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Wonderscape #1
Wonderscape
When Arthur, Ren and Cecily investigate a mysterious explosion on their way to school, they find themselves trapped aboard The Principia - a scientific research ship sailing through hazardous waters, captained by one Isaac Newton.
Lost in the year 2473 in the Wonderscape, an epic in-reality adventure game, they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes, to play their way home before time runs out.
Jumanji meets Ready Player One in this fast-paced adventure featuring incredible real-life heroes, from the internationally bestselling author of The Uncommoners series.
Lost in the year 2473 in the Wonderscape, an epic in-reality adventure game, they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes, to play their way home before time runs out.
Jumanji meets Ready Player One in this fast-paced adventure featuring incredible real-life heroes, from the internationally bestselling author of The Uncommoners series.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2020
90 people are currently reading
2,392 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bell
67books140followersLondoner Jennifer Bell began working in children’s books as a specialist bookseller at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, one of the world’s most famous bookstores. After having the privilege of listening to children talk about their favorite books for many years, she started writing a book of her own on her lunch breaks.
For other authors with the same name, see Jennifer^^Bell.
For other authors with the same name, see Jennifer^^Bell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
May 4, 2020
The most fun I've had reading a middle grade in ages and loved every minute of the ride!
Wonderscape is every gamer's dream come true - and even if you're not really a gamer, if you love the thrill of adventure, you'll absolutely find it here! Wonderscape follows three kids - Arthur, Ren and Cecily - who find themselves, bizarrely, 300 years in the future AND in an in-reality adventure game. They have a limited amount of time to get out of this game or it will be the end of them forever - but can they do it?
This definitely reminds me of Jumanji meets Ready Player One, and from the end of the very first chapter, we are already thrust into the world of adventure. We barely have time to get acquainted with our protagonists before they're on a ship trying to solve a riddle to continue the level. The characters become more fully-formed the longer they play the game and the longer we read. We learn about their lives, their dreams, their personalities - and there is even some LGBTQ+ rep in there too, which I always love in middle grade.
The plot is fast and before we know it, we're in a scorching desert or a gothic castle. There is so much to see with our imaginations with this and it means there's never a dull moment on the page. Not only do we get exciting environments, but also important lessons about them too. We meet various real-life heroes that can teach children a lot about history and the inspirational people behind big events. I was geeking out with a few of them!!
This was an epic, adrenaline rush of an adventure that has the potential to make every gamer's dream come true.
Wonderscape is every gamer's dream come true - and even if you're not really a gamer, if you love the thrill of adventure, you'll absolutely find it here! Wonderscape follows three kids - Arthur, Ren and Cecily - who find themselves, bizarrely, 300 years in the future AND in an in-reality adventure game. They have a limited amount of time to get out of this game or it will be the end of them forever - but can they do it?
This definitely reminds me of Jumanji meets Ready Player One, and from the end of the very first chapter, we are already thrust into the world of adventure. We barely have time to get acquainted with our protagonists before they're on a ship trying to solve a riddle to continue the level. The characters become more fully-formed the longer they play the game and the longer we read. We learn about their lives, their dreams, their personalities - and there is even some LGBTQ+ rep in there too, which I always love in middle grade.
The plot is fast and before we know it, we're in a scorching desert or a gothic castle. There is so much to see with our imaginations with this and it means there's never a dull moment on the page. Not only do we get exciting environments, but also important lessons about them too. We meet various real-life heroes that can teach children a lot about history and the inspirational people behind big events. I was geeking out with a few of them!!
This was an epic, adrenaline rush of an adventure that has the potential to make every gamer's dream come true.
May 3, 2020
Wonderscape is quite honestly one of the most propelling middle-grade books I have read, possibly ever! After putting this book through the CAWPILE rating system (created by Book Roast), it came out at a final score of 8.57, which is a rather high 4 star!
Wonderscape is pitched as a middle-grade Jumanji meets Ready Player One, and although I'm not too familiar with the latter, I can definitely see how this comparison is drawn. Our three main characters, Arther, Ren, and Cecily are spontaneously transported to an In-Reality-Adventure-Game 400 years in the future and must complete the levels to meet the heroes and work out how to get home before their time runs out. But there's so much more to it than that, and the complexity of this world and the details written in blew me away.
From page 1 the action kicks off, and it simply doesn't slow down. It's such a propelling read, a real page turner throwing you into new adventures in every chapter, from a research vessel in the arctic to a sweltering desert, to a gothic castle and haunted labyrinth - there's so much for our heroes to overcome. Along the way we also learn about the lives of the protagonists, and how although they may all come from different backgrounds and lead very different lives, a friendship can blossom! It was such a heartwarming journey to go on with these kids, and promotes such an inspiring message to young readers about overcoming fears and believing in yourself and your friends.
I had such an incredibly fun time reading this, the worlds visited are so vivid and creative, and the added layer of the real-life icons such as Isaac Newton, Thomas Eddison, and Mary Shelley to name a few, add something really special to this story. I loved every moment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books for the e-arc of this!
Wonderscape is pitched as a middle-grade Jumanji meets Ready Player One, and although I'm not too familiar with the latter, I can definitely see how this comparison is drawn. Our three main characters, Arther, Ren, and Cecily are spontaneously transported to an In-Reality-Adventure-Game 400 years in the future and must complete the levels to meet the heroes and work out how to get home before their time runs out. But there's so much more to it than that, and the complexity of this world and the details written in blew me away.
From page 1 the action kicks off, and it simply doesn't slow down. It's such a propelling read, a real page turner throwing you into new adventures in every chapter, from a research vessel in the arctic to a sweltering desert, to a gothic castle and haunted labyrinth - there's so much for our heroes to overcome. Along the way we also learn about the lives of the protagonists, and how although they may all come from different backgrounds and lead very different lives, a friendship can blossom! It was such a heartwarming journey to go on with these kids, and promotes such an inspiring message to young readers about overcoming fears and believing in yourself and your friends.
