Worst. Summary. Ever. ANYWAY....
I loved this book! LOVED IT. The writing was so descriptive and intense, but still traditional in tone. I've read the Spiderwick Chronicles as well, and I noticed that Holly Black's style of writing isn't a lot like many modern writers, another thing that makes her so special as an artist. She can weave the modern tone and language into the story perfectly with the fantasy while still keeping her tone as a writer. I liked this book more than the Spiderwick Chronicles as well, probably because this book was a lot more mature than the Spiderwick Chronicles.
One thing I also liked was how Black dealt with mature topics, like sexuality and problems at home. Corny, though fairly secure in his sexuality, still wasn't happy with himself. He (though he was under a spell) wanted Nephamael because he wasn't going out there to try to find someone for himself, but also was angered that he was so shallow as to enjoy the things they did.
Black also comments on family life and teenage behavior in her book. Both Kaye and Janet's families are not very happy, and they deal with them in the same way. I think Kaye feels like Ellen doesn't care and mother Kaye enough, no matter how tough Kaye tries to act. She deals with pulling Ellen's head out of the toilet, and she likes not going to school, but she needs help sometimes too. Corny doesn't refer by name of "Dad" to his and Janets step-father, and mentions that his mother deals with things through Star-Trek. Janet and Kaye deal with their families by drinking and partying, and Corny just chooses not to talk to people, keeps his feelings pent inside.
Overall, I loved this book. I can't wait to read Valiant: A Modern Faerie Tale and Ironside: A Modern Faerie Tale (because you know I will).
WOW! This book sounds really good and makes me really want to read it! It's funny because you were talking about how the author has such good voice because you do too! I can totally hear you in this blog post! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Clara! Yeah, I think you would like this book. It's almost like realistic fiction fantasy... if that makes sense. I recommend it to modern fantasy fans :)
DeleteYeah, I totally agree with Clara. You really have a great voice and you make me want to read the book. I also like books that deal with mature topics instead of the cliche "don't bully" lessons. The main character also does seem to be a stereotypical teen, besides the stuff about the man in the woods and her mother dying.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. That's one of the things that drew me into the book, along with it's fantasy world. The fantasy with the mature topics made it a double win.
DeleteHehe, about the main character, she's actually really unique and interesting, not very stereotypical at all, which is one of the reasons I said I had a bad summary... I didn't capture the tone of the story at all :(
This book looks really intense and interesting. You did a great job describing it and now I really want to read it. I think it is intriguing how authors use fantasy settings to talk about problems in reality. Parents who aren't there for their kids, sexuality, and underage drinking are all popular and important issues in today's world. They are also very relatable topics for many readers and allow the audience to really connect to what the author is trying to describe. I hope to read this book, it looks so good!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a little like the picture books we're doing in this way. The author uses fantasy (or pictures and a child-like world in picture books) to convey a greater message. Black manages to do this very well, and delivers the messages she wants to get across without coming off as preaching or totally off topic from the story. She just perfectly blends it in with the plot, so you don't even notice you were thinking about these things the whole book until you put it down.
Delete