andydear's review against another edition
4.0
One of those books that haunts you as a kid but in an exciting way and would distress ur parents
desethers's review against another edition
4.0
Giving a four for nostalgia. And the fact that many other people along with me remembering reading this book as a kid and found it extremely fascinating. Definitely a book that got me into reading and one I thought of for years. Not to mention the art got me more into art (I'm an artist).
directorpurry's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Gaslighting
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Death of parent
cmdc325's review against another edition
3.0
My dad read this book to me a few times when I was little. I am surprised I remember some of the story. I really liked the fantastical parts of this book. And sometimes my mind will wander to this story and things I will relate things in real life to the story. The imagery in the book was great. I visualized the story in my town just based n the imagery. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and for any child who wants to start reading fantasy.
rosiej's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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? N/A
5.0
lory_enterenchanted's review against another edition
Another 2021 reread of a childhood favorite. I always loved this exciting adventure story, illogical though it may be. My favorite part was when Ellen puts the crown on in the cave lined with glittering quartz stones and feels peacefully entranced, as if by beautiful silent music. Nowadays, I still find the story powerful as an image of ego development, which can achieve mastery of lower forces and mechanistic elements -- "who wears the black crown, I rule; who wears the silver crown, rules me." Not that much character development happens in the story; Ellen just innately has this ability (as stated in the very first sentence, although we don't yet fully understand its significance: "Ellen had always known she was a queen, and now the crown proved it"). But in the end she is tested by the temptation of absolute power, and does prove herself a real ruler by giving it up.
The exposition of the Hieronymus Machine's plot to rule the world is a chilling counterpart to enterprises now underway ... the seemingly harmless devices that invade everyone's homes and make them into tools of the machine. Maybe if enough people read this book they won't be fooled.
The exposition of the Hieronymus Machine's plot to rule the world is a chilling counterpart to enterprises now underway ... the seemingly harmless devices that invade everyone's homes and make them into tools of the machine. Maybe if enough people read this book they won't be fooled.
breeducky993's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't read this book in years and it was at mums so I borrowed it to read again. I forgot the story line and its still as I remember