sandraagee's review
3.0
The setting is what really makes this story work. I was actually really interested in leaning about this cult-like community: Their origins, their belief system, etc. We are given bits and pieces of information a bit at a time as we need it. I like this organic method of storytelling.
After some debate as to which collection the book belonged in, I'd originally ordered this book for YA. When it arrived, I changed my mind (mostly thanks to the style of artwork on the cover) and put in in Children's. I will say that this book's brand of fantasy is pretty dark. No punches pulled. It's perfectly fine in Children's as a book for older kids (5th grade+ or so), but it's not a book for the faint of heart.
Also,
After some debate as to which collection the book belonged in, I'd originally ordered this book for YA. When it arrived, I changed my mind (mostly thanks to the style of artwork on the cover) and put in in Children's. I will say that this book's brand of fantasy is pretty dark. No punches pulled. It's perfectly fine in Children's as a book for older kids (5th grade+ or so), but it's not a book for the faint of heart.
Also,
Spoiler
holy endings, Batman! Did not see that coming. But I loved it just the same because it was so shocking.wombat_88's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
2.0
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
The Details:
Narrated by Susan Duerden
Unabridged
I couldn't deal with the narrator's voice any longer. I feel sick awful but she sounded like a new presenter and her various children voices peaked high iritation into my brain.
The story also wasn't one I was really invested in either, unfortunately.Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Death, and Animal death
turrean's review
3.0
Religious zealots oppress the family of a woman executed for witchcraft, including a young girl named Kara. Kara is abused, shunned, cheated, and shut out of the daily life of the village. She is the especial target of a power-hungry village bully named Grace. Only the love Kara feels for her younger brother and the friendship of one low-caste boy keep her from utter despair.
The novel is dark; Kara's situation is so unrelentingly miserable that it was an effort to keep reading at times. It was definitely a page turner… I was caught up in the story. But other than Kara herself, and her little brother, there didn't seem to be any glimmer of humanity in the story. Her life is just so hopeless. The details of this world are intricate and beautifully drawn. It's just that the author revealed a world I'm not sure I really want to know any more about.
Quibble: it irked me that the front cover shows what happens on the exact last page of the novel!
The novel is dark; Kara's situation is so unrelentingly miserable that it was an effort to keep reading at times. It was definitely a page turner… I was caught up in the story. But other than Kara herself, and her little brother, there didn't seem to be any glimmer of humanity in the story. Her life is just so hopeless. The details of this world are intricate and beautifully drawn. It's just that the author revealed a world I'm not sure I really want to know any more about.
Quibble: it irked me that the front cover shows what happens on the exact last page of the novel!
angstyp's review
5.0
I don't read a whole lot of jFic, usually only what I know to be popular at the time. I picked this up because I'm always sucked in by pretty covers and te story just seemed too good to pass up.
I was right.
If you love witchcraft, original stories that don't follow the normal traditions, and betrayal, then you'll love this.
I was right.
If you love witchcraft, original stories that don't follow the normal traditions, and betrayal, then you'll love this.
attentionspan0's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
scarlethopester's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tcamera's review
4.0
A fast paced, well balanced read. The world White creates seems very real and I want to go along with Kara as she discovered about her abilities and how to deal with it in a world that abhors magic.
oneangrylibrarian's review
5.0
I loved this book. It has a wonderful mix of darkness, nightmares, and hope. The world created in Thickety is so rich in story and very well developed. You get the feel that this is a place with history. The creatures are truly awesome and terrifying at the same time. Kara is a wonderful character. She is compassionate and tough and yet full of doubt. The first entry to a new series, I can't wait to see where this story leads. I can't wait to get some of my 5th graders to read this book.