jcarsrud's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fast paced fantasy adventure that was enjoyable. I recommend it if you liked Nevermore.
nutmegcollects's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
cytipton's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
libraryalissa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
A fun, unique fantasy romp ideal for upper elementary, especially those who love Studio Ghibli films.
xangemthelibrarian's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
IDK IDK IDK. I don't like this one AT ALL. No, I did not finish it. I'm so beyond done with it.
This author's writing style feels so pretentious to me. Using tons of words that I have never heard of before, making up words with Germanic (or similar) roots and NOT explaining what they are?? (Toverlicht. I know that it's a something-or-another light. Are they lanterns or street lights? Fire or gas or electric?? Magic obviously. And they glow blue.
The author also decided that they would completely skip the part where the reader gets to listen to how magic works in that world with Melanie. It's skimmed over as "the robot explains the basics, and Melanie understands. Magic can be used by anyone!" It's not going to break your world to let the readers see how magic actually works.
And donkeys don't "honk."
It's just... the more I read, the angrier I became.
This author's writing style feels so pretentious to me. Using tons of words that I have never heard of before, making up words with Germanic (or similar) roots and NOT explaining what they are?? (Toverlicht. I know that it's a something-or-another light. Are they lanterns or street lights? Fire or gas or electric?? Magic obviously. And they glow blue.
The author also decided that they would completely skip the part where the reader gets to listen to how magic works in that world with Melanie. It's skimmed over as "the robot explains the basics, and Melanie understands. Magic can be used by anyone!" It's not going to break your world to let the readers see how magic actually works.
And donkeys don't "honk."
It's just... the more I read, the angrier I became.
miloblue's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sreddous's review against another edition
5.0
An adorable and high-energy magical adventure with a tense, engaging plot!!
I LOVE the creative descriptions, the way we 'feel' all the spells being used. The worldbuilding is clear -- we learn about different magical elements in ways that feel naturally-built-up to.
A few more things really pleasantly surprised me: without spoiling too much I really appreciate that the other girls from the orphanage contribute to the plot too. Even characters that are minor aren't outright throw-away. All of the characters are distinct and memorable -- my favorite is the froglike princess who wears bug jewelry, the descriptions of her and her castle are hilarious and just truly fantastic. The little romance is sweet too.
The existential questions are wise, and I like that the pacing knows when to slow down sometimes and let the characters process some big realizations and big life lessons -- this asks some pretty difficult, hard-hitting questions.
Definitely recommend for any middle-grade-age reader, but also, readers of any age!
I LOVE the creative descriptions, the way we 'feel' all the spells being used. The worldbuilding is clear -- we learn about different magical elements in ways that feel naturally-built-up to.
A few more things really pleasantly surprised me: without spoiling too much I really appreciate that the other girls from the orphanage contribute to the plot too. Even characters that are minor aren't outright throw-away. All of the characters are distinct and memorable -- my favorite is the froglike princess who wears bug jewelry, the descriptions of her and her castle are hilarious and just truly fantastic. The little romance is sweet too.
The existential questions are wise, and I like that the pacing knows when to slow down sometimes and let the characters process some big realizations and big life lessons -- this asks some pretty difficult, hard-hitting questions.
Definitely recommend for any middle-grade-age reader, but also, readers of any age!
jamikaye1980's review against another edition
4.0
Nice middle grade realistic fiction. Well developed characters and interesting story.