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stephanelli's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
5.0
mermaird's review
4.0
I grew up watching Spirited Away and started loving other Ghibli films for many years, so when I read Mountainfell with its dragon and forest creatures and magic, it felt like I was transported into another Ghibli masterpiece ✨
This lovely middle-grade fantasy follows Erskin who lives on the edge of Mountainfell with her family, a mountain of dangerous magic and creatures. When her sister is snatched by the cloud dragon, she does not hesitate to climb the mountain to save her sister.
This is a story of bravery, friendship, family love and accepting yourself. Erskin’s journey is joined by Leif, a curious boy from the village, and Scrat, a sort of a cat but not really a cat. I love these characters with all my heart, and it’s wonderful to read about the growth of their friendship as they learn their newfound powers together.
The way Mountainfell was written is easy to follow, yet also vividly excuted that I truly felt like I was watching a Ghibli film unfolding. I love the journey Erskin and Leif went through (I may be more biased towards Leif because he’s such a soft boy
This lovely middle-grade fantasy follows Erskin who lives on the edge of Mountainfell with her family, a mountain of dangerous magic and creatures. When her sister is snatched by the cloud dragon, she does not hesitate to climb the mountain to save her sister.
This is a story of bravery, friendship, family love and accepting yourself. Erskin’s journey is joined by Leif, a curious boy from the village, and Scrat, a sort of a cat but not really a cat. I love these characters with all my heart, and it’s wonderful to read about the growth of their friendship as they learn their newfound powers together.
The way Mountainfell was written is easy to follow, yet also vividly excuted that I truly felt like I was watching a Ghibli film unfolding. I love the journey Erskin and Leif went through (I may be more biased towards Leif because he’s such a soft boy
bigbeardedbookseller's review
5.0
This was such a brilliant book I finished it in a day, not even eating until I’d found out what happened to everyone.
It has everything! Dragons, adventure, family, friendship, discovered magic, dastardly villains, ecological crisis, and much more.
At it’s heart there is a tale of Erskin searching for her sister who has been taken by the cloud dragon after an earthquake disturbs the equilibrium between the village and the monsters beyond the wall.
But as we and Erskin find out there is far more to the story than that simple sentence.
In the end Erskine and her friends not only find her sister but find out a lot more secrets about the world they inhabit and the peril that they all face.
Written with a pace that pulls you through this gripping adventure whilst also describing the wonder in enough detail that you are amazed by the animals and scenery that you travel through, this is a book I really couldn’t put down.
There is also a deep story of what people can do to nature in the name of profit and progress and the ruin it can cause.
I really didn’t want this story to end and would love to see a return to this world in the future.
I especially loved the fish…
It has everything! Dragons, adventure, family, friendship, discovered magic, dastardly villains, ecological crisis, and much more.
At it’s heart there is a tale of Erskin searching for her sister who has been taken by the cloud dragon after an earthquake disturbs the equilibrium between the village and the monsters beyond the wall.
But as we and Erskin find out there is far more to the story than that simple sentence.
In the end Erskine and her friends not only find her sister but find out a lot more secrets about the world they inhabit and the peril that they all face.
Written with a pace that pulls you through this gripping adventure whilst also describing the wonder in enough detail that you are amazed by the animals and scenery that you travel through, this is a book I really couldn’t put down.
There is also a deep story of what people can do to nature in the name of profit and progress and the ruin it can cause.
I really didn’t want this story to end and would love to see a return to this world in the future.
I especially loved the fish…
whatellisreadnext's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The perfect cosy middlegrade for these cold, dark nights. It's quiet but also says so much. I was pleasantly surprised by the Cloud Dragon, whose pronouns are they/them and the children working towards a brighter future for themselves. Scrat the cat was also a highlight. What an absolute cutie.
lydiawoods's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
bettysbiblioteca's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
megbaldry01's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.75