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erinagain's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve found this series of books is not too terrible, being directed toward a young audience. However, there are a lot of inconsistencies between the movies and books and within the movies alone and the books alone. Also, there’s some rather cheesy stuff that’s put into this books, such as the knock-offs of popular social media apps (know as “zapps” in the book... okay then). “Zappchat?” Seriously? I really only stayed for the characters because they aren’t half bad in my opinion. I feel like the series could be a lot better if the easily-fixed inconsistencies had just been addressed and straighten out. Not a bad read though. I found it hard to put down towards the end but that might just be me.
cozyreads_98's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sharonsm_28's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing read. I loved how the story took place in both Auradon and the Isle of the Lost. Also, it also gave us a look into Camelot Heights, Netherlands, and Charmington Cove. Also, we learn more about what happened after the dome broke in the first Descendants movie. I love the characters all the same. These four villains are the villains that we root for. They each have their individual talents. Also, I absolutely love Ben. He is a great King of Auradon. I thought he ruled fair and justly. The ending prepares us for the next book or movie in store. I am still wondering if the second Descendants movie will be the sequel to this book or a sequel to the third book. I can't wait to find out. Overall, an incredible read.
briana513's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
natalie93's review against another edition
3.5
they used what they had but the ben plot line gave me no entertainment
thebookishcskrose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
strawbunnyg's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
therese_nook68's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I definitely had moments where I’d forget about how this was meant for a younger audience and was only brought back when the very Disney and kiddish dialogue and the simplicity of the writing. It was a quick and fluffy read!
My issues with it was that the dialogue was really kiddish. Even though it was meant for a younger audience, it felt very dumbed down which was very jarring at times, especially since they’re supposed in high school. I feel it could have been easier to keep them speaking in a similar way actual teenagers speak without making it too complex and too hard to understand. It was just moments like this where I was pulled out of the writing and was reminded of who was meant to be reading the book.
The other issue I had was that the characters changed drastically. I felt that these kids spent a good chunk of their life being evil and being terrifying people that a few months in Aurodon was not going to wipe that off the plate and make it so they can’t really fit in anymore or get tricked so easily. So there shouldn’t have been such a DRASTIC change, but there was and I found myself wondering if this change was even a plausible one, give they’ve spent at least 15-16 years on the Isle and being evil is a habit that shouldn’t have been broken overnight. Especially since they returned to their roots.
Other than that, I loved it. I love that it fills in the gaps with the movies and is also showing us more of the Villain Kids and their motives and personalities a bit more in the books. I thought the idea of them returning to the Isle for the sole reason of figuring out what was going on, was an interesting thing. I wished I got to see more the Anti-Heroes a bit more since there seemed to be a lot of playing room there. But, maybe we’ll see them in the future.
Definitely a recommendation from me if you’re looking for a quick and nice Disney-related read!
My issues with it was that the dialogue was really kiddish. Even though it was meant for a younger audience, it felt very dumbed down which was very jarring at times, especially since they’re supposed in high school. I feel it could have been easier to keep them speaking in a similar way actual teenagers speak without making it too complex and too hard to understand. It was just moments like this where I was pulled out of the writing and was reminded of who was meant to be reading the book.
The other issue I had was that the characters changed drastically. I felt that these kids spent a good chunk of their life being evil and being terrifying people that a few months in Aurodon was not going to wipe that off the plate and make it so they can’t really fit in anymore or get tricked so easily. So there shouldn’t have been such a DRASTIC change, but there was and I found myself wondering if this change was even a plausible one, give they’ve spent at least 15-16 years on the Isle and being evil is a habit that shouldn’t have been broken overnight. Especially since they returned to their roots.
Other than that, I loved it. I love that it fills in the gaps with the movies and is also showing us more of the Villain Kids and their motives and personalities a bit more in the books. I thought the idea of them returning to the Isle for the sole reason of figuring out what was going on, was an interesting thing. I wished I got to see more the Anti-Heroes a bit more since there seemed to be a lot of playing room there. But, maybe we’ll see them in the future.
Definitely a recommendation from me if you’re looking for a quick and nice Disney-related read!