I’m not sure if this was just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time, or what.
It had everything going for it with humor, pop culture 2.5/5 stars.
I’m not sure if this was just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time, or what.
It had everything going for it with humor, pop culture references, mythology, a spunky middle grade protagonist, but for some reason, it just didn’t resonate with me. I was kinda bored through most of the novel. I don’t know if it was that I just wasn’t grasping the intricacies of Hindu mythology or if the writing or pace was off. I’m not sure what it was that didn’t work for me. I do think this would have benefited from being written in first person. I find that humor like this just comes across better from that POV than third person, for me. It also felt a little like it was trying to imitate Rick Riordan’s writing style, without committing 100% to it. I would have preferred it just gone all the way than be a nod to what makes his writing so special. I wonder also if I would have preferred this on audio.
I did really enjoy the mythology elements and learning about a different culture’s mythology and gods. I do wish it was explained a little better because it was very foreign to me, and I did find myself lost a little here and there. I also thought Aru and Mini were fantastic protagonists and incredibly spunky, innovative young ladies. Great role models for the age group this story is directed towards. I can’t wait to see more leading ladies added to their crew in future books.
I do intend to pick up book 2. I am looking forward to it, but I think I’m going to try that installment on audio. ...more
This was such a fun, entertaining, witty middle-grade read.
I was recommended this book because I love dragons and I love things like How to Train YourThis was such a fun, entertaining, witty middle-grade read.
I was recommended this book because I love dragons and I love things like How to Train Your Dragon (of which, I would watch while reading this book before bed), and I absolutely enjoyed the crap out of this book.
It is a story about dragons in a world with dragons, where the dragons can talk; and they have different tribes, and traits, and powers, and abilities, and it was wonderful. There are humans in this world, but they are called scavengers; and, the dragons do not understand them or their ways of doing things. It is hilarious to see from a dragons perspective what our human actions look like.
I was a little surprised by how violent and graphic this novel could be, especially being a middle grade book. Scavengers were having their heads chomped off. Dragons were being killed left and right, in war and for sport. I was just a little taken aback by the unabashed violence. I wasn't personally bothered by it as an adult, but I could see how this could be upsetting for kids who become attached to some of these characters.
All in all, I was thoroughly entertained and loved learning all about the different species of dragons and their different kingdoms. Clay was such a precious little baby to read from. He was dopey, but so incredibly loyal. I loved the gang of dragons he hung out with. They had such wonderful and unique personalities. They were funny and smart and loyal and silly and cunning and fierce. I cannot wait to pick up the next in the series....more
I liked this one better than the first volume. We get a little more information about the world and Emily's role in it. I also found mysel3.5/5 stars.
I liked this one better than the first volume. We get a little more information about the world and Emily's role in it. I also found myself reading this one a little easier. In that, I didn't have to flip back as often to reread things. I was doing a better job of looking at the illustrations and reading the bubbles. Again, the artwork was stunning. It's probably my favorite aspect of the series at this point. I'm excited to continue with the series and see what else happens. ...more
This is the first graphic novel that I have ever read, and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it a lot more than the trade paperback that I read last yearThis is the first graphic novel that I have ever read, and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it a lot more than the trade paperback that I read last year for BookTube-A-Thon. However, I just don't really know how to rate it. I have no experience with this medium and have nothing to compare it to. So while I really enjoyed it, I don't know what to rate it.
I loved the art style, and I had a feeling I would. Kibuishi is the same illustrator for the new paperback American copies of the Harry Potter series, which are stunning. This graphic novel was no different. I also really enjoyed the vast, eclectic cast of characters that we meet. They were fun and quirky. This was also super fast pace. I flew through right through it because I didn't feel like it ever lagged or felt dull. Furthermore, it was quite a bit darker than I expected from a middle grade series.
However, I did find myself having to go back and reread several panels several times. I think this is because I was unknowingly just reading the speech bubbles and not looking at the illustrations as well. Something would happen that I would miss because it wasn't blatantly stated. I think this is a result of my inexperience with this medium. Although I really enjoyed the characters, I did feel like I didn't get enough time with them. Also, I think a product of me not knowing what to expect from a graphic novel.
However in the end, I really enjoyed this first installment and found it to be quite fun. I can't wait to see what's in store in the other volumes....more
So after 6 years and four failed attempts, the fifth try was finally successfully.
I think it's safe to say I did not enjoy this book. I don't know hoSo after 6 years and four failed attempts, the fifth try was finally successfully.
I think it's safe to say I did not enjoy this book. I don't know how I could give a book a higher rating when it took me that long to read it. Even in the last 80 pages that I just finished, this books put me to sleep twice.
I found the plot which is supposed to be full of piracy and adventure to be dull and boring. On this read, I also noticed Lewis's writing style. I am not a fan. In the middle of the story he would give me future resolution of certain characters. Like, "oh by the way, yeah they're miserable now but look how they turn out." It was very strange. Furthermore, action scenes were quickly glossed over and resolution came too easily in some instances. I can't really say much more as I read the majority of this book several years ago, but I think the fact that I started this book 4 separate times and read it over 6 years speaks volumes to my opinions on it.
To be honest, I'm just proud to say that I finally finished this book. ...more
I haven't read this series in 7 years, and suffice it to say that it is just as enjoyable as it was the first and secondThis is a reread (obviously).
I haven't read this series in 7 years, and suffice it to say that it is just as enjoyable as it was the first and second time I read it. I mean, it's Harry Potter. I grew up on this stuff.
It is my first time reading the illustrated edition though, which was just such a delight. I felt like the illustrations just added such a special layer to the story. Even though it is technically a middle grade story, this made it feel even more accessible to middle graders, in my opinion. I would have loved to have this edition when I was 6 reading Harry Potter for the first time.
I can't wait to have the entire collection in these beautiful editions....more
This was a solid book. It wasn't anything that blew my mind or was super unique, but it was definitely enjoyable. These books are very fast reads thatThis was a solid book. It wasn't anything that blew my mind or was super unique, but it was definitely enjoyable. These books are very fast reads that are just plain fun.
They have a feel reminiscent to that of both Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. We follow a group of kids who go to a magical boarding school to learn and harness magic. However, I feel like there are definitely some unique elements or different approaches that makes this series stand on its own compared to other middle grade series.
With that said, this series has yet to blow me away or offer something completely unexpected. I'm still waiting for that moment. The next book comes out soon, and I can't wait to see what's in store for our group moving forward as this installment wrapped up fairly nicely. ...more
Holy cow. I loved this book. I cannot believe this adventure with these characters is over. It just makes me so sad inside; however, this was a very sHoly cow. I loved this book. I cannot believe this adventure with these characters is over. It just makes me so sad inside; however, this was a very satisfying conclusion to this (10 book?) series.
Jordan (thejordanjournals)
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Books:
middle-grade
(16)
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