I had such an incredibly fun time reading this, the worlds visited are so vivid and creative, and the added layer of the real-life icons such as Isaac Newton, Thomas Eddison, and Mary Shelley to name a few, add something really special to this story. I loved every moment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books for the e-arc of this!
September 2, 2021
Arthur, Ren and Cecily have nothing in common apart from the same school they all attend and their ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. An explosion occurs on an otherwise quiet street and the trio investigate where it stemmed from, and to possibly rescue the howling creature they can hear from an abandoned home as well. They find a fluffy, white dog inside. And, also, an entire other world.
They stepped into one room and found themselves aboard a ship in the middle of a vast ocean and heading straight towards perilous territory. This proved to be just the first in a vast series of missions to gain the next puzzle piece into solving just where they are, why history's greatest figures are trapped there, and how they can return to safety and their own timeline.
The synopsis cited this as being a blend of Jumanji and Ready Player one, and I'd say that was a pretty accurate analysis of the story. The action and adventure from the former was blended with the virtual reality setting and some of the scientific backing of the latter. I was surprised by how dense this got and that mathematical or scientific discussions were included at all, given the middle grade age range this is aimed towards.
The concept immediately appealed but upon reading I was consistently impressed with just how clever it was and how the adventurous story-line was constructed to appeal to a younger and older audience, alike.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Jennifer Bell, and the publisher, Walker books, for this opportunity.
They stepped into one room and found themselves aboard a ship in the middle of a vast ocean and heading straight towards perilous territory. This proved to be just the first in a vast series of missions to gain the next puzzle piece into solving just where they are, why history's greatest figures are trapped there, and how they can return to safety and their own timeline.
The synopsis cited this as being a blend of Jumanji and Ready Player one, and I'd say that was a pretty accurate analysis of the story. The action and adventure from the former was blended with the virtual reality setting and some of the scientific backing of the latter. I was surprised by how dense this got and that mathematical or scientific discussions were included at all, given the middle grade age range this is aimed towards.
The concept immediately appealed but upon reading I was consistently impressed with just how clever it was and how the adventurous story-line was constructed to appeal to a younger and older audience, alike.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Jennifer Bell, and the publisher, Walker books, for this opportunity.
May 15, 2021
This is a truly wonderful story full of magic, science and adventure! I really enjoyed it a lot!
May 18, 2020
I read this book with my 11-year-old, and when we finished, I asked him, "What should I say in my review?"
He said, "Tell them it's AMAZING."
So I will! :)
We devoured this book in a ridiculously short time because it was so immersive, he never wanted to stop our reading sessions. Three kids from a contemporary British council estate accidentally step through a portal into not only the future (the 25th century) but an immersive role playing game within that 25th-century future, starring historical figures from the past. Not only do they have to work out how to pass the challenges set in each realm of the game they enter, they also have to solve the real mystery of how one of the game's founders went missing, who stole those historical figures from the past in the first place, how to save all of them, and more - because if these three kids can't work it all out within about 57 hours, they'll lose not only the game but their lives.
The whole game-in-the-future set-up was put together so well. It was all just fantastically imaginative, and the puzzles set at every stage were fabulous. As we read this book together, my 11-year-old and I ended up having SO MANY conversations as we tried to work out the solutions to the puzzles along with the characters! The characters were fun, the settings were fabulous, and we both enjoyed the whole book a LOT. Recommended to any MG readers!
He said, "Tell them it's AMAZING."
So I will! :)
We devoured this book in a ridiculously short time because it was so immersive, he never wanted to stop our reading sessions. Three kids from a contemporary British council estate accidentally step through a portal into not only the future (the 25th century) but an immersive role playing game within that 25th-century future, starring historical figures from the past. Not only do they have to work out how to pass the challenges set in each realm of the game they enter, they also have to solve the real mystery of how one of the game's founders went missing, who stole those historical figures from the past in the first place, how to save all of them, and more - because if these three kids can't work it all out within about 57 hours, they'll lose not only the game but their lives.
The whole game-in-the-future set-up was put together so well. It was all just fantastically imaginative, and the puzzles set at every stage were fabulous. As we read this book together, my 11-year-old and I ended up having SO MANY conversations as we tried to work out the solutions to the puzzles along with the characters! The characters were fun, the settings were fabulous, and we both enjoyed the whole book a LOT. Recommended to any MG readers!
December 18, 2020
(ARC provided by NetGalley, my opinions are unbiased.)
This was such a fun book! I very recently read and loved Ready Player One, and have been eager to read more books like it. This book gives us video gaming, time travel, and a chance to meet historical heroes we might not have heard of, like Wangari Maathai and Tomoe Gozen.
I loved the jump from world to world, each environment changing according to the Historical figure who lived in it. Each world has it's own puzzle to solve - racing cars, navigating the high seas and even writing on rubber ducks. Arthur, Ren and Cicely are given Wondercloaks, that are somewhat magical, reflecting the owner's personality and collecting skills from challenges won.
It's a fast paced book, and I did find myself wishing we could just stop and appreciate the world we found ourselves in more. I also would have liked a little more input from the future humans, as it seemed strange that the friends only ever interacted with the T/V/M Classes and the Historical figures.
The ending gave me a lot of hope for a sequel to this story, I felt it was left wide open for one. It would be amazing to go back a few months later and see how the world had changed, meet new people and take on new challenges.
February 13, 2021
1.5 rounded up
Zoooo oké. Dit was letterlijk
'omg ik snap deze riddle echt niet'
Seconde later
'o wacht, opgelost'
En dat het hele boek lang. 4 jaar issues, in 1.5 blz gefixt. Wat? Dit ging veel te makkelijk.
Wel een ster voor originaliteit. Maar nee, weinig soeps.
Zoooo oké. Dit was letterlijk
'omg ik snap deze riddle echt niet'
Seconde later
'o wacht, opgelost'
En dat het hele boek lang. 4 jaar issues, in 1.5 blz gefixt. Wat? Dit ging veel te makkelijk.
Wel een ster voor originaliteit. Maar nee, weinig soeps.
February 4, 2022
I didn't expect to enjoy Wonderscape so much, but it got me!
