this book was lovely!!!! it's all i ever needed during my formative years. while i'm not quite part of the age bracket this book is intended for, i still thought it was absolutely wonderful.
what differentiates the marvellers from your typical middle grade fantasy novel is the endearing & diverse cast of characters. clayton did an incredible job of incorporating diversity without making it seem particularly forced or preachy. i think this is where a lot of authors fall short, so i have to commend her for being able to introduce so many different types of individuals and identities and cultures so incredibly naturally.
i did have some minor issues in terms of the actual plot. i found that the majority of the action occurred during the last few chapters of the book, rendering some of the beginning frankly unnecessary. because of this iffy pacing, i feel as though some of the revelations from the ending weren't fully expanded on, and as such, didn't deliver the punch they had the potential to. this is a series, though, so i hope this will be resolved in coming installments. additionally, some of the twists were a bit predictable for my liking, but i'm sure i wouldn't have cottoned on to most of them as a kid.
overall, however, little me would have killed for a book like this--to have such authentic representation was beyond my wildest dreams. i could not recommend this one enough to parents or children. you better believe i will be picking up the next one!!
what differentiates the marvellers from your typical middle grade fantasy novel is the endearing & diverse cast of characters. clayton did an incredible job of incorporating diversity without making it seem particularly forced or preachy. i think this is where a lot of authors fall short, so i have to commend her for being able to introduce so many different types of individuals and identities and cultures so incredibly naturally.
i did have some minor issues in terms of the actual plot. i found that the majority of the action occurred during the last few chapters of the book, rendering some of the beginning frankly unnecessary. because of this iffy pacing, i feel as though some of the revelations from the ending weren't fully expanded on, and as such, didn't deliver the punch they had the potential to. this is a series, though, so i hope this will be resolved in coming installments. additionally, some of the twists were a bit predictable for my liking, but i'm sure i wouldn't have cottoned on to most of them as a kid.
overall, however, little me would have killed for a book like this--to have such authentic representation was beyond my wildest dreams. i could not recommend this one enough to parents or children. you better believe i will be picking up the next one!!