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Hannah
Fourteen-year-old Hannah Bradbury loved her father so much that she worried about him constantly. After all, he was a photographer who traveled to the most dangerous places in the world.
To allay her fears, each time he came home he brought her silly gifts, each one with supposed magical powers: the Seal of Solomon, the Ring of Gyges, even Aladdin’s Lamp. It was that lamp Hannah found the most unbelievable, for it looked like an ugly teapot. Nevertheless, her father assured her it was real, and made her promise to save her three wishes for something very special.
Then . . . six months later . . . the unthinkable happened. Her father was killed while on assignment to Baghdad. And so on the day of his funeral Hannah did something she never thought she would ever do.
She took out that teapot and gave it a rub . . .
The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes is a timeless tale, filled with magic and adventure. More importantly, it will make you believe in the overwhelming power of love.
To allay her fears, each time he came home he brought her silly gifts, each one with supposed magical powers: the Seal of Solomon, the Ring of Gyges, even Aladdin’s Lamp. It was that lamp Hannah found the most unbelievable, for it looked like an ugly teapot. Nevertheless, her father assured her it was real, and made her promise to save her three wishes for something very special.
Then . . . six months later . . . the unthinkable happened. Her father was killed while on assignment to Baghdad. And so on the day of his funeral Hannah did something she never thought she would ever do.
She took out that teapot and gave it a rub . . .
The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes is a timeless tale, filled with magic and adventure. More importantly, it will make you believe in the overwhelming power of love.
ebook
Published June 26, 2016
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About the author
Fred Holmes
3 books26 followersFred Holmes is best known as a writer and director of films and television, working primarily in family films and children’s television. His work can be seen on Mary Lou Retton’s FLIP FLOP SHOP, BARNEY & FRIENDS, WISHBONE, HORSELAND, IN SEARCH OF THE HEROES, and many other shows, for which he has won two Emmys and three CINE Golden Eagles, among numerous other awards. He has also directed three feature films: DAKOTA, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, distributed by Miramax; HARLEY, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, distributed by Lionsgate; and HEART LAND, a Bollywood feature film shot on location in India, starring Prem Chopra and Divya Dutta. He lives with his wife and son in the southwest United States, and can be found online at www.flholmes.com
Fred Holmes also publishes under F. Louis Holmes.
Fred Holmes also publishes under F. Louis Holmes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 17, 2017
Book Reviewed by Nia on www.whisperingstories.com
As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, I’m not normally a fan of YA fiction but something about the synopsis of this book caught my eye. I do like a good fairytale retelling and this book featured Aladdin’s lamp, as well as some more serious themes.
The writing in this book is truly lovely. Hannah, the main character, is a 14 year old girl who has recently lost her father and is understandably struggling to come to terms with her life without him. This book actually reminds me a lot of the book/film ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ in the way that reality and magic are merged so it’s hard to keep track of what’s real, but that’s the beauty of it.
The action sequences are great fun and flow brilliantly, and the characters that Hannah meets along the way are interesting and not too stereotypical for the Aladdin connection.
This book is very difficult to review because the synopsis gives so little away, so I’m trying to skirt around the plot – so what I would like to say is that despite being a book about a teenager losing a parent, I’m not entirely sure how helpful it would be for a teen going through a similar circumstance. It could be cathartic but personally I’d find it too sad! It’s the story of a young girl coming to terms with her grief, but her methods aren’t exactly ones that I’d recommend…
I’d recommend this book for ages 12+, it’s a nice and easy read and has a little bit of something for everyone.
As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, I’m not normally a fan of YA fiction but something about the synopsis of this book caught my eye. I do like a good fairytale retelling and this book featured Aladdin’s lamp, as well as some more serious themes.
The writing in this book is truly lovely. Hannah, the main character, is a 14 year old girl who has recently lost her father and is understandably struggling to come to terms with her life without him. This book actually reminds me a lot of the book/film ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ in the way that reality and magic are merged so it’s hard to keep track of what’s real, but that’s the beauty of it.
The action sequences are great fun and flow brilliantly, and the characters that Hannah meets along the way are interesting and not too stereotypical for the Aladdin connection.
This book is very difficult to review because the synopsis gives so little away, so I’m trying to skirt around the plot – so what I would like to say is that despite being a book about a teenager losing a parent, I’m not entirely sure how helpful it would be for a teen going through a similar circumstance. It could be cathartic but personally I’d find it too sad! It’s the story of a young girl coming to terms with her grief, but her methods aren’t exactly ones that I’d recommend…
I’d recommend this book for ages 12+, it’s a nice and easy read and has a little bit of something for everyone.
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May 21, 2017DNF
Mini review:
I received this E-ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. When the author contacted me asking whether I would read this book I immediately said yes! I enjoy middle grade and reading about retellings. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book.
I really liked it in the beginning! Hannah was a sympathetic character and I felt bad for her loss. It started to take a weird turn once her dog came in. I just couldn't bring myself to read more after that.
All in all I didn't really like this book. But I do still recommend it.
Mini review:
I received this E-ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. When the author contacted me asking whether I would read this book I immediately said yes! I enjoy middle grade and reading about retellings. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book.
I really liked it in the beginning! Hannah was a sympathetic character and I felt bad for her loss. It started to take a weird turn once her dog came in. I just couldn't bring myself to read more after that.
