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ozblom24's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jennymock's review against another edition
4.0
This book caught my interest right away. I really didn't think that it would. I very much enjoyed the humor, but I never laughed out out. I can see some of my students getting into this book and, potentially, the series. Mack is someone you can easily identify with even though some characteristics, like his laundry list of phobias, are pretty far out there.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
4.0
My first reaction to The Magnificent 12, The Call would be odd, however, odd in a good way. It was off the wall funny and will tickle many kids imaginations. I had to read the sentence twice when we hear that Grimluk was married with a child at 12 and could no longer be carefree like he was when he was only nine years old. I certainly didn't expect that little odd twist.
The story line jumps back and forth from present day with Mack and three thousand years ago with Grimluk when the problems with the Pale Queen were ramping up. Both story lines have funny moments, though Grimluk's life is by far stranger.
This is an example of when the literary device of an ordinary hero works, because ...
To read my full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com
The story line jumps back and forth from present day with Mack and three thousand years ago with Grimluk when the problems with the Pale Queen were ramping up. Both story lines have funny moments, though Grimluk's life is by far stranger.
This is an example of when the literary device of an ordinary hero works, because ...
To read my full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com
kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
Fast, funny, action-packed, first in a series - easy sell to Percy Jackson fans. I read it in one morning and my son was clambering to get his hands on it next.
mikaiten's review against another edition
3.0
I actually really enjoyed this book. I'm so glad the next one is out now/soon because I think it will be just as good. Fun and funny characters, and a good plot so far. And the author didn't try to cram every little detail into one book. Good start to what I hope is a good series.
sillydog43's review against another edition
4.0
Great Book. For anyone who likes michael grants gone series. The way he writes is great for anyone from childhood to teen years.
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
We got a copy of this book into the school library this week and it caused a little bit of a controversy in the sticker department. A co-worker wanted it labeled as humor and I wanted it to be labeled as adventure. I hadn't read many reviews of it, as not to cloud my Cybils judgment prior to reading, but from the obvious facts it was an adventure first. My co-worker, having flipped through it, was adamant that we market it as humor. Having now completed it, I humbly concede to her opinion.
This book is hilarious. I like the globe-hopping premise, the promise of new characters in each book and the pacing of alternating storyline chapters. I quickly warmed to Golem's diary for Mack, although it took me a little longer to realize that some of the character names were plays on other words. Blame it on the brain fog, I'm so knee deep into this cold and lost my voice completely somewhere in the middle of last night's midnight viewing of The Room.
As a side note, I'm interested to know if series that incorporate online components, such as those in this book, The Search for WondLa and The 39 Clues, are actually doing well among particular demographics of middle-grade readers. As a grown-up, I'm on the fence - I like that the book can be expanded into an experience, without necessarily having to be option for a television show or movie, but I still have some reservations. Is it meant to target reluctant readers, or those who need to immerse themselves completely into a series before moving on to the next big thing? Is there an equal level of participation among genders? What does it say about the future of reading experiences for children on the wrong side of the digital divide?
Although I wasn't crazy over Michael Grant's YA series, I'm looking forward to keeping up with this series and hope that it becomes the Next Big Thing.
This book is hilarious. I like the globe-hopping premise, the promise of new characters in each book and the pacing of alternating storyline chapters. I quickly warmed to Golem's diary for Mack, although it took me a little longer to realize that some of the character names were plays on other words. Blame it on the brain fog, I'm so knee deep into this cold and lost my voice completely somewhere in the middle of last night's midnight viewing of The Room.
As a side note, I'm interested to know if series that incorporate online components, such as those in this book, The Search for WondLa and The 39 Clues, are actually doing well among particular demographics of middle-grade readers. As a grown-up, I'm on the fence - I like that the book can be expanded into an experience, without necessarily having to be option for a television show or movie, but I still have some reservations. Is it meant to target reluctant readers, or those who need to immerse themselves completely into a series before moving on to the next big thing? Is there an equal level of participation among genders? What does it say about the future of reading experiences for children on the wrong side of the digital divide?
Although I wasn't crazy over Michael Grant's YA series, I'm looking forward to keeping up with this series and hope that it becomes the Next Big Thing.
jennutley's review against another edition
3.0
Premise: A long time ago, twelve 12-year-olds banished a evil sorceress for the longest period of time they could conceive of: 3,000 years. Now, our 12-year-old hero needs to find eleven other friends to help defeat her for good.
I think this one might have been more fun as a read-aloud and that a kid from 8-12 would have loved the humor a bit more than I did. A fun start to a series but not much for a first book. Seems like it was only about half a book. Trying to keep it short for a middle reader. I'll probably read the next just to see where it goes. And I'll try it with my middle reader sometime.
I think this one might have been more fun as a read-aloud and that a kid from 8-12 would have loved the humor a bit more than I did. A fun start to a series but not much for a first book. Seems like it was only about half a book. Trying to keep it short for a middle reader. I'll probably read the next just to see where it goes. And I'll try it with my middle reader sometime.