alex_wordweaver's review against another edition
5.0
A fun, quick little read. Loved the decorative illustrations.
hannahilea's review against another edition
2.0
In the intro, Pullman says that he wrote this as a school play for his students, and I can see how it would be a hilarious thrilling production. Unfortunately, the novel form of the story is rather tedious and predictable...I had to force myself to continue reading, and I found that enjoyed it much more when visualizing it in play form.
katrinacharleston's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
kundor's review against another edition
3.0
Reminded me of Lemony Snicket's Bad Beginning, which I read immediately prior (Count Karlstein is older by 17 years, however): Innocent orphans fall into the clutches of their distant relative, a tall thin Count, who plans to exploit them for his own gain. But where the Series of Unfortunate Events promises not to have a happy ending, this one does.
The Wild Hunt led by a Demon Huntsman reminded me of Herne the Hunter, as depicted in the Dark is Rising sequence (wow, that's been two decades at least) and in the '80s Robin Hood TV Show. (Mr. Pullman also makes the comparison himself.)
A fun book, with an interesting format, but ultimately didn't have the depth I was expecting from Mr. Pullman (even in a children's book.)
The Wild Hunt led by a Demon Huntsman reminded me of Herne the Hunter, as depicted in the Dark is Rising sequence (wow, that's been two decades at least) and in the '80s Robin Hood TV Show. (Mr. Pullman also makes the comparison himself.)
A fun book, with an interesting format, but ultimately didn't have the depth I was expecting from Mr. Pullman (even in a children's book.)
samwescott's review against another edition
2.0
This book took me forever to read because I kept falling asleep every few pages. Not a whole lot happens and most of the story is people being in the wrong place and/or not knowing where someone is. The plot was predictable and honestly pretty silly.
But, apparently it was originally a children's play? I can see it being cute on stage, with lots of coming and going... But if you're looking for the guy who wrote His Dark Materials, this is really not comparable.
But, apparently it was originally a children's play? I can see it being cute on stage, with lots of coming and going... But if you're looking for the guy who wrote His Dark Materials, this is really not comparable.
frostlywild17's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
I wouldn't call it terrifying, exactly, but this was still a pretty fun read. Count Karlstein is Pullman's first book that I read outside of the His Dark Materials universe, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of his shorter children's works.
heyalisa's review against another edition
3.0
not my favorite philip pullman. he's usually so much more. a silly, scary, modern folktale. a little of madden's careful, a lot of the wild hunt. maybe not silly enough? maybe not enough wordplay.
hrmason's review against another edition
3.0
Strange story... a little mystery, a littly fantasy, a little history and a little farce. I think kids who already like the in-depth, highly detailed mystery will like it, but not a book for those not already interested. Lots of characters, lots of changes in point of view. Suble humor for some, but not a humorous novel. Strange.
cindywindy_blogs's review against another edition
5.0
Okay its a kids book, but it is absolutely fabulous! I'm a big fan of any book that can make me laugh out loud (or cry), even if it is a kids book. I'm already a fan of Philip Pullman, having read His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass).
Count Karlstein made a deal with Zamiel, the Demon Hunstman, that in 10 years Karlstein would provide Zamiel with a human victim. Being the evil villian, he decides to sacrifice his two little nieces, Charlotte and Lucy. The book is full of memorable, zainy characters who tries to save the girls. My favorite chapter was the police report.
Count Karlstein made a deal with Zamiel, the Demon Hunstman, that in 10 years Karlstein would provide Zamiel with a human victim. Being the evil villian, he decides to sacrifice his two little nieces, Charlotte and Lucy. The book is full of memorable, zainy characters who tries to save the girls. My favorite chapter was the police report.
williamsdebbied's review against another edition
5.0
Evil Count Karlstein plans to sacrifice his two orphaned nieces, Charlotte and Lucy, to repay a debt to Zamiel the Demon Huntsman. A headstrong servant, Hildi Kelmar, overhears the count discussing his plans and helps the girls escape. What follows is a mix of suspense, thrills, and humor as the girls desperately try to escape their horrible fate.
HIghly entertaining, fast-paced read.
HIghly entertaining, fast-paced read.