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The Luck Uglies #1
The Luck Uglies
The first in a series with the makings of a modern classic, The Luck Uglies is an irresistible cross between Chris Colfer's Land of Stories series and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon, overflowing with adventure, secrets, friendship, and magic.
Rye O'Chanter has seen a lot of strange things happen in Village Children are chased through the streets. Families are fined for breaking laws that don't even exist. Girls aren't allowed to read anymore, and certain books—books that hold secrets about Drowning's past—have been outlawed altogether.
Now a terrifying encounter has eleven-year-old Rye convinced that the monstrous, supposedly extinct Bog Noblins have returned. Before the monsters disappeared, there was only one way to defeat them—the Luck Uglies. But the Luck Uglies have long since been exiled, and there's nobody left who can protect the village.
As Rye dives into Drowning's maze of secrets, rules, and lies, she begins to question everything she's been told about the village's legend of outlaws and beasts . . . and what she'll discover is that it may take a villain to save them from the monsters.
This critically acclaimed debut middle grade novel was named an ALA Notable Book and a New York Public Library Title for Reading and Sharing and won the Cybil Award for Middle Grade Speculative Fiction and a Sunshine State Young Readers Award.
Rye O'Chanter has seen a lot of strange things happen in Village Children are chased through the streets. Families are fined for breaking laws that don't even exist. Girls aren't allowed to read anymore, and certain books—books that hold secrets about Drowning's past—have been outlawed altogether.
Now a terrifying encounter has eleven-year-old Rye convinced that the monstrous, supposedly extinct Bog Noblins have returned. Before the monsters disappeared, there was only one way to defeat them—the Luck Uglies. But the Luck Uglies have long since been exiled, and there's nobody left who can protect the village.
As Rye dives into Drowning's maze of secrets, rules, and lies, she begins to question everything she's been told about the village's legend of outlaws and beasts . . . and what she'll discover is that it may take a villain to save them from the monsters.
This critically acclaimed debut middle grade novel was named an ALA Notable Book and a New York Public Library Title for Reading and Sharing and won the Cybil Award for Middle Grade Speculative Fiction and a Sunshine State Young Readers Award.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2014
159 people are currently reading
4541 people want to read
About the author
Paul Durham
11 books164 followersPaul Durham was raised in Massachusetts and attended college and law school in Boston. He now lives in New Hampshire with his wife, two daughters, and an enormous, bushy creature the local animal shelter identified as a cat. He writes in an abandoned chicken coop at the edge of a swamp and keeps a tiny porcelain frog in his pocket for good luck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
March 2, 2014
Got this one early from the publisher for a possible blurb and was kind of expecting not to read it because I was freaking out about school and other silly things at the time. Buuuut then I picked it up anyway and I completely loved it. I don't remember what I wrote in the blurb exactly, but it was something along the lines of "funny and action-y and magical" and that's what this book is. Also, awesome and light-hearted and original. Also, MG, which is always good. You should read it. :)
July 26, 2014
***This mini-review has also been posted on The Social Potato
Actual Rating 3.5
The Luck Uglies was a fantabulous novel and while I absolutely adored it and probably even loved it, I cannot bring myself to give it more stars for the reason that at times, it was BORING. And the fact it was boring was not really the book’s fault. A weird thing to say, right? I’ll come back to this.
The Drowning Village is currently ruled by Earl Longchance, who quite simply put... is a douchebag. He has rules that make it hard for women to become educated even though elsewhere in the world (this book is set in) women have those freedoms. He’s also more about the money than he is about actually helping the villagers out but most of them don’t mind all of this because their fear of the Bog Noblins.
The world building in this book is fantastic. The author paints this world that I can imagine so vividly. I can imagine myself trying to jump over the rooftops, I can imagine myself trying to hide in the secret tunnel, I can imagine myself roaming around the village and I can even imagine the forest with all of its secrets.
Quinn is a character that is quite easy to adore but her friends on the other hand, not so much. It’s not that her friends aren't great, it’s just that I don’t think we were around them enough for me to develop any sort of fondness for them. Harmless on the other hand though. He is so bloody charmastic. I really just wanted to tackle hug him half the time. And his name isn’t actually Harmless, you should know that but you’ll find the story behind that one humorous.
Getting back to what I mentioned in the beginning, I think it was the 3rd person narrative that ended up causing problems for me. It’s funny because I don’t usually have that many problems with this kind of narrative but it really did make it harder for me to completely devour the book. There were just times I would drift off and then would have to re-read a page because I would have no idea what had just happened and that ultimately made it hard for me to give this book a higher rating.
I really do think this is a book everyone should give it a shot, especially if you, like me, miss those marvelous fantasy books you used to read as a kid. Or really, if you just want a fun fantasy to read. Do it for the Luck Uglies!!! They wear masks… and are supposed criminals.
Actual Rating 3.5
The Luck Uglies was a fantabulous novel and while I absolutely adored it and probably even loved it, I cannot bring myself to give it more stars for the reason that at times, it was BORING. And the fact it was boring was not really the book’s fault. A weird thing to say, right? I’ll come back to this.
The Drowning Village is currently ruled by Earl Longchance, who quite simply put... is a douchebag. He has rules that make it hard for women to become educated even though elsewhere in the world (this book is set in) women have those freedoms. He’s also more about the money than he is about actually helping the villagers out but most of them don’t mind all of this because their fear of the Bog Noblins.
The world building in this book is fantastic. The author paints this world that I can imagine so vividly. I can imagine myself trying to jump over the rooftops, I can imagine myself trying to hide in the secret tunnel, I can imagine myself roaming around the village and I can even imagine the forest with all of its secrets.
Quinn is a character that is quite easy to adore but her friends on the other hand, not so much. It’s not that her friends aren't great, it’s just that I don’t think we were around them enough for me to develop any sort of fondness for them. Harmless on the other hand though. He is so bloody charmastic. I really just wanted to tackle hug him half the time. And his name isn’t actually Harmless, you should know that but you’ll find the story behind that one humorous.
Getting back to what I mentioned in the beginning, I think it was the 3rd person narrative that ended up causing problems for me. It’s funny because I don’t usually have that many problems with this kind of narrative but it really did make it harder for me to completely devour the book. There were just times I would drift off and then would have to re-read a page because I would have no idea what had just happened and that ultimately made it hard for me to give this book a higher rating.
I really do think this is a book everyone should give it a shot, especially if you, like me, miss those marvelous fantasy books you used to read as a kid. Or really, if you just want a fun fantasy to read. Do it for the Luck Uglies!!! They wear masks… and are supposed criminals.
February 16, 2014
Originally published on my blog: Views from the Tesseract
http://shanshad1.wordpress.com/2014/0...
I don’t often open reviews with the first line, but in this case, I think it’s my favorite first line of the year so far.
“Rye and her two friends had never intended to steal the banned book from the Angry Poet–they’d just hoped to read it.”
First lines are like the first bite of food in a meal. They give you an instant impression of what the book will be like, sound like and feel like. While a great first line does guarantee a great book, a good first line can be quite a boon to a book. The moment I read this line I found myself relaxing into the story, recognizing I was in for a fun and furious ride. The Luck Uglies is a fantastic adventure of urban fantasy for middle grade readers that welcomes its audience in and brings readers along the rooftops and down into the tunnels and everywhere in between. Delicious, filling, and has got me asking for seconds!
Rye O’Chanter and her family live in the town of Drowning, a placed ruled by the oppressive and petty Earl Longchance. Rye’s nature is such that she cares nothing for the Earl’s laws (such as the one about women not reading) and is more than willing to break such rules–especially when there’s a chance to read a book that the Earl has banned. But now trouble has come back to Drowning. Monsters known as Bog Noblins have returned to the town, and pose a danger to everyone. Rye knows only the legendary Luck Uglies can defeat these monsters–but even if she finds this notorious secret society, will they help Drowning this time?
Sometimes names in a book are simply there and the readers won’t particularly note or notice them. Other times the names clash or wind up feeling inappropriate for the character or book. In rare instances, a book can take the names and run with them. Paul Durham’s book manages to succeed with names on a level I’ve only seen with a few other authors–including my personal favorite, Terry Pratchett. Let me just list a few of the names for characters and places you’ll find in the book: Morningwig Long Chance, The Dead Fish Inn, Bog Noblins, Rye O’Chanter, Harmless, Folly Flood. In another book, the names would feel out of place, oddly comical. Here they fit and light up the text, giving it character and a sense of earthy whimsy.
