don't feel like real people. For example, seconds after terrible life-changing disasters, the kids are cracking jokes and teasing each other. Um, hello, bad stuff just happened and you are in mortal danger? It just didn't feel real. The novel just takes off and doesn't slow down one second... and the motivations of the villains/secondary characters are just lost. Definitely could tell this "novel" was the work of a screenwriter at heart.
A big MEH and CALM IT DOWN.
EDIT: After thinking about this book again, I was shocked by how much I forgot and how it didn't stick with me at all. So, I decided to downgrade it to 2-stars, instead of 3. I'll say 2.5 stars. It just wasn't a complete story that had characters I cared about. Sad.
I gave this 3 stars because I could see myself MAYBE liking it more if I read it as a kid, but I really think it deserves 2 stars.
The book follows the three Walker children: Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor. The plot... um... it is there? The book moves at such a high speed (which isn't a good thing) that it's hard to keep track of what is happening. Quick plot development takes over the more important character development. The kids don't feel like real people. For example, seconds after terrible life-changing disasters, the kids are cracking jokes and teasing each other. Um, hello, bad stuff just happened and you are in mortal danger? It just didn't feel real. The novel just takes off and doesn't slow down one second... and the motivations of the villains/secondary characters are just lost. Definitely could tell this "novel" was the work of a screenwriter at heart.
A big MEH and CALM IT DOWN.
EDIT: After thinking about this book again, I was shocked by how much I forgot and how it didn't stick with me at all. So, I decided to downgrade it to 2-stars, instead of 3. I'll say 2.5 stars. It just wasn't a complete story that had characters I cared about. Sad.
catherinecabbage's review against another edition
1.0
There's nothing much to say about this book. Just don't waste your time on it. I knew that I wouldn't enjoy it because it is middle-grade but, as it was a gift, I thought I'd read it. Sometimes I read middle-grade and gives me a great sense of nostalgia (like Harry Potter or Narnia) but this didn't give me that. There was a part where Deal kissed Will and I was sat there thinking 'Will is old enough to be her grandad' but that wasn't cleared up at all.
Though Chris Columbus has a good reputation for writing the first two Harry Potter films, don't forget he also wrote the film of Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief...
Give this to an 8 year old who doesn't know any better.
Though Chris Columbus has a good reputation for writing the first two Harry Potter films, don't forget he also wrote the film of Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief...
Give this to an 8 year old who doesn't know any better.