A review by corvusastrum
Die Drachen der Tinkerfarm, by Tad Williams, Deborah Beale
3.0
Rating: 3.5 / 5
When I first read this book as a young teen I didn’t like it too much – actually I’m pretty sure that I didn’t even finish it – but rereading it now, I’m not quite sure what bothered me so much about it. All I remember is that it made me believe that unicorns had their horns on their noses for longer than I’d like to admit.
The concept is fairly creative, and although it’s still very clearly a children’s book, it’s still an enjoyable read. The mystery falls almost completely flat though, some of the build ups are just too obvious – looking at Walkwell’s secret and the black squirrel.
Most characters are either flat or stereotypical, but nothing too outrageous – and again, I don’t expect complex characterisation or motivations from a children’s book, although it’s always nice to see. Despite that I think we should have seen a bit more of Mrs. Needle, because so far I don’t really know what her deal is. I really like the dynamic between Walkwell and little Alma, and the bandersnatch (I hope that’s what it’s called in the English edition. If not, I’m talking about the mirror monster) was genuinely terrifying. Not quite sure what I’m supposed to think about the Jenkin’s siblings special abilities. They are oddly convenient and I have no idea why they have them other than they make for a great McGuffin.
Anyway, I’m definitely gonna read the second book to see where this goes.
When I first read this book as a young teen I didn’t like it too much – actually I’m pretty sure that I didn’t even finish it – but rereading it now, I’m not quite sure what bothered me so much about it. All I remember is that it made me believe that unicorns had their horns on their noses for longer than I’d like to admit.
The concept is fairly creative, and although it’s still very clearly a children’s book, it’s still an enjoyable read. The mystery falls almost completely flat though, some of the build ups are just too obvious – looking at Walkwell’s secret and the black squirrel.
Most characters are either flat or stereotypical, but nothing too outrageous – and again, I don’t expect complex characterisation or motivations from a children’s book, although it’s always nice to see. Despite that I think we should have seen a bit more of Mrs. Needle, because so far I don’t really know what her deal is. I really like the dynamic between Walkwell and little Alma, and the bandersnatch (I hope that’s what it’s called in the English edition. If not, I’m talking about the mirror monster) was genuinely terrifying. Not quite sure what I’m supposed to think about the Jenkin’s siblings special abilities. They are oddly convenient and I have no idea why they have them other than they make for a great McGuffin.
Anyway, I’m definitely gonna read the second book to see where this goes.