All in all I didn't really like this book. But I do still recommend it.
July 8, 2017
+Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
To be honest I didn't have any specific expectations... I knew it was a fantasy book related to Aladdin but I didn't know what to expect.
THE WORLD: It is our normal world but all the legends and myths about "magical objects" such as Aladdin's lamp are true. It takes place in Green Park, Tennessee, and the middle east.
CHARACTERS: The main character is Hannah Bradbury, whose father recently passed away and she's mourning and dealing with her loss. She has a dog which can talk called Griffer "Griff" and she doesn't think it is weird at all... her dog has always been able to telecommunicate with her so weird? nah, what does that word mean?
Anyway, Hannah's story begins when she discovers that the "ugly teapot" her father gave her from one of his journeys (he's a photographer) is actually Aladdin's lamp and that the genie can grant her 3 wishes. Of course, she wishes for her father to come back to life but she doesn't specify where and the genie takes the liberty to send her father to the middle east... therefore Hannah decides to go find her father and at the same time return Aladdin's lamp back to the cave where it belongs and use her 3rd wish to set the genie free.
Meanwhile, Hannah's mother Vivian is very worried about her but somehow misses her daughter's disappearance for a while... magic.
As every other book, what is a fantasy book without a villain? In this book we have The Magician and his evil followers trying to steal Hannah's lamp and use it to gain powers and return to Earth.
LOVE: There is no love in this book. There is an insta-crush though.
PLUS: The plotwist at the end. I don't know why I liked it so much... it just changed the whole book, it put the story upside down and I liked that. I also liked that there were lots of action scenes, sometimes even too rushed but they made the book lighter to read.
Another plus was the moral of the story. The message behind saying that playing with the past always brings consequences to the present and the future.
MINUS: Major minus is that this book is middle grade... no matter how good or bad it's not really my age range so it is difficult to judge because most of the times I am way ahead of the character (I always think they're quite stupid) and it is not so fun when you know what is going to happen or when the main character gets distracted mentioned how much she likes X or loves Y blah blah.
Another minus is that there were a couple of things that didn't make sense to me and although things are explain in the end it still didn't satisfy me as much as it should have. Nonetheless the plotwist was enjoyable and I must say, unexpected. I didn't think it would turn in that direction.
OVERALL: 3 stars. If it was in my age range I would give it 4 stars since I think it's a fantasy book middle graders might enjoy but anyway it wasn't too bad.
—P.S. I Love That Book!
To be honest I didn't have any specific expectations... I knew it was a fantasy book related to Aladdin but I didn't know what to expect.
THE WORLD: It is our normal world but all the legends and myths about "magical objects" such as Aladdin's lamp are true. It takes place in Green Park, Tennessee, and the middle east.
CHARACTERS: The main character is Hannah Bradbury, whose father recently passed away and she's mourning and dealing with her loss. She has a dog which can talk called Griffer "Griff" and she doesn't think it is weird at all... her dog has always been able to telecommunicate with her so weird? nah, what does that word mean?
Anyway, Hannah's story begins when she discovers that the "ugly teapot" her father gave her from one of his journeys (he's a photographer) is actually Aladdin's lamp and that the genie can grant her 3 wishes. Of course, she wishes for her father to come back to life but she doesn't specify where and the genie takes the liberty to send her father to the middle east... therefore Hannah decides to go find her father and at the same time return Aladdin's lamp back to the cave where it belongs and use her 3rd wish to set the genie free.
Meanwhile, Hannah's mother Vivian is very worried about her but somehow misses her daughter's disappearance for a while... magic.
As every other book, what is a fantasy book without a villain? In this book we have The Magician and his evil followers trying to steal Hannah's lamp and use it to gain powers and return to Earth.
LOVE: There is no love in this book. There is an insta-crush though.
PLUS: The plotwist at the end. I don't know why I liked it so much... it just changed the whole book, it put the story upside down and I liked that. I also liked that there were lots of action scenes, sometimes even too rushed but they made the book lighter to read.
Another plus was the moral of the story. The message behind saying that playing with the past always brings consequences to the present and the future.
MINUS: Major minus is that this book is middle grade... no matter how good or bad it's not really my age range so it is difficult to judge because most of the times I am way ahead of the character (I always think they're quite stupid) and it is not so fun when you know what is going to happen or when the main character gets distracted mentioned how much she likes X or loves Y blah blah.
Another minus is that there were a couple of things that didn't make sense to me and although things are explain in the end it still didn't satisfy me as much as it should have. Nonetheless the plotwist was enjoyable and I must say, unexpected. I didn't think it would turn in that direction.
OVERALL: 3 stars. If it was in my age range I would give it 4 stars since I think it's a fantasy book middle graders might enjoy but anyway it wasn't too bad.
—P.S. I Love That Book!
November 3, 2016
4.5 stars.
"Every choice we make comes with a price. Just as every journey we go on must come to an end."
I was sent a copy of The Ugly Teapot from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for sending me a copy! As soon as I read the book description, I was so excited to read it. The Ugly Teapot was pretty fast paced, which I loved. I was immediately sucked into the story from page one and found it hard to put down.