The realms of the Wonderscape are super imaginative, I can tell the author really likes games! Despite the high-techiness of everything, it's quite easily understandable. The heroes we meet are a GREAT diverse and representative selection, I really really like this aspect.
Make-up-themed weapons? Ingenius.
Cloud is a badass doggo, and the three kids make me want to hug them all and bring them home. Arthur is such a sweetheart. Ren reminds me of Ron Weasley, while Cecily reminds me of many of the piano students I used to teach (back when I was teaching piano to kids) - she feels so real.
Hope this book inspires all the kids reading it because its' main message is just beautiful.
The realms of the Wonderscape are super imaginative, I can tell the author really likes games! Despite the high-techiness of everything, it's quite easily understandable. The heroes we meet are a GREAT diverse and representative selection, I really really like this aspect.
Make-up-themed weapons? Ingenius.
Cloud is a badass doggo, and the three kids make me want to hug them all and bring them home. Arthur is such a sweetheart. Ren reminds me of Ron Weasley, while Cecily reminds me of many of the piano students I used to teach (back when I was teaching piano to kids) - she feels so real.
Hope this book inspires all the kids reading it because its' main message is just beautiful.
March 25, 2021
Hvad pokker! Et VILDT eventyr i ikke bare én, men potentielt rigtig mange nye verdener.. Tempoet er højt, og der sker noget hele tiden. Og vi støder på masser af kendte historiske personer - for ikke at snakke om muligheden for at lære noget nyt om historiske personer, man måske ikke kendte til i forvejen. Der er i hvert fald masser af muligheder for at læse videre om de enkelte.
Jeg ærgrer mig dog lidt over at jeg fik dem læst på dansk og ikke engelsk - det må blive et projekt en anden gang - for jeg er sikker på, den har endnu mere at byde på på originalsproget.
Jeg ærgrer mig dog lidt over at jeg fik dem læst på dansk og ikke engelsk - det må blive et projekt en anden gang - for jeg er sikker på, den har endnu mere at byde på på originalsproget.
January 14, 2024
Un univers fort intéressant mêlant science fiction jeu d'évasion et personnages historiques. On est plus concentrés sur la quête des personnages que sur eux, donc leur description va droit au but et ne m'a pas nécessairement permis de m'attacher à eux, mais ça va!
September 10, 2020
This was great fun! The clues, riddles and heroes from our time (and future) made it such a fantastic story! Arthur, Cecily and Ren were awesome, each in their own way! �
July 3, 2020
Just finished this today, & WOW. They hype is well deserved! Jennifer Bell has DEFINITELY impressed me as an author. The Uncommoners series was amazing, & now this fantastic book. Her creativity, & unique stories blow me away. Every detail of this world was so amazing-I could see it all clearly in my mind. The characters were the best! I love what she did with the heroes of the story-so ingenious! Cloud has my heart & soul in this book lol I’m pretty sure it’s a stand alone, but not positive. It’s wrapped up nicely, but I wouldn’t mind some new adventures in this world coming about in the future! Man this was a great escape! Another book that was so hard to put down. I also loved the friendship of the 3 main characters...& everything they learned about each other & themselves on the journey...a hug worthy book for sure. And don’t get me started on this beautiful cover!!😍😍 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!💜💜
Synopsis: When Arthur, Ren and Cecily investigate a mysterious explosion on their way to school, they find themselves trapped aboard The Principia - a scientific research ship sailing through hazardous waters, captained by one Isaac Newton.
Lost in the year 2473 in the Wonderscape, an epic in-reality adventure game, they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes, to play their way home before time runs out.
Synopsis: When Arthur, Ren and Cecily investigate a mysterious explosion on their way to school, they find themselves trapped aboard The Principia - a scientific research ship sailing through hazardous waters, captained by one Isaac Newton.
Lost in the year 2473 in the Wonderscape, an epic in-reality adventure game, they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes, to play their way home before time runs out.
June 9, 2022
Rezension: (kann Spoiler enthalten)
Die Idee, plötzlich in einem Abenteuerspiel zu stecken, fand ich persönlich ja ziemlich interessant, daher musste ich mir das natürlich mal ansehen. Und die Geschichte hat mir echt gut gefallen.
Zuerst dachte ich mir noch, dass das jetzt keine hochkomplexe Geschichte wird mit Intrigen, etc., sondern eben einfach ein Buch mit vielen bunten, spannenden Levels, die die Protagonisten bestehen müssen, um den Weg nach Hause zu finden. Und die Levels waren ja tatsächlich so und mit viel Liebe zum Detail angelegt, da hätte ich mir gerne noch mehr angesehen. Aber zusätzlich gab es tatsächlich Geheimnisse und Intrigen, denn hinter Wonderscape steckt viel mehr, als es scheint. Das fand ich bis zum Ende hochspannend und ich würde mich freuen, bald noch mehr aus Wonderscape zu lesen!
5 Sterne
Die Idee, plötzlich in einem Abenteuerspiel zu stecken, fand ich persönlich ja ziemlich interessant, daher musste ich mir das natürlich mal ansehen. Und die Geschichte hat mir echt gut gefallen.
Zuerst dachte ich mir noch, dass das jetzt keine hochkomplexe Geschichte wird mit Intrigen, etc., sondern eben einfach ein Buch mit vielen bunten, spannenden Levels, die die Protagonisten bestehen müssen, um den Weg nach Hause zu finden. Und die Levels waren ja tatsächlich so und mit viel Liebe zum Detail angelegt, da hätte ich mir gerne noch mehr angesehen. Aber zusätzlich gab es tatsächlich Geheimnisse und Intrigen, denn hinter Wonderscape steckt viel mehr, als es scheint. Das fand ich bis zum Ende hochspannend und ich würde mich freuen, bald noch mehr aus Wonderscape zu lesen!
5 Sterne
October 29, 2022
Bardzo dobra powieść MG. Ciągła akcja od pierwszej do ostatniej strony. Ciekawy pomysł na fabułę. Świetny zwierzęcy kompan. Książka pozwala poznać kilka ciekawych postaci z kart historii. Ma też dobre przesłania.