For a debut story this is great stuff. Heck, it’s great stuff no matter what. Vividly drawn characters and a setting that is as much a character in its own right. Interestingly, this is also a family story of sorts. Granted, Rye’s family is a very odd one indeed, but that just makes it more of a reading adventure. In some ways this tale remains fairly straight forward, our worst villain is obvious from the start–there’s no gray area when it comes to Earl Longchance, he’s as nasty as Prince Humperdink. While I think the adventure and fun of the tale are firmly middle grade, there is some rather startling violence in the story. (for instance, a man getting his arm bitten off) that might be a bit much for some readers. Despite the light-hearted feel of the story there is still some truly frightening stuff going on.
For all that, it’s going to be the characters that win out for me. Especially Rye’s toddler sister, Lottie who seems to have a dangerous love of swords and pointy objects. This story is presented up front as the first in a trilogy and I for one will be looking forward to the next volume!
Read-alikes:
Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett (HarperCollins, 2003)
Goblins by Philip Reeve (Scholastic, 2013)
The Vengekeep Prophecies by Brian Farrey (HarperCollins, 2012)
Note: An advanced reader copy was provided by the publisher.
http://shanshad1.wordpress.com/2014/0...
I don’t often open reviews with the first line, but in this case, I think it’s my favorite first line of the year so far.
“Rye and her two friends had never intended to steal the banned book from the Angry Poet–they’d just hoped to read it.”
First lines are like the first bite of food in a meal. They give you an instant impression of what the book will be like, sound like and feel like. While a great first line does guarantee a great book, a good first line can be quite a boon to a book. The moment I read this line I found myself relaxing into the story, recognizing I was in for a fun and furious ride. The Luck Uglies is a fantastic adventure of urban fantasy for middle grade readers that welcomes its audience in and brings readers along the rooftops and down into the tunnels and everywhere in between. Delicious, filling, and has got me asking for seconds!
Rye O’Chanter and her family live in the town of Drowning, a placed ruled by the oppressive and petty Earl Longchance. Rye’s nature is such that she cares nothing for the Earl’s laws (such as the one about women not reading) and is more than willing to break such rules–especially when there’s a chance to read a book that the Earl has banned. But now trouble has come back to Drowning. Monsters known as Bog Noblins have returned to the town, and pose a danger to everyone. Rye knows only the legendary Luck Uglies can defeat these monsters–but even if she finds this notorious secret society, will they help Drowning this time?
Sometimes names in a book are simply there and the readers won’t particularly note or notice them. Other times the names clash or wind up feeling inappropriate for the character or book. In rare instances, a book can take the names and run with them. Paul Durham’s book manages to succeed with names on a level I’ve only seen with a few other authors–including my personal favorite, Terry Pratchett. Let me just list a few of the names for characters and places you’ll find in the book: Morningwig Long Chance, The Dead Fish Inn, Bog Noblins, Rye O’Chanter, Harmless, Folly Flood. In another book, the names would feel out of place, oddly comical. Here they fit and light up the text, giving it character and a sense of earthy whimsy.
For a debut story this is great stuff. Heck, it’s great stuff no matter what. Vividly drawn characters and a setting that is as much a character in its own right. Interestingly, this is also a family story of sorts. Granted, Rye’s family is a very odd one indeed, but that just makes it more of a reading adventure. In some ways this tale remains fairly straight forward, our worst villain is obvious from the start–there’s no gray area when it comes to Earl Longchance, he’s as nasty as Prince Humperdink. While I think the adventure and fun of the tale are firmly middle grade, there is some rather startling violence in the story. (for instance, a man getting his arm bitten off) that might be a bit much for some readers. Despite the light-hearted feel of the story there is still some truly frightening stuff going on.
For all that, it’s going to be the characters that win out for me. Especially Rye’s toddler sister, Lottie who seems to have a dangerous love of swords and pointy objects. This story is presented up front as the first in a trilogy and I for one will be looking forward to the next volume!
Read-alikes:
Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett (HarperCollins, 2003)
Goblins by Philip Reeve (Scholastic, 2013)
The Vengekeep Prophecies by Brian Farrey (HarperCollins, 2012)
Note: An advanced reader copy was provided by the publisher.
January 17, 2015
It's been a while since a book pulled me through itself as rapidly as Paul Durham's The Luck Uglies. Lately, I've been reading a lot of material because I felt that I ought to, or needed to know about it, or required it for research. I have been wanted to get to The Luck Uglies since I first spotted Petur Antonsson's wonderful cover, but as time wore on, I was worried that it wouldn't hold up. I needn't have. The book starts beautifully--with a rooftop chase--and it's all uphill from there!
Durham has done a magnificent job constructing the fictional world of Village Drowning and has peopled it with a wonderful cast of characters. 11 year old Rye O'Chanter lives by a set of rhyming rules, rules which don't quite mesh with the law as laid down by Earl Morningwig Longchance. When Rye accidentally breaks one of hers, she has an encounter with a horrifying creature. It seems the Bog Noblins have returned! Unfortunately, the Earl has driven out the only group capable of defeating them, the mysterious and possibly criminal Luck Uglies. Rye sets off to learn about the truth about Luck Uglies, though the answers are closer to home than she could have predicted.
This is a delightful fantasy adventure set in a quasi-medieval village, light on the magic but high on the adventure, that digs deeper than the usual good verses evil dichotomies to ask questions about the nature of monsters and outcasts. The world building is top notch, the pace brisk, the balance of humor and tension perfect, and the pay off most satisfying. If I have any quibbles, they're not worth sharing. It's been too long since I enjoyed a work this much. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. I started my son on it the day after I finished, and he loves it as well! I preordered The Luck Uglies #2: Fork-Tongue Charmers immediately upon reading THE END. It can't get here soon enough.
Durham has done a magnificent job constructing the fictional world of Village Drowning and has peopled it with a wonderful cast of characters. 11 year old Rye O'Chanter lives by a set of rhyming rules, rules which don't quite mesh with the law as laid down by Earl Morningwig Longchance. When Rye accidentally breaks one of hers, she has an encounter with a horrifying creature. It seems the Bog Noblins have returned! Unfortunately, the Earl has driven out the only group capable of defeating them, the mysterious and possibly criminal Luck Uglies. Rye sets off to learn about the truth about Luck Uglies, though the answers are closer to home than she could have predicted.
This is a delightful fantasy adventure set in a quasi-medieval village, light on the magic but high on the adventure, that digs deeper than the usual good verses evil dichotomies to ask questions about the nature of monsters and outcasts. The world building is top notch, the pace brisk, the balance of humor and tension perfect, and the pay off most satisfying. If I have any quibbles, they're not worth sharing. It's been too long since I enjoyed a work this much. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. I started my son on it the day after I finished, and he loves it as well! I preordered The Luck Uglies #2: Fork-Tongue Charmers immediately upon reading THE END. It can't get here soon enough.
February 17, 2022
The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham.
I can't begin to say how much I loved this book! It was amazing, one of the best I've ever read.
I knew I'd like this book the first time I saw it a couple of months ago. But I was not expecting it to be this good, and for me to like it as much as I did. It has a marvelous beginning, well written and nicely thought out. It was cute, quite funny, and I loved the illustrations for each chapter. It had a good plot, a character I can do nothing but like, and I thought it was just a wonderful world to step into. The author did a great job; he should be really proud. I didn't get enough of this book. And the ending was amazing! it was cute, kind of funny, and I loved every word. I can't think of a better ending for this book.
I really can't say I found anything wrong with it. It was well written and well thought out. Maybe I was too caught up in the book to pay closer attention, but I don't have any problems with the book.
Like I said, I honestly can't say I didn't like any of the characters, but I think Rye and Harmless were me favorites, and Nightshade Fur Bottom O'Chanter (A.K.A Shady).
I love this book, and this is going to be the first time I have ever done this, or might ever do this again, but I'm going to give this book a 10. You really have to read this book!
Enjoy!
I can't begin to say how much I loved this book! It was amazing, one of the best I've ever read.
