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grid's review against another edition
3.0
I was reading this to my daughter... it’s slow going reading to her now, because she’d rather finish 1/2 of a novel on her own in an evening than listen to two chapters from me.
That said, this book, while never rejected outright, never captured her imagination either. I was into it enough that, when the third library renewal was almost up, I decided to just finish it myself.
There was one frantic-paced good part toward the end, but otherwise, I never really got all that into it.
That said, this book, while never rejected outright, never captured her imagination either. I was into it enough that, when the third library renewal was almost up, I decided to just finish it myself.
There was one frantic-paced good part toward the end, but otherwise, I never really got all that into it.
halcyon_rising's review against another edition
3.0
As I hadn't read a Tad Williams book before, I didn't know what to expect from him nor from him writing a children's book (with his wife). The result isn't bad, really.
The writing style and so general feel of the story is, to me, above the style/feel of e.g. the earliest Harry Potter stories or Percy Jacksons, which means the book started off promising. Until suddenly the children were annoying me a bit with their stereotypical bickering. Thankfully, it didn't last for the entire book, and they even managed to work together and show some concern for each other.
Would have given it a 7/10 if I could, with room for growth in the next book.
The writing style and so general feel of the story is, to me, above the style/feel of e.g. the earliest Harry Potter stories or Percy Jacksons, which means the book started off promising. Until suddenly the children were annoying me a bit with their stereotypical bickering. Thankfully, it didn't last for the entire book, and they even managed to work together and show some concern for each other.
Would have given it a 7/10 if I could, with room for growth in the next book.
m3l89's review
2.0
This was a great idea with good characters and intrigue. I got a bit bored towards the end which detracted from the whole.
blacksentai's review against another edition
3.0
It's a fairly decent children's book. The start is a bit rough, and the main characters are a bit to cliche for my tastes, but overall not a bad read.
corvusastrum's review against another edition
3.5
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 very clearly a children’s book, it’s still an enjoyable read. The mystery falls almost completely flat though, some of the buildups 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.
The concept is fairly creative, and although it’s very clearly a children’s book, it’s still an enjoyable read. The mystery falls almost completely flat though, some of the buildups 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.
critter's review against another edition
3.0
This book was enjoyable. It was exciting at certain points, but got a bit slow at others.
kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
4.0
Tyler and Lucinda are dismayed that they have to spend the summer at the farm with their mysterious Uncle Gideon, whom they have never met. But when they arrive at Ordinary Farm, they find it full of mythical beasts and other-worldly people. The secrets go deep, and the past will threaten everyone on the farm, unless Tyler and Lucinda can navigate the mysteries of Ordinary Farm, warding off attack from the outside before it collapses from within.
I liked Tyler and Lucinda a lot, especially because they bicker and tease each other at the beginning, as all good siblings do, and then they have some wonderful character development. I love stories about siblings learning to appreciate each other!
The setting of an amazing farm for mythical beasts is excellently written. Barns full of weird animals, pens for basilisks, feeding times, grazing unicorns, and of course some wild dragons, all make for a fantastic setting.
The plot takes a little while to warm up, but then the secrets start coming out and the mystery heightens, culminating in plenty of action towards the end.
The supporting characters are all weird and secretive and snooping, each with their own history and their own agenda. I was intrigued by the variety of characters, and enjoyed finding out more about each one.
I liked Tyler and Lucinda a lot, especially because they bicker and tease each other at the beginning, as all good siblings do, and then they have some wonderful character development. I love stories about siblings learning to appreciate each other!
The setting of an amazing farm for mythical beasts is excellently written. Barns full of weird animals, pens for basilisks, feeding times, grazing unicorns, and of course some wild dragons, all make for a fantastic setting.
The plot takes a little while to warm up, but then the secrets start coming out and the mystery heightens, culminating in plenty of action towards the end.
The supporting characters are all weird and secretive and snooping, each with their own history and their own agenda. I was intrigued by the variety of characters, and enjoyed finding out more about each one.
sirah's review against another edition
3.0
Well, the first 150 pages or so were a confusing tangle of the main characters not getting any information. As an artistic piece, it was effective at causing me to feel the frustration the characters must have felt, but such a lack of real information is difficult to get into as part of a narrative. I appreciated the depth of character that the protagonists displayed, and the plot as a whole was likable once I got through the first half. It really picks up toward the end. I'm not sure if I'll be reading the sequel though.
wingedpotato's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, was not expecting this book at all. Much darker than I expected, but in a good way. Nice to read dragons portrayed as something you really don't want to mess with. Definitely not without flaws, but I'm completely hooked for the next book.