jappy97's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mystikai's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second book in the series, I have read book 1 and really liked it so was eager to start this one.
I liked Rye, she reminds me a lot of me when I was a child, quite a rebel. The Luck Uglies although being outlaws I did like them, they were only sticking up for themselves and their people really. This book was just as exciting as the first with lots of action and adventure, not so much magical things going on but all the same it was a great read.
The characters were developed more in this book so we got to know more about them and Rye is a strong and loveable heroine.
This children’s fantasy has been written very well and I am sure children that read it will love it.
I have enjoyed this series.
I liked Rye, she reminds me a lot of me when I was a child, quite a rebel. The Luck Uglies although being outlaws I did like them, they were only sticking up for themselves and their people really. This book was just as exciting as the first with lots of action and adventure, not so much magical things going on but all the same it was a great read.
The characters were developed more in this book so we got to know more about them and Rye is a strong and loveable heroine.
This children’s fantasy has been written very well and I am sure children that read it will love it.
I have enjoyed this series.
oneangrylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. The world in the first two books is so rich and deep and yet I still want more. The main character is wonderful. Rye is a spunky, quirky, and sometimes brash young girl who is a beacon of hope in the world of male dominated fantasy main characters. One of my favorite things in this book (and the last one too) is the dialogue. Paul Durham does such a great job of creating witty banter that seems appropriate and yet cutting at the same time. The characters have force and power behind their verbal jabs that it makes it credible and real in a world of creatures, mysteries, and intrigue. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Truly, the best praise I can give this book (any book really) is that I didn't want it to end. This is a great pick for any fans of Fantasy and Adventure.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
This second book in the Luck Uglies series picks up shortly after the first ends. It is important to have read the first for a better understanding of the world in which it takes place.
Riley's father is High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies, and when he summons her on the eve of Silvermas, she goes without questioning it. But an ambush awaits her, one which breaks a Luck Uglies' agreement. It appears that there is a revolt brewing within the Luck Uglies. This is in combination with Longchance's new constable, who is enforcing laws with even harsher punishments. He seems to have a vendetta not only against the Luck Uglies, but specifically against Rye and her mother. With the help of Quinn and Folly, Rye does all that she can to fight against this new threat and save her family. But people are not always who they seem, and they must beware of double-crossing, even among those they trust the most. This action-packed adventure will appeal to fantasy lovers in grades 4-8.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Riley's father is High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies, and when he summons her on the eve of Silvermas, she goes without questioning it. But an ambush awaits her, one which breaks a Luck Uglies' agreement. It appears that there is a revolt brewing within the Luck Uglies. This is in combination with Longchance's new constable, who is enforcing laws with even harsher punishments. He seems to have a vendetta not only against the Luck Uglies, but specifically against Rye and her mother. With the help of Quinn and Folly, Rye does all that she can to fight against this new threat and save her family. But people are not always who they seem, and they must beware of double-crossing, even among those they trust the most. This action-packed adventure will appeal to fantasy lovers in grades 4-8.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
onemanbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Boo-ya.
I just read all three books in The Luck Uglies series.
I wish I had a bell to ring.
Or a standing ovation to give.
Maybe just start cheering until I lose my voice?
I would...but that'd be awkward.
I'll have to settle for a book review.
Middle-grade is so hard to write for. It has to be accessible for children who want to be thrilled, but aren't ready to be thrilled. Usually, this means middle-grade books are dumbed down so much they become--well--dumb. That's why I get excited when I discover an excellent middle-grade series...because it's so hard to write right! (See what I did there?)
A talented author can do it.
Paul Durham did it.
The Luck Uglies is excellent.
The series is very well written and easy to read. The story is exciting. The action gets your heart racing. The heroes are regular kids who do brave things even though their scared. The bad guys are rotten. The creatures are spooky. The main character is an 11-year-old girl who's smart and strong, but also clumsy and stubborn. The importance of family. Honor. Keeping your word.
All while being content appropriate and accessible to young readers. Girls will love it. Boys will love it. Parents will love it. Adults who aren't parents that like middle-grade fiction? Yep, you too.
BTW, the names in these books are wonderful. Best use of creative naming I've ever read. Seriously.
Thanks Paul Durham. You've won yourself a fan. What's next?
RING-A-LING-A-LING-A-DING-DING-DING
[Slow clap, getting to my feet...clapping faster...faster..now cheering...AAAAAHHHHH!!!]
Lost my voice.
Happy reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Boo-ya.
I just read all three books in The Luck Uglies series.
I wish I had a bell to ring.
Or a standing ovation to give.
Maybe just start cheering until I lose my voice?
I would...but that'd be awkward.
I'll have to settle for a book review.
Middle-grade is so hard to write for. It has to be accessible for children who want to be thrilled, but aren't ready to be thrilled. Usually, this means middle-grade books are dumbed down so much they become--well--dumb. That's why I get excited when I discover an excellent middle-grade series...because it's so hard to write right! (See what I did there?)
A talented author can do it.
Paul Durham did it.
The Luck Uglies is excellent.
The series is very well written and easy to read. The story is exciting. The action gets your heart racing. The heroes are regular kids who do brave things even though their scared. The bad guys are rotten. The creatures are spooky. The main character is an 11-year-old girl who's smart and strong, but also clumsy and stubborn. The importance of family. Honor. Keeping your word.
