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bookreadingashbob's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
phoebesmiles's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
An unexpected find and an indulgent fantasy.
It feels like the Watchmaker of Filigree Street and the Night Circus exist in the same world, blurring the lines between real and imaginary.
The fantasy is compelling, but I never stopped being primarily invested in the main characters, who charmed and surprised me.
Parts of the book are utterly tragic, usually when the real world creeps in and the Emporium starts to struggle. The last fifth of the book felt desperate, but in a way that made you keep reading, holding out for redemption. I guess it's so tragic because it feels so real, dreams dying away.
It puts me in mind of growing up, trying to hold on to the magic...
But that's not to say there isn't a happy ending...
It feels like the Watchmaker of Filigree Street and the Night Circus exist in the same world, blurring the lines between real and imaginary.
The fantasy is compelling, but I never stopped being primarily invested in the main characters, who charmed and surprised me.
Parts of the book are utterly tragic, usually when the real world creeps in and the Emporium starts to struggle. The last fifth of the book felt desperate, but in a way that made you keep reading, holding out for redemption. I guess it's so tragic because it feels so real, dreams dying away.
It puts me in mind of growing up, trying to hold on to the magic...
But that's not to say there isn't a happy ending...
lacernellarubra's review against another edition
4.0
At some points I loved it, at others not so much. It's a good story, and much more depressing than I had expected. (Of which I'm not sure what to think of. Maybe I was expecting something more like a fairytale. Or maybe I wasn't expecting something so realistic. Or maybe this was not the right time for me to read a dark story like this)
Anyway, half of the characters I didn't like and the ones I did like... well, lets say they didn't get what they deserved. (Except for Sirius I guess) But that's life and that's why this story was so much more realistic than I had expected.
Anyway, half of the characters I didn't like and the ones I did like... well, lets say they didn't get what they deserved. (Except for Sirius I guess) But that's life and that's why this story was so much more realistic than I had expected.
londonsoph's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it, loved it completely. The imagery of Papa Jack's magical emporium that Dinsdale creates is incredible. I can picture this fantastic place with toys that come to life. I feel like I've visited this place today. I only wish it was real so I could visit. Loved all the characters especially Papa Jack and Kasper. This book reminded me of another favourite, Angela Carters The Magic Toyshop. I'm quite sure I will return back to this gem. I'm going to save it for a lovely Christmas 2020 read.
anirban165's review
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
Enchanting is the word!
This book is a treat to read.
This book is a treat to read.
zoer03's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful, breathtaking and magical book. It’s like the nutcracker and Pinocchio and all good fantastical and magical childhood fairy tales with tragedy and hope and love and that though there are no real villains or “evil people” there are people who in their ignorance and shame of how people view them will use their talents for harm without understanding what they have. This just breathtaking in its creation of different worlds of toy making and just fabulous in that it brings childhood joys and innocence back to life. I loved it so much and just
orlaithma's review against another edition
5.0
When I first requested this book on NetGalley I honestly wasn’t sure what I would think as this isn’t my “usual” kind of book. Now that I’ve finished it I cannot express how glad I am that I took a chance!
The Toymakers is probably going to stay on my list of favourite reads for a long time to come. Without giving too much away, it has quite the mix of genres that all seamlessly work together. It is a coming of age story set against a backdrop of family drama and war. It is a fantastical tale of childhood dreams and wonder, and a tale of heartbreak and loss.
After finishing the last page I was emotionally broken, I was elated and it has been a long time since any book has affected me so.
If you are considering pre-ordering a copy of The Toymakers, don’t hesitate. Do it today.
Many thanks to NetGalley UK and to Ebury Publishing for providing me with an ebook copy of The Toymakers.
The Toymakers is probably going to stay on my list of favourite reads for a long time to come. Without giving too much away, it has quite the mix of genres that all seamlessly work together. It is a coming of age story set against a backdrop of family drama and war. It is a fantastical tale of childhood dreams and wonder, and a tale of heartbreak and loss.
After finishing the last page I was emotionally broken, I was elated and it has been a long time since any book has affected me so.
If you are considering pre-ordering a copy of The Toymakers, don’t hesitate. Do it today.
Many thanks to NetGalley UK and to Ebury Publishing for providing me with an ebook copy of The Toymakers.
orlaithma's review
When I first requested this book on NetGalley I honestly wasn't sure what I would think as this isn't my "usual" kind of book. Now that I've finished it I cannot express how glad I am that I took a chance!
The Toymakers is probably going to stay in my list of favourite reads for a long time to come. Without giving too much away, it has quite the mix of genres that all seamlessly work together. It is a coming of age story set against a backdrop of family drama and war. It is a fantastical tale of childhood dreams and wonder, and a tale of heartbreak and loss.
After finishing the last page I was emotionally broken, I was elated and it has been a long time since any book has affected me so.
If you are considering pre-ordering a copy of The Toymakers, don't hesitate. Do it today.
The Toymakers is probably going to stay in my list of favourite reads for a long time to come. Without giving too much away, it has quite the mix of genres that all seamlessly work together. It is a coming of age story set against a backdrop of family drama and war. It is a fantastical tale of childhood dreams and wonder, and a tale of heartbreak and loss.
After finishing the last page I was emotionally broken, I was elated and it has been a long time since any book has affected me so.
If you are considering pre-ordering a copy of The Toymakers, don't hesitate. Do it today.
literaryhag's review
3.0
I can’t really explain how I feel about this book. The first half was so good but the second half kinda fell off for me.
I really wish we gotten more from the brothers rivalry I thought the book was building more for it but introducing the war just kinda threw it all out the window. There was some decisions made here and I can say while it may have fitted the characters it also felt like cheap tricks and out the blue that I cannot agree with it.
I really wish we gotten more from the brothers rivalry I thought the book was building more for it but introducing the war just kinda threw it all out the window. There was some decisions made here and I can say while it may have fitted the characters it also felt like cheap tricks and out the blue that I cannot agree with it.