Scan barcode
A review by stephanieridiculous
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi
2.5
As far as middle grade romps go this was fine. It's action packed, it emphasizes friendship and creative problem solving, and reinforces familial bonds. It's a fun spin on Jumanji with a South Asian flair.
I have two complaints. First, I am surprised that a Simon and Schuster book got published without better editing. There is a line where "tale" is used instead of "tail" and truly, it should be "tail." There was also some punctuation missing, and quite a few instances of physical actions not lining up (e.g. a character walking and the next action described is standing up, when there was no reason or time for them to stop and sit.) Second, there's a scene towards the end that involves a lot of blood, and I think it's too much for the target audience. While there are slightly mature themes earlier in the book, the detail and time given to the blood makes me cautious about which youngin's I recommend this for.
All in all though, this is a fine easy read, although I doubt I'll pick up any more in the series.
I have two complaints. First, I am surprised that a Simon and Schuster book got published without better editing. There is a line where "tale" is used instead of "tail" and truly, it should be "tail." There was also some punctuation missing, and quite a few instances of physical actions not lining up (e.g. a character walking and the next action described is standing up, when there was no reason or time for them to stop and sit.) Second, there's a scene towards the end that involves a lot of blood, and I think it's too much for the target audience. While there are slightly mature themes earlier in the book, the detail and time given to the blood makes me cautious about which youngin's I recommend this for.
All in all though, this is a fine easy read, although I doubt I'll pick up any more in the series.