alexblackreads's review
3.0
This was an odd but enjoyable little book. It was published in the mid-aughts and very much reminded me of the middle grade from my childhood, which was very nostalgic.
I wish there had been more time spent in the historical timeline. We really only got the bare minimum and I felt like the whole book would have been stronger if the history had been fully developed. As it was, the magic was a little half baked and some of the world building was underdeveloped. What we did get from the past felt kind of skimmed through, with relationships forming out of seemingly nowhere. It was frustrating because it could have been a lot stronger.
The writing was lovely and the characters were all nice to read about. I liked how developed their family relationships were and that was definitely what carried the book for me. It was a very fun quick read.
I'd highly recommend this if you like children's literature- especially of the magical book about books variety. It's not really my thing, but I could see this getting a lot of love from the right audience.
I wish there had been more time spent in the historical timeline. We really only got the bare minimum and I felt like the whole book would have been stronger if the history had been fully developed. As it was, the magic was a little half baked and some of the world building was underdeveloped. What we did get from the past felt kind of skimmed through, with relationships forming out of seemingly nowhere. It was frustrating because it could have been a lot stronger.
The writing was lovely and the characters were all nice to read about. I liked how developed their family relationships were and that was definitely what carried the book for me. It was a very fun quick read.
I'd highly recommend this if you like children's literature- especially of the magical book about books variety. It's not really my thing, but I could see this getting a lot of love from the right audience.
hana83's review
4.0
I quite enjoyed reading Endymion Spring. It follows two storylines: one in the past in Mainz, Germany and the other in the present in St. Jerome’s College, Oxford. The past storyline reveals that Endymion Spring is a young apprentice to Johann Gutenberg. The present storyline reveals that Endymion Spring is “the most legendary, sought-after books in the world and could be incredibly dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands.”
Why is the book so dangerous? What secrets does it hold? Why did it choose to reveal its secrets to a young boy? What is the Last Book? If you were intrigued by the preceding questions, then you will enjoy this book.
I found the author’s acknowledgement section quite interesting. Among the given references, he mentions that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is developing an actual “Last Book.” I was intrigued. What is an actual “Last Book?” Check out the following link to learn more: http://www.nytimes.com/library/arts/040898book.html#1
Why is the book so dangerous? What secrets does it hold? Why did it choose to reveal its secrets to a young boy? What is the Last Book? If you were intrigued by the preceding questions, then you will enjoy this book.
I found the author’s acknowledgement section quite interesting. Among the given references, he mentions that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is developing an actual “Last Book.” I was intrigued. What is an actual “Last Book?” Check out the following link to learn more: http://www.nytimes.com/library/arts/040898book.html#1
sarabethcoyle's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.0
becxreadz's review
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Liked
*Historical magical realism
*Magical book
*Siblings
*Learned some interesting tidbits about the Guttenberg Bible
*Fast paced unique story
Disliked
*No strong connection to the characters
*Didn't really feel like the story ended satisfyingly
*Historical magical realism
*Magical book
*Siblings
*Learned some interesting tidbits about the Guttenberg Bible
*Fast paced unique story
Disliked
*No strong connection to the characters
*Didn't really feel like the story ended satisfyingly
ms_dustfinger's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jmyodafriend's review
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Vividly written, and immerses the reader in the magical and wondrous world of books, libraries, and their history in Oxford and beyond. I loved the characters and the tale from two different centuries. I loved learning about the early days of printing (although fictionalized, the details in the story are clearly meticulously researched, and fascinating!) I bought "Endymion Spring" about 17 years ago and finally pulled it out of one of my many bookcases to read this month. I'm so glad I did!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
daniellesalwaysreading's review
2.0
This book was very similar in subject, tone, and pacing to Inkheart. It was pretty boring. It takes place in modern England and 15th century Germany. There is a book containing all knowledge. Everyone is looking for it. If you liked Inkheart, give it a try.
roshk99's review
3.0
A book about a book that leads to a book that could be used to take over the world. Books are good and all but that`s a bit too many books. A typical save-the-world novel with a bit of flashback.