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mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
2.0
This was a pretty average read. I liked it well enough. It just wasn't notable.
The best part about it was the worldbuilding. The divide between the goblins and humans, the regulations made by the Mayor, the body modifications, and the magical system all created this really immersive atmosphere. It wasn't the best I've ever read, but it certainly did draw me in. And more than that I could tell that the author wanted it to make sense and took pains to make sure it flowed together. I appreciate when an author has a clear vision that they want to execute rather than play it fast and loose to get to the parts they actually want to write.
But, Rownie was a huge drag. He didn't have much personality other than 'Rowan's little brother'. There were times when William Alexander tried to add little sarcastic or mischievous quips, but it never felt genuine. It didn't run deep enough to make it a legitimate facet of his character. A sarcastic boy would always be sarcastic not just when it was his regularly scheduled time for a (not so) funny comment. There were so many times that the book would say 'thousands of questions flew through Rownie's mind' only for Rownie to ask One question or none at all. He barely commented on events. He didn't ever complain. He was so well mannered it was actually annoying.
Every other character was more interesting than him. I wanted to hear more about the goblins' struggles in a world that despises them for merely existing. I wanted to know more about how each goblin came to join the troupe. Heck, even Rowan who we only got to know through the occasional flashback sounded like he would have made a more compelling protagonist.
I also don't see what made him so special that the goblins would want him for their troupe. Thomas makes it clear he was sought out originally for information on Rowan. But, Rowan has not been in contacted with Rownie and he also hasn't shared any mysterious warnings that will eventually make sense as the story unfolds. Nor does Rownie have any insight into Rowan's mind that would come in handy.
Thomas also says that Rownie has a bit of talent for acting. But, then Rownie is rendered incapable of acting almost immediately because his adopted grandmother has cursed the troupe as punishment for Rownie escaping her household.
So basically he's totally useless. I understand that the goblins are actually kind and as such, have a bit of a soft spot for Rownie. However narratively it doesn't fly.
Alexander has hooked the entire progression of the novel on Rownie rather than having Rownie react to the circumstances around him. So the book stalls. The troupe doesn't put on shows or actively look for Rowan. They sort of just plod on with Rownie tagging ineffectually behind them.
The lack of actual events occurring means there can't be any suspense either. The floods apparently are coming posthaste yet there's no urgency to find Rowan. Rownie hasn't seen his supposedly beloved brother in months and even he doesn't try to force the issue.
The resolution is disappointing. All the intrigue and corruption and secrets suggested by the plot synopsis are crammed into the last few chapters making it feel rushed. I also felt misled since most of the book wasn't doing anything with its concept like the synopsis suggested it would.
Apparently this is a series which I didn't know going in because this was a random audiobook pick. This wasn't so bad that I wouldn't give the sequel a chance though. I actually think it might be better because it won't have to spend all its time setting up the pieces. Granted neither did this book, but hey I'm optimistic. If you want a simple, very quick middle grade fantasy with decent ambience and a glimmer of potential moving forward then look no further.
The best part about it was the worldbuilding. The divide between the goblins and humans, the regulations made by the Mayor, the body modifications, and the magical system all created this really immersive atmosphere. It wasn't the best I've ever read, but it certainly did draw me in. And more than that I could tell that the author wanted it to make sense and took pains to make sure it flowed together. I appreciate when an author has a clear vision that they want to execute rather than play it fast and loose to get to the parts they actually want to write.
But, Rownie was a huge drag. He didn't have much personality other than 'Rowan's little brother'. There were times when William Alexander tried to add little sarcastic or mischievous quips, but it never felt genuine. It didn't run deep enough to make it a legitimate facet of his character. A sarcastic boy would always be sarcastic not just when it was his regularly scheduled time for a (not so) funny comment. There were so many times that the book would say 'thousands of questions flew through Rownie's mind' only for Rownie to ask One question or none at all. He barely commented on events. He didn't ever complain. He was so well mannered it was actually annoying.
Every other character was more interesting than him. I wanted to hear more about the goblins' struggles in a world that despises them for merely existing. I wanted to know more about how each goblin came to join the troupe. Heck, even Rowan who we only got to know through the occasional flashback sounded like he would have made a more compelling protagonist.
