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aggressive_nostalgia's review
Rereading this for the third time and still loving it. I wish it was my idea. I was completely drawn in by all the mixings of fantasies, history, and legends (and i have to say that i really liked the revelation at the very end - a cool concept). I think it had well-developed characters and a very cool universe, though the plot was at times a little swift-paced. The scattering of jokes (especially on Charles' part) were funny. I also enjoyed the illustrations (which were done by the author). This book wasn't absolutely brilliant, but definitely worth a read...and maybe another...
cady_shea's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
3.0
While I definitely enjoyed the book (especially the name reveals at the very end - holy crap how did I miss that possibility!), I found myself constantly being pulled out of the story by various references. I had the same issue with [b:The Magicians|6101718|The Magicians (The Magicians #1)|Lev Grossman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1313772941s/6101718.jpg|6278977], so I should have been prepared, but it made it so difficult to just immerse myself in the story. It also meant that outside distractions were able to sneak in and take hold to the point that it took me weeks to finish this book! But it was worth it.
The pacing also seemed oddly fast at times with a lot of potential needed detail left out. The very best example would be a massive spoiler, so I will not include it.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I'll continue reading the series and, hopefully, continue to enjoy them, but I'll be taking me time.
The pacing also seemed oddly fast at times with a lot of potential needed detail left out. The very best example would be a massive spoiler, so I will not include it.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I'll continue reading the series and, hopefully, continue to enjoy them, but I'll be taking me time.
pkpoppies's review
3.0
Really got into this book at first: a fantastic storyline, rich historical context and aesthetically pleasing. The writing style was nice, too. But something about it was left unsatisfying. The parallels for all the famous figures seemed forced: there was nothing to lead me to it beyond them simply existing in this universe. I was hoping for a stronger sense of brotherhood and camaraderie between the 3 protagonists that I never really got. The character depths were shallow, in a sense. With that said, I’d read the sequel as I still think it was a fun narrative.
joabroda's review
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.5
James A. Owen's took me on a ferris wheel of supposition-a ride filled with a bibliophiles dream world, from ancient Greece, to Avalon and all the places in between.
Suppose the worlds of make-believe had a basis in reality. Suppose, that we could, in the right circumstances, visit them. And suppose the proof of their substance was strewn throughout both history and fiction...
The story begins with 3 strangers who meet and without warning become companions on a journey to save an archipelago, a parallel world. As the story knits together the reader in you will start to piece things together and you may think "hey isn't that________! Or you may pass right over a place or person and not even think about it, until you reach the ending. Oh, the ending of this book-it had me shout "What?" It had me think more deeply about some of the things and people I encountered in this book.
There are 7 more books in this series and I can hardly wait to get back on the ride. If you can suspend reality and just have fun with it, I highly recommend this book
Suppose the worlds of make-believe had a basis in reality. Suppose, that we could, in the right circumstances, visit them. And suppose the proof of their substance was strewn throughout both history and fiction...
The story begins with 3 strangers who meet and without warning become companions on a journey to save an archipelago, a parallel world. As the story knits together the reader in you will start to piece things together and you may think "hey isn't that________! Or you may pass right over a place or person and not even think about it, until you reach the ending. Oh, the ending of this book-it had me shout "What?" It had me think more deeply about some of the things and people I encountered in this book.
There are 7 more books in this series and I can hardly wait to get back on the ride. If you can suspend reality and just have fun with it, I highly recommend this book
starkiss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0