Reviews

Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen

boomakes's review against another edition

2.0

Read this as it was set for Year 5. Can't say I enjoyed it though.

missfrancis98's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mikeiswhere's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-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? No

4.5

I really respect this book for being both suitable for younger readers, and also unafraid to deal with very heavy subject matter. I think that any adult can read this book and get a lot from it. The incidents viewed from the eyes of a child are a canvas that I found my mind painting all kinds of stories on. The ending is, perhaps, a bit abrupt. Otherwise a really great read.

essbeereads's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

michalice's review

3.0

I first heard about The Boy in the Tower at blogger brunch and when I found it on netgalley had to request it. It sounded like it would be a quick but great read and I couldn't wait to dive in.

Ade lives in a tower block with this Mum, who we quickly learn is agoraphobic. He does a lot of things for himself, shopping, cooking, etc, so when the Bulchers strike he is left to try and deal with the beginnings of this invasion, but also try to keep himself and his Mum safe.

When I began reading The Boy in the Tower I wasn't hooked like I thought I would be. Honestly, I carried on reading to find out more about these strange plants, and wondered what would happen to Ade and his Mum. I felt like the lead up and introduction to these plants and what was going on felt too long, and when the 'real stuff' starts to happen it felt over far too fast. I wanted to know more about the plants, the reason for their appearance, and why they did what they did. But I didn't get any of that, just that the plants are there, that they damage building and kill people.

I did however like the underlining plot of The Boy in the Tower. Of having strong friendships, trusting others in times of need, and also helping out, working as a team to survive. So while I was disappointed in the story and the plot itself, as a whole The boy in the Tower was an okay read.

hollyamber's review against another edition

emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

3.5

linhgaga's review

5.0

Fantastic story telling! Can’t wait for a film adaptation

_muzza_'s review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Not the best, not the worst. Quite a cliché ending and pretty predictable plot.

cheyburn92's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kathryn14's review against another edition

5.0

First read: Arguably the best book I've ever read with a class. My Year 5/6s loved it and I very nearly cried (which would have been a first)

Second read: can confirm this remains true with a different class - they even broke into spontaneous applause at the end. TOO CUTE