Author(s): Lauren Oliver
Illustrator(s): Kei Acedera
Edition: ARC, 307 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's
Edition: ARC, 307 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Source: Won in a giveaway
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository
That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
The first thing that struck me while reading is the atmosphere of the book. It is hard to explain, but the whole thing mixed together in such a way that screamed traditional fairy tale, like a modern Hans Christen Anderson. I loved it. There is a constant fog hanging over everything, which gives even the happiest moments a sense of loneliness. This goes so well with Liesl because she is an orphan. Her father has died and she's under the rule of her evil step-mother (sound familiar?). She only has one wish: to be reunited with her father. This is where Po comes in.
Po is my favorite character. He (well It) is a ghost visting from the afterlife. Liesl is able to see him and with It's help, escapes her step-mother and goes on a guest to see her father. Po is interesting in that It doesn't remember if It is a boy or a girl (of course I read It as a boy). I think this makes the character that much more removed from Liesl's world.
As the plot continues, several different characters become invested in the outcome of Liesl's journey all for separate reasons. With each additional character comes more trouble for Liesl and Po. While reading I held my breath at several places, waiting for Liesl to escape the danger she was in. Of course, as with fairy tales, things work out...well in one way or another .
A really great story, Liesl & Po can be enjoyed by the young and the old, one of the benefits to being a classic story. As always, Lauren Oliver knocks it out of the park, writing one more book you'll want to add to your collection.
Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 45/50: A-
Source: Won in a giveaway
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository
The Summary
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Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
My Opinion
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Most of us know and love Lauren Oliver for her young adult books: Before I Fall, Delirium, and Pandemonium. But did you know she wrote an awesome middle grade book? Liesl & Po has everything a fairy tale needs, and is a fun, fast read for the younger set.The first thing that struck me while reading is the atmosphere of the book. It is hard to explain, but the whole thing mixed together in such a way that screamed traditional fairy tale, like a modern Hans Christen Anderson. I loved it. There is a constant fog hanging over everything, which gives even the happiest moments a sense of loneliness. This goes so well with Liesl because she is an orphan. Her father has died and she's under the rule of her evil step-mother (sound familiar?). She only has one wish: to be reunited with her father. This is where Po comes in.
Po is my favorite character. He (well It) is a ghost visting from the afterlife. Liesl is able to see him and with It's help, escapes her step-mother and goes on a guest to see her father. Po is interesting in that It doesn't remember if It is a boy or a girl (of course I read It as a boy). I think this makes the character that much more removed from Liesl's world.
As the plot continues, several different characters become invested in the outcome of Liesl's journey all for separate reasons. With each additional character comes more trouble for Liesl and Po. While reading I held my breath at several places, waiting for Liesl to escape the danger she was in. Of course, as with fairy tales, things work out...well in one way or another .
A really great story, Liesl & Po can be enjoyed by the young and the old, one of the benefits to being a classic story. As always, Lauren Oliver knocks it out of the park, writing one more book you'll want to add to your collection.
Extras
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Book Trailer
Book Trailer
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 5/5Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 45/50: A-
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