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cozycatcafe's review against another edition
5.0
Picked this book up on a whim at the library, and I'll say it- I'm impressed.
The world is a fascinating mix of modern-day tech, fantasy, and futuristic technology. I would have guessed all those elements would make for a confusing world, but the author managed to weave them together in a unique, breathtaking way that still somehow flowed.
The beautiful world is complemented by an impressive plot. The book starts with a mystery, which only seems to deepen as Reda and Ignis come closer to what they hope is an answer. Sometimes the plot moved just a tad slow, but the questions kept me invested. Also, the TWISTS. The twists are the true gem of the book!
Some of the other reviewers have mentioned how they appreciate the deep morality questions brought up in the book, and I have to agree. It made for a bit of a darker read than I expected, but I'd much prefer this than a shallow book that avoids meaningful topics.
I have a confession, though. With all that I loved about this book, I really struggled on whether to rate this as 4 stars or 5 stars. The writing is probably worth 5 stars, but I'm a sucker for satisfying, feel-good endings and, well... The Prince of Nowhere didn't quite finish as I'd hoped. However, my conscience berated me until I handed that final star over. To the author: Please, please, please make a sequel! (With a satisfying ending!)
The world is a fascinating mix of modern-day tech, fantasy, and futuristic technology.
Spoiler
(Plus time travel!)The beautiful world is complemented by an impressive plot. The book starts with a mystery, which only seems to deepen as Reda and Ignis come closer to what they hope is an answer. Sometimes the plot moved just a tad slow, but the questions kept me invested. Also, the TWISTS.
Spoiler
(I guessed the big one around page 200. Absolutely magnificent. The realization that the letters of Dora rearrange to spell Reda, the fact that Aunt Dora just happened to also have an Aethon friend exactly her age...it was a lot of fun going back to read earlier scenes with this new realization.)Some of the other reviewers have mentioned how they appreciate the deep morality questions brought up in the book, and I have to agree. It made for a bit of a darker read than I expected, but I'd much prefer this than a shallow book that avoids meaningful topics.
I have a confession, though. With all that I loved about this book, I really struggled on whether to rate this as 4 stars or 5 stars. The writing is probably worth 5 stars, but I'm a sucker for satisfying, feel-good endings and, well... The Prince of Nowhere didn't quite finish as I'd hoped. However, my conscience berated me until I handed that final star over. To the author: Please, please, please make a sequel! (With a satisfying ending!)
jnishi's review against another edition
5.0
This read like an extremely good episode of Doctor Who. Like award winning good. And that is an extremely good review because I love Doctor Who. An excellent mix of fantasy and Sci-if with great twists and turns and strong character development.
jaredrlopatin's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
as3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
karlin0336's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up this book because of the cover artwork, but I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was! Easily the best Middle Grade book I've read this year (not counting my re-read of one of my childhood favorites). Can't wait to read future books by this author!
jacktardis's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Prince of Nowhere.
I adored this middle grade fantasy. The first page sucked me in and didn't let go through the entire book. (I may have stayed up to midnight to finish it...)
Hassan's book masterfully weaves family secrets, a mystery, and twists together. The themes of friendship and family come through in a subtle and satisfying way. It's an adventure story that keeps you on your toes!
I loved how Roda and Ignis work together—fighting, arguing, making up, disagreeing again. It felt so authentic to real kids. Roda's admiration for Aunt Dora has shaped her life and gives her the strength to keep going! When she receives notes from an anonymous writer, her life changes with Ignis. And I'm sorry, but I will not tell you who "anonymous"is and spoil the fun of you finding out for yourself.
If I chose words to describe my experience reading, they would include: chill, unexpected, feathers, danger, home, stars, hidden, fast, creepy, friends, and family.
I hope you pick up this book! Kids are going to adore it and want more! (I want more too!)
I adored this middle grade fantasy. The first page sucked me in and didn't let go through the entire book. (I may have stayed up to midnight to finish it...)
Hassan's book masterfully weaves family secrets, a mystery, and twists together. The themes of friendship and family come through in a subtle and satisfying way. It's an adventure story that keeps you on your toes!
I loved how Roda and Ignis work together—fighting, arguing, making up, disagreeing again. It felt so authentic to real kids. Roda's admiration for Aunt Dora has shaped her life and gives her the strength to keep going! When she receives notes from an anonymous writer, her life changes with Ignis. And I'm sorry, but I will not tell you who "anonymous"is and spoil the fun of you finding out for yourself.
If I chose words to describe my experience reading, they would include: chill, unexpected, feathers, danger, home, stars, hidden, fast, creepy, friends, and family.
I hope you pick up this book! Kids are going to adore it and want more! (I want more too!)
danakinsw's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This book was pretty average. I got really attached to Roda and Ignis but i couldn’t have cared less about Aunt Dora and the Prince. Also i got very lost with all the time-travel stuff and i still feel really confused.
brandypainter's review against another edition
5.0
10-12 year old me would have been obsessed with this. OBSESSED. It would have taken over my life, and it would have been all I wanted to think about. Adult me is going to keep thinking about it too just not as obsessively. The five stars are mostly for little me. I did have some reservations at the beginning. The dialogue felt a little forced and stiff, but this story is incredibly captivating with quite a few twists.