Jenny McLachlan

between 1 and 1.5 stars. i really like her idea here and the point she's making but the whole thing felt like it needed to be more consistent and better executed. the illustrations (not her fault) helped to make this read younger, which was part of the problem for me. the kids were 11 but they were completely disconnected from their childhoods. some of the issues in the book could have been solved, for me, if arthur hadn't forgotten everything (and really, shouldn't his forgetting also cause the rupture in roar?) but just didn't feel the connection as strongly or something. it didn't ring true to me at all the way he'd forgotten it all. once they were in roar it was a little better but there were still things that i feel like could have made a much better book. stilll, the thrust here, about keeping childhood alive and believing in magic, and all that stuff, is really great. also the voice, which is somewhat silly and reminded me of my friend kate ristau's books. i just wish it had all held together better.… (meer)

With gorgeous illustrations bringing the story to life even beyond the wonderful words on the page, The Land of Roar is the most engrossing and fun middle-grade book I've read in ages. McLachlan's characters and world have such a reality and quirkiness to them that the book demands a reader keep going, with the illustrations bringing on just the right sort of emphasis and humor. I just preordered the sequels, and I can't wait for them to arrive.

I'd absolutely recommend this to any middle grade readers, especially if they adore fantasy.… (meer)