Oczywiście dla mnie niektóre rzeczy były przewidywalne, ale to nie jest wada w przypadku MG.
Szczerze mówiąc, jest we mnie ciekawość, co będzie dalej i jak rozwinie się przyjaźń pomiędzy bohaterami.
Oczywiście dla mnie niektóre rzeczy były przewidywalne, ale to nie jest wada w przypadku MG.
Szczerze mówiąc, jest we mnie ciekawość, co będzie dalej i jak rozwinie się przyjaźń pomiędzy bohaterami.
September 11, 2021
A fantastic story.
Three children become trapped in another world.
They meet icons from the past such as Mary Shelley, Isaac Newton
To help them find a way out.
Three children become trapped in another world.
They meet icons from the past such as Mary Shelley, Isaac Newton
To help them find a way out.
August 19, 2023
Dit boek is exact wat je ervan verwacht op basis van de achterflap. Een avontuurlijk verhaal dat zich leest alsof je er zelf middenin zit. Het betreft een futuristisch in-game verhaal, echt ontzettend origineel en goed uitgewerkt! Alleen het begin vond ik een klein beetje vaag en rommelig, maar toen ik er eenmaal inzat zag ik het helemaal voor me! Sommige dingen vond ik wel erg voorspelbaar en allemaal “iets� te toevallig, maar het blijft een kinderboek dus ook wel logisch. Daarentegen gingen sommige stukjes wel erg snel en chaotisch, of werden me een beetje te technisch, zodat ik even terug moest lezen om tot me door te laten dringen wat er nu precies stond. Dit kan er zeker ook mee te maken hebben dat ik het boek in het Engels las. Heb af en toe toch wat woorden moeten opzoeken namelijk�
Ik zou dit boek absoluut aanraden aan kids die houden van gamen, maar wel ook heel nieuwsgierig zijn aangelegd. Er worden namelijk best wat goede geschiedenis lesjes gegeven in dit boek, wat ik echt fantastisch vind als een auteur van kinderboeken dit goed weet te verwerken! Overigens ook voor volwassenen een absolute aanrader dit boek 😉😉😉
Van mij krijgt dit boek een dikke en welverdiende 4⭐️
Ik zou dit boek absoluut aanraden aan kids die houden van gamen, maar wel ook heel nieuwsgierig zijn aangelegd. Er worden namelijk best wat goede geschiedenis lesjes gegeven in dit boek, wat ik echt fantastisch vind als een auteur van kinderboeken dit goed weet te verwerken! Overigens ook voor volwassenen een absolute aanrader dit boek 😉😉😉
Van mij krijgt dit boek een dikke en welverdiende 4⭐️
November 13, 2020
Third read for #believathon finished! Hell yeah.
I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's basically pure action, so it reads super fast and it's very entertaining. Plus, intertwine in the plot itself we have some cool history lessons that kids would love to learn. I mean, as an adult, I spent a good chunk of my night reading about Tomoe Gozen, whom I didn't knew from before. So thank you, Jennifer Bell, very much appreciate it xD
My only "complain" is that I would have loved if the characters were a little bit more fleshed out. Or we got more deep dynamics between them. Plus! The pace was a little bit too rushed, and some things quite convenient.
But hey, I think it's great for kids. Especially if they enjoy movies like National Treasure <3
I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's basically pure action, so it reads super fast and it's very entertaining. Plus, intertwine in the plot itself we have some cool history lessons that kids would love to learn. I mean, as an adult, I spent a good chunk of my night reading about Tomoe Gozen, whom I didn't knew from before. So thank you, Jennifer Bell, very much appreciate it xD
My only "complain" is that I would have loved if the characters were a little bit more fleshed out. Or we got more deep dynamics between them. Plus! The pace was a little bit too rushed, and some things quite convenient.
But hey, I think it's great for kids. Especially if they enjoy movies like National Treasure <3
January 23, 2022
So good!!! I’m in awe of this story, everything was so well thought and incredible.
I had so much fun reading it and I can’t wait for the second book.
I had so much fun reading it and I can’t wait for the second book.
May 14, 2020
One of the best books I have read all year! I was immediately drawn in with the excellent theming and video game style � just like VR games. The premise of three children getting stuck in a game is just really exciting and the story did not disappoint. This reminded me of Jumanji and other video games and honestly, I could not stop reading for wanting to know what happened next.
All three main characters were likeable and intriguing. Their backstory was subtly interweaved throughout the plot at no detriment to the pace. This was an incredibly easy read and well, Cloud! Any story with an animal companion immediately wins me over anyway.
Poignant ending, “our futures are full of possibility�.
All three main characters were likeable and intriguing. Their backstory was subtly interweaved throughout the plot at no detriment to the pace. This was an incredibly easy read and well, Cloud! Any story with an animal companion immediately wins me over anyway.
Poignant ending, “our futures are full of possibility�.
April 6, 2021
Den her bog er simpelthen så sød og fantasifuld!
Det her er lidt en spoiler, men det står på bagsiden, så gemmer det ikke; da jeg hørte at den handlede om både at være fanget i et spil og om tidsrejser, var jeg en smule nervøs for, at det ville være lidt kliche, men det er det slet ikke! Wonderscape er simpelthen en fantastisk, eventyrlig fortælling, der både lærer en om venskab, videnskab og mange af tidernes største helte! Samtidig tager den også mange vigtige temaer op, uden at blive hverken for forklarende, eller for belærende
Selvom dele af historien er rimelig indviklede, gør det, at det også er indviklet for karaktererne, at det blot er spændende og ikke forvirrende (og selv jeg, der er supersproglig med alle naturfag inklusiv matematik på c, forstod faktisk rimelig meget af fysikken i den)
Hvis du ikke er sikker på, om du vil læse den, vil jeg lige gøre opmærksom på, at der er en meget sød hund med :D
Det her er lidt en spoiler, men det står på bagsiden, så gemmer det ikke; da jeg hørte at den handlede om både at være fanget i et spil og om tidsrejser, var jeg en smule nervøs for, at det ville være lidt kliche, men det er det slet ikke! Wonderscape er simpelthen en fantastisk, eventyrlig fortælling, der både lærer en om venskab, videnskab og mange af tidernes største helte! Samtidig tager den også mange vigtige temaer op, uden at blive hverken for forklarende, eller for belærende
Selvom dele af historien er rimelig indviklede, gør det, at det også er indviklet for karaktererne, at det blot er spændende og ikke forvirrende (og selv jeg, der er supersproglig med alle naturfag inklusiv matematik på c, forstod faktisk rimelig meget af fysikken i den)
Hvis du ikke er sikker på, om du vil læse den, vil jeg lige gøre opmærksom på, at der er en meget sød hund med :D
November 10, 2020
What I Enjoyed...
