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jossarian4's review against another edition
4.0
A little less interesting than Murder at Midnight, but still delightfully inventive.
barbarajean's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.0
calarco's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. It was one of the first novels that I read for fun and more than once. I also always considered it the book that got me interested in the fantasy genre. Now that I am well past my formative years, and significantly less easy to impress, I thought it would be fun to go back and re-re-read this novel that left such a big impression.
First off, I was surprised to find that my memory totally betrayed me and that this is only debatably a 'fantasy' book, as it is about magicians rather than magic. More accurately, this is a mystery/thriller that takes place at a royal palace in a fictional Mediterranean kingdom set in 1491.
To be upfront, the characters are not the most original. A key exception though, is the sociopath 10 year old princess who upon hearing a man has died, casually responds with, "Has he? I suppose I should be sorry about it, but I didn't like him... You needn't worry" (Avi, 118). She's a hoot! In Avi's defense, I think the author's intent was to write her as a whimsically capricious princess. Yet, her total detachment from the reality of consequences, combined with a general lack of empathy, accidentally creates a really funny, reoccurring punchline.
Additionally, the narrative is often pushed forward by characters being stupid, and does contain a few plot holes. So why did I give this book 4 stars? I still really liked it, sociopath princess and all! The plot can be messy, but it has enough clever twists, and moves forward in a quick and engaging manner.
I have discovered though, that the main reason the nostalgia rooted so deep with this novel, was that this book is super Italian. In addition to all of the characters having Italian names, the key moral themes throughout the book include loyalty, respecting your elders, and not trusting rich people. This was probably one of the first narratives I ever read for fun where I got to see my own family's weird and lovable idiosyncrasies authentically reflected.
In conclusion, I liked this book for the purely selfish reason of getting to learn about myself.
Bonus: My childhood was not ruined, at least not today.
First off, I was surprised to find that my memory totally betrayed me and that this is only debatably a 'fantasy' book, as it is about magicians rather than magic. More accurately, this is a mystery/thriller that takes place at a royal palace in a fictional Mediterranean kingdom set in 1491.
To be upfront, the characters are not the most original. A key exception though, is the sociopath 10 year old princess who upon hearing a man has died, casually responds with, "Has he? I suppose I should be sorry about it, but I didn't like him... You needn't worry" (Avi, 118). She's a hoot! In Avi's defense, I think the author's intent was to write her as a whimsically capricious princess. Yet, her total detachment from the reality of consequences, combined with a general lack of empathy, accidentally creates a really funny, reoccurring punchline.
Additionally, the narrative is often pushed forward by characters being stupid, and does contain a few plot holes. So why did I give this book 4 stars? I still really liked it, sociopath princess and all! The plot can be messy, but it has enough clever twists, and moves forward in a quick and engaging manner.
I have discovered though, that the main reason the nostalgia rooted so deep with this novel, was that this book is super Italian. In addition to all of the characters having Italian names, the key moral themes throughout the book include loyalty, respecting your elders, and not trusting rich people. This was probably one of the first narratives I ever read for fun where I got to see my own family's weird and lovable idiosyncrasies authentically reflected.
In conclusion, I liked this book for the purely selfish reason of getting to learn about myself.
Bonus: My childhood was not ruined, at least not today.
stephb413's review against another edition
3.0
A well written, interesting read that introduces young readers to genres such as historical fiction, adventure, and mystery. The book, although for young readers kept me guessing at each turn. Worthwhile!
kvenner's review against another edition
3.0
Read this in seventh grade and I believe I remember liking it... I learned what a niche was and what ladies in waiting were... I also remember wanting to read ahead to figure out the mystery.
hbkolb's review against another edition
3.0
Another book from childhood. This one taught me "niche."
_fallinglight_'s review against another edition
5.0
This is seriously one of my very favorite childhood books. I loved the way it was written. The characters were alluring and the story's pacing was so incredibly engrossing. Iconic read.
elizabethwig's review against another edition
4.0
With several surprises and plot twists that work nicely, this is a well written book I spent an hour or two with this weekend.
moosegurl's review against another edition
3.0
"In 1491, in the Kingdom of Pergamontio, there lived a twelve-year-old boy by the name of Fabrizio. He was the sole servant of Magnus the Magician."