2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An entertaining read., 20 Sep 2011
This review is from: The Roman and the Runaway (Hawley Lodge stories) (Kindle Edition)
This book was far more interesting and readable than I'd thought it would be. It was interesting to see how Luke handled the situations in which he found himself and it was pleasant to see everything - all the loose ends - coming together nicely at the end of the story.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable...with a few rough edges, 31 Jan 2012
This review is from: The Roman and the Runaway (Hawley Lodge stories) (Kindle Edition)
I enjoyed reading this book but I did find that there were a few rough edges and some incongruities that, with some further polishing, could make the book a lot stronger.
First of all, I found the book did not hit the spot for the targeted Young Adult audience. Apart from some swearing, which I found to be both unnecessary and jarring, the plot and the language levels are more suitable for 10-12 year-olds. Even this age group is reading Harry Potter length books with ease though! As one option, I would recommend removing the swearing and repositioning the book for a younger audience.
In terms of the plot itself, there was an interesting juxtaposition of the old and the new - interesting but I am not sure if it was entirely convincing. The first part of the book which covers Lukes story gave only one clue to the timing ( a reference to the late 90's) - all the dialogue and material could have been set in the fifties or sixties. The setting of the private boarding school seemed to be from a bygone era as well although I am sure they still exist in isolated cases - as a Jennings fan, like the author, I thought the portrayal of school life was quite good. The second part of the book was clearly much more modern (e.g. the first name of Pagan).
The plot of course all came together at the end, in scarcely believable fashion, but I am not too concerned about that - this is fiction after all! It was interesting to see how the plotlines unravelled themselves and came together and there were twists that I didn't see coming.
I would have liked some more background to the story and the characters, particularly as it attempts to reach the older market. There were a number of big and serious issues covered (like child abuse) which were really skimmed over - and the way that the characters responded to these seemed unrealistic (I don't want to give too much of the plot away - but if you are in a near death situation then you are going to respond in a certain way - with fear, panic, irrational behaviour etc. not a calm and somewhat detached response.)
As far as characters go, I liked Luke and Ned, they were the most drawn - the rest were relatively one-dimensional by comparison. A longer book would be able to fill in some of the details.
The text was well edited and I didn't note any problems with grammar or spelling (not that I was searching for these). I would recommend a small investment to get a professional cover done - it is well worth it.
Despite the above reservations, I am awarding 4 stars (3.5 would probably be more accurate!). As I said, I found it enjoyable and it held my attention. I see enough potential here for the book to be taken to the next level if the author is open to addressing the points raised in the various feedbacks provided by me and others.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
School days, 20 Feb 2012
This review is from: The Roman and the Runaway (Hawley Lodge stories) (Kindle Edition)
I'm not totally sure as to what age group this is aimed at. It fits well in with 'To Sir with love' and the classic Kes. Mind you I read 'The Ragmans daughter' at school.
I would agree with some of the other reviews that the story seems not to fit properly into any time period.
It's not Jennings or Mellory Towers but if you enjoyed these as a child, give this a go.
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