liamkeith's review
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
grayxen's review against another edition
4.0
the writing in the artwork is better than the story. but still, a pretty cute story.
lucaastrix's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED it it was a deeply thought out book that puts chills down my spine
burrvle's review
3.0
This is the first time I have read this book in 9 years. It is not as good as I remember.
First of I really loved the entire concept, and the worldbuilding is so good. The descriptions of the alternate world are somehow really detailed, but also vague enough that I feel every reader could have a substantially different image, which I love.
Where the book lowers quality is the style of the writing. I absolutely loved The Floods but I think Thompson is better at writing kids comedy rather than kids fantasy. I was going to lose my mind if I had to read about Peter crying one more time. The 10-year-old main characters acted way older than 10, and there were a lot of exposition conversations especially at the end when Peter's grandfather just gave a massive Q&A and explained all the main plot points that were ham-fistedly "implied" anyway.
All that being said it's a kids book that I read in like 24 hours so it definitely works for what it is. I probably wouldn't read it again, maybe in another ten years.
Oh but definitely +1 for the villain not being a one dimensional bad guy. It was less "ooohweee i wanna destroy / rule the world" and more of a justifiable reason on why he did what he did.
First of I really loved the entire concept, and the worldbuilding is so good. The descriptions of the alternate world are somehow really detailed, but also vague enough that I feel every reader could have a substantially different image, which I love.
Where the book lowers quality is the style of the writing. I absolutely loved The Floods but I think Thompson is better at writing kids comedy rather than kids fantasy. I was going to lose my mind if I had to read about Peter crying one more time. The 10-year-old main characters acted way older than 10, and there were a lot of exposition conversations especially at the end when Peter's grandfather just gave a massive Q&A and explained all the main plot points that were ham-fistedly "implied" anyway.
All that being said it's a kids book that I read in like 24 hours so it definitely works for what it is. I probably wouldn't read it again, maybe in another ten years.
Oh but definitely +1 for the villain not being a one dimensional bad guy. It was less "ooohweee i wanna destroy / rule the world" and more of a justifiable reason on why he did what he did.
janedallaway's review against another edition
4.0
“It was filled with the scent of spices and ancient memories”
An ok story but a beautiful world in a library with some great wordplay in the book titles on the shelves.
(I came to my local library to see if they had any of the “7 loveliest children’s books” from this list - https://www.brainpickings.org/2017/12/17/best-childrens-books-2017/ - they didn’t so I picked this up to take a look at instead)
An ok story but a beautiful world in a library with some great wordplay in the book titles on the shelves.
(I came to my local library to see if they had any of the “7 loveliest children’s books” from this list - https://www.brainpickings.org/2017/12/17/best-childrens-books-2017/ - they didn’t so I picked this up to take a look at instead)
laurazz's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jamessmith82's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very clever story with a well-delivered message and amazing illustrations. This is the kind of picture book that will engage children (and adults) of all ages.
cpoole's review against another edition
5.0
I could spend hours with this! A true book lover's book. :)
More...