I knew I'd like this book the first time I saw it a couple of months ago. But I was not expecting it to be this good, and for me to like it as much as I did. It has a marvelous beginning, well written and nicely thought out. It was cute, quite funny, and I loved the illustrations for each chapter. It had a good plot, a character I can do nothing but like, and I thought it was just a wonderful world to step into. The author did a great job; he should be really proud. I didn't get enough of this book. And the ending was amazing! it was cute, kind of funny, and I loved every word. I can't think of a better ending for this book.
I really can't say I found anything wrong with it. It was well written and well thought out. Maybe I was too caught up in the book to pay closer attention, but I don't have any problems with the book.
Like I said, I honestly can't say I didn't like any of the characters, but I think Rye and Harmless were me favorites, and Nightshade Fur Bottom O'Chanter (A.K.A Shady).
I love this book, and this is going to be the first time I have ever done this, or might ever do this again, but I'm going to give this book a 10. You really have to read this book!
Enjoy!
August 5, 2017
I picked up this book the other night for my son, the cover art looked just like something he would choose. He however is busy finishing a different book and I needed something to read so I began to read it...and finish it...in less than 24 hours. Yes, the laundry was calling to me but it could wait; I had to know what Rye O'Chanter was up to next!
I love books that feel new but familiar all at the same time. I felt that way with Harry Potter, Fablehaven, Gregor the Overlander and now The Luck Uglies.
An easy but exciting and fun read with plenty of adventure, new ideas and characters.
As soon as I finished I went online to find more Paul Durham books only to be disappointed there's not more of his literature to read (yet!) Hurry please Mr. Durham!!
I love books that feel new but familiar all at the same time. I felt that way with Harry Potter, Fablehaven, Gregor the Overlander and now The Luck Uglies.
An easy but exciting and fun read with plenty of adventure, new ideas and characters.
As soon as I finished I went online to find more Paul Durham books only to be disappointed there's not more of his literature to read (yet!) Hurry please Mr. Durham!!
January 18, 2015
http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.nl/2...
This charming middle grade is compared to Stefan Bachmann – The peculiar and I can see why. It has the same tone to it, with it’s mystery around the notorious group that is called ‘The luck Uglies.’ and the appearance of a dangerous beast. I think this book has a lot to offer to both adult as children.
Rye and her sister grow up with a couple of rules to keep them safe from monsters, even when they are brushed away as scary bed time stories and rumors. Until Rye comes face to face with one of them, a Bog Noblin, and the whole village falls apart. There is only one hope for them and that is the return from The Luck Uglies.
I quite liked Rye and I think she will make a good example for children. She listens to her mother, but she also shows that a little rebellion isn’t so bad. It shows that you also have to think for yourself and that it’s okay to make mistakes. She might be afraid of things, but she is brave enough to conquer her fears. This is how she starts an unique relationship with the mysterious ‘friend’ from her mother. It's quite obvious what his role is in the story, but that wasn't a problem to me.
The writing-style is pretty youthful, but there was never a point where the story became childish; it made the book just very easy and quick to devour. It’s not a book I would buy for myself, but I still downloaded the sequel from Edelweiss. The mystery around the Bog Noblin and the luck Uglies was interesting enough to make me continue this series. I would recommend to read this one is you look for something entertaining that doesn't acquire too much attention.
This charming middle grade is compared to Stefan Bachmann – The peculiar and I can see why. It has the same tone to it, with it’s mystery around the notorious group that is called ‘The luck Uglies.’ and the appearance of a dangerous beast. I think this book has a lot to offer to both adult as children.
Rye and her sister grow up with a couple of rules to keep them safe from monsters, even when they are brushed away as scary bed time stories and rumors. Until Rye comes face to face with one of them, a Bog Noblin, and the whole village falls apart. There is only one hope for them and that is the return from The Luck Uglies.
I quite liked Rye and I think she will make a good example for children. She listens to her mother, but she also shows that a little rebellion isn’t so bad. It shows that you also have to think for yourself and that it’s okay to make mistakes. She might be afraid of things, but she is brave enough to conquer her fears. This is how she starts an unique relationship with the mysterious ‘friend’ from her mother. It's quite obvious what his role is in the story, but that wasn't a problem to me.
The writing-style is pretty youthful, but there was never a point where the story became childish; it made the book just very easy and quick to devour. It’s not a book I would buy for myself, but I still downloaded the sequel from Edelweiss. The mystery around the Bog Noblin and the luck Uglies was interesting enough to make me continue this series. I would recommend to read this one is you look for something entertaining that doesn't acquire too much attention.
July 22, 2014
I loved it. There are gruesome goblins (not too scary) and awesome adventures to pull the reader along and develop the characters (whom I loved). The good characters are a little bad and the bad ones a bit good. The families are (almost all) solid and protective and reassuring (this may make it sound boring and it was NOT). Warm and fuzzy in some places and scary and exciting in others, in just the right combination. I can't wait for the next one.
March 28, 2016
I normally don't read tween books, but this one caught my attention on our libraries website. I requested this along with 3 others. I have to admit. I really enjoyed this. Great action to hold a young adults attention and leaving them wanting more. I don't know if I will follow up with the rest of the series, but this is a great start.
December 14, 2013
Received this early from the publishers and found it to be an original fantastical read . Loved the characters set in a world of dark secrets , strange creatures, danger and adventure. Suitable for young teens and anyone else who loves a good tale Looking forward to reading more :)
January 20, 2020
„Die Ungeheuerlichen – Das Böse ist auf deiner Seite“ von Paul Durham ist ein Buch für junge Leser ab 11 Jahren. Das würde ich so ebenfalls beurteilen. Es ist ein spannendes Abenteuer mit einer wirklich unheimlich neugierigen Protagonistin, die es faustdick hinter den Ohren hat aber auch ein großes Herz besitzt und eine ganze Menge Mut beweist.
Obwohl es ein Buch für eher junge Leser ist hat mir hier die gesamte mittelalterliche Szenerie sehr gefallen und die Geschichte rund um Mythen, Monster und der Gemeinschaft rund um die Ungeheuerlichen fand ich toll mit Riley und ihrer familiären Geschichte und eben der Situation rund um ihre Heimatstadt Morderfurt inszeniert und umgesetzt.
Für mich persönlich war dieses Buch eine wirklich runde, spannende und abenteuerliche Geschichte mit einem richtig tollen setting und einer kleinen Heldin, die ich einfach lieb gewonnen habe!
Obwohl es ein Buch für eher junge Leser ist hat mir hier die gesamte mittelalterliche Szenerie sehr gefallen und die Geschichte rund um Mythen, Monster und der Gemeinschaft rund um die Ungeheuerlichen fand ich toll mit Riley und ihrer familiären Geschichte und eben der Situation rund um ihre Heimatstadt Morderfurt inszeniert und umgesetzt.
Für mich persönlich war dieses Buch eine wirklich runde, spannende und abenteuerliche Geschichte mit einem richtig tollen setting und einer kleinen Heldin, die ich einfach lieb gewonnen habe!
March 27, 2014
Bursting with adventure, charming fantasy elements, plucky characters, and irresistible wit, The Luck Uglies is a fantastically fun first book in Paul Durham’s debut middle-grade trilogy!
Eleven year old Rye O’Chanter doesn’t really believe in the nasty, man-eating Bog Noblins...until she has a terrifying encounter with one. Now, Village Drowning is in danger from these devilish beasts, and their only hope may lie in their biggest outlaws: the Luck Uglies. A band of rogue “criminals”, who saved the village from the last Bog Noblin attack, the Luck Uglies have been banished by the greedy Earl Longchance. But with the appearance of a mysterious stranger called Harmless, Rye discovers there’s more to the Luck Uglies, Bog Noblins, and maybe even her own family.
The Luck Uglies was such a delightfully exciting page-turner! Paul Durham has spun a wholly captivating and engaging story that young readers won’t be able to put down. Gruesome beasts, thrilling outlaws, secret tunnels, frightening dungeons, enchantments, oh my! This book has it all and then some!
Fast-paced and full of breathtaking action and chills, this is an easy book to devour. Durham weaves together familiar fantasy elements, smart sparkling storytelling, and unforgettable characters to create something truly magical. With an enchanting voice and whimsical atmosphere, The Luck Uglies captures that special something middle-grade readers crave. Village Drowning appears, at first, like an ordinary medieval village, but holds many enthralling, surprising, and kooky secrets. With wildly fun street/store/place names and eccentric inhabitants, Village Drowning makes for a wonderful setting. I loved traversing the village’s streets (and roofs and hidden underground passages!) with Rye and her friends.
