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kidclamp's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to love this book because I really liked the concept and really enjoyed the first volume, but there is a problem, I don't like historical fiction. While I really did enjoy the perspective this book offered on slavery during the revolutionary war I just felt like it got really bogged down sometimes in the details. The writing didn't seem up to the quality of the last volume either and getting through the middle of the book really felt like a chore.
I feel better about the book a few days after finishing it and came away enjoying the story as a whole, I just wish it hadn't felt like such a let down after the first one.
I feel better about the book a few days after finishing it and came away enjoying the story as a whole, I just wish it hadn't felt like such a let down after the first one.
readwithpassion's review against another edition
1.0
At page 250, I am stopping this one. I liked the Pox Party, but I wasn't as into it as some others I know. However, the Kingdom of Waves just really isn't for me. I couldn't get interested in it, and I felt like I was forcing myself to finish it to say that I read it. I recognize the quality that others see in it, but it is not a YA book at all, in my mind. None of my students have enjoyed reading the Pox Party.
ninjulian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
Some of the most fascinating writing on liberty, racism and humanity that I’ve ever read.
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
i didn't take to this with the same ripping pace as i did the first. i can't tell whether or not my having to read a few books for my materials in ya class made this seem longer, or if it was the language, or the historical context or simply war. it didn't win me the way the first did, but in this part i found what teaching history to students should be all about. i'm still flabbergasted when i think of all the misconceptions i was taught in elementary & high school - i wish this book had been around to balance out those nationalistic tales with a hint of truth and depth.
mrswythe89's review against another edition
4.0
Should I give this four stars or five stars? I didn't love it as much as I did the first book, which got five stars. But I love it much more than I love many other books I have given four stars ...
These are such important books, as well as being, you know, relentlessly readable and engaging. It isn't that they're the first books ever that show this side of history. But how many books in the YA section do you see that do this? How many books about the US revolution?
These are books that give me hope about the heights stories can reach.
These are such important books, as well as being, you know, relentlessly readable and engaging. It isn't that they're the first books ever that show this side of history. But how many books in the YA section do you see that do this? How many books about the US revolution?
These are books that give me hope about the heights stories can reach.
misajane79's review against another edition
4.0
I've never been a huge fan of historical fiction about the colonial era, but if all the books were like this one. . .
All the complexities of what to do about the slavery question in the early days of the Revolution are explored here. But not from those in power, but with a group of very real slaves seeking freedom. One of my favorite parts is when Octavian attempts to record some of their stories. Anderson takes a little-known episode in history and makes you want to know more.
Realistic, with very little of the "oh, well that's way too convenient and not likely" eye-rolling I usually do with historical fiction.
And the ending--wide open, no hints to his future, is perfect.
All the complexities of what to do about the slavery question in the early days of the Revolution are explored here. But not from those in power, but with a group of very real slaves seeking freedom. One of my favorite parts is when Octavian attempts to record some of their stories. Anderson takes a little-known episode in history and makes you want to know more.
Realistic, with very little of the "oh, well that's way too convenient and not likely" eye-rolling I usually do with historical fiction.
And the ending--wide open, no hints to his future, is perfect.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book more, but I found it hard to stick with it. I found the idea of the book interesting, but it was very dry. I felt like I learned a lot of history, but it was not my favorite way of learning it. I appreciated some of the more emotional sections of the book though.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Not quite as gripping as volume 1, but that's probably because war is not as compelling for me. Overall, excellent.
amberzieg's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was a powerful follow up to the first book. Octavian's character growth was striking in its complexity and the historical setting was rich. I can't say it had a happy ending, but that would have felt false in the context of the story.