adriannawaters's review
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.75
mochimustreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
girlreading's review against another edition
3.0
An exciting, imaginative and action-packed middle grade fantasy, inspired by West-African and Igbo mythology, following a young boy as he comes to terms with the loss of his parents and the legacy they left behind.
TW: discussions of slavery and racism
TW: discussions of slavery and racism
bookshelves4paperelves's review
4.0
Such a refreshing middle grade read. I always forget how much I love middle grade but this just made me remember why I should read it more often.
I adore the representation in this book, the strength of the characters is just sublime and the fact that the characters show younger readers that it is OKAY to be sensitive and have emotions is just such an important message for a middle grade read.
I liked that our main protagonist isn’t perfect, and had to make effort to learn and grow alongside his friends in this new fantasy land.
Such a good debut middle read novel.
I adore the representation in this book, the strength of the characters is just sublime and the fact that the characters show younger readers that it is OKAY to be sensitive and have emotions is just such an important message for a middle grade read.
I liked that our main protagonist isn’t perfect, and had to make effort to learn and grow alongside his friends in this new fantasy land.
Such a good debut middle read novel.
mekeisha's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
waywardtomes's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
thatwasmyfavorite's review against another edition
3.75
This is *mostly* your standard "young boy must man up and save the world." The adults failed, so the kids have to learn a lifetime of training in a (few days, weeks, whatever) montage of frustration and pain.
YET!
Cameron is not only allowed to cry, but he does. He bottles up some feelings, but he does lean on his loved ones and share his struggles with them.
Plus, the relationship with his best friend is sweet and caring and even loving, without any shame for these feelings. They're just kids, so it could grow into a romantic love, but it's portrayed, and mentioned to be, more of a brotherly love so far. (Although I'm all for queer love, it's even more heartwarming when two boys or men can love each other platonically and without shame, so I'm all for this being "found family" love. In fact, I'm pleased that not every story, especially kids stories, no longer *has to* include some love interest.)
YET!
Cameron is not only allowed to cry, but he does. He bottles up some feelings, but he does lean on his loved ones and share his struggles with them.
Plus, the relationship with his best friend is sweet and caring and even loving, without any shame for these feelings. They're just kids, so it could grow into a romantic love, but it's portrayed, and mentioned to be, more of a brotherly love so far. (Although I'm all for queer love, it's even more heartwarming when two boys or men can love each other platonically and without shame, so I'm all for this being "found family" love. In fact, I'm pleased that not every story, especially kids stories, no longer *has to* include some love interest.)
wylovat's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
4.5
chaosbooked's review
4.0
Good middle grade read. My 10 year old can't wait to start the next one. I thought it was good. Cameron flips and flops a lot on weather he wants to be a hero or not but maybe that is more realistic and I unnecessarily concentrated on it. Also I did not like all the fight scenes but my 10 year old loved them and only complaint was that it ended with a break with more to do.