Scan barcode
missbreathing's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
lisademeyer's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A fun middle grade book.
dreadlockdiva2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
katykelly's review
4.0
Exposition-heavy but a great magical adventure with cultural/historical references a-plenty.
Thomas's YA books have been lauded and already become modern classics. As a series starter for younger readers, she's taken the core theme of these and entwined it into a younger genre - the fantasy story, for a Harry Potter reader who may (or may not) want a dose of Black History and related contemporary issues.
As a white, UK-based reader, I liked both the fantasy plot and the weaving into it of important topics. And the story-within-a-story also worked very well and could be useful to the characters in forthcoming books.
Nichole lives in the Unremarkable world, the Muggle world for Potter fans. Her father hasn't yet taught her how to use her Gift, but she's aware of the Remarkable world, creatures, traditions and is desperate to start using her powers. But even on her 12th birthday, her single dad is refusing. Well, at least she got given a Hellhound!
Sneaking out on her birthday to meet her and best (Unremarkable) friend JP's author hero at a book signing, Nic is about to learn some shocking news about her family, her heritage and about herself.
What follows is a road-movie done magic-style, with shades of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, with magical creatures and cultural references that readers may or may not know (George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery) as well as talk of underground railroads and slavery, interlaced into important Black locations and history (New Orleans, Uhuru).
There is a little too much exposition at times, though this of course is necessary to understand this Remarkable world. But Nic, her best friend JP and later addition Alex are a threesome with strengths, foibles, great interaction and both history and a future together as the plot moves towards the first of many denouements that spell 'coming soon' for future chapters.
A new world is created. And I'm betting it'll make it to the screen too. While firmly of its genre, it's also a stand-out in terms of its cast and setting. Those outside of America may find references go over their head but don't lose anything of the plot if so.
Great adventure, exciting and fills a gap in the market.
For ages 8-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
Thomas's YA books have been lauded and already become modern classics. As a series starter for younger readers, she's taken the core theme of these and entwined it into a younger genre - the fantasy story, for a Harry Potter reader who may (or may not) want a dose of Black History and related contemporary issues.
As a white, UK-based reader, I liked both the fantasy plot and the weaving into it of important topics. And the story-within-a-story also worked very well and could be useful to the characters in forthcoming books.
Nichole lives in the Unremarkable world, the Muggle world for Potter fans. Her father hasn't yet taught her how to use her Gift, but she's aware of the Remarkable world, creatures, traditions and is desperate to start using her powers. But even on her 12th birthday, her single dad is refusing. Well, at least she got given a Hellhound!
Sneaking out on her birthday to meet her and best (Unremarkable) friend JP's author hero at a book signing, Nic is about to learn some shocking news about her family, her heritage and about herself.
What follows is a road-movie done magic-style, with shades of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, with magical creatures and cultural references that readers may or may not know (George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery) as well as talk of underground railroads and slavery, interlaced into important Black locations and history (New Orleans, Uhuru).
There is a little too much exposition at times, though this of course is necessary to understand this Remarkable world. But Nic, her best friend JP and later addition Alex are a threesome with strengths, foibles, great interaction and both history and a future together as the plot moves towards the first of many denouements that spell 'coming soon' for future chapters.
A new world is created. And I'm betting it'll make it to the screen too. While firmly of its genre, it's also a stand-out in terms of its cast and setting. Those outside of America may find references go over their head but don't lose anything of the plot if so.
Great adventure, exciting and fills a gap in the market.
For ages 8-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
rainbowbookworm's review
5.0
I am so glad Thomas decided to revisit this one and update it so that it was more true to herself and her voice.
This is one middle-grade novel that gripped me from page one and did not let me go. This book stands out on its own, but it gave me moments of [b:Slay|43723509|Slay|Brittney Morris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551904228l/43723509._SY75_.jpg|65423618] with sprinkles of [b:The Water Dancer|43982054|The Water Dancer|Ta-Nehisi Coates|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549993860l/43982054._SY75_.jpg|68378686].
This is one middle-grade novel that gripped me from page one and did not let me go. This book stands out on its own, but it gave me moments of [b:Slay|43723509|Slay|Brittney Morris|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551904228l/43723509._SY75_.jpg|65423618] with sprinkles of [b:The Water Dancer|43982054|The Water Dancer|Ta-Nehisi Coates|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549993860l/43982054._SY75_.jpg|68378686].
julie_ottosen's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0