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papercrowns's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I'd never heard of the Edge Chronicles before, but I found this in a secondhand bookstore while on vacation and I was so taken with the illustrations that I bought it.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the thought and care that's gone into the world building of the Deepwoods is rich and clever. The illustrations are as detailed as the print quality will allow, and are expressive and exciting. The writing is very descriptive and lively, and it's a real treat to read something so imaginative, and then also have en equally engaging depiction right next to it. It makes for a very fun reading experience, and kind of made me wish that more adult genre fiction had rich illustrations as well. I love using my imagination on my own steam, but it's quite delightful sometimes to have that immersive visual experience as well.
The story has a meandering, episodic kind of vibe to it, similar I would say to Alice in Wonderland, where you're constantly meeting new characters and exploring new places. It meant that we never really spent enough time with anyone other than Twig long enough to become attached to them, but there's never a dull moment, and the pace keeps everything moving forward at a clip. I can definitely understand how that would appeal to middle-grade readers — and adults looking for a fun and imaginative read.
The story is obviously intended as one part of a larger story, but it ends very satisfyingly. It sets up a good foundation for more adventures without making you feel like you've read teaser rather than a complete book. I don't feel pressure to immediately launch myself into the next one, which is nice since I'm not much of a series-reader. That said, I would quite happily continue the series if I happen to pick them up.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the thought and care that's gone into the world building of the Deepwoods is rich and clever. The illustrations are as detailed as the print quality will allow, and are expressive and exciting. The writing is very descriptive and lively, and it's a real treat to read something so imaginative, and then also have en equally engaging depiction right next to it. It makes for a very fun reading experience, and kind of made me wish that more adult genre fiction had rich illustrations as well. I love using my imagination on my own steam, but it's quite delightful sometimes to have that immersive visual experience as well.
The story has a meandering, episodic kind of vibe to it, similar I would say to Alice in Wonderland, where you're constantly meeting new characters and exploring new places. It meant that we never really spent enough time with anyone other than Twig long enough to become attached to them, but there's never a dull moment, and the pace keeps everything moving forward at a clip. I can definitely understand how that would appeal to middle-grade readers — and adults looking for a fun and imaginative read.
The story is obviously intended as one part of a larger story, but it ends very satisfyingly. It sets up a good foundation for more adventures without making you feel like you've read teaser rather than a complete book. I don't feel pressure to immediately launch myself into the next one, which is nice since I'm not much of a series-reader. That said, I would quite happily continue the series if I happen to pick them up.
c4rn4ge's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wanderingstories's review against another edition
3.0
'He would say,' the caterbird went on, 'if you stray from the well-trodden path, then tread your own path for others to follow. Your destiny lies beyond the Deepwoods.'
A tale of adventure and many encounters of interesting and strange characters.
From terrible flesh-eating bloodoaks to gyle goblins.
'Every woodtroll sticks to the path,' said the caterbird softly. 'Maybe there is no beyond for a woodtroll. But there is for you.'
A tale of adventure and many encounters of interesting and strange characters.
From terrible flesh-eating bloodoaks to gyle goblins.
'Every woodtroll sticks to the path,' said the caterbird softly. 'Maybe there is no beyond for a woodtroll. But there is for you.'
jasmin0704's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Don't really like Twig, his parents reveal was predictable and while the creatures involved were interesting and loveable it wasn't enough to distract you from the main plot of the book which was Twigs journey through the woods
scacciatore's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
_matthewdon_'s review against another edition
2.0
The idea and format is very exciting and original, but it's actually too action-packed. It sounds crazy, I know, but the constant flow of fights against big monsters and killer plants is just annoying after a while. Probably the best part about this is the Bandabear... I actually cried... And I'm not usually a crier.
emleemay's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my god, what an entertaining and enjoyable read about adventure, hope and never giving up even in the most dire circumstances.
I don't really know where to start with the story, there is so much going on and you as the reader really feel like you're right there in the adventure with Twig (who is a lovable little character), you follow him through impossible situations that he always manages to get out of because he's so filled with hope and spirit.
This is one of those wild imagination books, the kind of magical fantasy world that doesn't come along too often, but it is so beautifully crafted that you simply cannot wait to explore more of the Edgeworld. It becomes a very real and frightening place to the reader, told in such a vivid way that you can just imagine every piece of it. You can feel the centuries old suspicions about certain creatures and places on the map, and if you aren't afraid of the Gloamglozer then you aren't human.
The creatures are incredibly varied and often surprising... why isn't everyone reading this book?
