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bookishcabbit's review against another edition
3.0
I first discovered this book/series by way of this web article: http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/books-to-movies-2015#.steQwN2Dbv
The premise of the first book was enough to get me interested (as I was itching for something new to read, anyway), so I picked it up. Upon beginning it, it intrigued me enough that I kept returning to it, clearing chapter after chapter over the course of several days. The character development was fleshed out decently to keep me emotionally invested and wondering what would happen next.
As I completed the book and set it down, I couldn't help but think to myself: I like it...but do I like it enough to fetch the next installment? I'm still not sure, to be quite honest. When I read the preview of "Curse of the Bane" in the back, perhaps it'll be sufficient in getting me to pick it up in its entirety. At the very least, I would like to see the film adaptation for comparison reasons (as well as a good excuse to go to the movies). But, for the moment, I'll continue reading material outside of the series and, perhaps, I'll return for Book 2 in due time.
On the whole, a good, suspenseful, fantasy read.
The premise of the first book was enough to get me interested (as I was itching for something new to read, anyway), so I picked it up. Upon beginning it, it intrigued me enough that I kept returning to it, clearing chapter after chapter over the course of several days. The character development was fleshed out decently to keep me emotionally invested and wondering what would happen next.
As I completed the book and set it down, I couldn't help but think to myself: I like it...but do I like it enough to fetch the next installment? I'm still not sure, to be quite honest. When I read the preview of "Curse of the Bane" in the back, perhaps it'll be sufficient in getting me to pick it up in its entirety. At the very least, I would like to see the film adaptation for comparison reasons (as well as a good excuse to go to the movies). But, for the moment, I'll continue reading material outside of the series and, perhaps, I'll return for Book 2 in due time.
On the whole, a good, suspenseful, fantasy read.
rosalindmgh's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars. The young hero's repetitive mistakes got on my nerves, but I still enjoyed the book well enough to go on to the next one in the series. I appreciate that the author was willing to present Ward with shades of gray rather than treating everything simplistically as either good or evil.
bentenorson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
breadandmushrooms's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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
lucyy_246's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
victoriatracy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
One of my favorite series from high school, did a reread for spooky season. The audio book is super well-done.
bookgirl1861's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found it fun and fast paced for what it was. The main character kept making the same mistake over and over, which could be a bit tiresome. I think what made it a bit less enjoyable for me was the casual misogyny his mentor has? He had this attitude that all women couldn't be trusted, beyond even what the other male characters exhibited (which I didn't love either). Perhaps some of it is the time/setting, but I just don't find it necessary in middle grade fantasy.
farleighelse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Read before. Christopher Welch does a disappointing job at narrating.
ringdangdoo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kristyjojo's review against another edition
4.0
Joseph Delaney's coming to our school this Wednesday - and our students are thrilled! I'm looking forweard to reading more in the series.