Publisher: Disney-HyperionPages: 432
Source: For Review From Publisher
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Grubb, age twelve (or thereabouts), has never known anything beyond his miserable existence as a chimney sweep, paid only in insults and abuse by his cruel master. All of that changes the day he stows away in the coach belonging to a mysterious guest at the inn that he is tasked with cleaning. Grubb emerges from Alistair Grim's trunk and into the wondrous world of the Odditorium. Fueled by a glowing blue energy that Grubb can only begin to understand, the Odditorium is home to countless enchanted objects and an eccentric crew that embraces Grubb as one of their own. There's no time for Grubb to settle into his new role as apprentice to the strange, secretive Mr. Grim. When the Odditorium comes under attack, Grubb is whisked off on a perilous adventure. Only he can prevent the Odditorium's magic from falling into evil hands—and his new family from suffering a terrible fate. Grubb knows he's no hero. He's just a chimney sweep. But armed with only his courage and wits, Grubb will confront the life-or-death battle he alone is destined to fight.
In short: Alistair Grim's Odditorium is the start of an inventive and eccentric new series that is perfect for younger readers.
There were definitely some elements in Alistair Grim's Odditorium that were reminiscent of Harry Potter, which I loved. Namely the whimsy and eccentricity of the magical odditoria and the colourful cast of characters. Alistair Grim's Odditorium is no copycat though, thankfully. It was definitely very inventive on its own. This book is the first in an intended series and I'd be curious to see where the story goes from here, as the set-up in this first book leaves room for more adventures to come and some questions to be answered.
If I had one critique it would be that this is a book meant for younger readers. Well, but didn't you know that this was MG going into it?, you may ask. Yes, I did, but I am of the firm belief that the best MG reads can be appreciated and enjoyed by all age groups, not just their intended audience. I felt that the characters in Alistair Grim's Odditorium were definitely lacking in complexity and development and the plot was pretty predictable. BUT it was still a super cute read that I would definitely recommend to younger readers!
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I agree Aylee! I think a great read is a great read and one that should be able to span any age group. It's a shame the characters were lacking a touch in complexity, but hopefully more layers will reveal themselves as the story continues:)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I would hope more layers would reveal themselves in the next instalments! There is definitely room for growth and a good set-up in this one.
DeleteI love how you said that the best MG books have something for readers of ALL ages to get lost in - I couldn't agree more! It's a shame that this one didn't quite manage that but being the first book in an intended series, things could easily mature in the next installments! I still need to get to my copy of this one but now that I know you enjoyed it, I'll likely get to it sooner.
ReplyDeleteIt's true, they could mature in the next instalments! I get the impression that Grubb won't age much, but at the very least I hope new layers of their characters are revealed in the next books.
DeleteOh this one sounds super cute, Aylee! Though it might read really young, I think I would like it just from it's description.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know I was definitely drawn in by the synopsis! Maybe borrow it from the library.
DeleteI'd never heard of this one, so thanks for sharing! I do love the cover. I want to read more MG, but I agree with you...I think some of the best MG novels are the type that people of all ages can enjoy. Just because it's for a middle grade audience, doesn't mean the characters should feel flat or underdeveloped, etc.
ReplyDeleteYes, how could you resist a cover like that? Well, I know that I can never resist cute-sounding cute-looking MG reads... And yeah, that's exactly it. And don't younger readers also appreciate some complexity sometimes even if they can't always grasp the nuance?
Delete"I am of the firm belief that the best MG reads can be appreciated and enjoyed by all age groups, not just their intended audience." I totally agree. Too often though, I find MG novels better suited for younger readers, which is why I unfortunately don't read them as often.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm with you. I probably read them more often than you did and I can still enjoy them, but I don't think I truly appreciate them unless they take things to the next level.
DeleteI agree that MG can be appreciated by adults too...but it depends. Not when the characters and scenes are actually ''childish.'' By the way, I have this one for review. Totally forgot about it. O.O Nice review!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't know. I think I can still appreciate a more childish read as long as there's a little something else to raise it to the next level.
DeleteWow, Aylee. You had me at "Harry Potter with steampunk elements". This does sound like a nice and interesting read. I don't read much of MG, but hey I don't mind trying at all. Great review! I'm glad you liked this one.
ReplyDeleteSarika @ The Readdicts
Heh, it was definitely along the same vein as HP :) Hope you enjoy this one when you get a chance to read it!
DeleteI was sent this ARC, but I wasn't sure about it since I really don't read that much MG, but this looks like it might be good for a read-aloud with my kids.
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
Ooh yes! I do think it would be a really great one to read-aloud. I was thinking when I read it that I bet it would make a great audiobook.
DeleteI definitely get what you're saying about middle grade reads. While yes, you should expect something with a younger audience going into them, there are definitely some that have more to offer the older reader than others.
ReplyDeleteSome, yes. I sure wish there were more out there like that though!
DeleteHmm… I fall for MG, too, and this one does sound exciting and inventive, and I love that it has some really neat elements like that in HP, but I also feel the same as you in that Middle Grade (and picture books, too) can and should be enjoyed by all ages, and so I think I’d find the element where that wasn’t so prominent a little disappointing. I love a book that crosses borders and is suitable not only for the “intended” age, but for adults and YA, too, so I feel quite let down when that doesn’t happen.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t read one of your review posts in an age! I was very happy to see I’d bookmarked this one!
Thanks, Romi! :D I agree completely!!
ReplyDelete