The Wonderling Review

Title: The Wonderling
Author: Mira Bartók
Series: The Wonderling #1
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: 26 September 2017
Source: Pan Macmillan South Africa
Format: Paperback
Pages: 462
Rating: 3 Stars
Reading Timeline: 26 October 2017 - 31 October 2017










Goodreads Synopsis:

Have you been unexpectedly burdened by a recently orphaned or unclaimed creature? Worry not! Wee have just the solution for you!

Welcome to the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle, a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young charges exist only to serve and suffer. Part animal and part human, the groundlings toil in classroom and factory, forbidden to enjoy anything regular children have, most particularly singing and music. For the Wonderling, an innocent-hearted, one-eared, fox-like eleven-year-old with only a number rather than a proper name -- a 13 etched on a medallion around his neck -- it is the only home he has ever known. 



But unexpected courage leads him to acquire the loyalty of a young bird groundling named Trinket, who gives the Home's loneliest inhabitant two incredible gifts: a real name -- Arthur, like the good king in the old stories -- and a best friend. Using Trinket's ingenious invention, the pair escape over the wall and embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world and ultimately down the path of sweet Arthur's true destiny.


Book Review:
Pre-reading Thoughts:

I am so excited for this book! I haven't heard anything about it yet but the cover is just gorgeous! I have also had a quick browse on the inside and the illustrations are just amazing! 

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan South Africa for sending me a copy of the book to review! I cannot wait to just jump in! Just a small disclaimer for those reading this review. I have received this book in exchange for an honest review. Please note that this does not affect my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.

Writing Thoughts:

The writing in this book was really good! It was smooth and just gorgeous to read. I loved the dialogue and the flow of the writing. However with that being said, I struggled a bit to get into it. It wasn't the type of writing I thought I would find in a middle grade. I don't know how to describe it but the writing had this depth to it.

Plot Thoughts:

I loved the beginning of this book. It was eye opening and held an important message. However I did think that it started to drag after about halfway through the second part. The story could've been a little shorter. With that being said, this book contains a very important message and I think that a lot of little ones should read this book.

Character Thoughts:

Arthur is a complex and out of the ordinary character. He doubted himself but over time he found himself with the help of his friends. I loved Trinket. She was absolutely adorable and the friend that everyone would want. She was supportive and encouraging. She is also one little bird you do not want to mess with.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I liked this book. I didn't fall in love with it as much as I had hoped but I liked it. The writing was just wow. The plot was good but dragged a bit towards the end and the characters were complex and diverse. I really enjoyed my time with this book! I want to thank Pan Macmillan South Africa for sending me a copy of this book!

Yours in Reading,

Melleny

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