// I really liked the incorporation of historical figures, such as Isaac Newton. I thought for a middle grade it was a great additional to bring some educational elements to a fun, adventure book.
// I got heavy Ready Player One and Jumanji vibes but middle grade, which I enjoyed.
// I liked the growing friendship of the three main characters, how they were thrown together at the beginning of the book but built a great friendship by the end.
// I thought the morals and messages in this book for younger readers was great.
It was an average read for me, I enjoyed it but I didn't love it, unfortunately it was nothing special.
// I really liked the incorporation of historical figures, such as Isaac Newton. I thought for a middle grade it was a great additional to bring some educational elements to a fun, adventure book.
// I got heavy Ready Player One and Jumanji vibes but middle grade, which I enjoyed.
// I liked the growing friendship of the three main characters, how they were thrown together at the beginning of the book but built a great friendship by the end.
// I thought the morals and messages in this book for younger readers was great.
It was an average read for me, I enjoyed it but I didn't love it, unfortunately it was nothing special.
August 10, 2022
Gosh, I can tick many shelves with this book.
Immersive, exciting adventure.
Immersive, exciting adventure.
March 14, 2023
Jennifer Bell wraca na salony! Ale czy z klasą?
Ta książka nie zachwyciła mnie od początku. Wskakujemy od razu do akcji bez przedstawienia postaci wcześniej. Był to trochę problem, bo postacie wydawały się później trochę płaskie, ale po przeczytaniu całości mogę bezpiecznie stwierdzić, że takie nie są.
Nasza trójka głównych bohaterów jest świetna. To dobre zróżnicowanie, dobra reprezentacja i ciekawe charaktery, za którymi chce się podążać. Najmniej (ale wciąż bardzo) lubię Cecily, która... Nie wiem jak to powiedzieć po polsku, więc powiem po angielsku: "She's not fleshed out enough".
Chwilę, kiedy ta trójka prowadzi ze sobą interakcję poza pokonywaniem następnych etapów gry należą do moich ulubionych. They are so cute. I stan for men being comfortable with sharing their feelings with others!
Coś za co pokochałem Jennifer Bell w jej "Niezwyczajnych" to zdecydowanie światotwórstwo. I na to przede wszystkim liczyłem sięgając po tą książkę. I wiecie co? Nie zawiodłem się. Nie jest to ten sam poziom skomplikowania jak w tamtej trylogii, ale to dopiero pierwszy tom z dwóch, zresztą satysfakcjonuje mnie to co mamy, więc luz. To trochę jest takie... Sci-fi dla dzieci? Powiedział człowiek, który nigdy nie czytał sci-fi...
Mam niestety dwa absurdy fabularne. Nic spoilerowego i bez szczegółów. Uno, bohaterowie po prostu magicznie pojawiają się na początku zupełnym przypadkiem, nie znając się wcześniej. Niby mieszkają na jednej ulicy/dzielnicy, ale wciąż ciężko mi to kupić. Dos, robią w pewnym momencie coś, co ułatwia im wypełnienie swej misji, a mogłoby przez ich wrogów zostać bardzo łatwo cofnięte, a to się nie dzieje. Szczególiki, mogę wybaczyć.
Idźcie kupować i zróbcie z Jennifer Bell drugą J. K. Rowling! Może poza oskarżeniami o transfobię... I "Przeklętym dzieckiem"... I "Fantastycznymi zwierzętami" część 2 i 3... Wiecie o co chodzi!
I póki mam prawo głosu: kto w Dwukropku wpadł na pomysł zamienia w "Zagadkowej klepsydrze" kwadratu na owal na okładce i dlaczego? So many questions, so little answers...
Ta książka nie zachwyciła mnie od początku. Wskakujemy od razu do akcji bez przedstawienia postaci wcześniej. Był to trochę problem, bo postacie wydawały się później trochę płaskie, ale po przeczytaniu całości mogę bezpiecznie stwierdzić, że takie nie są.
Nasza trójka głównych bohaterów jest świetna. To dobre zróżnicowanie, dobra reprezentacja i ciekawe charaktery, za którymi chce się podążać. Najmniej (ale wciąż bardzo) lubię Cecily, która... Nie wiem jak to powiedzieć po polsku, więc powiem po angielsku: "She's not fleshed out enough".
Chwilę, kiedy ta trójka prowadzi ze sobą interakcję poza pokonywaniem następnych etapów gry należą do moich ulubionych. They are so cute. I stan for men being comfortable with sharing their feelings with others!
Coś za co pokochałem Jennifer Bell w jej "Niezwyczajnych" to zdecydowanie światotwórstwo. I na to przede wszystkim liczyłem sięgając po tą książkę. I wiecie co? Nie zawiodłem się. Nie jest to ten sam poziom skomplikowania jak w tamtej trylogii, ale to dopiero pierwszy tom z dwóch, zresztą satysfakcjonuje mnie to co mamy, więc luz. To trochę jest takie... Sci-fi dla dzieci? Powiedział człowiek, który nigdy nie czytał sci-fi...