Hannah goes on this crazy adventure with her dog Griff, her dad, and a few other characters. There were magical elements in this story, which I loved, some being the magic lamp (ugly teapot) and the Genie. There were some crazy weird creatures, like giant spiders! The adventure aspect of it was so much fun and I really felt like I was right there along with them. The writing was so good and so well put together. It was easy to read, easy to get sucked into the story and being fast paced made it even more enjoyable because there was always something going on.
I found it to be pretty unpredictable, which was a really good thing. It kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. At times I honestly had no idea who to trust and I was questioning everything and everyone. I thought Hannah was such a well written character. She was smart, brave, and she cared so much for her family, especially her father. One thing I really loved about this book that it didn't focus on a romance. There were cute moments with Hannah and Ahmed, but it didn't have a real romance and it was nice for a change. I got a family vibe from it and it focused a lot on Hannah and the love she had for her family, especially her father. You can tell they really had a close bond.
Overall, I really loved this book. I enjoyed everything about it. It had so many likable characters, especially the main character Hannah. It was a fun adventure with a great cast of characters. There were times where I laughed a lot and even times where I got teary eyed. Quite a few twists and turns and the ending was a pretty big shock to me; I honestly did not see it coming. I would definitely recommend reading this book, because it was so good and it'll leave you wanting more.
"Every choice we make comes with a price. Just as every journey we go on must come to an end."
I was sent a copy of The Ugly Teapot from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for sending me a copy! As soon as I read the book description, I was so excited to read it. The Ugly Teapot was pretty fast paced, which I loved. I was immediately sucked into the story from page one and found it hard to put down.
Hannah goes on this crazy adventure with her dog Griff, her dad, and a few other characters. There were magical elements in this story, which I loved, some being the magic lamp (ugly teapot) and the Genie. There were some crazy weird creatures, like giant spiders! The adventure aspect of it was so much fun and I really felt like I was right there along with them. The writing was so good and so well put together. It was easy to read, easy to get sucked into the story and being fast paced made it even more enjoyable because there was always something going on.
I found it to be pretty unpredictable, which was a really good thing. It kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. At times I honestly had no idea who to trust and I was questioning everything and everyone. I thought Hannah was such a well written character. She was smart, brave, and she cared so much for her family, especially her father. One thing I really loved about this book that it didn't focus on a romance. There were cute moments with Hannah and Ahmed, but it didn't have a real romance and it was nice for a change. I got a family vibe from it and it focused a lot on Hannah and the love she had for her family, especially her father. You can tell they really had a close bond.
Overall, I really loved this book. I enjoyed everything about it. It had so many likable characters, especially the main character Hannah. It was a fun adventure with a great cast of characters. There were times where I laughed a lot and even times where I got teary eyed. Quite a few twists and turns and the ending was a pretty big shock to me; I honestly did not see it coming. I would definitely recommend reading this book, because it was so good and it'll leave you wanting more.
October 20, 2016
I was sent an eARC of The Ugly Teapot from the author for review! :)
Going into The Ugly Teapot, I wasn't sure of what to expect apart from there being an ugly teapot and magical genies but this book totally blew my expectations. The storyline was so well plotted and it was full of action, magic and even twist and turns! It definitely grabbed my attention and I just loved reading about the different adventures and places that Hannah visits in the novel. Apart from the action / adventure, I loved the family aspect of the novel. Hannah and her father have a very close relationship with each other and that was very nice to see.
The world building was so magical and descriptive. As Hannah visits a lot of different places in the novel, we get to see a lot of the world and I honestly feel that the world building was very complete and it was whimsical. The ending of the book literally caught me off guard and I was not expecting that to happen!! It's one of the best twists I've ever read.
My favourite thing about the novel is our main character, Hannah. Though Hannah is young, she has a big heart, she is very brave and very wise. She's someone who loves her family unconditionally and she is just such a strong female character. The other characters we are introduced to in the novel were very interesting as well! They all come from different places with different backgrounds. The main villain of the book was really well written as a character and scenes with him gave me chills.
Overall, The Ugly Teapot is a novel filled with adventure, friendship and family and I would highly recommend it to everyone :) Thank you again to Fred for sending me a copy to review!
Going into The Ugly Teapot, I wasn't sure of what to expect apart from there being an ugly teapot and magical genies but this book totally blew my expectations. The storyline was so well plotted and it was full of action, magic and even twist and turns! It definitely grabbed my attention and I just loved reading about the different adventures and places that Hannah visits in the novel. Apart from the action / adventure, I loved the family aspect of the novel. Hannah and her father have a very close relationship with each other and that was very nice to see.
The world building was so magical and descriptive. As Hannah visits a lot of different places in the novel, we get to see a lot of the world and I honestly feel that the world building was very complete and it was whimsical. The ending of the book literally caught me off guard and I was not expecting that to happen!! It's one of the best twists I've ever read.
My favourite thing about the novel is our main character, Hannah. Though Hannah is young, she has a big heart, she is very brave and very wise. She's someone who loves her family unconditionally and she is just such a strong female character. The other characters we are introduced to in the novel were very interesting as well! They all come from different places with different backgrounds. The main villain of the book was really well written as a character and scenes with him gave me chills.
Overall, The Ugly Teapot is a novel filled with adventure, friendship and family and I would highly recommend it to everyone :) Thank you again to Fred for sending me a copy to review!