I also don't see what made him so special that the goblins would want him for their troupe. Thomas makes it clear he was sought out originally for information on Rowan. But, Rowan has not been in contacted with Rownie and he also hasn't shared any mysterious warnings that will eventually make sense as the story unfolds. Nor does Rownie have any insight into Rowan's mind that would come in handy.
Thomas also says that Rownie has a bit of talent for acting. But, then Rownie is rendered incapable of acting almost immediately because his adopted grandmother has cursed the troupe as punishment for Rownie escaping her household.
So basically he's totally useless. I understand that the goblins are actually kind and as such, have a bit of a soft spot for Rownie. However narratively it doesn't fly.
Alexander has hooked the entire progression of the novel on Rownie rather than having Rownie react to the circumstances around him. So the book stalls. The troupe doesn't put on shows or actively look for Rowan. They sort of just plod on with Rownie tagging ineffectually behind them.
The lack of actual events occurring means there can't be any suspense either. The floods apparently are coming posthaste yet there's no urgency to find Rowan. Rownie hasn't seen his supposedly beloved brother in months and even he doesn't try to force the issue.
The resolution is disappointing. All the intrigue and corruption and secrets suggested by the plot synopsis are crammed into the last few chapters making it feel rushed. I also felt misled since most of the book wasn't doing anything with its concept like the synopsis suggested it would.
Apparently this is a series which I didn't know going in because this was a random audiobook pick. This wasn't so bad that I wouldn't give the sequel a chance though. I actually think it might be better because it won't have to spend all its time setting up the pieces. Granted neither did this book, but hey I'm optimistic. If you want a simple, very quick middle grade fantasy with decent ambience and a glimmer of potential moving forward then look no further.
leafblade's review against another edition
2.0
I don't exactly love goblins. Apart from their racist origins, I'm not really drawn to them bc I feel like they don't do anything. And they kinda didn't in this book, except for talking. A lot of talking.
The writing style didn't pull me in either, and I didn't come to care about the story, so this was just forgettable. A standard book for reading in public transport.
The writing style didn't pull me in either, and I didn't come to care about the story, so this was just forgettable. A standard book for reading in public transport.
lastpaige111's review against another edition
5.0
I don't usually read fantasy and had to read the first 50 pages twice. The thing is, I was so captivated I read the first 50 pages twice. I was glad I did. Mind-bending MG with much wonderful wit..
inkfire's review against another edition
5.0
"What's a halberd?"
"If a spear and an ax had babies, they would be halberds. It's a poky-poky weapon that asks people taller than you to stay back, please."
Part of me says this book would make an awesome movie. The narrative voice is so vividly visual and its rhythm and pacing almost lyrical in places.
But then the rest of me reminds me that no illustrator would be able to reliably capture all those wonderful images, and the movie would probably turn out to be a complete bust, or at least a disappointed.
And I am again convinced that when I go to the movies, it should be for a movie, not for a book on screen.
This book is a blend of a classic kid thief story and clockwork magic, featuring found family and creative problem solving. Definitely worth a read if you like the sound of that. :)
sheilaf9's review against another edition
5.0
I could not put this book down! After listening to the author speak I was compelled to read this story. W. Alexander has a wildly original imagination. He is a poetic word smith and he tells a fantastical tale. Great read aloud for upper grades.
zabash's review against another edition
5.0
I would have given it five stars except that the ending didn't seem entirely final. I know there's a companion book with a different protagonist, but I think it would be really cool if there was a sequel to this one.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
3.0
I was quite confused through this book because it lacks the back story to make sense of all the elements that have been combined.
1 - Steampunk
2 - Power source
3 - Magic
4 - River
5 - Theatre
The theatre was the element which served to combine all of the other elements to ...
Overall Goblin Secrets was too convoluted.
To read my full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com
1 - Steampunk
2 - Power source
3 - Magic
4 - River
5 - Theatre
The theatre was the element which served to combine all of the other elements to ...
Overall Goblin Secrets was too convoluted.
To read my full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com
mswilliams05's review against another edition
3.0
A student recommended this book to me. I love how it revolved around theatre. I found it confusing at times, but overall it was enjoyable. I wish some aspects were clearer....would have loved more about Rownie's big brother. Maybe in the second??
cimorene1558's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. Not brilliant, but definitely worth reading.