Reviews

Darkwing by Kenneth Oppel

jeremiah042's review against another edition

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5.0

A joy to read, this story about pre-baths and their struggle, as well as the titular characters struggle for acceptance, was great. characters were dynamic, and we became emotionally attached.

thistlechaser's review

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5.0

A prequel to a series about bats, Darkwing was perfectly fine to read if you hadn't read the other books.

Set in the very very last moments of dinosaurs, mammals are just starting to have room to expand and spread across the land. Dusk, a young "chiropter" (name author made up for a species right before modern bats), is more evolved towards being a bat than the rest of his race, and it sets him apart.

Carnassial, a felid (made up name for the species of proto-felines), is one of the first mammals in the area to eat meat.

Each of the two have to make their way in the brand new world and to try to survive being outcasts of their species.

I really enjoyed this talking animal book, other than one issue: The author would put multiple characters' dialogue into the same paragraph, so it would get hard to follow and keep track of who was saying what. Like:

"Want to go get dinner?" Bob asked. "Sure, let's get pizza."

All in all though, this was a great read.

readerofdafuk's review

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4.0

This is like a extreamly far prequel. It shows the evolution of bats and other prehistoric animals. It is cool to see the bat's beginning, and the beginning of the mammal's domination.

mousie_books's review against another edition

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4.0

Dusk is different than the chiroptors. He can see the in the dark and he can fly. The world is changing, and with it comes new dangers.

Darkwing is a prehistoric prequel to the Silverwing series. It's my favorite of the set; good characters and plot.

bozakrowka's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

rachieturtle's review

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4.0

This was a pretty good book. I was expecting to connect with the other books but still it was good.

jpanslabyrinthofbooks's review

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4.0

For a prequel that was released after the initial Trilogy - this was by far my favourite! Not only due to the beautiful illustrations, but the darker nature and prehistoric setting made the story more intriguing.

Dusk is different, uniquely so. Unlike his fellow Chiropters in the colony, he has a desire to 'flap' his sails, he dreams of flying into the skies and he can also see in the dark, through a series of sounds. Although his sister Sylth is a loyal companion and fierce, yet loud, ally - she sees these differences and is jealous. As Dusk learns more of his abilities and of the change, there are greater threats between birds and beasts.

Carnaissal is a felid, a cat-like creature, whose primary diet consists of insects and grubs. But after hunting down Saurian eggs with Panthera, he has a craving for meat and flesh that isn't easily quenched. His banishment leads him to form his own prowl that will go forth with their changes.

Oppel creates a world of evolutionary change that encompasses the land and creatures beautifully. The readers are taken on a journey and adventure that follows multiple perspectives with a changing of environments, new creatures and a progression of old and new beliefs.

mr_cinder's review

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3.0

Rating: 6 out of 10

I have very polarizing thoughts on this book. While I thoroughly enjoyed the main POV, which was well written and thought out, I can’t help but feel disappointed at how Carnassial’s entire arc went. Both perspectives started out really great, but it seemed like the author focused a lot more on Dusk’s and left its counterpart lacking severely on all aspects. However, if we only consider the main POV, the pacing, the characters and the plot were all greatly executed, so overall I had a pleasant enough time reading this book.

bugparty's review

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5.0

this book was definitely a cornerstone of my childhood:) chilling in certain parts but i’ve always had a soft spot for it

heykarlie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75