October 11, 2016
I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah Bradbury worried about her father all the time since, as a photographer, he traveled to some of most dangerous places on the planet. When her father would come home, he would always bring back little gifts for her, gifts that he said had magical powers. She believed in her father, but she never truly believed in the magic of the gifts. The most unbelievable of them was what he claimed to be Aladdin's Lamp - you know, a genie, three wishes, and all of that - but to her it just looked like an old ugly teapot. Regardless, he did his best convince her that it's entirely real and to save her three wishes for something important. Then, when her father died six months later on assignment in Baghdad, Iraq, she surprises herself by taking out that ugly teapot and giving it a rub...just in case his stories were true after all.
I'm so glad I took a chance on Fred Holmes's debut novel, The Ugly Teapot, Book One: Hannah. It's a fantastically adventurous and heartwarming story of what a girl will do to save her father. The novel, which is aimed at upper middle grade readers and lower young adult readers, is very vivid and visual and the writing is quite fluid and fast-paced. Once you dive into the world Holmes has created you won't want to put it down for fear of missing out on Hannah's adventures even though it also deals with heavy subjects like the loss of a loved one and grief.
As a main character, Hannah is fantastic. She's brave, imaginative, loving, strong, and very relatable. Throughout the course of the story, it's easy to understand why she makes the decisions that she makes. I also have to mention Griff, Hannah's loyal dog. The two friends have quite a bond and Griff is even able to communicate telepathically with his human. In regards to V, Hannah's mother, I was pleased to see their relationship develop further and that V even gets a few perspective chapters which help us figure out more of the truth.
Finally, without spoiling too much, the fantasy elements and magical realism bring the story home. I'm a sucker for world's like the one Hannah finds herself right in the middle of. Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies, so I found myself particularly interested in the character of the genie, who is quite different from the movie version voiced by Robin Williams. This genie is more of a calm, almost detached, and well put-together lawyer in comparison, but still just as intriguing. In the end, I only had a couple of issues with the story. Primarily, that's with Griff's telepathy. I couldn't help but wonder why Hannah accepted that as completely normal, but initially didn't want to believe in the magic of that ugly old teapot, aka Aladdin's Lamp. Otherwise, at times, some things seemed to happen almost too quickly and almost blur together, but now that I look back on it I can understand why that was the case.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed The Ugly Teapot, Book One: Hannah by Fred Holmes. As a fan of YA and MG adventure fantasy, I wasn't disappointed. As well as featuring fantastical elements, it's also a touching story that focuses on a girl's unconditional love of her father, as well as grief at the death of a parent. Holmes handles these more difficult subjects just as well as he does the fast-paced action, adventure, and magical wishing. If you like The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Disney's Aladdin, I expect you might also like The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes. I'm looking forward to book two!
Hannah Bradbury worried about her father all the time since, as a photographer, he traveled to some of most dangerous places on the planet. When her father would come home, he would always bring back little gifts for her, gifts that he said had magical powers. She believed in her father, but she never truly believed in the magic of the gifts. The most unbelievable of them was what he claimed to be Aladdin's Lamp - you know, a genie, three wishes, and all of that - but to her it just looked like an old ugly teapot. Regardless, he did his best convince her that it's entirely real and to save her three wishes for something important. Then, when her father died six months later on assignment in Baghdad, Iraq, she surprises herself by taking out that ugly teapot and giving it a rub...just in case his stories were true after all.
I'm so glad I took a chance on Fred Holmes's debut novel, The Ugly Teapot, Book One: Hannah. It's a fantastically adventurous and heartwarming story of what a girl will do to save her father. The novel, which is aimed at upper middle grade readers and lower young adult readers, is very vivid and visual and the writing is quite fluid and fast-paced. Once you dive into the world Holmes has created you won't want to put it down for fear of missing out on Hannah's adventures even though it also deals with heavy subjects like the loss of a loved one and grief.
As a main character, Hannah is fantastic. She's brave, imaginative, loving, strong, and very relatable. Throughout the course of the story, it's easy to understand why she makes the decisions that she makes. I also have to mention Griff, Hannah's loyal dog. The two friends have quite a bond and Griff is even able to communicate telepathically with his human. In regards to V, Hannah's mother, I was pleased to see their relationship develop further and that V even gets a few perspective chapters which help us figure out more of the truth.
Finally, without spoiling too much, the fantasy elements and magical realism bring the story home. I'm a sucker for world's like the one Hannah finds herself right in the middle of. Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies, so I found myself particularly interested in the character of the genie, who is quite different from the movie version voiced by Robin Williams. This genie is more of a calm, almost detached, and well put-together lawyer in comparison, but still just as intriguing. In the end, I only had a couple of issues with the story. Primarily, that's with Griff's telepathy. I couldn't help but wonder why Hannah accepted that as completely normal, but initially didn't want to believe in the magic of that ugly old teapot, aka Aladdin's Lamp. Otherwise, at times, some things seemed to happen almost too quickly and almost blur together, but now that I look back on it I can understand why that was the case.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed The Ugly Teapot, Book One: Hannah by Fred Holmes. As a fan of YA and MG adventure fantasy, I wasn't disappointed. As well as featuring fantastical elements, it's also a touching story that focuses on a girl's unconditional love of her father, as well as grief at the death of a parent. Holmes handles these more difficult subjects just as well as he does the fast-paced action, adventure, and magical wishing. If you like The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Disney's Aladdin, I expect you might also like The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes. I'm looking forward to book two!
