The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword tries to be a quirky, offbeat fantasy romp with an eager heroine, a reluctant sidekick, and a peg-legged rThe Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword tries to be a quirky, offbeat fantasy romp with an eager heroine, a reluctant sidekick, and a peg-legged rooster who may or may not be hiding a blade. It’s got humor, it’s got adventure, and it’s got an ominous creeping fog. On paper, this sounds like a fun, middle-grade fantasy. In execution? I found it a bit underwhelming.
The biggest issue is that the book doesn’t quite commit to anything fully. The humor is present but not sharp enough to be truly funny. The adventure is in motion but rarely feels urgent or exciting. The magic system has some interesting ideas - time-based gods, song magic - but the story barely scratches the surface. Even the villains, including the ominous Thistle Willow and her foggy menace, feel more like background threats than real forces of tension. Galdifort’s grumpy Chronicler POV is a nice twist, but it doesn’t do enough (deeply subjective) to elevate the story beyond standard fare.
Younger readers new to fantasy might enjoy the lighthearted tone. Since I'm usually looking for something with more depth or originality, this one didn’t leave much of a lasting impression....more
It's great. Truly. I'd call it a children's book that's not quite meant for children. Plus, it's a damn good story crafted with imagination and superbIt's great. Truly. I'd call it a children's book that's not quite meant for children. Plus, it's a damn good story crafted with imagination and superb prose....more
Courtney Crumrin is rude, precocious, and she doesn't like people. Her parents are desperate for social advancement and have dragged her to a pos4.5/5
Courtney Crumrin is rude, precocious, and she doesn't like people. Her parents are desperate for social advancement and have dragged her to a posh suburb to live with her creepy Great Uncle Aloysius in his spooky old house.
Being a new kid in school is never fun. But luckily, Courtney discovers her uncle has lots of intriguing books. Books about creatures of the night and spells. As you might expect, trouble ensues.
Courtney Crumrin is an excellent middle-grade book. It's quite charming, but also dark(-ish) in places. I a lot of fun reading it and found another feel-good and exciting comic series....more
Windwalker took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but it has it all - winged raptors, sand-warriors, a rebellious protagonist williWindwalker took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but it has it all - winged raptors, sand-warriors, a rebellious protagonist willing to break the rules and follow her dreams.
Kiva Fariq wants nothing more than to help her tribe as a Windwalker scouring the desert skies on the back of a giant flying predator. She has the skill, will, and determination. Unfortunately, she’s a girl and the windwalker sect is closed off to women.
When the time comes, Kiva attempts the perilous windwalker trials in secret. Even if she succeeds, the question is open whether the elders will accept or banish her.
In the spirit of youthful adventures, Chambers makes the teenage protagonists seem far more capable than the adults. Not only is she willing to challenge ungrounded beliefs and fight for her future, but she’s also the only one to see approaching danger. Younger readers, especially girls, will enjoy her inspiring growth. But even older readers should appreciate a good balance between appealing to a youthful target audience and creating a captivating, but ultimately comfortably predictable plot.
Overall, Windwalker: Forbidden Flight is a strong and uplifting start to intriguing series. It should appeal to a wide range of readers, from middle grade to young adult. I won't be surprised to see adult readers enjoying this one as a well-deserved rest between bleaker stories.
The Graveyard Book won Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. While such an accomplishment means a lot, I didThe Graveyard Book won Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. While such an accomplishment means a lot, I didn’t expect to love this book so much. Upon finishing it I think it’s Gaiman’s best book. If you haven’t read it yet, you lead a miserable life :)
The Graveyeard Book tells a story of a boy living on a borderland between the living and the dead. His tombstone mates come from all walks of life (poets, schoolteachers, physicians). His guardian, Silas, is neither alive nor dead. The boy can’t leave the graveyard, for a mysterious villain who killed his family known as “the man Jack” wants him dead. The community of the dead keeps the boy safe and try to raise and educate him, but limits his interaction with the living.
Bod (short for Nobody Ovens) gets the Freedom of the Graveyard early in the story. He learns many ghost tricks such as the Fade allowing him to disappear from sight even when someone is looking right at him.
We observe, in successive chapters, Bod growing up from an infant to a teenager. His adventures, while loosely connected, never fail to entertain. Some of them happen on the cemetery, others see Bod dealing with mean and petty people.
Gaiman’s narrative tends toward the episodic, but his imagination and creativity more than make up for it. He hops, deliberately and nonchalantly, from head to head and it works. He’s one of few writers skillful enough to use omniscient narration to a great effect. The story charms with unique inventions, unforgettable characters, creepy creatures and fascinating mythology.
The Graveyard Book will entertain people of all ages. I would enjoy it as a child, I absolutely loved it as an adult. Gaiman’s sophisticated humor and language make it exciting and witty. Sinister moments mix with tender ones and create an unforgettable mix. Brilliant. ...more