Durham’s large cast of characters provide endless entertainment! From the heroic to the outlandish, from the endearing to fun to hate, from the laugh-out-loud funny to the entirely unexpected, there’s so much to love about these eclectic band of characters. Rye is the perfect mix of fun, clever, compassionate, brave, and troublemaker, and with her two best friends, sweet Quinn and feisty, impossible-not-to-love Folly, they make an irresistible and dynamic trio. And of course, the gruesome, terrifying, vile Bog Noblins make for spectacularly spooky enemies...although, the real villain of the story may just surprise you ;)
My Final Thoughts: I enjoyed every moment of this wildly fun adventure-fantasy and cannot wait for book two! The Luck Uglies and Paul Durham are fantastic additions to the world of middle-grade fantasy.
Eleven year old Rye O’Chanter doesn’t really believe in the nasty, man-eating Bog Noblins...until she has a terrifying encounter with one. Now, Village Drowning is in danger from these devilish beasts, and their only hope may lie in their biggest outlaws: the Luck Uglies. A band of rogue “criminals”, who saved the village from the last Bog Noblin attack, the Luck Uglies have been banished by the greedy Earl Longchance. But with the appearance of a mysterious stranger called Harmless, Rye discovers there’s more to the Luck Uglies, Bog Noblins, and maybe even her own family.
The Luck Uglies was such a delightfully exciting page-turner! Paul Durham has spun a wholly captivating and engaging story that young readers won’t be able to put down. Gruesome beasts, thrilling outlaws, secret tunnels, frightening dungeons, enchantments, oh my! This book has it all and then some!
Fast-paced and full of breathtaking action and chills, this is an easy book to devour. Durham weaves together familiar fantasy elements, smart sparkling storytelling, and unforgettable characters to create something truly magical. With an enchanting voice and whimsical atmosphere, The Luck Uglies captures that special something middle-grade readers crave. Village Drowning appears, at first, like an ordinary medieval village, but holds many enthralling, surprising, and kooky secrets. With wildly fun street/store/place names and eccentric inhabitants, Village Drowning makes for a wonderful setting. I loved traversing the village’s streets (and roofs and hidden underground passages!) with Rye and her friends.
Durham’s large cast of characters provide endless entertainment! From the heroic to the outlandish, from the endearing to fun to hate, from the laugh-out-loud funny to the entirely unexpected, there’s so much to love about these eclectic band of characters. Rye is the perfect mix of fun, clever, compassionate, brave, and troublemaker, and with her two best friends, sweet Quinn and feisty, impossible-not-to-love Folly, they make an irresistible and dynamic trio. And of course, the gruesome, terrifying, vile Bog Noblins make for spectacularly spooky enemies...although, the real villain of the story may just surprise you ;)
My Final Thoughts: I enjoyed every moment of this wildly fun adventure-fantasy and cannot wait for book two! The Luck Uglies and Paul Durham are fantastic additions to the world of middle-grade fantasy.
November 14, 2014
This book offers readers a very complex and capricious story line. It manages to couple just the right amounts of magic, whimsy, action, and suspense that great middle grade books need to both capture and cultivate the imaginations of younger audiences.
Rye is a girl who, is in and out of so many adventures, so much of the time, that it is very clear that she is not one to be confined by prescribed limits upon her gender.
In fact, she gets so much done in such a gung ho fashion, and proves to be such a great leader that one tends not to see gender at all.
The O'Chanter clan is a rather unorthodox one to say the least, and kudos must be given to the fact that much of the mystery and intrigue that occurs in the first half of the book is as a result of Rye's being out to solve mysteries supplied by none other than her mother, one Abbey O'Chanter.
If that adventure isn't enough to quench your thirst for adventure, there are a myriad of others.
It seems that the dreaded Bog Noblins, (a troll-like creature with a penchant for necklaces made of human feet)have wandered into the town of Drowning. Her mother has brought a strange but very likable man named Harmless home.
And...
There is talk that the Luck Uglies are coming to regain their former glory as saviors of the town; by banishing the dreaded Bog Noblins forever.
That is despite the best efforts of one very tyrannical ruler in the form of Earl Longchance.
No adventure would be complete without a host of colorful supporting characters, and intricate settings. This read has both in spades.
From the raw and rowdy Dead Fish Inn, to the dark and dank marsh of The Bog. The settings offer just the right backdrop for whatever action is afoot, at just the right time.
As far as a cast of characters go...
The likes of these can't be beat. Whether it be human, animal, or monster, each adds a flavor or nuance to the overall work that would be sorely missed without it.
A most outstanding example of this can be found in Shady, the O'chanters' cat. He proves just as efficient at finding mayhem and mischief as his adventurous mistress, and comes complete with some very surprising secrets of his own.
This is the first offering of what this reviewer is sure will be a wonderful series for young and old alike.
That perfect new adventure ready to be embarked upon.
Rye is a girl who, is in and out of so many adventures, so much of the time, that it is very clear that she is not one to be confined by prescribed limits upon her gender.
In fact, she gets so much done in such a gung ho fashion, and proves to be such a great leader that one tends not to see gender at all.
The O'Chanter clan is a rather unorthodox one to say the least, and kudos must be given to the fact that much of the mystery and intrigue that occurs in the first half of the book is as a result of Rye's being out to solve mysteries supplied by none other than her mother, one Abbey O'Chanter.
If that adventure isn't enough to quench your thirst for adventure, there are a myriad of others.
It seems that the dreaded Bog Noblins, (a troll-like creature with a penchant for necklaces made of human feet)have wandered into the town of Drowning. Her mother has brought a strange but very likable man named Harmless home.
And...
There is talk that the Luck Uglies are coming to regain their former glory as saviors of the town; by banishing the dreaded Bog Noblins forever.
That is despite the best efforts of one very tyrannical ruler in the form of Earl Longchance.
No adventure would be complete without a host of colorful supporting characters, and intricate settings. This read has both in spades.
From the raw and rowdy Dead Fish Inn, to the dark and dank marsh of The Bog. The settings offer just the right backdrop for whatever action is afoot, at just the right time.
As far as a cast of characters go...
The likes of these can't be beat. Whether it be human, animal, or monster, each adds a flavor or nuance to the overall work that would be sorely missed without it.
A most outstanding example of this can be found in Shady, the O'chanters' cat. He proves just as efficient at finding mayhem and mischief as his adventurous mistress, and comes complete with some very surprising secrets of his own.
This is the first offering of what this reviewer is sure will be a wonderful series for young and old alike.
That perfect new adventure ready to be embarked upon.
September 27, 2014
"The Luck Uglies", is a fantasy for the child in all of us. Paul Durham's fantastical world has a great young female character, nasty villains, monsters, a little magic, an evil Earl and plenty of secrets and mysteries to discover. It's a perfectly splendid fantasy read.
My daughter, who is not even a fantasy fan, loved this book. Most of the characters are not mere stick figures, but fleshed out people. Durham also pulls the reader along as his young character must unravel the mystery of her heritage and defeat a great evil. This is an adventure tale for middle school readers.
When we first meet Rye O' Chanter, the young heroic female main character, she and her friends have are on the run on the rooftops of the Village of Drowning because they have stolen a special book, which tells the secret story of Drowning. Durham uses the tales in this book to fill in the back story of the novel. Its a good technique. Rye lives with her mother, sister and cat and a bunch of rules. One of which is never to let the cat our of the house -- maybe there is more to the cat than meets the eye.
It is a time of trouble in the village. The evil Earl and his soldiers are flexing their muscle. The soldiers are threatening Rye's mother with special taxes. Then a young Bog Noblin, thought extinct, is captured and imprisoned by the Earl, who thinks he can keep the monster imprisoned. However this Bog Noblin is a mere baby. When the Bog Noblin's relatives come calling, the Earl and his troops will be faced with monsters twice as big and much more ferocious. The townfolk are afraid.
When Rye was a young girl, the Bog Noblin attacked Drowning, but the Luck Uglies, a criminal gang fought them off in alliance with the Earl. But the Earl turned on the Luck Uglies and forced them into hiding.
Now the peril to the town is dire and one of the Luck Uglies, a man Rye has befriended is in the castle dungeon. Rye must free him, open a secret door to the forest and use her wits and friends to save the town.