I don't really know where to start with the story, there is so much going on and you as the reader really feel like you're right there in the adventure with Twig (who is a lovable little character), you follow him through impossible situations that he always manages to get out of because he's so filled with hope and spirit.
This is one of those wild imagination books, the kind of magical fantasy world that doesn't come along too often, but it is so beautifully crafted that you simply cannot wait to explore more of the Edgeworld. It becomes a very real and frightening place to the reader, told in such a vivid way that you can just imagine every piece of it. You can feel the centuries old suspicions about certain creatures and places on the map, and if you aren't afraid of the Gloamglozer then you aren't human.
The creatures are incredibly varied and often surprising... why isn't everyone reading this book?
telltalepage's review against another edition
5.0
Because of the cover, I knew what sort of story I was walking into and I was not disappointed. It was fun and vivid, with the graphics drawn by Chris Riddell bringing to life this intense world created for a children’s series. It had much more world-building than I expected, especially for 1) a kid’s series and 2) the first book in a kid’s series. I was only a quarter through when I realized it reminded me of a mixture of Lord of the Rings and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
The main character is adorable and lovable if not a bit gullible, but if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t get into the adventures that he gets into! The action is non-stop and, like I said, the graphics are amazing and really bring to life the story. Even as an adult, I had a fun time reading this and am happily waiting to read the rest of the series. My boyfriend has this series and told me it is *the series* that got him into reading when he was younger. Because of this I was obviously stoked to read it, and I am so glad that I did. I would recommend this to really anyone…an adult who wants to take a step back into their childhood and have some adventures, a young person who loves reading and fantasy, a young person who doesn’t like reading and needs a good series to push them over the edge…it really has it all. It’s got consequences for actions and choices, and a main character who is finding himself and never strays from his morals, and a slew of characters who will entertain with each page turn.
The main character is adorable and lovable if not a bit gullible, but if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t get into the adventures that he gets into! The action is non-stop and, like I said, the graphics are amazing and really bring to life the story. Even as an adult, I had a fun time reading this and am happily waiting to read the rest of the series. My boyfriend has this series and told me it is *the series* that got him into reading when he was younger. Because of this I was obviously stoked to read it, and I am so glad that I did. I would recommend this to really anyone…an adult who wants to take a step back into their childhood and have some adventures, a young person who loves reading and fantasy, a young person who doesn’t like reading and needs a good series to push them over the edge…it really has it all. It’s got consequences for actions and choices, and a main character who is finding himself and never strays from his morals, and a slew of characters who will entertain with each page turn.
thatgirlinblack's review
4.0
Well this is a fantasy that is a little different. No swordfights, Narnia talking animals, or LOTR elves. It's more like goblins, trolls, flying creatures... The hero is on a quest to find where he belongs.
Twig, the hero, is a human who doesn't fit in with his adopted troll family. He sets out on a journey through the forest and does the unthinkable—strays from the path. What follows is adventure after adventure. Or more like trouble after trouble. He meets all these fascinating and terrifying creatures; most end up being unfriendly, some are kind. It seems like he's always running or being caught or escaping. It's almost non-stop. Each time, he ends up being mysteriously rescued. It's different from what I expected because Twig first learns the consequences of following the lie and the destruction that results. After that, his salvation is even more dramatic and it's resolved very satisfactorily.
The book is extremely well written. I could see, hear, feel, and smell everything. The descriptions are masterful. The beautiful as well as the ugly, everything is shown so well. I really like forest settings, so that's an added bonus.
Twig, the hero, is a human who doesn't fit in with his adopted troll family. He sets out on a journey through the forest and does the unthinkable—strays from the path. What follows is adventure after adventure. Or more like trouble after trouble. He meets all these fascinating and terrifying creatures; most end up being unfriendly, some are kind. It seems like he's always running or being caught or escaping. It's almost non-stop. Each time, he ends up being mysteriously rescued.
Spoiler
I thought at first that it was someone good rescuing him, but that's not how it turned out.The book is extremely well written. I could see, hear, feel, and smell everything. The descriptions are masterful. The beautiful as well as the ugly, everything is shown so well. I really like forest settings, so that's an added bonus.
jade_ls_lee's review against another edition
4.0
Pārlasot saņēmu tieši to, ko gribēju + vēl mini traumu. Absolūti radoša fantāzija, dīvaini un baisi radījumi, dažbrīd pat murgaini notikumi. Beigu atklājums Zarēna klīšanai pat piešķir necerētu jēgu. Grāmata it kā ir vienkārša, bet tā papildus zvaigzne nudien tīri par creepy radījumiem. Vairāk šādus drosmīgus darbus bērnu literatūrā!