January 11, 2018
Full review at Blame Chocolate.
Overall, this was a bit of a slow ride for me. I did like it to some extent, but never really felt emotionally invested in the story or the characters. They were there, and I read about them, and had some interest in their affairs, but whenever I closed my reading app and went to do something else, everything vanished from my mind as though nothing had happened at all. Which is not what a reader wants to feel.
I could appreciate Holmes’s vision and how he worked to build this other world and mix reality with fantasy, keeping the reader guessing. It wasn’t completely original, but it was a great take on already existing tropes. I also liked how he took the risk of making it much darker than one’s expecting, even if it might not be the most appropriate for younger children. Really surprised me.
But as a whole, I felt this needed to be longer and have more meat in it. There were some very nice descriptions and cool dialogue, but everything else felt a bit lacking. I wanted to experience the characters’ pain and joy and fear and I never got that. There was no time, almost no commentary on their part. So I ended up simply going through the motions.
I could definitely see this as an awesome movie or TV show, full of action and adventure. But, unfortunately, as a book it didn’t quite work for me.
Overall, this was a bit of a slow ride for me. I did like it to some extent, but never really felt emotionally invested in the story or the characters. They were there, and I read about them, and had some interest in their affairs, but whenever I closed my reading app and went to do something else, everything vanished from my mind as though nothing had happened at all. Which is not what a reader wants to feel.
I could appreciate Holmes’s vision and how he worked to build this other world and mix reality with fantasy, keeping the reader guessing. It wasn’t completely original, but it was a great take on already existing tropes. I also liked how he took the risk of making it much darker than one’s expecting, even if it might not be the most appropriate for younger children. Really surprised me.
But as a whole, I felt this needed to be longer and have more meat in it. There were some very nice descriptions and cool dialogue, but everything else felt a bit lacking. I wanted to experience the characters’ pain and joy and fear and I never got that. There was no time, almost no commentary on their part. So I ended up simply going through the motions.
I could definitely see this as an awesome movie or TV show, full of action and adventure. But, unfortunately, as a book it didn’t quite work for me.
April 3, 2017
This story is a thrill ride with a combination of Indiana Jones and Aladdin. Hannah is a feisty and courageous young woman and her character really explores some depth for a teen dealing with death and the fear of letting go. There are a number of moments that touch on a darker side yet reminds us of the classic good verses evil and how it triumphs in the end. This is easily a new fantasy series to adore.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
Loss of a loved one is heart-wrenching, as adults we know we can’t change things, but what about a child who has lost a parent? Hannah’s father was a traveler, his photography took him far from home and into dangerous territories. He always came home with tales of strange lands, gifts filled with magical stories of great powers within. And then it happened, he didn’t come home and Hannah’s world crumbled. As she sat with all of the mementos given with love, she remembered THE UGLY TEAPOT, the one her father said was a magic lamp. So she rubbed and she rubbed and she wished for it to be real, that maybe the genie within would bring her father back.
If this was really Aladdin’s Lamp, just maybe she could have her dad back. What Hannah will experience will reassure her that her father’s love will never die, no matter what. Follow Hannah’s journey with a grumpy genie, her father and an enemy who wants nothing more than to steal the lamp from her. Will Hannah finally realize that the lamp is too powerful for mortals to use wisely? Perhaps it belongs hidden from humanity for everyone’s own good.
Hannah is a wonderful and caring girl, for as much as she wants her father back for herself, she knows how painful his loss is for her entire family. A wonderful tale for middlegrade readers on up, Fred Holmes shares the magic of reading and the power of words to carry readers to another world that feels real.
THE UGLY TEAPOT by Fred Holmes is a timeless tale, filled with magic, adventure and love. There is the pain of loss and the need for closure, as well as the overwhelming truth that the power of love will live in your heart.
I received this copy from Fred Holmes in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Fred Holmes; 1 edition (March 24, 2016)
Publication Date: March 24, 2016
ISBN: 1530743710
Genre: Middlegrade Fantasy
Print Length: 251 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
If this was really Aladdin’s Lamp, just maybe she could have her dad back. What Hannah will experience will reassure her that her father’s love will never die, no matter what. Follow Hannah’s journey with a grumpy genie, her father and an enemy who wants nothing more than to steal the lamp from her. Will Hannah finally realize that the lamp is too powerful for mortals to use wisely? Perhaps it belongs hidden from humanity for everyone’s own good.
Hannah is a wonderful and caring girl, for as much as she wants her father back for herself, she knows how painful his loss is for her entire family. A wonderful tale for middlegrade readers on up, Fred Holmes shares the magic of reading and the power of words to carry readers to another world that feels real.
THE UGLY TEAPOT by Fred Holmes is a timeless tale, filled with magic, adventure and love. There is the pain of loss and the need for closure, as well as the overwhelming truth that the power of love will live in your heart.
I received this copy from Fred Holmes in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Fred Holmes; 1 edition (March 24, 2016)
Publication Date: March 24, 2016
ISBN: 1530743710
Genre: Middlegrade Fantasy
Print Length: 251 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 15, 2016
Hannah and her father were incredibly close. He was her hero, and when he passed away, she didn’t know how she would survive. Lost and defeated, she discovers a teapot that her father gave her. She is then sweeped away into a magical adventure.
