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wanderingstories's review against another edition
3.0
"Information should be shared by people, not things."
The Cabinet of Wonders is a light fantasy and magical story weaved together with historical and cultural backgrounds.
When I say 'light', I mean it literally, the writing was neutral and not giving away anything.
This comes off good and bad at the same time. The characters were not deep but light and fluffy.
But it is the story idea and background that I really liked and enjoyed.
The tin metal animals are interesting and to have a spider tin as your pet, who has a lot of knowledge, comes in super handy!
The world in which Petra Kronos lives sounds interesting as well.
Overall I enjoyed it and recommend to anyone who loves an adventurous, silly but light fantasy read.
The Cabinet of Wonders is a light fantasy and magical story weaved together with historical and cultural backgrounds.
When I say 'light', I mean it literally, the writing was neutral and not giving away anything.
This comes off good and bad at the same time. The characters were not deep but light and fluffy.
But it is the story idea and background that I really liked and enjoyed.
The tin metal animals are interesting and to have a spider tin as your pet, who has a lot of knowledge, comes in super handy!
The world in which Petra Kronos lives sounds interesting as well.
Overall I enjoyed it and recommend to anyone who loves an adventurous, silly but light fantasy read.
linneamo's review against another edition
3.0
genre: fantasy
summary: Petra's father is a brilliant craftsman/inventor able to make amazing mechanical animals and invisible tools. He is commissioned by the prince to build a powerful clock that, when complete will control the weather. Once the clock is almost complete the Prince decides he will complete the clock himself, jealous of Petra's father's creativity and "vision" the prince send him home without his eyes. Horrified Petra runs away to the city to try and get her father's eyes back. This leads to an adventure that involves befriending a group of Romani's, a thief, a woman who's skin drips acid, and a spy. Petra is eventually successful in her quest making many friends and enemies
notes:
for kids who like: fantasy adventure series
age group: age 9+
my review: liked but not loved...kind of upset with the fathers reaction at the end of the book
summary: Petra's father is a brilliant craftsman/inventor able to make amazing mechanical animals and invisible tools. He is commissioned by the prince to build a powerful clock that, when complete will control the weather. Once the clock is almost complete the Prince decides he will complete the clock himself, jealous of Petra's father's creativity and "vision" the prince send him home without his eyes. Horrified Petra runs away to the city to try and get her father's eyes back. This leads to an adventure that involves befriending a group of Romani's, a thief, a woman who's skin drips acid, and a spy. Petra is eventually successful in her quest making many friends and enemies
notes:
for kids who like: fantasy adventure series
age group: age 9+
my review: liked but not loved...kind of upset with the fathers reaction at the end of the book
cornmaven's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this 4 stars because I think kids will like it, but if I were rating it just for me I would have given it 3. The first half, I felt, went too slowly. As a typical fantasy, it has to take many pages and lines to explain the fantastical elements. This is the part I always hate about fantasy. The second half was extremely exciting, and I actually couldn't put it down when I got to that point.
I thought, however, that some of the descriptions were deliberate setups for a movie setting - as if the author wanted to show a scriptwriter what the scene looked like. It was a little Harry Potter like in terms of magical elements, and a little Hunger Games like with the pair of Neel and Petra, the journey to the city, and the tyrannical regime. But definitely not the heart pounding pace of The Hunger Games.
I especially liked the character of Astrophil and how he is utilized.
All in all a pretty good first effort, and a pretty good first book of a supposed series.
I thought, however, that some of the descriptions were deliberate setups for a movie setting - as if the author wanted to show a scriptwriter what the scene looked like. It was a little Harry Potter like in terms of magical elements, and a little Hunger Games like with the pair of Neel and Petra, the journey to the city, and the tyrannical regime. But definitely not the heart pounding pace of The Hunger Games.
I especially liked the character of Astrophil and how he is utilized.
All in all a pretty good first effort, and a pretty good first book of a supposed series.
eire_valmore's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
logan08's review
5.0
It was a little slow in the first couple chapters, but it was extremely delightful after those chapters. It had mystery, friendship and magic. I couldn't put it down!! I look forward to reading the second book in The Kronos Chronicles, The Celestial Globe. This book is great for Si- Fi lovers and people who like suspense and adventure.
rattledragons's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
erlhopkins's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
cuter than i remembered! and i loved that upon petra’s return, she actually was scolded for being reckless instead of hailed as a hero. definitely important for young avid readers to know that as heroic and brave as they may be, some battles are for the adults.
cuter than i remembered! and i loved that upon petra’s return, she actually was scolded for being reckless instead of hailed as a hero. definitely important for young avid readers to know that as heroic and brave as they may be, some battles are for the adults.
jenniferreads2's review against another edition
2.0
I really had to force myself through this one. The writing is good, the characters like able but the story was slow, boring and entirely uneventful.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
5.0
I've been looking for a book club selection for my middle school and this may be it. I can't believe I picked up this book so late.
The writing is terrific, with deep concepts presented often enough to make you jerk back out of the story and think, "WOW". The plot is seamless and so interesting I read until the wee hours to finish. The characters are real and multifaceted.
I couldn't believe my library only had the first book, so I ordered the rest of the series myself. I am looking at them right now and know how the rest of my weekend will be spent.
The writing is terrific, with deep concepts presented often enough to make you jerk back out of the story and think, "WOW". The plot is seamless and so interesting I read until the wee hours to finish. The characters are real and multifaceted.
I couldn't believe my library only had the first book, so I ordered the rest of the series myself. I am looking at them right now and know how the rest of my weekend will be spent.