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thisjaelynn's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
This is definitely a novel intended for juvenile readers, and there were several points where I was reminded that I am not the target audience, but even so, it was a fun read and a solid middle-grade adventure story!
This is definitely a novel intended for juvenile readers, and there were several points where I was reminded that I am not the target audience, but even so, it was a fun read and a solid middle-grade adventure story!
shakgraph's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 out of 5
I was so impressed by this book. It was so well written, it takes you in the world, there's so much world building. A lot of the book gave me this impending doom feeling, like in Series of Unfortunate Events. Where I was scared, but had to keep reading to see how it ended. I'm definately reading the rest of this series. And I'm so excited to be reading a genre I adore with a black main character who just fits in with the story without the awkwardness. It's a breath of fresh air. I am so reading this rest of this series.
Warning tape: I mean, it is kind of scary. There's a little gore, I would say. Also, there's a passage where some of the fictional author's romance novel is read.
I was so impressed by this book. It was so well written, it takes you in the world, there's so much world building. A lot of the book gave me this impending doom feeling, like in Series of Unfortunate Events. Where I was scared, but had to keep reading to see how it ended. I'm definately reading the rest of this series. And I'm so excited to be reading a genre I adore with a black main character who just fits in with the story without the awkwardness. It's a breath of fresh air. I am so reading this rest of this series.
Warning tape: I mean, it is kind of scary. There's a little gore, I would say. Also, there's a passage where some of the fictional author's romance novel is read.
readingrobin's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
A rollicking adventure for middle grade readers in the same vein as Artemis Fowl or Amari and the Night Brothers. Who doesn't love a secret society trying to keep a paranormal world for merging with the "real" world? I'm a little disappointed that we don't learn more about this society or see much of their workings outside of the manor, but I'm sure it may be touched on in later books.
I did like the concept of Mirror Kingsport being this twisted, horror version of the real world, though it felt a little empty at times and didn't feel like its own populated realm.
While it starts off fairly spooky, this is more of an action/adventure tale with some creepiness rather than a full on horror. Would have been neat if it was allowed to go a bit darker, especially knowing the author's other middle grade works, but I think it works fine for what it is.
I did like the concept of Mirror Kingsport being this twisted, horror version of the real world, though it felt a little empty at times and didn't feel like its own populated realm.
While it starts off fairly spooky, this is more of an action/adventure tale with some creepiness rather than a full on horror. Would have been neat if it was allowed to go a bit darker, especially knowing the author's other middle grade works, but I think it works fine for what it is.
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
An action-packed middle grade into younger young adult fantasy that keeps you guessing the whole way. There's plenty of spookiness to satisfy tweens and teens as two 12-year-old thieves break into a house and get more than they bargained for when they discover that a mirror world of their 1910 town exists, and that they may be the only ones who can save the real world from being taken over by nightmares. Imaginative world-building, great character development, fully fleshed out secondary characters. Fans of Lemony Snicket will eat this up.
lgaddy's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
This is not a middle grade adventure fantasy. Ought to be YA, though there it might be for the younger YA. There is some creepy scary stuff, but also one solid vulgar comment that really put me off. I enjoyed this book for the most part but had to push to finish.
This is not a middle grade adventure fantasy. Ought to be YA, though there it might be for the younger YA. There is some creepy scary stuff, but also one solid vulgar comment that really put me off. I enjoyed this book for the most part but had to push to finish.
cjhh's review against another edition
4.0
I deeply enjoyed this utterly original middle grade read. There is magic, mythological creatures, portals to a mirror universe, a fun in-world literature element, and ghosts. There are 3 main characters and one of them is irritating, but the others make up for it. I am truly excited to find out where this story goes in the sequel.
macfiar's review against another edition
1.0
another one of the middle grade stories that was too stupid and badly written