Mam niestety dwa absurdy fabularne. Nic spoilerowego i bez szczegółów. Uno, bohaterowie po prostu magicznie pojawiają się na początku zupełnym przypadkiem, nie znając się wcześniej. Niby mieszkają na jednej ulicy/dzielnicy, ale wciąż ciężko mi to kupić. Dos, robią w pewnym momencie coś, co ułatwia im wypełnienie swej misji, a mogłoby przez ich wrogów zostać bardzo łatwo cofnięte, a to się nie dzieje. Szczególiki, mogę wybaczyć.
Idźcie kupować i zróbcie z Jennifer Bell drugą J. K. Rowling! Może poza oskarżeniami o transfobię... I "Przeklętym dzieckiem"... I "Fantastycznymi zwierzętami" część 2 i 3... Wiecie o co chodzi!
I póki mam prawo głosu: kto w Dwukropku wpadł na pomysł zamienia w "Zagadkowej klepsydrze" kwadratu na owal na okładce i dlaczego? So many questions, so little answers...
April 8, 2023
'ยิȨีต้อȨับสู่เกมที่จะเปลี่ยนโลกྺองคุณไปตลอึϸาล'
เรื่องราวของเด็กสามคน อาร์เทอร์ เร็� และเซซิล� (กับอีกหนึ่งน้องหมา) ที่หลงเข้าไปอยู่ในโลกอนาค� ติดอยู่ในเกมประหลา� ต้องเสี่ยงตายทำภารกิจมากมาย แถมยังต้องเผชิญหน้ากับเหล่าวายร้ายสุดอันตรา� โดยมีเหล่าวีรชนในประวัติศาสตร์เป็นเดิมพัน! พวกเขาต้องร่วมมือกันเอาชนะทุกอุปสรรคเพื่อหาหนทางกลับไปยังบ้านก่อนที่ทุกอย่างจะสายเกินไ�
โอ้ววววว เรื่องนี้สนุกมากค่ะทุกค� สนุกกว่าที่คิดเอามากๆ เป็นวรรณกรรมเยาวชน��นวไซไ�-ผจญภัย-เอาชีวิตรอด ผู้เขียนเดินเรื่องไวมาก! ทั้งการเล่าความสัมพันธ์ของเด็กทั้งสามที่ไม่รู้จักกันมาก่อ� เล่าจักรวาลโลกอนาคตกับกติกาเงื่อนไขการเล่นเกมในดินแดนต่าง� รวมไปถึงการเล่าถึงปมปัญหาภายในของสามพี่น้องผู้ก่อตั้งบริษัทเกม ที่จู่� ก็ทะเลาะกันเอง แล้วหนึ่งในนั้นก็หายสาบสูญปริศนา คือในเล่มบาง� แค่ไม่กี่หน้� (260 หน้า) กลับมีรายละเอียดอีดแน่นเยอะแยะมากมายให้คอยติดตามตลอดทั้งเรื่อ� ทุกอย่างดูน่าตื่นตาตื่นใจไปหมด อ่านแล้วก็วางไม่ลงเลยค่�
อยากบอกว่า ในเริ่มแร� ช่วงที่อ่านไ��สั� 30% ของเล่� ทำให้เรานึกถึงซีรีส์ Alice in Borderland ในขึ้นมา แต่เนื้อเรื่องจะไม่ตึงขนาดนั้� ไม่มีเลือดสาดหรือคนตาย เกมเป็นแค่เกม เล่นเอาสนุกลุ้นรางวัล เน้นไขปริศนาและความสามัคคีในหมู่เพื่อ� แพ้ก็แค่เล่นใหม� ชนะก็แค่ได้รางวัลแล้วไปต่อ
แต่นั่นก็แค่ช่วงแรกๆ ของเล่มเท่านั้นแหละค่ะ พออ่านไปเรื่อยๆ สักระยะก็อื้มมมมมม.. คือพอพวกเด็กๆ ต้องแข่งกับเวลาเพื่อหาทางกลับบ้านในโลกปัจจุบัน พวกเด็กๆ เริ่มถลำลึกเข้าไปในตัวเกม ไปรับรู้เบื้องหลังปัญหาของผู้ก่อตั้งบริษัทเกมนี้ขึ้นม� ทุกอย่างก็เปลี่ยนไปโดยสิ้นเชิงราวกับหนังคนละม้ว� จากเกมเล่นเอาสนุก� ในตอนแรก กลายเป็นเกมไล่ล่าขึ้นมาทันท� มีผู้ล่าและมีผู้หลบซ่อ� นอกจากเด็กๆ จะต้องรีบกลับบ้านแล้� ยังต้องตามหาหนึ่งในผู้ก่อตั้งที่หายสาบสู� และต้องช่วยเหลือเหล่าวีรชนที่ถูกกักขังไว้ในดินแดนเกมอี� เพิ่มความสนุกเข้าไปอีก
เล่มนี้ถือว่าสนุกเกินคาดนะ ผู้เขียนเค้าเก่งเรื่องสร้างจักรวาลโลกใหม่และเก่งถ่ายทอดภาพจักรวาลเหล่านั้นให้คนอ่านเข้าถึงได� แม้เราจะรู้สึกว่� ถ้าไม่เดินเรื่องไวเข้าประเด็นไวเกินไ� ผู้เขียนน่าจะใส่รายละเอียดโลกอนาคตและเกมแต่ละดินแดนได้เยอะกว่านี้ และคนอ่านน่าจะได้สนุกกับเนื้อเรื่องมากกว่านี้แน่� สรุปก็คื� อ่านจบไวไปยังไม่ทันเต็มอิ่มนั่นเอง 😂
เรื่องราวของเด็กสามคน อาร์เทอร์ เร็� และเซซิล� (กับอีกหนึ่งน้องหมา) ที่หลงเข้าไปอยู่ในโลกอนาค� ติดอยู่ในเกมประหลา� ต้องเสี่ยงตายทำภารกิจมากมาย แถมยังต้องเผชิญหน้ากับเหล่าวายร้ายสุดอันตรา� โดยมีเหล่าวีรชนในประวัติศาสตร์เป็นเดิมพัน! พวกเขาต้องร่วมมือกันเอาชนะทุกอุปสรรคเพื่อหาหนทางกลับไปยังบ้านก่อนที่ทุกอย่างจะสายเกินไ�
โอ้ววววว เรื่องนี้สนุกมากค่ะทุกค� สนุกกว่าที่คิดเอามากๆ เป็นวรรณกรรมเยาวชน��นวไซไ�-ผจญภัย-เอาชีวิตรอด ผู้เขียนเดินเรื่องไวมาก! ทั้งการเล่าความสัมพันธ์ของเด็กทั้งสามที่ไม่รู้จักกันมาก่อ� เล่าจักรวาลโลกอนาคตกับกติกาเงื่อนไขการเล่นเกมในดินแดนต่าง� รวมไปถึงการเล่าถึงปมปัญหาภายในของสามพี่น้องผู้ก่อตั้งบริษัทเกม ที่จู่� ก็ทะเลาะกันเอง แล้วหนึ่งในนั้นก็หายสาบสูญปริศนา คือในเล่มบาง� แค่ไม่กี่หน้� (260 หน้า) กลับมีรายละเอียดอีดแน่นเยอะแยะมากมายให้คอยติดตามตลอดทั้งเรื่อ� ทุกอย่างดูน่าตื่นตาตื่นใจไปหมด อ่านแล้วก็วางไม่ลงเลยค่�
