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ros_lanta 's review for:

The Golden Swift by Lev Grossman
3.75

This is an enjoyable book and I had a good time reading it but for me it lacked the cosy atmosphere and sense of magic that I loved so much in book 1, The Silver Arrow. 

The environmental themes were not remotely subtle in book one, and here they're even more explicit and centre stage, with frequent discussion of climate change, rewilding, reintroduction of species and more. The discussion is fairly nuanced for a children's book which I do like, and this would be a good way to introduce children to some important issues. On the other hand, the environmental themes do seem to take priority over having a logical or entertaining story, which is a shame. 

Overall a decent book that I would encourage children to read and learn from, but just lacking a bit on the plot and atmosphere.