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gringuitica's review against another edition
2.0
2.5, if I'm generous. This was... all over the place. Really dark (for middle-grade) in some spots. Unfortunately, it just isn't for me.
miahikariswonderland's review against another edition
2.0
I read this with my 13 years old cousin and we both thought it was all over the place. we had to make voices and tease each other to make it a tolerable book. I think the basic idea was good but the authors took it way too far. maybe as a movie it would be okay but as a book...no. too many things happening all together and all of the sudden. also I think some of the scenes weren't suitable for a kids' book. it was scary and gross at some points.
mamadragonfly's review against another edition
3.0
I kinda stopped caring about halfway through. It could have been that I wasn't in the mood for it. I will revisit at another time.
mizzlroy's review against another edition
3.0
Brendan, Cordelia, and Eleanor Walker are the three main characters of this story. While the story gives a base knowledge of these characters, they are far from well-developed and could benefit from a bit more character development. The other characters in the story are even less developed.
Even with the lack of character development, I believe my student will enjoy this book for the non-stop action and adventure. They will pick the book up because it is endorsed by J.K. Rowling, and if they can get past the slightly slow beginning, I think they will like it.
Our three main characters move into a new house and we learn of a feud between the original builders of the house and the Walkers. In fact, the daughter of the builders, has become and evil Wind Witch! The Wind Witch incapacitates the parents and sends the children into the books her father wrote in the hopes of finding “The Book of Doom and Desire” which would allow her to rule the world. Non-stop action ensues and there is definitely going to be another installment coming.
Suitability: Grades 5 and up
Recommendation: Recommend
Illustrations: N/A
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Possible Censorship Problems: N/A Examples:
Would you purchase this book? Yes Why? Endorsed by J.K. Rowling
Dewey Classification: FAN FIC COL
Price: $17.99
Even with the lack of character development, I believe my student will enjoy this book for the non-stop action and adventure. They will pick the book up because it is endorsed by J.K. Rowling, and if they can get past the slightly slow beginning, I think they will like it.
Our three main characters move into a new house and we learn of a feud between the original builders of the house and the Walkers. In fact, the daughter of the builders, has become and evil Wind Witch! The Wind Witch incapacitates the parents and sends the children into the books her father wrote in the hopes of finding “The Book of Doom and Desire” which would allow her to rule the world. Non-stop action ensues and there is definitely going to be another installment coming.
Suitability: Grades 5 and up
Recommendation: Recommend
Illustrations: N/A
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Possible Censorship Problems: N/A Examples:
Would you purchase this book? Yes Why? Endorsed by J.K. Rowling
Dewey Classification: FAN FIC COL
Price: $17.99
kdap94's review against another edition
4.0
Fun read! Written for teens but really entertaining story
secretdearest's review against another edition
2.0
DNFED AT CHAPTER 31
It wasn't all that exciting AND THERE WAS HARDLY ANY MYSTERY TO IT
SORRY FOR THE CAPS MY KEYBOARD IS DEAD
It wasn't all that exciting AND THERE WAS HARDLY ANY MYSTERY TO IT
SORRY FOR THE CAPS MY KEYBOARD IS DEAD
silenttwg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A trio of siblings move into a new house after their father has an incident that costs him his career. They are confronted by the "Wind Witch", a woman after a cursed book that she can't touch. She whisks the siblings off into a fantastical realm in an effort to force them to retrieve the book for her.
I read this many years ago to a group of younglings and they loved it. It's a grand adventure that explores many different topics including (but not limited to) loss, selfish desire, young romance, independence, managing a learning disability, family drama, etc.
I enjoyed the development of the characters and the plot, which ends on a cliffhanger (yeah, it's one of those). At times though, the characters were a bit wooden and seemed defined by stereotypical expectations. It's easy to overlook those moments though through the exciting adventure, especially if you try to read it from the perspective of a younger, more imaginative reader.
I mean, personally, I can think of multiple books that I daydreamed of getting stuck in and can think of far more I would be horrified to transport to. It's both a fascinating and terrifying idea that captures your attention and holds it until the last page.
Planning on rereading the other two as well, but would recommend this one.
I read this many years ago to a group of younglings and they loved it. It's a grand adventure that explores many different topics including (but not limited to) loss, selfish desire, young romance, independence, managing a learning disability, family drama, etc.