อยากบอกว่า ในเริ่มแร� ช่วงที่อ่านไ��สั� 30% ของเล่� ทำให้เรานึกถึงซีรีส์ Alice in Borderland ในขึ้นมา แต่เนื้อเรื่องจะไม่ตึงขนาดนั้� ไม่มีเลือดสาดหรือคนตาย เกมเป็นแค่เกม เล่นเอาสนุกลุ้นรางวัล เน้นไขปริศนาและความสามัคคีในหมู่เพื่อ� แพ้ก็แค่เล่นใหม� ชนะก็แค่ได้รางวัลแล้วไปต่อ
แต่นั่นก็แค่ช่วงแรกๆ ของเล่มเท่านั้นแหละค่ะ พออ่านไปเรื่อยๆ สักระยะก็อื้มมมมมม.. คือพอพวกเด็กๆ ต้องแข่งกับเวลาเพื่อหาทางกลับบ้านในโลกปัจจุบัน พวกเด็กๆ เริ่มถลำลึกเข้าไปในตัวเกม ไปรับรู้เบื้องหลังปัญหาของผู้ก่อตั้งบริษัทเกมนี้ขึ้นม� ทุกอย่างก็เปลี่ยนไปโดยสิ้นเชิงราวกับหนังคนละม้ว� จากเกมเล่นเอาสนุก� ในตอนแรก กลายเป็นเกมไล่ล่าขึ้นมาทันท� มีผู้ล่าและมีผู้หลบซ่อ� นอกจากเด็กๆ จะต้องรีบกลับบ้านแล้� ยังต้องตามหาหนึ่งในผู้ก่อตั้งที่หายสาบสู� และต้องช่วยเหลือเหล่าวีรชนที่ถูกกักขังไว้ในดินแดนเกมอี� เพิ่มความสนุกเข้าไปอีก
เล่มนี้ถือว่าสนุกเกินคาดนะ ผู้เขียนเค้าเก่งเรื่องสร้างจักรวาลโลกใหม่และเก่งถ่ายทอดภาพจักรวาลเหล่านั้นให้คนอ่านเข้าถึงได� แม้เราจะรู้สึกว่� ถ้าไม่เดินเรื่องไวเข้าประเด็นไวเกินไ� ผู้เขียนน่าจะใส่รายละเอียดโลกอนาคตและเกมแต่ละดินแดนได้เยอะกว่านี้ และคนอ่านน่าจะได้สนุกกับเนื้อเรื่องมากกว่านี้แน่� สรุปก็คื� อ่านจบไวไปยังไม่ทันเต็มอิ่มนั่นเอง 😂
October 10, 2021
Expected rating - 4 stars
Actual rating - 3 stars
New Words Learnt - 7
Book Cover - 5/5
A quick review because I haven't much time right now. I liked the world-building and the story, which are the two main things I always look out and rate first. However, there were times throughout the book where the characters relied on convenience, coincidence or luck to progress to the next stage, or to move the story. I wouldn't have minded the once, or maybe twice, but it kept happening time after time and it stood out. Also, the story begs for sympathy every single page and maybe for an 11yo it might work but to me it looked cheap, fake and annoying, to the fact that I was considering rooting the other side out of spite. The morality as well is really confusing and laughable, and at times hypocritical. There were enough twists to keep it fresh and mildly enjoyable though.
The characters were grand, nothing too special. At times the main trio seemed to grasp onto things quickly (too quickly maybe), while at other times they can be as dumb as a potato and you're sitting there thinking to yourself 'Where's the consistency?'. The heroes themselves were OK as well, maybe one of them was memorable enough but the others could've been anybody really. They were connected to the story so maybe not 'anybody'.
As previously mentioned, there were parts, most notably towards the end where the inconsistencies and illogicality of events and scenes were glaring. But the writing was nice, Wonderscape does indeed seem to be full of wonder, and yes I would like to visit it one day.
DRAGON-O-METER:
Again, there are SPOILERS here please be aware. The dragon in question today is Cloud, and she's a robot.
Size - Described as the size of a lorry, with eight-metre wings. Might sound big, but not for a dragon. (5/10)
Personality - Frankly the Dragon Cloud has none. (0/10)
Appearance - Seems to have the usual dragon appearance, with four legs, spinal spikes and horns. Fair enough. (7/10)
Intelligence - Doesn't talk, doesn't really communicate, and it's a robot. Obedient though. (3/10)
Power - Potential might be there. Because she doesn't really get much page time I have to speculate. (4/10)
My approval - Yeah no, it may be cool to have a robot dragon, but the stats don't lie. (2/10)
Overall - 21/60 or 3.5/10.
