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A review by leandrathetbrzero
Legendarium by Jennifer Bell
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
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? Yes
5.0
↓ Similar Reads ↓
1. Jennifer Bell’s Wonderscape (book 1)
2. Jamie Littler’s Frostheart
3. Vashti Hardy’s Brightstorm (on my TBR!)
After surviving the Wonderscape, Arthur, Cecily, and Ren are content with a far less dangerous summer holiday in the 21st century. The three friends and their mimic dog, Cloud – a gift from a brilliant inventor in the 25th century – are enjoying a picnic when a mysterious mist encircles them. In the next instant, our young heroes find themselves once again in a time other than their own. And the only way they have a chance of returning home is if the foursome enters a dangerous tournament called Legendarium. In this sequel, the riddles are ever more cryptic, the villains are far harder to uncover, and the landscapes are breath-taking…but also deadly.
Jennifer Bell has done it again! Found friendships continue to grow, and the challenges these characters face teach them about history but also about themselves. This middle grade adventure novel mirrors its predecessor, but rather than focusing on historical figures, Bell introduces legends from all over the world. The diversity runs deep and we love to see it, from the protagonists’ own backgrounds to the myths and legends they encounter.
The pacing of this novel is amazing. I was on the edge of my seat while also never feeling rushed. (Although, I didn’t want the narrative to end!) And each new quest is believable in its difficulty and eventual solution. I admire that one conflict within the story is that our young protagonists are competing against adults. While others doubt their abilities because of their youth, Arthur, Cecily, and Ren prove time and time again that they should not be underestimated.
I also loved the many callbacks to Wonderscape. Milo Hertz makes an appearance as does a hero the team hadn’t met before. Cloud remains a lovely source of comic relief and comfort when the protagonists need something furry to hug. While these characters are no longer strangers but friends, they are still learning about each other’s insecurities and strengths. Their support for one another is heart-warming, and I cannot wait to see it deepen in the future.
The only question I have is: When can we expect book 3?
1. Jennifer Bell’s Wonderscape (book 1)
2. Jamie Littler’s Frostheart
3. Vashti Hardy’s Brightstorm (on my TBR!)
After surviving the Wonderscape, Arthur, Cecily, and Ren are content with a far less dangerous summer holiday in the 21st century. The three friends and their mimic dog, Cloud – a gift from a brilliant inventor in the 25th century – are enjoying a picnic when a mysterious mist encircles them. In the next instant, our young heroes find themselves once again in a time other than their own. And the only way they have a chance of returning home is if the foursome enters a dangerous tournament called Legendarium. In this sequel, the riddles are ever more cryptic, the villains are far harder to uncover, and the landscapes are breath-taking…but also deadly.
Jennifer Bell has done it again! Found friendships continue to grow, and the challenges these characters face teach them about history but also about themselves. This middle grade adventure novel mirrors its predecessor, but rather than focusing on historical figures, Bell introduces legends from all over the world. The diversity runs deep and we love to see it, from the protagonists’ own backgrounds to the myths and legends they encounter.
The pacing of this novel is amazing. I was on the edge of my seat while also never feeling rushed. (Although, I didn’t want the narrative to end!) And each new quest is believable in its difficulty and eventual solution. I admire that one conflict within the story is that our young protagonists are competing against adults. While others doubt their abilities because of their youth, Arthur, Cecily, and Ren prove time and time again that they should not be underestimated.
I also loved the many callbacks to Wonderscape. Milo Hertz makes an appearance as does a hero the team hadn’t met before. Cloud remains a lovely source of comic relief and comfort when the protagonists need something furry to hug. While these characters are no longer strangers but friends, they are still learning about each other’s insecurities and strengths. Their support for one another is heart-warming, and I cannot wait to see it deepen in the future.
The only question I have is: When can we expect book 3?