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jodiev's review against another edition
4.0
I keep wavering between three stars and four for this book, and unfortunately there are no in betweens. If so, I would probably give it 3.75.
This book caught my eye some time ago, primarily because of the beautiful cover, and so I added it to my ever growing list of books of interest. I am well past the target age group for this book, however I am an avid lover of children's books and fairy tales, and often find myself perusing that section of the bookstore. I not only like to see what is new in that genre, but also hope for it to spark some inspiration.
I finally decided to give 'The Wonderling' a try, and like many books that I'm on the fence about, got it on loan from my library. It was the e-book version though, and although it had some wonderful, small illustrations, I'm sure they paled in comparison to the hardbound.
I thought the author did a magnificent job and I enjoyed the storyline (although a little too steampunk for my taste). Although it ends well, it is not a very happy story. Quite dismal in fact. If you are looking for something that will put a smile on your face and send you too a happy place before bed, this isn't it.
The characters are pretty well developed, although, I liked the secondary characters more so than the primary. Trinket and Peevel have great personalities and I love that even though they are so small, they've got spunk.
I did feel that the book was too long for the story and it dragged for sometime. (I found myself constantly checking how much more there was). Yet there were parts that were just skimmed over that I would liked a little more developed and to know more about. For example, I would have liked to have spent more time with the family of tree elves or to have learned more about the twins' childhood.
The ending seems pretty well set up for sequels, although I don't know if that is in the works. If so, I probably won't read any further, but that is not saying I regret having read 'The Wonderling'. I think Mira Bartok is a fine writer and all in all it was an enjoyable read.
This book caught my eye some time ago, primarily because of the beautiful cover, and so I added it to my ever growing list of books of interest. I am well past the target age group for this book, however I am an avid lover of children's books and fairy tales, and often find myself perusing that section of the bookstore. I not only like to see what is new in that genre, but also hope for it to spark some inspiration.
I finally decided to give 'The Wonderling' a try, and like many books that I'm on the fence about, got it on loan from my library. It was the e-book version though, and although it had some wonderful, small illustrations, I'm sure they paled in comparison to the hardbound.
I thought the author did a magnificent job and I enjoyed the storyline (although a little too steampunk for my taste). Although it ends well, it is not a very happy story. Quite dismal in fact. If you are looking for something that will put a smile on your face and send you too a happy place before bed, this isn't it.
The characters are pretty well developed, although, I liked the secondary characters more so than the primary. Trinket and Peevel have great personalities and I love that even though they are so small, they've got spunk.
I did feel that the book was too long for the story and it dragged for sometime. (I found myself constantly checking how much more there was). Yet there were parts that were just skimmed over that I would liked a little more developed and to know more about. For example, I would have liked to have spent more time with the family of tree elves or to have learned more about the twins' childhood.
The ending seems pretty well set up for sequels, although I don't know if that is in the works. If so, I probably won't read any further, but that is not saying I regret having read 'The Wonderling'. I think Mira Bartok is a fine writer and all in all it was an enjoyable read.
fernandoyataco1991's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastica, dirigida especialmente para niños. Una lectura amena que puede ser completada en un día con bastante dedicación. Bastantes elementos fantásticos y el desarrollo de la historia te mantiene intrigado, por saber que será lo que ocurra acontinuación. Ansioso por la segunda parte por publicarse.
ladygodivas's review against another edition
3.0
this book had no reason being so thick and having 400+ pages. the plot is so simple it could have been over in 200 pages. setting that aside, it was a cute story with a lovable protagonist.
abigailhope13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Superb otherworldly adventure with a great baddie and a classic feel
In this world, some are born as part human and part animal - groundlings. These poor beings are often rejected, excluded and marginalised. Young groundlings can be sent to Miss Carbunkle's Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, as homely a place as it sounds.
Number 13 is one such unfortunate, a one-eared part-fox with no name, no family and no friends. Forced into bravery by the bullying of another orphan, he makes a friend in Trinket, a wingless bird, and the two manage to think of a way to escape their prison.
