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smbcoffee's review against another edition
3.0
It was fine… a little slow for me. Maybe it’s not mean to be stretched among 2 months??
rachel_readsalot's review
3.0
My kids loved it. But I thought it was a little typical. Still a good story and of course we will follow the story.
graggirl's review
5.0
This middle grade fiction novel was enjoyed by all the kids in my house ages 9-14. It tells the story of a petite boy who is not exceptionally smart, or brave, or charismatic. But within lies a hero waiting to rise up. The story includes folklore and magic. Set as a scout type journey the story discusses the true themes of bravery, loyalty, and truth. I have to admit I loved this book just as much as my kids.
katieproctorbooks's review
4.0
I really liked this one, it was so much fun! Arlo is a great character, the setting is awesome, and I love the magical world aspect. I listened to this one on audio and some of the “accents” were kind of strange, so I may continue the series on paper. This is a great fantasy MG for kiddos who love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
justjoel's review
2.0
I received my copy of this book via Goodreads giveaway, which has no bearing on my review.
I didn't really enjoy this, but my 12-year-old nephew did. To me, it was like what would happen if Harry Potter and Percy Jackson magically produced a son and enrolled him in a scouting program.
The world-building wasn't that great and there were many more unanswered questions than satisfying resolutions.
2 out of 5 stars.
I didn't really enjoy this, but my 12-year-old nephew did. To me, it was like what would happen if Harry Potter and Percy Jackson magically produced a son and enrolled him in a scouting program.
The world-building wasn't that great and there were many more unanswered questions than satisfying resolutions.
2 out of 5 stars.
notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
Picked this up from the library after I listened to the author's podcast about the writing, selling, publishing and publicizing of his book (called "Launch" if you want to check it out... so fascinating!). I figured I've had good luck in the past with podcasters turned book authors so it was at least worth a look.
Well, I wasn't disappointed. Arlo Finch is a 6th grader who gets relocated to Pine Mountain, CO. He's just a normal kid with a normal-ish family. He joins the Rangers (a boy scout-ish type of group), because pretty much every 6th grader does as a way to be involved and starts to learn about the outdoors and the local stories and traditions. And that's when things start to get weird. Arlo will appeal to all the kids. He's part of the real world, and he attends a real school, so everything feels like it could really happen. But it's also fantastical and fun and a little bit scary (not too bad, I did allow my 7.5-year-old to pick up the book when I finished, and I think he'll be totally fine reading it). Recommend for fans of middle-grade lit, fantasy, and adventure. I truly think this story could become timeless if it gets into enough hands!
Well, I wasn't disappointed. Arlo Finch is a 6th grader who gets relocated to Pine Mountain, CO. He's just a normal kid with a normal-ish family. He joins the Rangers (a boy scout-ish type of group), because pretty much every 6th grader does as a way to be involved and starts to learn about the outdoors and the local stories and traditions. And that's when things start to get weird. Arlo will appeal to all the kids. He's part of the real world, and he attends a real school, so everything feels like it could really happen. But it's also fantastical and fun and a little bit scary (not too bad, I did allow my 7.5-year-old to pick up the book when I finished, and I think he'll be totally fine reading it). Recommend for fans of middle-grade lit, fantasy, and adventure. I truly think this story could become timeless if it gets into enough hands!
atlas_gold's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
iremye's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
luneclaire's review against another edition
5.0
I freaking loved this book. Can't wait for the next one! Also, the audiobook narrator was pretty solid.