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jenniharbour's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
carlisajc's review against another edition
3.0
I love, love, love the premise of this book. A MG Jumanji with a Muslim main character? Count me in, 100% And I really enjoyed getting to know Farah and her friends.
However, I was a little disappointed by the plot. Everything gets handed to the three MCs, every challenge has a quick and convenient fix that just pops out of nowhere. So I never felt the fear and anxiety I think I was meant to be feeling, because I knew something would happen or someone would appear that would solve the dilemma. I just wish these young characters had been more of the moving force of the plot.
But despite that, I thought it was really atmospheric and beautiful. It's a very visual story that I think young readers will eat up! And I loved how it portrays Muslim culture without it seeming "exotic" or "other." It's just a normal part of life for Farah. Really great representation.
However, I was a little disappointed by the plot. Everything gets handed to the three MCs, every challenge has a quick and convenient fix that just pops out of nowhere. So I never felt the fear and anxiety I think I was meant to be feeling, because I knew something would happen or someone would appear that would solve the dilemma. I just wish these young characters had been more of the moving force of the plot.
But despite that, I thought it was really atmospheric and beautiful. It's a very visual story that I think young readers will eat up! And I loved how it portrays Muslim culture without it seeming "exotic" or "other." It's just a normal part of life for Farah. Really great representation.
moonysplace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
armelle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
littleyarngoblin's review against another edition
4.0
The Gauntlet was my first MG read in a while, and WOW. You want this book, guys. It has Bangladeshi rep, an intriguing plot, and awesome writing. I loved Farah's journey and her sibling relationship, as well as the magic of the Gauntlet.
brandypainter's review against another edition
3.0
The concept of this is Jumanji in reverse-instead of the game coming to life around you, you are part of the game board. The fantastical elements and their origin in Middle Eastern mythos and culture is wonderfully done. The cast of characters is diverse. It is a plot driven, shorter read so perfect for the many many kids who want such books full of adventure and fun. The peril level is low enough that it will appeal to the younger end of the MG spectrum too. On a personal level, I am too much of a character reader to truly love this for myself. I had a lot of questions regarding characterization, particularly many motivations for things that were done. I'm happy to have it for recommendations though!
bgprincipessa's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
A fun adventure story of three friends who get pulled in to a Jumanji-like Bangladeshi game called The Gauntlet, who must win the challenges to save a little brother and destroy the game once and for all.
I wanted the puzzles to be a bit more challenging, and the side characters to be fleshed out more thoroughly. For these reasons I would be more likely to recommend it to a younger middle-grade reader, probably 3rd-5th grades.
A fun adventure story of three friends who get pulled in to a Jumanji-like Bangladeshi game called The Gauntlet, who must win the challenges to save a little brother and destroy the game once and for all.
I wanted the puzzles to be a bit more challenging, and the side characters to be fleshed out more thoroughly. For these reasons I would be more likely to recommend it to a younger middle-grade reader, probably 3rd-5th grades.
saidtheraina's review against another edition
4.0
Super fun ownvoices fantasy I've now used in more than one way!
I booktalked this in local elementary schools in 2018, and discussed it with my 9-12 y.o. book club in April 2019.
The summaries are real - it's Jumanji plus steampunk plus some middle-eastern roots. I wanted to be a touch more puzzley, with things I could work out myself as the reader, but that's me putting something on the book, not anything the book promised me.
It's a little dark, and a little fluffy, but has some interesting character bits. Good stuff.
I booktalked this in local elementary schools in 2018, and discussed it with my 9-12 y.o. book club in April 2019.
The summaries are real - it's Jumanji plus steampunk plus some middle-eastern roots. I wanted to be a touch more puzzley, with things I could work out myself as the reader, but that's me putting something on the book, not anything the book promised me.
It's a little dark, and a little fluffy, but has some interesting character bits. Good stuff.
booksandladders's review against another edition
I read a sample of this one courtesy of Simon Teen Canada. And OMG. It is SO GOOD. I can't wait until the full title releases so I can read the rest.