Paul Durham's best is plenty good for me.
My daughter, who is not even a fantasy fan, loved this book. Most of the characters are not mere stick figures, but fleshed out people. Durham also pulls the reader along as his young character must unravel the mystery of her heritage and defeat a great evil. This is an adventure tale for middle school readers.
When we first meet Rye O' Chanter, the young heroic female main character, she and her friends have are on the run on the rooftops of the Village of Drowning because they have stolen a special book, which tells the secret story of Drowning. Durham uses the tales in this book to fill in the back story of the novel. Its a good technique. Rye lives with her mother, sister and cat and a bunch of rules. One of which is never to let the cat our of the house -- maybe there is more to the cat than meets the eye.
It is a time of trouble in the village. The evil Earl and his soldiers are flexing their muscle. The soldiers are threatening Rye's mother with special taxes. Then a young Bog Noblin, thought extinct, is captured and imprisoned by the Earl, who thinks he can keep the monster imprisoned. However this Bog Noblin is a mere baby. When the Bog Noblin's relatives come calling, the Earl and his troops will be faced with monsters twice as big and much more ferocious. The townfolk are afraid.
When Rye was a young girl, the Bog Noblin attacked Drowning, but the Luck Uglies, a criminal gang fought them off in alliance with the Earl. But the Earl turned on the Luck Uglies and forced them into hiding.
Now the peril to the town is dire and one of the Luck Uglies, a man Rye has befriended is in the castle dungeon. Rye must free him, open a secret door to the forest and use her wits and friends to save the town.
Paul Durham's best is plenty good for me.
July 21, 2014
The first book in a trilogy, this fantasy is dark and marvelously filled with monsters. Rye has grown up in the worst part of Village Drowning. Her mother owns a shop in the market section of town where Rye helps out. Together with her two best friends, Rye begins to piece together the story of her family and her father. It all has to do with the monstrous Bog Noblins, creatures that are considered extinct but that Rye is convinced have returned to the village. The problem is that the only people who can defend the village against the monsters are the illegal Luck Uglies, a troupe of villains who had been driven from the village and are considered just as evil as the monsters. But all is not what it seems in Village Drowning as Rye is soon to discover.
Durham has crafted a fabulous fantasy for middle-grade readers. The book is filled with moments of real fear and true danger, making it ideal for that age. It also has plenty of humor along the way, usually involving Rye’s friends and family, allowing a lightness in the novel that is very appealing in such a dark novel. Durham has created a world in this book that is unique and fascinating but also pays homage to more traditional tales. This book slips neatly into European tales of monsters and goblins, yet still manages to be telling its own story.
Rye is a wonderful heroine. She is bright and inquisitive and immensely brave particularly when someone she loves is in danger. At the same time she is fully human, frightened at times, holding on tight to her own viewpoint, and learning to trust too. She is certainly not without flaws, but she is immensely likeable and exactly the person you want when the Bog Noblins return.
Dark, dangerous and delightful, this book is a strong new fantasy series for middle-grade readers. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
Durham has crafted a fabulous fantasy for middle-grade readers. The book is filled with moments of real fear and true danger, making it ideal for that age. It also has plenty of humor along the way, usually involving Rye’s friends and family, allowing a lightness in the novel that is very appealing in such a dark novel. Durham has created a world in this book that is unique and fascinating but also pays homage to more traditional tales. This book slips neatly into European tales of monsters and goblins, yet still manages to be telling its own story.
Rye is a wonderful heroine. She is bright and inquisitive and immensely brave particularly when someone she loves is in danger. At the same time she is fully human, frightened at times, holding on tight to her own viewpoint, and learning to trust too. She is certainly not without flaws, but she is immensely likeable and exactly the person you want when the Bog Noblins return.
Dark, dangerous and delightful, this book is a strong new fantasy series for middle-grade readers. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
June 2, 2014
Another great fantasy series for middle grade readers, The Luck Uglies starts with a bang as Rye, the main character debates the risks of jumping from roof to roof only to be frightened into it by a moving gargoyle. Rye is an appealing main character with appropriate strengths and weaknesses. I especially appreciated how she's not an athlete, in fact she's a bit clumsy, especially on rooftops. Rye's strength is her determination to help those she cares about. But she makes her share of mistakes, such as sneaking out on the Black Moon which leads to an encounter with a supposedly extinct Bog Noblin.
As Rye struggles to understand the numerous rumors about Bog Noblins and the Luck Uglies who fought them in the past, she discovers that family secrets play a much larger role in the whole mess than she could have ever imagined.
I liked the fact that Rye has a great mother who supports and protects her, despite keeping some rather important secrets. So many books of this type revolve around orphans that its rather refreshing to read one where the whole family is important. Yet Rye makes her own choices both good and bad in facing the possible destruction of everything she knows with a variety of consequences.
A great new series for middle grade readers who love fantasy such as Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. Rye is a herioine that you can't help but root for. I also really appreciated the fact that the book has a solid ending. While it's the first book in a trilogy, the ending is satisfying. I get so tired of fantasy series where the individual books don't end, they just stop. That isn't a problem here. A wonderful new book that I really enjoyed reading and can heartily recommend.
As Rye struggles to understand the numerous rumors about Bog Noblins and the Luck Uglies who fought them in the past, she discovers that family secrets play a much larger role in the whole mess than she could have ever imagined.
I liked the fact that Rye has a great mother who supports and protects her, despite keeping some rather important secrets. So many books of this type revolve around orphans that its rather refreshing to read one where the whole family is important. Yet Rye makes her own choices both good and bad in facing the possible destruction of everything she knows with a variety of consequences.
A great new series for middle grade readers who love fantasy such as Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. Rye is a herioine that you can't help but root for. I also really appreciated the fact that the book has a solid ending. While it's the first book in a trilogy, the ending is satisfying. I get so tired of fantasy series where the individual books don't end, they just stop. That isn't a problem here. A wonderful new book that I really enjoyed reading and can heartily recommend.
December 25, 2014
This is a great adventure tale, steeped in lore and legend. This was a bedtime read aloud for my 11-year old, and we both really enjoyed it. Here's what I liked about it:
**I love Rye, the smart and brave heroine of the story.
**I love the dynamic between her and Harmless. The moments between the two of them were some of the best in the book. The epilogue gave this book just the right ending.
**It was refreshing to see that many of the characters were not really all good or all bad. It was easy to feel empathy for most of the characters in the book, even some of the really bad ones like Malydia.
**I love the gloaming beast Diffrydown! ;-)
**I love the unique lore and legends that fill this book and look forward to seeing how these things play out in the next books.
**I can't wait to see what happens with Rye, Lolly and Quinn and their "special abilities" in the next two books.
We are definitely looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy and would highly recommend this series to tweens who love adventure. A word of warning though...this may not be a good choice for children who are sensitive to violence. There are some gory battle scenes described with the Bog Noblins (Think Lord of the Ring Orcs). In short, the Bog Noblins enjoy devouring humans and wearing necklaces made from their feet. The author doesn't go into too much detail but knowing this certainly increases the level of suspense.
4.5/5 stars
**I love Rye, the smart and brave heroine of the story.
**I love the dynamic between her and Harmless. The moments between the two of them were some of the best in the book. The epilogue gave this book just the right ending.
**It was refreshing to see that many of the characters were not really all good or all bad. It was easy to feel empathy for most of the characters in the book, even some of the really bad ones like Malydia.
**I love the gloaming beast Diffrydown! ;-)
**I love the unique lore and legends that fill this book and look forward to seeing how these things play out in the next books.
**I can't wait to see what happens with Rye, Lolly and Quinn and their "special abilities" in the next two books.
We are definitely looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy and would highly recommend this series to tweens who love adventure. A word of warning though...this may not be a good choice for children who are sensitive to violence. There are some gory battle scenes described with the Bog Noblins (Think Lord of the Ring Orcs). In short, the Bog Noblins enjoy devouring humans and wearing necklaces made from their feet. The author doesn't go into too much detail but knowing this certainly increases the level of suspense.
4.5/5 stars
October 29, 2014
The Luck Uglies, by Paul Durham, is a fantasy adventure whipped up and served with charm, humor, and excitement.
