All the Birds in the Sky
2016

Ratings169

Average rating3.6

15

This book follows two friends starting in their childhoods, Patricia who has one foot in the world of magic, and Lawrence who has a genius for science and invention. The two, seperately and together face ever greater challenges, eventually a threat to the world itself.

I loved the book. The only negative was that I felt that Ms Anders was too good a writer.

I'll explain: Each section of the novel is written in a different style, one that is perfect for the age of the characters, so we see Patricia's early childhood in a fairy tale style of writing, her schooling in a YA style etc.

The problem is that it is done so well I sort of feel cheated, like I was given one bite of a delicious meal, then had it whisked away. Each section was SO GOOD I wanted more!

I would have been delighted to read an entire novel of little Patricia's adventures with the woodland animals (always trying to get home for bedtime!). Then an entire novel of a young witch's trials with her hyper-nerd buddy Lawrence as they amusingly avoid the plotting of the evil guidance councilor in Middle School...and so on.

Seriously - I would read that.

I loved the ending (no spoilers) but I did feel it was a bit rushed. I think that this was intentional as it seemed to be in an “action thriller” style to build tension and excitement. I did feel that it was chopping and changing far too much. I loved each bit of it, but a scene would just get going when the characters would have to rush off somewhere else.

I guess what I am saying is. Everything is good - just give me more! It seems that whatever style Ms Anders sets her hand to turns out well, so I look forward to reading more of her work in future.

March 3, 2016