Actual rating - 3 stars
New Words Learnt - 7
Book Cover - 5/5
A quick review because I haven't much time right now. I liked the world-building and the story, which are the two main things I always look out and rate first. However, there were times throughout the book where the characters relied on convenience, coincidence or luck to progress to the next stage, or to move the story. I wouldn't have minded the once, or maybe twice, but it kept happening time after time and it stood out. Also, the story begs for sympathy every single page and maybe for an 11yo it might work but to me it looked cheap, fake and annoying, to the fact that I was considering rooting the other side out of spite. The morality as well is really confusing and laughable, and at times hypocritical. There were enough twists to keep it fresh and mildly enjoyable though.
The characters were grand, nothing too special. At times the main trio seemed to grasp onto things quickly (too quickly maybe), while at other times they can be as dumb as a potato and you're sitting there thinking to yourself 'Where's the consistency?'. The heroes themselves were OK as well, maybe one of them was memorable enough but the others could've been anybody really. They were connected to the story so maybe not 'anybody'.
As previously mentioned, there were parts, most notably towards the end where the inconsistencies and illogicality of events and scenes were glaring. But the writing was nice, Wonderscape does indeed seem to be full of wonder, and yes I would like to visit it one day.
DRAGON-O-METER:
Again, there are SPOILERS here please be aware. The dragon in question today is Cloud, and she's a robot.
Size - Described as the size of a lorry, with eight-metre wings. Might sound big, but not for a dragon. (5/10)
Personality - Frankly the Dragon Cloud has none. (0/10)
Appearance - Seems to have the usual dragon appearance, with four legs, spinal spikes and horns. Fair enough. (7/10)
Intelligence - Doesn't talk, doesn't really communicate, and it's a robot. Obedient though. (3/10)
Power - Potential might be there. Because she doesn't really get much page time I have to speculate. (4/10)
My approval - Yeah no, it may be cool to have a robot dragon, but the stats don't lie. (2/10)
Overall - 21/60 or 3.5/10.
June 1, 2020
This is a book which starts off with a literal bang. Arthur is on his way to school when his neighbour’s garden gnomes start exploding. He and fellow students Ren and Cecily call the police, but while waiting for them to arrive they hear a dog in distress barking in the house. Knowing that the house has been abandoned for a few years, the trio go in to save the dog, and moments later find themselves upon a research vessel with none other than Sir Isaac Newton!
It turns out that Arthur, Ren and Cecily have been transported to the 25th Century, right into a game called Wonderscape. This in-reality adventure game uses the latest in technology to allow its users to travel to different realms, completing tasks and challenges to win the honour of meeting famous figures from throughout history.
Isaac Newton has some bad news for them, though. Due to timey-wimey constraints, if they don’t make it back home within 48 hours there’s a good chance that the universe will erase their existence. Desperate to avoid becoming puddles of goo, the three classmates race against time to work out how to escape the Wonderscape before time runs out.
The best word to describe Wonderscape is propulsive. This story is non-stop action and the tension doesn’t let up for a second. Jennifer Bell cleverly never lets the reader forget about the time bomb ticking in the background, with Arthur regularly updating us on how much time is left causing your heart to beat just that little bit faster with each chapter that passes.
I thought the concept of the Wonderscape was so clever, and if it was a game which actually existed I’d be addicted to it! At points I was getting some Ready Player One vibes � it has certainly put me in the mood to re-read that story � so if you’re a fan of Ernest Cline’s debut but would like to try branching out into reading middle grade then this is a great place to start. (Or vice versa! If you read Wonderscape but are looking for something a bit more grown up, Ready Player One is awesome).
Parts of Wonderscape also gave me Marvel movie vibes. You think you know what the story is, but then another plot is revealed and the stakes get even higher. We read the second half of Wonderscape in one sitting for that exact reason: when you realise there’s more to the story than just getting the three main characters home safely, you need to know how it’s going to end.
My favourite thing about Wonderscape was probably Cloud the dog, who isn’t just a dog� But I’ll let you find out what’s special about Cloud when you pick up this book!
It turns out that Arthur, Ren and Cecily have been transported to the 25th Century, right into a game called Wonderscape. This in-reality adventure game uses the latest in technology to allow its users to travel to different realms, completing tasks and challenges to win the honour of meeting famous figures from throughout history.
Isaac Newton has some bad news for them, though. Due to timey-wimey constraints, if they don’t make it back home within 48 hours there’s a good chance that the universe will erase their existence. Desperate to avoid becoming puddles of goo, the three classmates race against time to work out how to escape the Wonderscape before time runs out.
The best word to describe Wonderscape is propulsive. This story is non-stop action and the tension doesn’t let up for a second. Jennifer Bell cleverly never lets the reader forget about the time bomb ticking in the background, with Arthur regularly updating us on how much time is left causing your heart to beat just that little bit faster with each chapter that passes.
I thought the concept of the Wonderscape was so clever, and if it was a game which actually existed I’d be addicted to it! At points I was getting some Ready Player One vibes � it has certainly put me in the mood to re-read that story � so if you’re a fan of Ernest Cline’s debut but would like to try branching out into reading middle grade then this is a great place to start. (Or vice versa! If you read Wonderscape but are looking for something a bit more grown up, Ready Player One is awesome).
Parts of Wonderscape also gave me Marvel movie vibes. You think you know what the story is, but then another plot is revealed and the stakes get even higher. We read the second half of Wonderscape in one sitting for that exact reason: when you realise there’s more to the story than just getting the three main characters home safely, you need to know how it’s going to end.
My favourite thing about Wonderscape was probably Cloud the dog, who isn’t just a dog� But I’ll let you find out what’s special about Cloud when you pick up this book!
October 23, 2020
This is every young gamers dream story, getting lost in a virtual world and solving real challenges. I adored the concept of using famous heroes as the champions of each world. Additionally the fact Jennifer Bell decided to focus on icons that have not been highlighted as much. Tomoe Gozen was a joyful surprise!
Clever and witty adventures, I love the world that has been crafted and hope for more!
Clever and witty adventures, I love the world that has been crafted and hope for more!
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