stars12's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book was really fun, I enjoyed reading it. It took me about a month only because I just started school, but say you had a week with nothing to do you could probably finish it within that time frame. If you are needing something to read I would definitely recommend picking this one up for some light reading. I finished this book at night and could not fall asleep because of upset I was about the ending, but it is okay because just as I was hoping there would be there is not just one but TWO sequels to continue this totally fun and exciting story!
rav_3084's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing novel, I was able to finish it one sitting. I honestly can't remember the last time a novel has hooked or intrigued me so much, that I was able to finish it one sitting.
djinnia's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
I loved this book. It was a fun read.
It starts out with Janie out of her element when she moves to England because the American government targets her parents as Communists. From sunny California to dreary post-war London, her world shifts drastically.
She meets an apothecary and his son, and her world takes another dramatic leap when she stumbles on the kidnapping of the apothecary. Now there are people after her and his son for a book with alchemical secrets.
This was a wonderful story full of intrigue and spies and magic seamlessly woven together. The tension built with each chapter as each new secret was revealed until the final one in the climatic ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read the sequel The Apprentices. (hint hint to the giveaway gods.) =D
I loved this book. It was a fun read.
It starts out with Janie out of her element when she moves to England because the American government targets her parents as Communists. From sunny California to dreary post-war London, her world shifts drastically.
She meets an apothecary and his son, and her world takes another dramatic leap when she stumbles on the kidnapping of the apothecary. Now there are people after her and his son for a book with alchemical secrets.
This was a wonderful story full of intrigue and spies and magic seamlessly woven together. The tension built with each chapter as each new secret was revealed until the final one in the climatic ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read the sequel The Apprentices. (hint hint to the giveaway gods.) =D
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
This book is perfect for young ones who like novels that mix of mystery and magic in with their adventure.
tacochelle's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up because it had to do with magic, but it's so much more. It's about friendship, true love, trust, and so much more(sorry for repeating myself). I normally hate too much romance, but Meloy makes it so relatable. I had to read it in one sitting, it's so good. It kept with the time period it took place in, and it's one of the few books that made me cry in a good way.
I also just found out there is a sequel, the Apprentices. It'll be out June 4th, 2013. I wish this computer could show all the excitement and love for this, but alas, technology isn't that far yet.
I also just found out there is a sequel, the Apprentices. It'll be out June 4th, 2013. I wish this computer could show all the excitement and love for this, but alas, technology isn't that far yet.
prairiebunny's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kpg1124's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Great book for middle school kiddos! Set in post World War 2 times with added fun surprises and a cute love story
elderkinhv's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sikata's review against another edition
3.0
“To be a kid is to be invisible and to listen, and to interpret things that aren't necessarily meant for you to hear--because how else do you find out about the world?”
The book starts with Janie's parents being labelled as communists in America and fleeing to London where Janie tries to fit in her new English school where Latin is thrust upon her and the only solace is the Latin teacher there. Janie befriends Benjamin who is the local apothecary's son and aspires to be a spy. Now pulled into what seemed to be an innocent stake out by a guy who has made her swoon, Janie lands herself in hot soup and has to figure things out soon. Mysteries unfold and not everyone is as they seem. There's obviously some romance. I wish I had read this book back in school to connect more with it.
The plot was good and an impartial view to the nuclear power is seen. But I would have liked a more of the mystic apothecary works and more details about the pharmacopeia and the organisation. I wanted to know more about Pip. I felt he was dragged into the story whenever the author needed a bridge between events without letting us connect with him. I felt the story was rushed without letting us get insight into all the characters. But then again as an adult I think that's necessary for me but may not be for teens.
The book starts with Janie's parents being labelled as communists in America and fleeing to London where Janie tries to fit in her new English school where Latin is thrust upon her and the only solace is the Latin teacher there. Janie befriends Benjamin who is the local apothecary's son and aspires to be a spy. Now pulled into what seemed to be an innocent stake out by a guy who has made her swoon, Janie lands herself in hot soup and has to figure things out soon. Mysteries unfold and not everyone is as they seem. There's obviously some romance. I wish I had read this book back in school to connect more with it.
The plot was good and an impartial view to the nuclear power is seen. But I would have liked a more of the mystic apothecary works and more details about the pharmacopeia and the organisation. I wanted to know more about Pip. I felt he was dragged into the story whenever the author needed a bridge between events without letting us connect with him. I felt the story was rushed without letting us get insight into all the characters. But then again as an adult I think that's necessary for me but may not be for teens.
pupylov's review against another edition
4.0
"A Dose of magic can save the world" this is on the cover and how could the book be bad?? I loved it. Post WWII and hits on all the good history with loads of great good old magic. A very fun read!