Hannah was such a sweet and brave girl. I really felt for her. She loved her father so much, and would do anything for him. I didn’t think I would enjoy reading a middle grade story, but I’m glad that this book proved me wrong.
This book is full of touching scenes, and it made me shed tears. I’m extremely close with my parents, so I could really relate to Hannah.
I’ll be here for Hannah’s next adventure!
Hannah was such a sweet and brave girl. I really felt for her. She loved her father so much, and would do anything for him. I didn’t think I would enjoy reading a middle grade story, but I’m glad that this book proved me wrong.
This book is full of touching scenes, and it made me shed tears. I’m extremely close with my parents, so I could really relate to Hannah.
I’ll be here for Hannah’s next adventure!
September 4, 2016
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books. Head over to my blog to read an interesting interview with the author!
*I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I don't usually read Middle Grade books, I don't know why but I haven't give it much a try. But something about this book called to me and I wanted to give it a try! I am sooo glad I said yes to read this book because this was such magical experience that I am never going to forget!
Hannah had received an ugly teapot from her father the year before that he had claimed to be magical. Now he is no more and Hannah can't bear that fact. So with one last push she decides to test the teapot's magical properties and try bringing her father back to life. And woosh! Within sometimes she is whisked into a magical adventure along with his father that is going to change her life forever. Well is she manages to make it back alive!
First of all, the plot was magical! I enjoyed it so, sooo much! I enjoyed every element of this story, it was so much fun to read about and I loved the fact that it was quite unpredictable. It managed to surprise me throughout the entire book. The magical realism part was handled really well and it was just so great! Hannah can't imagine a world without her father who is a photographer and travels throughout the world. But when the unthinkable happens, Hannah feels crushed. I felt so bad for that little girl. I could understand the pain that she was going through. Nonetheless, every time Hannah's dad came back from an assignment he bought something for Hannah and the last time he got her an ugly teapot which he claimed was Aladdin's magic lamp. Hannah doesn't believe in those things but this time she decided to take a leap of faith.
I enjoyed the adventure that Hannah embarked with her father so much. I adored Hannah. She was such a great character. I felt like a little girl myself, on an adventure while I was reading this book. The experience was surreal. Hannah was such a strong and caring character. She was ready to do anything for her dad whom she considered her hero. I can't say much without giving out the story but you guys have to read this one, believe me! All the characters were fleshed out really well, I liked Hannah's dad. I could understand why Hannah loved her dad soo much. Despite the adventure with her father, the last portion where Hannah understood the bond which she shared with her mother made me cry. It was so heartfelt!
Overall, The Ugly Teapot was a fantastic read! I loved the plot from the very beginning and there was not a single dull moment in this book. It managed to hold my interest as one thing or the other was constantly happening. I adored the characters, especially Hannah! The writing beautiful and it felt like a vivid picture was painted in front of my eyes. The pace was fast and I loved the overall ride! This book changed my view on the middle grade category and I am definitely going to give MG more a try! Last but not the least, I am so excited to read the next adventure in this series!
Recommend it?
Yes!
*I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I don't usually read Middle Grade books, I don't know why but I haven't give it much a try. But something about this book called to me and I wanted to give it a try! I am sooo glad I said yes to read this book because this was such magical experience that I am never going to forget!
Hannah had received an ugly teapot from her father the year before that he had claimed to be magical. Now he is no more and Hannah can't bear that fact. So with one last push she decides to test the teapot's magical properties and try bringing her father back to life. And woosh! Within sometimes she is whisked into a magical adventure along with his father that is going to change her life forever. Well is she manages to make it back alive!
First of all, the plot was magical! I enjoyed it so, sooo much! I enjoyed every element of this story, it was so much fun to read about and I loved the fact that it was quite unpredictable. It managed to surprise me throughout the entire book. The magical realism part was handled really well and it was just so great! Hannah can't imagine a world without her father who is a photographer and travels throughout the world. But when the unthinkable happens, Hannah feels crushed. I felt so bad for that little girl. I could understand the pain that she was going through. Nonetheless, every time Hannah's dad came back from an assignment he bought something for Hannah and the last time he got her an ugly teapot which he claimed was Aladdin's magic lamp. Hannah doesn't believe in those things but this time she decided to take a leap of faith.
I enjoyed the adventure that Hannah embarked with her father so much. I adored Hannah. She was such a great character. I felt like a little girl myself, on an adventure while I was reading this book. The experience was surreal. Hannah was such a strong and caring character. She was ready to do anything for her dad whom she considered her hero. I can't say much without giving out the story but you guys have to read this one, believe me! All the characters were fleshed out really well, I liked Hannah's dad. I could understand why Hannah loved her dad soo much. Despite the adventure with her father, the last portion where Hannah understood the bond which she shared with her mother made me cry. It was so heartfelt!
Overall, The Ugly Teapot was a fantastic read! I loved the plot from the very beginning and there was not a single dull moment in this book. It managed to hold my interest as one thing or the other was constantly happening. I adored the characters, especially Hannah! The writing beautiful and it felt like a vivid picture was painted in front of my eyes. The pace was fast and I loved the overall ride! This book changed my view on the middle grade category and I am definitely going to give MG more a try! Last but not the least, I am so excited to read the next adventure in this series!