Now named Arthur by his friend, the pair run from their persecutors into the unknown wider world, where danger and adventure await them, and a dastardly plot that they may have to attempt to foil...
This felt a little like the Redwall series, The Letter for the King, books about animals and quests, with villains and banding together and pooling strengths.
Arthur is the put-upon boy trying to find his place in the world, and his history. Trinket is the resourceful and upbeat friend, not quite as well-developed who allows him to feel hope, camaraderie and helps him out of the rut and into the world where the plot can move on. Our bad guy, or girl - Miss Carbunkle - is deliciously wicked. Of course she runs a revolting orphanage, and she also has dark powers and evil creatures at her bidding.
A great quest / adventure story, with a classic-looking cover, chapter pages and feel to it. It's quite a hefty-looking tome, though it rattles along nicely. I would say confident readers of 9 and above will comfortably become enthralled by it.
With thanks to Walker Books for the sample reading copy.
In this world, some are born as part human and part animal - groundlings. These poor beings are often rejected, excluded and marginalised. Young groundlings can be sent to Miss Carbunkle's Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, as homely a place as it sounds.
Number 13 is one such unfortunate, a one-eared part-fox with no name, no family and no friends. Forced into bravery by the bullying of another orphan, he makes a friend in Trinket, a wingless bird, and the two manage to think of a way to escape their prison.
Now named Arthur by his friend, the pair run from their persecutors into the unknown wider world, where danger and adventure await them, and a dastardly plot that they may have to attempt to foil...
This felt a little like the Redwall series, The Letter for the King, books about animals and quests, with villains and banding together and pooling strengths.
Arthur is the put-upon boy trying to find his place in the world, and his history. Trinket is the resourceful and upbeat friend, not quite as well-developed who allows him to feel hope, camaraderie and helps him out of the rut and into the world where the plot can move on. Our bad guy, or girl - Miss Carbunkle - is deliciously wicked. Of course she runs a revolting orphanage, and she also has dark powers and evil creatures at her bidding.
A great quest / adventure story, with a classic-looking cover, chapter pages and feel to it. It's quite a hefty-looking tome, though it rattles along nicely. I would say confident readers of 9 and above will comfortably become enthralled by it.
With thanks to Walker Books for the sample reading copy.
yasminfoster's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
danileighta's review against another edition
5.0
Arthur, a fox "groundling" born with one ear, is the hero of this novel and his supporting cast is brave and sweet and endearing. The neglect and abuse of the groundlings (animals with human characteristics like speech and sometimes humans with animal characteristics like a head full of feathers) was heart-breaking at times, so be prepared. It was never gratuitous, serving to illustrate the evil Miss Carbunkle's character and making Arthur's hero's journey that much more meaningful.
Trinket, Arthur's best friend, was probably my favorite character. She is a wingless bird who bounces uncontrollably when excited - I felt I could relate. Definitely a book to read to your young person. Judge for yourself on the age, as a mature 10 year old might really enjoy this, but it might be too much for some. The adventure of it all may be the thing that sticks out to a young mind, rather than the bad treatment of the characters.
Overall, I am so excited that this book is being turned into a movie and I cannot wait to see what they do with it! The author's illustrations are subdued and powerful. Hopefully they stick to that sort of industrial grays pallate for the film. Mira Bartok is also a local author for me, frequenting the library I work at, so that always endears you to someone's writing, I'm sure!
Trinket, Arthur's best friend, was probably my favorite character. She is a wingless bird who bounces uncontrollably when excited - I felt I could relate. Definitely a book to read to your young person. Judge for yourself on the age, as a mature 10 year old might really enjoy this, but it might be too much for some. The adventure of it all may be the thing that sticks out to a young mind, rather than the bad treatment of the characters.
Overall, I am so excited that this book is being turned into a movie and I cannot wait to see what they do with it! The author's illustrations are subdued and powerful. Hopefully they stick to that sort of industrial grays pallate for the film. Mira Bartok is also a local author for me, frequenting the library I work at, so that always endears you to someone's writing, I'm sure!
missfrancis98's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0