Setting is one of the key elements that keeps me interested in a story, and the setting here is brilliant. I love both the London scenes and the Scottish isles scenes. The descriptions of the abbey and the various coves helped me visualize what the characters see. I easily saw myself among these characters in these places.The magic system is confusing to me. I get that the twins are somewhat unique in having blended magic, but I did not follow why/how they were able to call upon their magic when they did. I get the drawing ability, I think, but there were times when Em, for example, was able to conjure magic through dreams and fear and not drawing. Maybe it is a Guardian thing? I understand how they could bring something within a painting “alive” outside the painting, but not how they could draw themselves into a painting/picture. Maybe it is all the same process. Just confusing, that is all.I might not be giving myself enough credit, but I just do not remember being that smart when I was twelve. These twelve-year-old twins seem very grown up in their approach to the world they live in. Perhaps it is a byproduct of living in an “advanced” age or having to grow up faster with having only their mother to care for them. I do think, however, it is a trend in YA fiction to have the young characters appear more grown up in terms of their decision-making skills and ability to wield magic. Built from art and adventure, and full of fantasy and magic, this is one of those YA fantasies that will have you searching out the sequel moments after you've read it. The Barrowmans have created such engaging characters, and such an intriguing and fully built world, that it's difficult to believe this is only the first book in the series.Centered on twins with a mysterious set of parents and abilities they're still learning to maneuver, the book takes on a compelling landscape, full with questions regarding responsibility and loyalty. Yet, there's such depth--to both the story and the ideas involved--that there's no doubt the Hollow Earth series will entrance adults just so much as it will appeal to young readers.I don't remember a first fantasy book ever flowing so fluidly and clearly to build a wholly new understanding of the world, and this is certainly my new favorite YA series. Absolutely wonderful.
Do You like book Hohle Erde: Animare (2014)?
first YA book I've read in a while....good story
—978read
Not brilliant, but it wasn't bad, either.
—Princess
A very cute children's book for all ages.
—nilelovest
