bennysbooks's Reviews (668)

Started reading through the library on my kobo, but this is a physical book read I think. I'll wait. 😊

This was okay. Some of the lessons were a tad heavy-handed for me. A bit of a strange mixture of jarring violence and immature humour. As an adult it wasn't my favourite but I think many kids would love this. I'll probably read it with mine again when they're a bit older and see what they think! 

I LOVED the illustrations.

2024 re-read: 

Read aloud to my partner. Took us months due to a bunch of sore throats/headaches, but we got there in the end. I loved it on the first read, but it felt richer this time around. Reading RotE is a commitment, re-reading is madness. But damn, the things you see in this book once you know where the series goes. Well worth it. Bumping up to 4.25, although it still feels low... 

2020 read: 4 stars

Very readable and exciting. However, I have a few problems with the focus on appearance that is rampant through these books. First of all, there is a lot of description of the physical aspects of characters, which is rather boring and adds nothing to the story. It also doesn't really reflect the way most children do (or should) see the world. At one point Lucy comments on a characters eyes being too far apart - what kid notices that? 

The focus on George's weight is totally unnecessary. While fat characters should absolutely be included, it's not done in a positive way. And Lucy seems to be overly focused on her body and appearance as well, but not in a way that comes across as relatable, or could be a learning opportunity for readers. She uncritically hates on her body, and comments on other people's bodies, and hates on other girls. It's all very poorly done, and it's jarring to read in what are otherwise pretty fun books. I don't believe that these things should be glossed over in books for older kids/young teens, but the way it's handled in these books in particular felt icky.  

Also, the sarcasm and fighting between the kids is grating rather than funny for the most part. 

Basically it's difficult to read these books and forget that it's an adult male writing from a girl's perspective. 

But the ghost bits are so good, I'll definitely keep reading. If anything it will lead to some good conversations if my kid reads them one day.