twiinklex's review against another edition
3.0
Re-read this for the second time few days back and sad to say, I don't love it as much as I did before, which I'm attributing to age. I first read this when I was 13 or 14, I think -- when I still believed in things like rainbows, unicorns and love at first sight. Now 20, I'm much more cynical and noticed many flaws about the story that I didn't before.
I love the Authurian aspect of the book (still do, such a fresh idea in a novel aimed at teens), did not see the twist with Elaine's identity coming and it was really interesting seeing which character was which historical figure. Hence, not much problem with this storyline in the book.
However, Elaine proclaims/admits (to us readers) that she is in love with Will way too quickly before she even talked to him that much or truly knew him and his background. She also harps on how plain / tomboyish / unsuited for Will way too much for my liking. In the past, I might have fawned over the unlikely couple but now I find them too cheesy and unrealistic for my liking.
An entertaining read regardless, though I do miss the charm of childhood and first/young love. First reading: 4 or maybe even 4.5 stars, second reading: 3 to 3.5 stars.
I love the Authurian aspect of the book (still do, such a fresh idea in a novel aimed at teens), did not see the twist with Elaine's identity coming and it was really interesting seeing which character was which historical figure. Hence, not much problem with this storyline in the book.
However, Elaine proclaims/admits (to us readers) that she is in love with Will way too quickly before she even talked to him that much or truly knew him and his background. She also harps on how plain / tomboyish / unsuited for Will way too much for my liking. In the past, I might have fawned over the unlikely couple but now I find them too cheesy and unrealistic for my liking.
An entertaining read regardless, though I do miss the charm of childhood and first/young love. First reading: 4 or maybe even 4.5 stars, second reading: 3 to 3.5 stars.
prairiewolf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
anallama's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn’t even get through half of this book. It’s so shallow and I can’t help but dislike the main character. It almost sounds like a wattpad fic, written in a way that just goes from point a to b without really caring about what’s in between. I rarely hate books but this one....
abookdork's review against another edition
5.0
Another win for Meg Cabot! This is my favorite book by the author that I've read so far. You should keep in mind that I've only read a handful of her books; luckily I am working on remedying this tragedy! I just wish I could get my hands on more of her books on CD! I listened to "Avalon High" in my car and at the gym and had serious problems stopping. I loved the spin of the Arthurian legend and how Cabot was able to make it believable (never doubt her power to make a fantastical plot work). You may think that there are no mysteries to this book and that all the characters are what they seem, but Cabot is able to add a few twists that I didn't see coming. I loved all the character. Lance even grew on me. Cabot created a fantastic villain; he/she was complex and embraced his/her evil side. I know that may sound weird, but I feel like villains can fall short sometimes in books.
I absolutely love the balance between humor and conflict that Cabot is able to bring to her books. I also love the fact that I never feel like her books are dragging with wasted space. Her books always seem to be the perfect length to fit exactly what needs to be there, no more, no less. I know this isn't always the easiest part of writing, but as a reader it drives me nuts when I feel like books could easily be sped up. I worry sometimes about authors who write a lot of books because sometimes I feel like they get lazy, but so far I haven't found this with Cabot. I am hoping that she keeps the spark in her writing for many more years to come!
I absolutely love the balance between humor and conflict that Cabot is able to bring to her books. I also love the fact that I never feel like her books are dragging with wasted space. Her books always seem to be the perfect length to fit exactly what needs to be there, no more, no less. I know this isn't always the easiest part of writing, but as a reader it drives me nuts when I feel like books could easily be sped up. I worry sometimes about authors who write a lot of books because sometimes I feel like they get lazy, but so far I haven't found this with Cabot. I am hoping that she keeps the spark in her writing for many more years to come!
jacinta_m_carter's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
damdelion's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Re-reading this book now, as an adult and a medievalist, is kinda nostalgic. Which is why I gave it 3 stars in spite of how simply written it is and how the plain the characters are.
kingaphrodite's review against another edition
3.0
Avalon High the book is perfect for what it’s meant to be. It’s rich with characterization of the main character, presents the typical high school experience, and all through the eyes of a girl with two professors as parents. The issue is that most of the story is about this overarching premise and besides that there wasn’t much going on besides that. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the pacing was slow as it is a fairly short book, but much of the plot sort of felt pointless to me.
Still, I recommend this to younger readers heavily, especially those interested in mythology & Arthurian legends.
Still, I recommend this to younger readers heavily, especially those interested in mythology & Arthurian legends.
bkwrm_monwenee's review against another edition
5.0
Camelot, Football and a reborn Arthur? Only Meg Cabot could make such a combination and have it work! Be prepared to get thrown into the world of high school called Avalon where a secret society called The Order of the Bear protect the reborn Arthur Pendragon from the darkness that seeks to destroy him. I loved this book! It was way better than the Disney movie and it stays with the legends of Arthur and his knights.