Rye O’Chanter, an eleven-year-old girl, lives with her family in Drowning, a village ruled by the arrogant and cruel Earl Longchance. But Longchance isn’t the only threat to Drowning. Terrifying monsters known as Bog Noblins are a danger, too, and only The Luck Uglies, a secret society banished from the village, are capable of stopping them.
When a Bog Noblin called Leatherleaf ventures into Drowning, villagers are split between wanting The Luck Uglies’ protection and calling on Longchance for his help.
Amid the chaos, Rye discovers secrets surrounding the history of Drowning that lead her to believe not everything is as it appears.
Even a Luck Ugly.
This book was a fun, easy read reminiscent of The Three Musketeers. Durham does a bang-up job with world building. With names like Old Salt Cross, Mud Puddle Lane, and Mutineer’s Alley, readers will be hard-pressed not to be completely immersed in Village Drowning.
Durham also introduces a cast of delightfully rounded characters that all have a definitive role throughout the story. Rye is a strong, willful, and vibrant character who carries the adventure over rooftops, through bogs, and into graveyards, never losing our need to know what will happen next.
Rye O’Chanter, an eleven-year-old girl, lives with her family in Drowning, a village ruled by the arrogant and cruel Earl Longchance. But Longchance isn’t the only threat to Drowning. Terrifying monsters known as Bog Noblins are a danger, too, and only The Luck Uglies, a secret society banished from the village, are capable of stopping them.
When a Bog Noblin called Leatherleaf ventures into Drowning, villagers are split between wanting The Luck Uglies’ protection and calling on Longchance for his help.
Amid the chaos, Rye discovers secrets surrounding the history of Drowning that lead her to believe not everything is as it appears.
Even a Luck Ugly.
This book was a fun, easy read reminiscent of The Three Musketeers. Durham does a bang-up job with world building. With names like Old Salt Cross, Mud Puddle Lane, and Mutineer’s Alley, readers will be hard-pressed not to be completely immersed in Village Drowning.
Durham also introduces a cast of delightfully rounded characters that all have a definitive role throughout the story. Rye is a strong, willful, and vibrant character who carries the adventure over rooftops, through bogs, and into graveyards, never losing our need to know what will happen next.
April 10, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads contest. I really
thought it was well written and I enjoyed reading. I originally entered the contest expecting my daughter the perfect age for the book would love it. For some reason, the title and cover though I think more the tittle bothered her. I am sure this would have pleased the Earl.
I really liked the main character, she was fun. Her family was also enjoyable and I really liked her interaction with Lottie.
There is quite a lot going on and multiple bad creatures/villains.
I liked Rye's friends, they didn't take up to much of the story but were fun when with Rye.
I read the book pretty quick which is more than not a sign I enjoyed it. My only issues would be that I guessed early on many of the things that were to happen, maybe a little to early to enjoy each of these twists. Of course I quite older than the intended audience and at that age they might be less obvious. I felt the book was a good size but possibly the last couple of chapter could have been longer and maybe cutting a little in the beginning if the book was to big.
That said I enjoyed the book s good deal and was never bored with the amount of action.
June 5, 2014
There are books we all hope to find that do more than simply tell a story. These books take us with them. They take us with them on the adventure and we feel like we know the world around us when we go. And these are rare treasures we keep and pass along. Author Paul Durham’s first MG/YA novel, The Luck Uglies, is one of those rare books.
An adventure and an introduction to Village Drowning and all its inhabitants, The Luck Uglies has a timeless feel, as if it might just as believably come from the hidden library in a castle as from the work of a modern writer. It is both clever, never underestimating the intelligence of the young reader, and exciting, never forgetting that everyone loves a good adventure. Durham weaves a tale that truly brings you into Rye O’Chanter’s strange and mysterious world. The story makes you wish the book would not end so you can uncover more secrets that promise to be hidden there.
An adventure and an introduction to Village Drowning and all its inhabitants, The Luck Uglies has a timeless feel, as if it might just as believably come from the hidden library in a castle as from the work of a modern writer. It is both clever, never underestimating the intelligence of the young reader, and exciting, never forgetting that everyone loves a good adventure. Durham weaves a tale that truly brings you into Rye O’Chanter’s strange and mysterious world. The story makes you wish the book would not end so you can uncover more secrets that promise to be hidden there.
August 5, 2014
Much lies hidden in Village Drowning: history, identities, legends, secrets. When a brush with a dreaded, beastly foe turns 11 year old Rye O’Chanter’s world upside down, her search for answers catapults her from moonlit rooftops to the darkest of corners. Who can she trust? She soon learns that words and deeds are tricky things, indeed, that villains and heroes aren't always what they seem, and that help can come from some very surprising sources. She’ll need every ounce of wit and bravery she possesses - along with Folly, Fair Warning, Nightshade, and The House Rules – to uncover the truth. Don’t miss this stunning debut, the first book in a middle grade fantasy/adventure trilogy. Smart prose that flows, friendship, humor, magic, spectacular feats of derring-do, and lots of heart…THIS STORY'S GOT IT ALL, FOLKS!
March 13, 2015
This is by far one of the most delightful books I have ever read. The characters are charming, the story draws you in. The plot is well thought out and delivered in a manner that keeps the pages turning. I found myself reading into the wee hours of the night just to see what happens next. In the simplest terms, I loved this book. Yes, the main character is an eleven year old child but that does not limit this book to the realm of children's reading any more than Oliver Twist is limited to children because of the age of its hero. I cannot wait for the second book to be released. I have already pre-ordered my copy.
April 4, 2020
Die Ungeheuerlichen - Das Böse ist auf deiner Seite ist Band 1 einer Reihe. Aber wer nun denkt, oh nein schon wieder eine Reihe, den kann ich beruhigen. Man kann das Buch auch wunderbar für sich alleine stehen lassen. Aber da Band 1 richtig genial ist, freue ich mich ganz klar darüber, dass hoffentlich auch auf Deutsch noch 2 weitere Bände folgen werden.
Riley lebt in einer düsteren Stadt namens Morderfurt. Zu Beginn gibt es eine Karte, sodass sich der Leser auch gut dort zurechtfindet. Ich liebe ja Karten und auch um der Handlung zu folgen ist die Karte hilfreich, da man sich so viele Entfernungen besser Vorstellen kann.
Die 11-jährige Rye lebt dort mit ihrer Mutter Abby, die für ihr Alter, immerhin schon 31 Jahre, also praktisch steinalt, immer noch schön aussieht, da musste ich das erste Mal schmunzeln in der Geschichte, aber sicherlich nicht das letzte Mal. Und der kleinen Schwester Lottie, welche ein Energiebündel ist und gerade lernt aufs Töpfchen zu gehen, leider findet sie Schuhe für das große Geschäft aber viel reizvoller. Hier folgte dann ein herzhaftes Lachen meinerseits. Der Humor in der Geschichte ist richtig genial und kam für mich völlig unerwartet. Ich habe überhaupt nicht damit gerechnet, dass es so viele witzige Szenen gibt. Shady ist die Katze der Familie und muss auch unbedingt erwähnt werden, denn auch sie ist teil der Familie.
Die Charaktere haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Unsere Protagonistin Rye ist frech und tapfer, aber auch ein bisschen tollpatschig. Ihre zwei besten Freunde, sowie ihre Familie sind auch schön gezeichnet, allgemein konnte ich mir alle sehr gut Vorstellen, auch wenn sie nur kurz erwähnt wurden. Keiner wirkte blass. Dies passierte aber nicht zum Leidtragen der Handlung. Den trotz guten Beschreibungen ging diese rasant voran.
Durch den flüssigen und Humorvollen und Fantasie geladen Schreibstil habe ich das Buch praktisch am Stück gelesen. Der Autor bringt so einige schöne Ideen in die Geschichte mit ein. So hat mir das ganze Worldbuilding sehr gefallen. Aber auch, wie Rye darüber nachdenkt, was denn ein Monster ausmacht. Ich mag es immer sehr, wenn nicht pauschalisiert wird.
Das Buch ist für Leser ab 11 Jahren und hat eine schön düstere und schaurige Atmosphäre. Ich würde das Buch aber auf jeden Fall auch älteren Lesern ans Herz legen. Klar darf man nicht den Plot Twist erwarten und manches ist doch leicht zu durchschauen, aber das mindert in meinen Augen nicht den Lesespaß. Da es sich um eine abenteuerliche Geschichte handelt, die einen trotzdem in seinen Bann zieht.
