Talk about out of the frying pan, into the fire!
I was pretty sure that my freaky stepsister and that freaky field guide of hers would ruin my life. But now it looks like they're going to ruin all of Florida too! Okay, maybe that's not fair. Maybe all these stupid giants would be waking up anyway, but if it wasn't for her and that book, I'd be at home playing video games and this would be someone else's giant problem.
...... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): Nicholas Vargas had never been all that good at sports.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 98): "He's been getting you pulled into his stories, hasn't he? Got you stabbing rocks and hills, telling you they're giants. I remember how magical it all seemed. Like we were heroes. You feel something like that?"
KEEP IT OR NOT?: A library book, I have no intention of buying a copy.
Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles ........ perfect for the with a 'creepy-crawly' in the title category of this years WHAT'S IN A NAME Reading Challenge.
To tell you a little more about the book .......
This is the tale of Noseemum Jack, an elderly, now blind destroyer of giants, who along with Nick, his brother, Jules, their stepsister, Laurie, and Jules' girlfriend, Cindy set out to find and destroy the giants that are about to wake up and cause mass devastation.
Not just about giants though, the story also tells of the part several other mythological creatures have to play and quite frankly it is their part that I found far more interesting.
Intended for those aged 7+ I chose to read this for two reasons, one being the title and the other being that I quite enjoyed the 2008 film based on the original Spiderwick books.
A quick read (it took me just over an hour to read) I have to admit that I didn't really enjoy the story though I found the illustrations wonderful.
Not a story that reads at all well as a stand-alone, this obviously follows on from the previous books, not too mention the several 'guide'/note books that seem to accompany the series, and as such I felt that I was missing out on a lot of the background information and experiences of the characters which greatly marred my enjoyment.
To give the author credit though, his last sentence really caused me to hold my breath and almost (for a split second) had me wanting to read the next book.
11 comments:
Shame you didn't love it. Holly Black is an amazing author. I love everything she writes.
Eh, to each their own. Haven't read the series (or add on series) myself as of yet, but it is on the "to read one day" list. Better luck on your next read!
Great choice for the challenge, even if you didn't particularly enjoy it. (you deserve more GOOD reads...it's been a poor start to your year!)
Good choice for the challenge. I did misread your post title and thought you had a giant problem with the book itself!!
My daughter and I really enjoyed the Spiderwick Chronicles, but only read one of the Beyond set. They just didn't grab out interest.
Great choice for the challenge, Petty!
Great work.
Hugs
Marinela
This sounds like fun, but it does sound like you need to read the previous books to really enjoy it.
You have me wondering about the last sentence (which may be as important as the first). Thanks again for your honest review!
I've been curious about this series but have been reluctant to pick it up because it is a children's book. Hm... I may have to read it and pass it on to some boys I know would like this type of book. Thanks for the review.
Yay for getting your creepy crawly for What's in a Name. Sounds like a book for long-established fans.
You know I always wondered how these books where. Not that I was drawn to them, just curious. Thank you for the review!
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