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The Ickabog by J.K.Rowling.

There’s a new book from J.K.Rowling?

That was news to me. (Apparently, it was published in 2020.)

It wasn’t much of a brainer, I had to read it. However, I’d prefer holding a physical book to an audio copy. (Don’t you, too?)

So I placed an order for the book the very next minute.

Thanks to Amazon Prime, I received it in only a couple of days. Because reading a book before the enthusiasm wanes is important. I pushed aside everything else and got on it.

If you want the review in a nutshell:

Do I like it?

Yes.

Do I love it though?

Probably not.

Who do I recommend it to?

Definitely children. They would enjoy it. Adults can also read it if you don’t mind run-of-the-mill sort of stories.

To elaborate on this:

I actually had quite a peaceful time reading it. It felt familiar and comfortable — it always is with children’s books. And the way Rowling narrated the story was, as expected, great. It is a smooth read.

However, I can’t help but want an element of excitement, which, according to me, was missing.

This will surely be a treat to read for children. But for adults, cause of the lack of exciting elements, it seems dull.

The Ickabog Synopsis:

Once upon a time, there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them.

But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands… the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it’s just a myth…

And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children — best friends Bert and Daisy — embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.

One of the things I found lacking is that the two children that were claimed to go on an adventure, seemed sidelined most of the story. As if the story doesn’t revolve around them, which should be. Then it would’ve been more entertaining. The last few chapters are much better than the beginning.

I wonder how it would feel if the chronology of the plot is slightly changed. Just a thought.

Oh, I almost forgot!

The illustrations in this book are drawn by children themselves and they are just marvellous. Every sketch depicted the scene perfectly. I cannot tell you how much I loved them. Perhaps, even more than the book itself.

Anyway, as I said afore, it is a great book for children. Especially with the illustrations, children will connect more to it. And if you are a J.K.Rowling fan, you should read it despite this review.

I give The Ickabog 3 stars out of 5.

So, what do you say?

Is this your next book?

Comment and let me know.

Next, on my reading list, I have The Girl Who Drank The Moon. See you soon again!

Love,

Nikki.