Riley lebt in einer düsteren Stadt namens Morderfurt. Zu Beginn gibt es eine Karte, sodass sich der Leser auch gut dort zurechtfindet. Ich liebe ja Karten und auch um der Handlung zu folgen ist die Karte hilfreich, da man sich so viele Entfernungen besser Vorstellen kann.
Die 11-jährige Rye lebt dort mit ihrer Mutter Abby, die für ihr Alter, immerhin schon 31 Jahre, also praktisch steinalt, immer noch schön aussieht, da musste ich das erste Mal schmunzeln in der Geschichte, aber sicherlich nicht das letzte Mal. Und der kleinen Schwester Lottie, welche ein Energiebündel ist und gerade lernt aufs Töpfchen zu gehen, leider findet sie Schuhe für das große Geschäft aber viel reizvoller. Hier folgte dann ein herzhaftes Lachen meinerseits. Der Humor in der Geschichte ist richtig genial und kam für mich völlig unerwartet. Ich habe überhaupt nicht damit gerechnet, dass es so viele witzige Szenen gibt. Shady ist die Katze der Familie und muss auch unbedingt erwähnt werden, denn auch sie ist teil der Familie.
Die Charaktere haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Unsere Protagonistin Rye ist frech und tapfer, aber auch ein bisschen tollpatschig. Ihre zwei besten Freunde, sowie ihre Familie sind auch schön gezeichnet, allgemein konnte ich mir alle sehr gut Vorstellen, auch wenn sie nur kurz erwähnt wurden. Keiner wirkte blass. Dies passierte aber nicht zum Leidtragen der Handlung. Den trotz guten Beschreibungen ging diese rasant voran.
Durch den flüssigen und Humorvollen und Fantasie geladen Schreibstil habe ich das Buch praktisch am Stück gelesen. Der Autor bringt so einige schöne Ideen in die Geschichte mit ein. So hat mir das ganze Worldbuilding sehr gefallen. Aber auch, wie Rye darüber nachdenkt, was denn ein Monster ausmacht. Ich mag es immer sehr, wenn nicht pauschalisiert wird.
Das Buch ist für Leser ab 11 Jahren und hat eine schön düstere und schaurige Atmosphäre. Ich würde das Buch aber auf jeden Fall auch älteren Lesern ans Herz legen. Klar darf man nicht den Plot Twist erwarten und manches ist doch leicht zu durchschauen, aber das mindert in meinen Augen nicht den Lesespaß. Da es sich um eine abenteuerliche Geschichte handelt, die einen trotzdem in seinen Bann zieht.
January 25, 2021
I've always loved this book ive finally got the sequel on its way
September 14, 2014
This debut fantasy adventure has a strong heroine and plot that trots along before finding it's stride. The fantastical setting came across as a mix of British and Medieval times. The town is under the protection of an evil Earl with a corrupt Constable. A stone wall surrounds Village Drowning like a feudal city. Luck Uglies used to guard the village until the Earl banished them. Bog Noblins live in the nearby swamp and when they start to attack the townspeople, the Earl struggles with their size and power. He refuses to call for the Luck Uglies help making Rye dig into the past to find the history of the rift. She discovers not only the town's history, but her family's as well. While the start is somewhat choppy, it comes together at the end with some interesting plot twists and action galore.
The first line has a good hook with Rye, the protagonist, commenting that she and her two friends never intended to steal a banned book. The three are running from rooftop to rooftop with the book owner chasing them, when Rye sees a gargoyle move and stumbles off the edge of the roof. Clothesline break her fall and she ends up at the feet of Mrs. O'Chanter telling her to pull her dress down and stop showing the neighbor's her business. Mrs. O'Chanter is Rye's mother but her lack of concern and internal dialogue of where Rye calls her "Mrs. O'Chanter" versus "mother" made me think that Rye was an orphan. Then when Rye describes how different her sister Lottie looks from her and Mrs. O'Chanter, I wondered if both were orphans taken in by Mrs. O'Chanter. It becomes clear later on but I was confused by Rye's internal chatter.
The next chapter jumps to Rye cleaning up and going to her mother's shop. I thought Rye's friends would have followed up to see if she survived her fall or if the man chasing them would demand his book back. I also wondered why Rye never told her friends about the moving gargoyle. Her character is painted as one that doesn't keep secrets from her friends. Once the action in the chapters flowed into each other as the story progressed, I got less turned around and had less going back to reread sections seeing if I missed something. The leap in some scenes sometimes left me feeling like I was falling off a rooftop. I lost my vertigo when the cat escaped and the Bog Noblin showed up in the plot.
The author does a good job using humor to lighten the dark spots. When the Constable is demanding money Rye tries to tell him her name. He mispronounces it and she tells him ironically that it rhymes with "lie." When her mother frowns at her she picks a worse rhyming word, "die." When she meets the man with tattoos and battle scars all over his body she calls him, "Harmless." The House Rules that Rye goes by are rhyming couplets and she intentionally breaks them over the course of the novel. This reinforces her emotional arc of learning to think for herself. She also wears her father's boots that are too big for her making her trip at inopportune times. They show her trying to walk in his footsteps and become independent while making the reader laugh at the same time.
Rye gets annoyed with her mom for not telling her the truth. Later her mom explains that her lies were meant to protect Rye. Sometimes adults can't tell children facts because they know they are too young to keep quiet. Rye understands this and shows how she is growing more mature as the novel progresses and she overcomes evil. The Bog Noblin is prejudiced by others in the community and Rye wonders about the justice of him being imprisoned. She is questioning authority and decisions; something she does repeated throughout the story. She is not a blind follower and tries to sort through oppressiveness whether it is with individuals or regimes. The layered themes make this story interesting and the action is nonstop in the middle and end. I will definitely be purchasing book 2 for the library.
The first line has a good hook with Rye, the protagonist, commenting that she and her two friends never intended to steal a banned book. The three are running from rooftop to rooftop with the book owner chasing them, when Rye sees a gargoyle move and stumbles off the edge of the roof. Clothesline break her fall and she ends up at the feet of Mrs. O'Chanter telling her to pull her dress down and stop showing the neighbor's her business. Mrs. O'Chanter is Rye's mother but her lack of concern and internal dialogue of where Rye calls her "Mrs. O'Chanter" versus "mother" made me think that Rye was an orphan. Then when Rye describes how different her sister Lottie looks from her and Mrs. O'Chanter, I wondered if both were orphans taken in by Mrs. O'Chanter. It becomes clear later on but I was confused by Rye's internal chatter.
The next chapter jumps to Rye cleaning up and going to her mother's shop. I thought Rye's friends would have followed up to see if she survived her fall or if the man chasing them would demand his book back. I also wondered why Rye never told her friends about the moving gargoyle. Her character is painted as one that doesn't keep secrets from her friends. Once the action in the chapters flowed into each other as the story progressed, I got less turned around and had less going back to reread sections seeing if I missed something. The leap in some scenes sometimes left me feeling like I was falling off a rooftop. I lost my vertigo when the cat escaped and the Bog Noblin showed up in the plot.
The author does a good job using humor to lighten the dark spots. When the Constable is demanding money Rye tries to tell him her name. He mispronounces it and she tells him ironically that it rhymes with "lie." When her mother frowns at her she picks a worse rhyming word, "die." When she meets the man with tattoos and battle scars all over his body she calls him, "Harmless." The House Rules that Rye goes by are rhyming couplets and she intentionally breaks them over the course of the novel. This reinforces her emotional arc of learning to think for herself. She also wears her father's boots that are too big for her making her trip at inopportune times. They show her trying to walk in his footsteps and become independent while making the reader laugh at the same time.
Rye gets annoyed with her mom for not telling her the truth. Later her mom explains that her lies were meant to protect Rye. Sometimes adults can't tell children facts because they know they are too young to keep quiet. Rye understands this and shows how she is growing more mature as the novel progresses and she overcomes evil. The Bog Noblin is prejudiced by others in the community and Rye wonders about the justice of him being imprisoned. She is questioning authority and decisions; something she does repeated throughout the story. She is not a blind follower and tries to sort through oppressiveness whether it is with individuals or regimes. The layered themes make this story interesting and the action is nonstop in the middle and end. I will definitely be purchasing book 2 for the library.