Recommend it?
Yes!
March 8, 2019
This review can also be found on my blog www.cardinalreads.com
"Letting your father go doesn’t mean you love him any less. It just means you’re doing what he’d want you to do. Moving on.”
Hannah Bradbury is struggling with the death of her father after learning he died on one of his photography assignments in Iraq. They were super close, and she had gained a lot of her knowledge and interest in photography and artifacts from him. On the day of his funeral, she digs the so-called "ugly teapot" out of her closet that her father brought back for her from one of his other assignments. After some convincing from her puppy Griff, she rubs the lamp hoping for something magical to happen. And does it ever. She uses her first wish out of three to bring her father back from the dead. She refuses to listen to the genie's advice and consequences, adventure and greed over the lamp ensue.
Personally, I really enjoyed Hannah's character. She was smart, witty, strong, brave, and willing to do what it took to protect her family. Hannah reminded me of myself in the sense that when my grandfather passed away, I didn't want to let him go either. We were very close and I still think about him every day. (Miss you lots pop xo). Hannah pushed herself to her limits in her attempts to keep her family & colleagues safe and that is a very admirable quality to read about.
Another character that I thoroughly enjoyed was Gus. He was just so witty and sarcastic and practically everything that came out of his mouth had me cracking up. Just picturing him trying to keep up with Hannah and Gil dragging along Gil's bags is a hilarious scene.
I think the thing that surprised me the most about The Ugly Teapot was how well it was written. From the summary, I knew it had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, some authors just can't take their ideas and write them smoothly and at a good speed. Mr. Holmes is not one of those people. He uses his vocabulary so well that the words just flow together so smoothly, this book was so easy and relaxing to read! The plot moves at the perfect pace so that you're not dragging on and on but you're not confused as to what's happening either. With the use of a broad vocabulary and a perfect pace, The Ugly Teapot is a perfect example of a perfect writing style.
But, I do have one (negative?) thing to say. Mr. Holmes, how dare you break my heart like that?! The ending to this book became clear at the perfect moment. I didn't know the plot twist until the intended moment and my heart sank. It really did shock me, but it was the perfect way to end it.
Overall, The Ugly Teapot is an adventure filled, family-packed story that any reader could relate to. I really did enjoy this one, and I would like to thank Mr. Holmes for giving me the opportunity to enjoy his work. We could all strive to be a little more like Hannah Bradbury and my biggest lesson learned in this book is to always appreciate the time you have now with your loved ones.
"Letting your father go doesn’t mean you love him any less. It just means you’re doing what he’d want you to do. Moving on.”
Hannah Bradbury is struggling with the death of her father after learning he died on one of his photography assignments in Iraq. They were super close, and she had gained a lot of her knowledge and interest in photography and artifacts from him. On the day of his funeral, she digs the so-called "ugly teapot" out of her closet that her father brought back for her from one of his other assignments. After some convincing from her puppy Griff, she rubs the lamp hoping for something magical to happen. And does it ever. She uses her first wish out of three to bring her father back from the dead. She refuses to listen to the genie's advice and consequences, adventure and greed over the lamp ensue.
Personally, I really enjoyed Hannah's character. She was smart, witty, strong, brave, and willing to do what it took to protect her family. Hannah reminded me of myself in the sense that when my grandfather passed away, I didn't want to let him go either. We were very close and I still think about him every day. (Miss you lots pop xo). Hannah pushed herself to her limits in her attempts to keep her family & colleagues safe and that is a very admirable quality to read about.
Another character that I thoroughly enjoyed was Gus. He was just so witty and sarcastic and practically everything that came out of his mouth had me cracking up. Just picturing him trying to keep up with Hannah and Gil dragging along Gil's bags is a hilarious scene.
I think the thing that surprised me the most about The Ugly Teapot was how well it was written. From the summary, I knew it had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, some authors just can't take their ideas and write them smoothly and at a good speed. Mr. Holmes is not one of those people. He uses his vocabulary so well that the words just flow together so smoothly, this book was so easy and relaxing to read! The plot moves at the perfect pace so that you're not dragging on and on but you're not confused as to what's happening either. With the use of a broad vocabulary and a perfect pace, The Ugly Teapot is a perfect example of a perfect writing style.
But, I do have one (negative?) thing to say. Mr. Holmes, how dare you break my heart like that?! The ending to this book became clear at the perfect moment. I didn't know the plot twist until the intended moment and my heart sank. It really did shock me, but it was the perfect way to end it.
Overall, The Ugly Teapot is an adventure filled, family-packed story that any reader could relate to. I really did enjoy this one, and I would like to thank Mr. Holmes for giving me the opportunity to enjoy his work. We could all strive to be a little more like Hannah Bradbury and my biggest lesson learned in this book is to always appreciate the time you have now with your loved ones.
December 3, 2016
Receiving Fred Holmes' request to read and review this book made me feel super giddy and fluttery inside. I'd been amassing ARCs from Netgalley and Indigo, but this was my first ever official review request from an author himself, and I have to say that even though it wasn't my favourite book in the world, it didn't disappoint!
