corria's review against another edition
omg the end wish there was more but it ended well
gabbyreadswithtea's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3.5 stars
Was really dreading this read since I didn't like the first two, but this one was an odd mix of stupid and unimaginative, yet whimsical and creative that it was had to rate. I did enjoy it so 3.5 stars sits well with me. It probably doesn’t help that I don’t remember much of the plot or characters from the previous books.
A younger child may enjoy it more (but even at that age I wasn’t a big fan of this series), but it was really disappointing because Emily Rodda is my favourite children’s author of all time. I love all her other works!
Was really dreading this read since I didn't like the first two, but this one was an odd mix of stupid and unimaginative, yet whimsical and creative that it was had to rate. I did enjoy it so 3.5 stars sits well with me. It probably doesn’t help that I don’t remember much of the plot or characters from the previous books.
A younger child may enjoy it more (but even at that age I wasn’t a big fan of this series), but it was really disappointing because Emily Rodda is my favourite children’s author of all time. I love all her other works!
littleelfman's review against another edition
3.0
I think I would have liked I more if I'd read it myself and not done the audio book.
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is possibly one of the most intriguing children's series that I have read this year.
The third book brings the story to a conclusion.
Leo and Mimi have to find a solution in the world they have discovered behind the music box.
It is a hard won battle, as they have got to negotiate within themselves, with each other as well as with the inhabitants of Rondo to find a solution to the threat of the Blue Queen.
The balance between inner monologues, action, conflict and drama is very well held
Again, I found it difficult to listen to the audiobook, as I did not gel with the narrator, and was a couple of times on the verge to not finish this book.
However, the intricate weave of the main characters and their friends' story lines, the popping up of fairy tale tropes and the actual plot kept me going through this last book as well, and I am glad I got the conclusion of this story.
I'd wish these books were easier available here in the UK.
The third book brings the story to a conclusion.
Leo and Mimi have to find a solution in the world they have discovered behind the music box.
It is a hard won battle, as they have got to negotiate within themselves, with each other as well as with the inhabitants of Rondo to find a solution to the threat of the Blue Queen.
The balance between inner monologues, action, conflict and drama is very well held
Again, I found it difficult to listen to the audiobook, as I did not gel with the narrator, and was a couple of times on the verge to not finish this book.
However, the intricate weave of the main characters and their friends' story lines, the popping up of fairy tale tropes and the actual plot kept me going through this last book as well, and I am glad I got the conclusion of this story.
I'd wish these books were easier available here in the UK.
thedoctorsaysrun's review against another edition
3.0
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2020 Task #9: The LAST book in a series
rory18's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Hate crime, Slavery, War, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence, Confinement, Kidnapping, Deadnaming, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Antisemitism
The Blue Queen is definitely coded as an antisemite and Leo is coded as Jewish, even though there are no explicit Jews. Trans representation is complicated - the people of Rondo assume someone is the gender they say they are, but "true" (given) names are a major aspect of the book, especiallySpoiler
the implications of rejecting them.sarahthornton's review against another edition
3.0
A little disappointing for a trilogy ending, but everything was well-plotted and resolved.
hytfaur's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gleeful_vector_of_chaos's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely amazing book. Complex but not too much that you have no idea what's going on, great characters and storyline. Definitely should read.
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