kal__'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
feelinfroggy's review against another edition
5.0
As a NC native who considers Biltmore a favorite location I was super excited to get my hands on this and I was not disappointed. It was a bit predictable for an adult reader but still a good, fun read - it brought smiles and even a tear or two, plus with great descriptions of the estate it brought back good memories of home too!
readliftbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book was entertaining enough for me and my daughter to read as part of our own mini book club. We both love to read, but I found it's important to read some books with her so that her love for reading doesn't wither away. This story held mystery and adventure that was appropriate enough for her age (11) while not being too childish for me. There are scenes that include children vanishing, presumed murdered. It sounds dark and grisly but it's not as terrible as it sounds. It is not so gruesome and descriptive that it couldn't be read by an older child. I read ahead of my daughter so I could be sure this would be ok for her age and I decided that it was. We look forward to starting the next book.
kristidurbs's review against another edition
4.0
This book was gifted to me by Trevor on Christmas Eve in the spirit of the Icelandic book giving tradition.
What initially caught my attention about this book was the setting at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. But there was much more to enjoy in this story, especially the tenacious young protagonist, Serafina. I have read so little young adult lit that I don't know how to rate it exactly but the story was suspenseful, whimsical, imaginative, a little edgy on the dark side, but also endearing with the characters and the unlikely friendships formed through the story.
What initially caught my attention about this book was the setting at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. But there was much more to enjoy in this story, especially the tenacious young protagonist, Serafina. I have read so little young adult lit that I don't know how to rate it exactly but the story was suspenseful, whimsical, imaginative, a little edgy on the dark side, but also endearing with the characters and the unlikely friendships formed through the story.
everthereader's review against another edition
4.0
http://themarvelousedenofbooks.blogspot.com/2015/09/review-serafina-and-black-cloak-by.html
This was so entertaining to read!
This was so entertaining to read!
laurjo's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not usually one to click on Facebook ads, but this book popped up more than once on my news feed and sparked my interest. I didn't know if I'd be into a children's book after all these years, but this was fantastic! Love it!
imperfectcj's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I've had this book on my shelves for a couple of years, and it took checking out the audiobook to get me to read it finally. It's creative, but I kind of think it's trying to do too many things. The resolution is drawn out and unrealistic, as well, which detracts from the story for me.
iowagirl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0