I want to forget this book and read it all over again for the first time. Never has a middle-grade book made me feel so much. My heart flip-flopped with every chapter and I often caught myself holding my breath as I turned the pages. Each revelation was more dramatic than the last. Having an “Astrid” of my own, each outburst and tantrum were both endearing and familiar. The relationships were unique and heartwarming. I didn’t know I could love fictional characters this much. Each chapter evoked tears and laughter. Astrid is a modern day Heidi, full of charm and tenacity. She made me laugh out loud, champion for her causes, and love her more each page. She tackles problems with a ferocity that I admire and envy. The author paints a picture of breathtaking scenery, beautiful vistas, and imposing, snow capped mountains. You can vividly imagine the roar of the river and feel the snow crunch beneath your feet. Warm spring air fills your nostrils as you breathe in the heady scent of new grass and spruce. Everything about this story was magnificent. It is not a story that can be rushed, but must be thoroughly digested, thought about, reflected upon. It’s written age appropriately with themes that an adult can enjoy and appreciate. I would love to see this made into a film or a written series. I want more of the little thunderbolt of Glimmerdal.
0 Comments
Everything about this book was fantastic. I can imagine my middle school self, holing up in my bedroom for hours devouring its pages. It conjures up the best of books in similar genres, the museum is just as mysterious and vast as Hogwarts. The animal companions read like the daemons in The Golden Compass. However, this story lends a credible note as it doesn’t deal with magic, but is more of an alternate reality with a dystopian twist. Each and every character, including the furry and feathered ones, are brought to life with vivid detail. Ree, spunky and independent female lead character in a male dominated world speaks to “girl power” without the disrespect that often accompanies that attitude. Henri, the perfect level-headed complement to Ree, is intelligent and thoughtful, a voice of reason in a world of pseudo-science. The menagerie of now extinct animals gives the entire tale a humorous element, Phil the Dodo my obvious favorite. I can just imagine his playful nips and smell the down as he ruffles his feathers. The wide range of topics touched on by this story are made age appropriate and easy to understand, while remaining true to the message. Finding a harmonious balance between science and religion is something we’re made to face early on in life, and the author is successful in finding a middle ground that is neither blasphemous or offensive. Focusing on the respecting of other’s values, the equality of intellect and abilities between men and women, and the importance of every profession, whether menial or cerebral, artistic or everyday maintenance. All points are dealt with gracefully and playfully, without malice or contempt. Kudos to this author for creating a masterpiece of humor and depth for the middle school set. It’s an intelligent addition to a market often saturated with twaddle. The Perfect Christmas Gift for Marvel or DC fans!
Not only was this the perfect devotional for its age group, it was a superhero primer! Only since the Marvel and DC comics have become major blockbusters did I follow what was going on in these fictional worlds, but the backstories often eluded me. Since reading this book, I've gained so much more knowledge of each character and where they come from and I no longer feel like a novice. The language in this book is easy to follow and understand while getting across complex concepts of faith and God's grace. While perfect for late elementary to early middle-schoolers, it's also a great crossover to use as a witnessing tool. By correlating popular characters with some of the more obscure Bible figures, even as a mature, older Christian, I learned new stories and new names.
From the moment I started reading to the last page, I loved everything about this fantastic book.
An Unconventional Christmas Story
With her faithful slave by her side, whom she later freed, Salome survives starvation in the desert, escapes persecution from her in-laws, and despite these many trials, is fiercely loyal to God and the laws of the Torah. She challenges her rabbis and studies the scriptures in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
The prophecies that proclaim the coming of Jesus are a main theme throughout the book which makes this the perfect book for the holiday season, since the time of Salome’s death was estimated to be only one generation removed from the birth of Christ. While this is historical fiction, a believable saga has been created outside the bare bones the annals have provided, ensuring a pleasurable read that is comprised of faith, hope, and facts. |
Why I writeWriting about what I think and do helps keep the craziness manageable. Archives
November 2019
Categories
All
DISCLOSURE: This site uses affiliate links. (What is an affiliate link?) I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Purchasing through an affiliate link does not cost more or less than purchasing through a non-affiliate link. Your purchases help support a myself and my family and ensure that I can continue to bring you fresh and exciting content. Thank you for your support.
PRIVACY POLICY: Never will I share your personal information with third parties. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on February 3, 2017. If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly. |