I enjoyed the development of the characters and the plot, which ends on a cliffhanger (yeah, it's one of those). At times though, the characters were a bit wooden and seemed defined by stereotypical expectations. It's easy to overlook those moments though through the exciting adventure, especially if you try to read it from the perspective of a younger, more imaginative reader.
I mean, personally, I can think of multiple books that I daydreamed of getting stuck in and can think of far more I would be horrified to transport to. It's both a fascinating and terrifying idea that captures your attention and holds it until the last page.
Planning on rereading the other two as well, but would recommend this one.
jbkep's review against another edition
4.0
Kind of an odd persepective. It threw me off every once in a while when the POV changed. Otherwise, pretty good. Kind of reminded me of The Pagemaster in a way.
smiley7245's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Three stars because it was well written, but this book was a lot. Like a lot a lot. There was so much happening that it was almost overwhelming. So this family moves into a house that ends up being haunted. Except it's not haunted by a ghost but by a 100 year old witch. She doesn't want them in her house, but she also needs their help to get this magic book. She causes a huge disturbance which kills the parents and send the kids into a world that is a combination of three books written by her father. And then she sets the storybook characters on them to kill them. But, she still needs them to get the book for her. The kids survive with the help of some of the characters. Then, while the witch is going full bad guy, her dad, the Storm King, shows up and they fight. Meanwhile, the youngest of the kids is in a chimney, using the book to end the fight, get them back home, revive their parents, and save one of the characters. And it works. But the Storm King shows up and vows revenge because they hurt his daughter. I could see this being great on TV or as a movie. But, a lot happened. I will probably read book 2, but not any time soon. I need a break.
vhenderson93's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe Too Exciting??
I'm very late writing this so my thoughts aren't as fresh as they should be. This is an old one on my TBR and recommended to me by a friend.
The Cover: Exciting and adventurous. Definitely lives up to the story itself.
The Writing: Simple and easy to follow. I loved the short chapters. Just about every chapter ended on a cliffhanger which made me read late into the night because I *HAD* to know.
The Characters: I don't really have many opinions on the siblings. They were just kind of there and taken along for the ride. They each did a lot of stupid irritating things. Will was alright.
The Plot: Downright insane! Literally so much happened so quickly that after a while nothing surprised me. Giants? Pirates? Forbidden Magical book? Killer skeletons? This book has all that and more! While it was a wild ride of adventure, it was also a lot to swallow at times. And creepy/disturbing. Did I mention killer skeletons? The end wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked.
The Themes/Messages: Uhhh....don't stab a Viking with a fork.
The Romance: Hints of crushes and a quick kiss. Clean.
Content Warnings: A lot of action violence, some disturbing, some minor. One torture scene. Minor language. Some scenes where characters are brought back to life and naked (kept clean)
Overall: Middle of the road 3 stars. Did it keep my interest? Yes. Did I finish an almost 500-page book in less than a week? Yes. Will I continue the series? Meh. At this time, probably not.
If you prefer plot-driven to character-driven stories and enjoy fast-moving middle-grade fantasy magic adventures then you'll really like this.
I'm very late writing this so my thoughts aren't as fresh as they should be. This is an old one on my TBR and recommended to me by a friend.
The Cover: Exciting and adventurous. Definitely lives up to the story itself.
The Writing: Simple and easy to follow. I loved the short chapters. Just about every chapter ended on a cliffhanger which made me read late into the night because I *HAD* to know.
The Characters: I don't really have many opinions on the siblings. They were just kind of there and taken along for the ride. They each did a lot of stupid irritating things. Will was alright.
The Plot: Downright insane! Literally so much happened so quickly that after a while nothing surprised me. Giants? Pirates? Forbidden Magical book? Killer skeletons? This book has all that and more! While it was a wild ride of adventure, it was also a lot to swallow at times. And creepy/disturbing. Did I mention killer skeletons? The end wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked.
The Themes/Messages: Uhhh....don't stab a Viking with a fork.
The Romance: Hints of crushes and a quick kiss. Clean.
Content Warnings: A lot of action violence, some disturbing, some minor. One torture scene. Minor language. Some scenes where characters are brought back to life and naked (kept clean)
Overall: Middle of the road 3 stars. Did it keep my interest? Yes. Did I finish an almost 500-page book in less than a week? Yes. Will I continue the series? Meh. At this time, probably not.
If you prefer plot-driven to character-driven stories and enjoy fast-moving middle-grade fantasy magic adventures then you'll really like this.