All while being content appropriate and accessible to young readers. Girls will love it. Boys will love it. Parents will love it. Adults who aren't parents that like middle-grade fiction? Yep, you too.
BTW, the names in these books are wonderful. Best use of creative naming I've ever read. Seriously.
Thanks Paul Durham. You've won yourself a fan. What's next?
RING-A-LING-A-LING-A-DING-DING-DING
[Slow clap, getting to my feet...clapping faster...faster..now cheering...AAAAAHHHHH!!!]
Lost my voice.
Happy reading!
charonlrdraws's review against another edition
4.0
Well its taken me long enough to finally tackle the sequel to The Luck Uglies and its not that bad at least it kept unlike another fantasy book I read recently not mentioning any names...But I am looking forward to seeing how this trilogy ends though despite the huge gap I had between the first book and this one, needless to say I had forgotten a majority of what happened in book one (yeah this happens but I do remember enjoying it) and Dishonour Among Thieves is a very quick read and the story pretty much picks up where book one left off.
But I am kicking myself for not picking this up sooner.
A summery for Dishonour Among Thieves:
It's not easy being the daughter of the High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies.
Now an insidious new lawman in Drowning has declared Rye an outlaw, and she's stuck on the strange and remote Isle of Pest. But the island quickly feels much less remote when the battle to control the future of the Luck Uglies moves to its shores.
To defeat the Luck Uglies' bitterest rivals, Rye must defy a deranged earl, survive a test meant to judge the grit of the fiercest men--and uncover some long-buried family secrets. And when Rye leads the charge to defend the island, she and her friends will meet an eerily familiar enemy. . . .
But I am kicking myself for not picking this up sooner.
A summery for Dishonour Among Thieves:
It's not easy being the daughter of the High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies.
Now an insidious new lawman in Drowning has declared Rye an outlaw, and she's stuck on the strange and remote Isle of Pest. But the island quickly feels much less remote when the battle to control the future of the Luck Uglies moves to its shores.
To defeat the Luck Uglies' bitterest rivals, Rye must defy a deranged earl, survive a test meant to judge the grit of the fiercest men--and uncover some long-buried family secrets. And when Rye leads the charge to defend the island, she and her friends will meet an eerily familiar enemy. . . .
jillcd's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I have ever rated a sequel this high. I have a theory that sequels are not as good as the first book due to deadlines. Paul has decimated that theory. I loved this book as much as the first and cannot wait for the next one. The characters are well developed and brought to life with precise, clear, and captivating language and detail. I was never bored and it was one perilous adventure after another. I purchased 2 copies for my library as this is a winner. Perhaps more authors should take to writing in abandon chicken coops!
samantha_randolph's review against another edition
4.0
With a vicious Constable rampaging and the appearance of a mysterious bunch of Luck Uglies that call themselves Fork-Tongue Charmers, Rye O’Chanter has a lot on her plate. When danger once again strikes her village, her and her family must flee to the Isles of Pest, her mother’s homeland. There, Rye will discover secrets, mysteries, and enemies she never expected.
In this sequel to The Luck Uglies, Paul Durham once again weaves a masterful and intricate plot with many layers. Each unfolding requires extensive build up that occasionally makes the story read a little slowly, but ultimately accomplishes its mission of creating serious, impactful twists and turns. Much like Rye’s home village, Pest is full of strong world building and uniqueness. From accented locals to new folklore, I love how rich this new setting is and how Rye and company grow to adjust to their new surroundings.
As in the prior book, I once again found myself drawn to Harmless and Abby. Some mysteries and secrets behind them find answers in this book, but their characters are so complex and intriguing you know they still have more secrets in store. Durham’s talent at crafted equally superb children and adult characters make this a strong read for both audiences. The new friends Rye makes at Pest offer even more opportunities for humor, fun, and character development, and I hope to see some of them pop up again in the next book.
While this book doesn’t have quite as much charm as the first, The Luck Uglies: Fork-Tongue Charmers delves further into the mysteries and darkness of Rye’s world and delivers another breathtaking plot to readers. This group of characters will stay with readers long after the last page and leave them eager to find out what dangers will brew in the next book.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18204-fork-tongue-charmers-the-luck-uglies-2
In this sequel to The Luck Uglies, Paul Durham once again weaves a masterful and intricate plot with many layers. Each unfolding requires extensive build up that occasionally makes the story read a little slowly, but ultimately accomplishes its mission of creating serious, impactful twists and turns. Much like Rye’s home village, Pest is full of strong world building and uniqueness. From accented locals to new folklore, I love how rich this new setting is and how Rye and company grow to adjust to their new surroundings.
As in the prior book, I once again found myself drawn to Harmless and Abby. Some mysteries and secrets behind them find answers in this book, but their characters are so complex and intriguing you know they still have more secrets in store. Durham’s talent at crafted equally superb children and adult characters make this a strong read for both audiences. The new friends Rye makes at Pest offer even more opportunities for humor, fun, and character development, and I hope to see some of them pop up again in the next book.
While this book doesn’t have quite as much charm as the first, The Luck Uglies: Fork-Tongue Charmers delves further into the mysteries and darkness of Rye’s world and delivers another breathtaking plot to readers. This group of characters will stay with readers long after the last page and leave them eager to find out what dangers will brew in the next book.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18204-fork-tongue-charmers-the-luck-uglies-2
rjsthumbelina's review against another edition
3.0
This one is much slower than the first one. But I still love the characters,and will definitely read on when the next one comes out