I laughed at all the bad things the bad, little seed did. I saw myself in some of them. It was also great learning aboutCute Illustrations, okay story
I laughed at all the bad things the bad, little seed did. I saw myself in some of them. It was also great learning about all that transpired before he became bad. Yet, we’re not told why these events made him, bad. It’s possible the author wants the reader to infer, however, rough circumstances don’t automatically make one turn bad and that’s a problematic conclusion to draw. But, most importantly, we’re not told nor shown why the little seed decides to transition into being good.
It’s a children’s book, but an arc of development should be present in any story.
This Audible original was lovely. Intriguing and interesting ideas in the story. Wonderful portrayal of Korean food and culture. Captivating concept oThis Audible original was lovely. Intriguing and interesting ideas in the story. Wonderful portrayal of Korean food and culture. Captivating concept of time, which I’m recently finding myself gravitating toward reading more and more. Sweet depictions of friendship. And, lastly, very nice narration....more
Meh. I don't know if it's just me and I wasn't paying enough attention or if this is as unformed, unmapped, unplanned, undeveloped, and unclear as I tMeh. I don't know if it's just me and I wasn't paying enough attention or if this is as unformed, unmapped, unplanned, undeveloped, and unclear as I think it is.
Some parts were salient and resonated metaphysically. But, for most of this book, it just felt like there was no real foundation. What keeps coming to mind is that image of J. K. Rowling's comprehensive and exhaustive outline. When reading Harry Potter, one could feel the cohesiveness because that blue print is in full effect. Rowling is drawing from and building on a fundamental foundation. This book's mythology, on the other hand, feels like a student who just free-balled an essay without scripting an outline prior.
There's potential here but my interest isn't sufficiently captivated. I won't be continuing with this series. Also, the narrator is the wrong choice. A ten year old boy shouldn't sound like a sixty year old man who's smoked his whole life and is developing emphysema. ...more
Well damn, and here I thought this was going to be the last one. Not as such, it seems. The story's gearing up and heading in a whole different directWell damn, and here I thought this was going to be the last one. Not as such, it seems. The story's gearing up and heading in a whole different direction.
As always, Fforde is clever and his insidious social commentary is riveting. There are also moments of great metaphysical insight. This book, however, is not as funny or fun or cute as the prior two but it's still a good read in and of itself. I hope the next one bears all the trademarks of the first. Either way though, I'll be tuned in. The plot is compelling.
I've not read any of these, only listened. And I must say that Elizabeth Jasicki is the best and most talented narrator ever. Wow. She's truly excellent at bringing this all to life....more
It was not as great as the first as a result of the energy being different, the plot being less dramatiThis was wonderful!
Excellent narration again!
It was not as great as the first as a result of the energy being different, the plot being less dramatic and because there was quite a bit of explanation of that which had transpired in the first book -- I assume for those new to the series -- which slowed it down somewhat, but still a great and fun story!
Funny, intelligent, and lots of undidactic social commentary. The trolls alone made this worth the Audible credit :-)
I loved...and am firmly a Jasper Fforde fan!
Now I'm off to find more by this author :-D...more
This story is the perfect mixture of cleverness, craft, cute whimsy, intelligeSo very, very, very good!
Excellent! The narration was wonderful as well!
This story is the perfect mixture of cleverness, craft, cute whimsy, intelligence, social commentary, fantasy, and fulfillment of the hero's journey trope.
I loved! This author has a new fan :-)
Haven't been treated to this good a story in a while. And so funny!!
I really love 'The Hero's Journey'. I never tire of reading the stories that illustrate this 'monomyth'. That said, there are stories that eAudiobook
I really love 'The Hero's Journey'. I never tire of reading the stories that illustrate this 'monomyth'. That said, there are stories that excel at this embodiment and that compel the reader to keep going and there are others that are not nearly creative enough, nor sufficiently well written to involve the reader and to propel them along the journey. This book falls closer to the latter.
There wasn't a wondrous amount of imagination present, nor much in the way of tension. In fact, everything, from the friends, to the talents, to the enemies were sort of pale. It's not bad, not at all. It's just okay, and I'd rather try others. I doubt I'll be returning to the Nightmare Academy. It's too cliched and not inventive enough.
1. I could see the intent too clearly. A visually impaired hero, an autistic side kick, a 'greats-of-hisIt was okay-ish.
Reasons why I did not like it:
1. I could see the intent too clearly. A visually impaired hero, an autistic side kick, a 'greats-of-history' theme. All too conspicuous. Integrate your themes, writers, please.
2. The voice. I call this voice the contemporary pop American voice. It's irreverent, snarky without being witty, flippant, entitled, self conscious and dumbed down. It is also highly annoying and I hate it whenever I encounter it.
3. The prayers. I don't want nor need god in my fantasy. And that's not just because I'm an atheist. It's just out of place and heavily authorial again.
4. There was no real hero's journey here. This was a serious lightweight. I've read some children's books that are so profound they've stayed me for long periods after. Even those that didn't resonate as deeply still offered up some insight. From this I garnered nothing of the sort.
5. How is a Stonewall Jackson a hero? A general from the Confederate army is a hero? Seriously?!
6. The heavy handed handling of a boy and his first crush.
7. I just don't think Fry is a good writer. This book lacked nuance, subtlety, delicacy and craft.
I think my next foray into children's fantasy shall come courtesy of a British author, thank you very much.
I'm gonna have to call it. Time of death: a year and four days later.
This one obviously did not keep my attention. Fablehaven, by this authDNF at 48%
I'm gonna have to call it. Time of death: a year and four days later.
This one obviously did not keep my attention. Fablehaven, by this author, is a 4/5 star series. Everything else Mull has written has just been subpar...Candyshop bring the worst. ...more
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