lindageorge's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book and didn't think I would. I also didn't realize it was a series, this being the first book. Anyway it was great fun. Kids should enjoy it very much.
alexsaunders's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
momoclouds's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
hgraybrown's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very cute little story - it reminded me a little of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Great beginning to a series! Love the concept, the story is enchanting! Wonderful characters! Couldn't wait to share it with the kids at school!
threesweetbrownies's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sisteray's review against another edition
4.0
A quick fun middle school adventure. It isn't breaking ANY new ground, but it is light and endearing. The character's are enjoyable, they make decisions for themselves, make mistakes, but don't whine or dwell on it too much. The procedure part of the mystery is a bit preposterous, but the book chops ahead so rapidly, I just couldn't work myself up to be concerned about it. Adults tend to be there when the plot calls for them and disappear when when it doesn't, but I get why the author/editor weeded out the clutter. Entertaining, wouldn't be opposed to reading the sequel.
thejoyofbooking's review against another edition
4.0
Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms is an utterly charming middle grade novel, featuring the mischief and shenanigans of Stuart Horten and his annoying next door neighbors April, May, and June.
It seems to me the type of book that would appeal to a fan of Hugo Cabret, or any fan of magic (and, really, what ten year old is not a fan of magic?). With a few twists and turns and some cleverly imagined characters, this book holds a lush imaginative world for pre-teen readers – and it’s one their parents won’t mind visiting during storytime, either.
It seems to me the type of book that would appeal to a fan of Hugo Cabret, or any fan of magic (and, really, what ten year old is not a fan of magic?). With a few twists and turns and some cleverly imagined characters, this book holds a lush imaginative world for pre-teen readers – and it’s one their parents won’t mind visiting during storytime, either.