The Luminary Library: November 2020

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Maze of Bones

Really liked Dan. He was funny in a ten year old sort of way. Kind of like, he didn't know what he didn't know. I love that the character liked and was good at math. Especially for this age group, that isn't a popular thing and I hope this makes kids more interested. I related a lot to Amy at this age, more comfortable with books than people.
I love the colorful side characters, even the "bad guys" and always found their interactions amusing. I think the Holts are my favorite team aside from Dan and Amy. I love their military dynamic and who wouldn't want to attack people with ice cream. However, I think this is a family that will end up destroying themselves. The same could be said for the Cabras, but I didn't care for them as much. I'm still unsure of Alister and Mr. McIntyre was definitely suspicious at the end. He never did answer whether or not he was a Cahill when asked at the reading of the will and I think that will play a part somewhere in the series.

I usually don't get so invested in the plot of middle grade books, but this one just did not stop. From the very beginning there was consistent action, which moved the books along very quickly. Between the bombings, fire, poison, and traipsing from America and through Paris, Amy and Dan were in constant motion with no down time. Normally, I would find this exhausting, but it so worked here.

My favorite aspect of the writing was the knowledge that was poured effortlessly into the story. I learned so much about Franklin and I love that young people can pick up on those things as well without feeling like they are studying. Will definitely be picking up some more books by this author soon.

Alice in Zombieland

Very evenly paced throughout the entire book. There was some action in each chapter, but some interpersonal/character interaction as well, which I appreciate. It did seem like the story was driven more at the beginning and end with some lagging in the middle. There was a lot of danger-training-danger-light danger-training that could have been condensed, I think. However, there was always something happening with no lag. Definitely could have done without the insta-love between Cole and Ali, though I suspect the visions had a little something to do with it. Still, eh, get to know each other. Which, to be fair, they did say that they were doing. But it was obvious they were already "in love." Ali needs to take lessons from Kat. The zombies almost seemed secondary to the romance. However, I will say that I have never read zombies quite like these before and appreciate the originality of them.

Ali as an MC was meh. I can sympathize with her, sure. But she just didn't jump out at me as special. I would much rather read from the perspective of Kat or Mackenzie or even Cole. Ugh, Cole. Problematic in that he comes off as so controlling. Keeping her safe is one thing, but actually growling at the idea that she could be talking to another male is something else. I'm sure he is meant to come off that way, as he is supposed to be this "manimal" per Kat. But I didn't appreciate it. Perhaps when I was the age that this is geared toward, I might have. As an adult, I would just say that he is toxic. Kat, though, is amazing and I would totally want her to be my best friend. I would even be her side kick. So sad to learn she is sick but she is surrounded by super doctors, so maybe one of them can help her. She is just too awesome to die. I actually want to like Mackenzie. I hate the "His girlfriend is this super hot bitch" trope, but the reader must hate them on sight. Why must girls always be pitted against one another?