Scan barcode
ethan_bluestone's reviews
110 reviews
No Brainer by Jeff Kinney
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk by Jordan Raynor
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians: The Worldspire by Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Dark Talent: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Spy School Goes North by Stuart Gibbs
adventurous
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.0
I won this book from a giveaway which I was super excited about, but after reading it…
Spy School Goes North really disappointed me.
The plot was fairly exciting, but it was basically identical to all the other spy school plots. Which makes sense, considering that this is the ELEVENTH book in the series. The only thing that was really different was the location being in Alaska, which was actually pretty interesting and one of the few redeeming factors. I feel like the best way for this series to stop being repetitive is to just make one final book and finish it up.
And for another thing, Mr. Gibbs is not the best at writing romantic relationships. Ben and Erica's relationship was barely talked about, which I somewhat understand because this is a middle grade book, but if you're not going to develop a relationship maybe just don't put it in at all. And I'm going to try not to give too many spoilers, but ahem, another relationship that developed in this book was pretty much love at first sight, and it seemed really unrealistic and unnecessary. Not to mention it was a gay relationship, which I do not like at all in middle grade books ESPECIALLY when it's one of the children/teens themselves. Disagree with me all you want, but it was just ridiculous. It would have been bad even as a normal guy and girl relationship.
Also, I'm getting really tired of Murray Hill, (yes he's in this book YET AGAIN lol) though that might be a testament to the author's writing skills. He sure can write an annoying character.
Overall, I feel like this author's books have been deteriorating now for a few years. Yes, there have been some good books, like the Once Upon A Tim series (which I love), and the third Charlie Thorne book. But the last two Funjungle books, Spy School book, and now this one have all honestly just been really bad.
In spite of all this, I'm sure there will still be tons of Spy School fans raving over this book, but it was definitely not for me and others I know.
Hope this series gets better, but I'm not holding my breath.
Spy School Goes North really disappointed me.
The plot was fairly exciting, but it was basically identical to all the other spy school plots. Which makes sense, considering that this is the ELEVENTH book in the series. The only thing that was really different was the location being in Alaska, which was actually pretty interesting and one of the few redeeming factors. I feel like the best way for this series to stop being repetitive is to just make one final book and finish it up.
And for another thing, Mr. Gibbs is not the best at writing romantic relationships. Ben and Erica's relationship was barely talked about, which I somewhat understand because this is a middle grade book, but if you're not going to develop a relationship maybe just don't put it in at all. And I'm going to try not to give too many spoilers, but ahem, another relationship that developed in this book was pretty much love at first sight, and it seemed really unrealistic and unnecessary. Not to mention it was a gay relationship, which I do not like at all in middle grade books ESPECIALLY when it's one of the children/teens themselves. Disagree with me all you want, but it was just ridiculous. It would have been bad even as a normal guy and girl relationship.
Also, I'm getting really tired of Murray Hill, (yes he's in this book YET AGAIN lol) though that might be a testament to the author's writing skills. He sure can write an annoying character.
Overall, I feel like this author's books have been deteriorating now for a few years. Yes, there have been some good books, like the Once Upon A Tim series (which I love), and the third Charlie Thorne book. But the last two Funjungle books, Spy School book, and now this one have all honestly just been really bad.
In spite of all this, I'm sure there will still be tons of Spy School fans raving over this book, but it was definitely not for me and others I know.
Hope this series gets better, but I'm not holding my breath.
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0