April 13, 2015
Rye O'Chanter is a young girl living in the village of Drowning. She lives with her mom and little sister Lottie. On the night of the Black Moon, Rye does the unthinkable, she leaves her house to sneak off to her best friend's home, the Dead Fish Inn. While scuttling about she comes across a monster long thought to be extinct, a Bog Noblin. Frightened, Rye runs, and only the magic of the necklace her mother gave her saves her life. But, what can she do for the rest of the villagers? A long time ago a secret organization, The Luck Uglies, saved her town from the Bog Noblins, but they are now considered outlaws and villains.
Rye begins hunting through clues from years past, and uncovers many secrets people wished would have remained buried. Soon, Rye begins to wonder, were The Luck Uglies really bad people or were they heroes? She desperately wants to save her people, but can she find away to bring back the long lost Luck Uglies?
My Thoughts-
This book is such a delight. I enjoyed the build up as Rye learns about The Luck Uglies and their true history. Even funner is the fact that Rye's mother knows the truth, but instead of telling her family, she uses old magic to keep them safe. Everything about the story pricked my imagination and urged me on. I couldn't put the book down.
Rye herself is a strong little girl that doesn't back down in a fight. She is brave and often chooses the unsafe path if it will bring about what is right. What fun to follow her adventures. She has two best friends, Quinn and Folly. They both are integral characters that compliment Rye and help her grow and find her path.
There is also a good strong theme of family. As Rye learns secrets about her own, you see the true depth people will go to for the ones they love. I really loved Folly's family. She is the only girl in a horde of boys, and they stick together no matter what.
A sweet read! 5 Stars!
Rye begins hunting through clues from years past, and uncovers many secrets people wished would have remained buried. Soon, Rye begins to wonder, were The Luck Uglies really bad people or were they heroes? She desperately wants to save her people, but can she find away to bring back the long lost Luck Uglies?
My Thoughts-
This book is such a delight. I enjoyed the build up as Rye learns about The Luck Uglies and their true history. Even funner is the fact that Rye's mother knows the truth, but instead of telling her family, she uses old magic to keep them safe. Everything about the story pricked my imagination and urged me on. I couldn't put the book down.
Rye herself is a strong little girl that doesn't back down in a fight. She is brave and often chooses the unsafe path if it will bring about what is right. What fun to follow her adventures. She has two best friends, Quinn and Folly. They both are integral characters that compliment Rye and help her grow and find her path.
There is also a good strong theme of family. As Rye learns secrets about her own, you see the true depth people will go to for the ones they love. I really loved Folly's family. She is the only girl in a horde of boys, and they stick together no matter what.
A sweet read! 5 Stars!
May 24, 2015
Do you ever start a book and, after just a few pages, know how magical it’s going to be? THE LUCK UGLIES cast its spell on me early on, and I fell head over heels for the world, characters, and writing. The premise is insanely cool, mixing creepy creatures, nontraditional families, adventure, and secrets galore into an awesome package. Rye’s home, Village Drowning, comes to life as Rye and her friends navigate the mysteries behind it, and the story leaves plenty of hints of other unique towns and villages that might be explored in later novels.
Rye is a dynamic, clever, and brave protagonist, and the depth of the secondary characters takes the story to the next level. The descriptions and sly smirks from Rye’s mom, Abby, and the mysterious Harmless make me want prequel books dedicated to all of them. Rye’s friends, Folly and Quinn, also hold personalities that will draw the reader in. The dialogue between all the characters feels real, witty, and contains so much beneath the surface of what is being said.
The plot unfolds beautifully, though the story line does get a tad slow in areas. When it slows down, however, the story opens up to wonderful relationship development between the characters, and the magic of the story continues to deepen. I especially love the balance between teamwork and individual capabilities that happen while attempting to solve the main conflict.
Middle grade readers should flock to this series immediately. Those looking for magical writing brimming with complex characters and true heart will very likely find their next favorite book with this first installment in Paul Durham’s THE LUCK UGLIES series.
Originally posted at Young Adult Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
Rye is a dynamic, clever, and brave protagonist, and the depth of the secondary characters takes the story to the next level. The descriptions and sly smirks from Rye’s mom, Abby, and the mysterious Harmless make me want prequel books dedicated to all of them. Rye’s friends, Folly and Quinn, also hold personalities that will draw the reader in. The dialogue between all the characters feels real, witty, and contains so much beneath the surface of what is being said.
The plot unfolds beautifully, though the story line does get a tad slow in areas. When it slows down, however, the story opens up to wonderful relationship development between the characters, and the magic of the story continues to deepen. I especially love the balance between teamwork and individual capabilities that happen while attempting to solve the main conflict.
Middle grade readers should flock to this series immediately. Those looking for magical writing brimming with complex characters and true heart will very likely find their next favorite book with this first installment in Paul Durham’s THE LUCK UGLIES series.
Originally posted at Young Adult Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
October 8, 2014
Loved loved loved this fantasy set in a time reminiscent of feudal England. Rye and her family are poor subjects of a tyrannical Earl, there are creatures called Bog Noblins that terrorize the village, and others called Luck Uglies who have protected them in the past.
The action is wonderful and engaging. Writing is equally wonderful. And there are big ideas that kids should think about inserted throughout the story, e.g.
"it's easy to welcome something when you think it might benefit you" (even though it may not be fabulous)
"She'd been thinking about monsters. What was a monster?"
The villagers have to wonder at several points who the real monster is - the bog noblins or the earl, who suppresses truth and oppresses the people.
Charms, potions, creatures who aren't what they appear to be abound. The characters who should be are endearing. Rye's family origins are secret but finally come to light. And I look forward to the sequel.
Durham has crafted a world with lots of stuff going on, and Rye is a wonderful, independent character, along with her friends. I would love to see this selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee list.
The action is wonderful and engaging. Writing is equally wonderful. And there are big ideas that kids should think about inserted throughout the story, e.g.
"it's easy to welcome something when you think it might benefit you" (even though it may not be fabulous)
"She'd been thinking about monsters. What was a monster?"
The villagers have to wonder at several points who the real monster is - the bog noblins or the earl, who suppresses truth and oppresses the people.
Charms, potions, creatures who aren't what they appear to be abound. The characters who should be are endearing. Rye's family origins are secret but finally come to light. And I look forward to the sequel.
Durham has crafted a world with lots of stuff going on, and Rye is a wonderful, independent character, along with her friends. I would love to see this selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee list.
November 20, 2014
THE LUCK UGLIES by Paul Durham is one of the books you may have missed earlier in the year with the spring flood of new offerings. With the second book in this popular new middle-grade fantasy adventure trilogy coming out in March 2015, it’s time to catch up!
With elements of mystery, adventure, and monster thrills, tweens will quickly become absorbed in this fantasy world set in a medieval-style village. Both boys and girls alike will enjoy the intelligent writing and engaging characters. The short chapters move quickly as the story builds to an exciting climax that involves intriguing monsters and a mysterious secret society.
Not your typical “good vs evil” storyline, this book will appeal to young readers who are beginning to explore the layers of life, power of secrets and fear, and the fine line between hero and villain.
Fans of Holly Black, Rick Riordan, and Brandon Mull will all enjoy this fantasy trilogy.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.pauldurhambooks.com/.
Check out the book trailer at http://youtu.be/vTEUX8JzRhc.
With elements of mystery, adventure, and monster thrills, tweens will quickly become absorbed in this fantasy world set in a medieval-style village. Both boys and girls alike will enjoy the intelligent writing and engaging characters. The short chapters move quickly as the story builds to an exciting climax that involves intriguing monsters and a mysterious secret society.
Not your typical “good vs evil” storyline, this book will appeal to young readers who are beginning to explore the layers of life, power of secrets and fear, and the fine line between hero and villain.
Fans of Holly Black, Rick Riordan, and Brandon Mull will all enjoy this fantasy trilogy.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.pauldurhambooks.com/.
Check out the book trailer at http://youtu.be/vTEUX8JzRhc.
July 14, 2014
I've made quite an effort, but I can't sustain enough interest in this to keep reading, even though I'm less than 100 pages from the end. The writing style is pretty good, and the author has gone to a great deal of trouble to populate and decorate a lively olden village where magic and malice cross paths. Sometimes I think it's the pacing -- I wait and wait for something to happen. But then when something finally does happen, I don't seem to care.
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