For a quick summary, The Ugly Teapot revolves around a 14-year old girl named Hannah. She really loves and looks up to her dad, so she gets anxious when he's not around- which is quite often. But one day, Hannah's biggest fears come true, and her dad is killed. Using the teapot he gave to her, she gives it a rub, hoping for good things.
I found that the beginning of the story captured my attention more than any other part- I just don't love books like this with a TON of action; I'd rather them centre more on the characters than the plot. Others may think that this beginning is slow, but in my opinion, it was the action that was slow, making me dose off a bit. This is not to say that someone with more of an action fetish wouldn't get a kick out of the entire book, though.
Plot aside, I really liked the protagonist of this story, Hannah. I felt absolutely terrible for her when her dad was killed, and I just wanted to reach into my iPad and tell her that everything would be fine. But for the most part, she didn't really need that reassurance- she was so positive, brave, and resilient! She didn't allow her dad's death to let her down; instead, she let it bring her up as she decided to take charge of the situation. I really admire strong characters like Hannah, and I just wish there were more of them!
I really loved the message that this book gave off about knowing that anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it. You obviously can't perform all the magic shown in this book, but I believe that this story is portraying the message in a 'big picture' kind of way, as Hannah makes things happen that no one probably would have dreamed of.
This book ended on a cliffhanger with the introduction of a new protagonist, and I hope to read more about her in the next instalment(s).
Overall, The Ugly Teapot was a good middle grade story. I liked the characters and morals, but the plot didn't always capture my attention. Those who don't mind a middle grade fantasy book with lots and lots of magic and action with a great main character shouldn't hesitate to check this one out! :)
*I received a digital ARC of this book from author Fred Holmes in exchange for an honest review.*
For a quick summary, The Ugly Teapot revolves around a 14-year old girl named Hannah. She really loves and looks up to her dad, so she gets anxious when he's not around- which is quite often. But one day, Hannah's biggest fears come true, and her dad is killed. Using the teapot he gave to her, she gives it a rub, hoping for good things.
I found that the beginning of the story captured my attention more than any other part- I just don't love books like this with a TON of action; I'd rather them centre more on the characters than the plot. Others may think that this beginning is slow, but in my opinion, it was the action that was slow, making me dose off a bit. This is not to say that someone with more of an action fetish wouldn't get a kick out of the entire book, though.
Plot aside, I really liked the protagonist of this story, Hannah. I felt absolutely terrible for her when her dad was killed, and I just wanted to reach into my iPad and tell her that everything would be fine. But for the most part, she didn't really need that reassurance- she was so positive, brave, and resilient! She didn't allow her dad's death to let her down; instead, she let it bring her up as she decided to take charge of the situation. I really admire strong characters like Hannah, and I just wish there were more of them!
I really loved the message that this book gave off about knowing that anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it. You obviously can't perform all the magic shown in this book, but I believe that this story is portraying the message in a 'big picture' kind of way, as Hannah makes things happen that no one probably would have dreamed of.
This book ended on a cliffhanger with the introduction of a new protagonist, and I hope to read more about her in the next instalment(s).
Overall, The Ugly Teapot was a good middle grade story. I liked the characters and morals, but the plot didn't always capture my attention. Those who don't mind a middle grade fantasy book with lots and lots of magic and action with a great main character shouldn't hesitate to check this one out! :)
*I received a digital ARC of this book from author Fred Holmes in exchange for an honest review.*
February 5, 2017
Thoughts: THE UGLY TEAPOT was a refreshing change from typical middle grade fantasy. Filled with twists, action, suspense, and adventure, I finished this book in a day.
Hannah is an amazing main character. She shows a lot of great change, originally being more tentative and fearful (though still stubborn) and in the end really making a name for herself, something readers will enjoy watching. Aside from that, Hannah is also a great role model for kids - imaginative, likable, selfless, but still very real and relatable, unlike many characters in children's literature today. The writing is fantastic, too - not too difficult to decipher for younger readers, but still very descriptive and sophisticated, so it appeals to all ages. I was instantly pulled into Hannah's story, in such a way that right from the start I felt Hannah's emotions, something that I loved. The story starts pretty quickly - there's not much buildup, which actually surprised me. I was expecting to have a scene where Hannah hears about her father's death, or some sort of prologue.
I'm actually thankful my expectations were proved wrong, because it really sets the tone for this fast-paced story. The action and adventure is fantastic - exactly what middle grade readers, in my opinion, are looking for. The plot isn't too complicated, but there are also tons of twists that keep the reader on their feet. THE UGLY TEAPOT is anything but a predictable read. For me, the ending really made this a five-star-and-beyond book. There's a major, heartwrenching twist that readers seeking something new and fresh will appreciate. Holmes skillfully gave the story some feeling of closure while still keeping readers gripped to read the next book. My only gripe with this book - and it's incredibly minor - was that I wasn't totally feeling Hannah and her father's relationship. Again, not major, but just something that I would have liked to see more of.
Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed story with a main character to remember.
Disclosure: I recieved this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Hannah is an amazing main character. She shows a lot of great change, originally being more tentative and fearful (though still stubborn) and in the end really making a name for herself, something readers will enjoy watching. Aside from that, Hannah is also a great role model for kids - imaginative, likable, selfless, but still very real and relatable, unlike many characters in children's literature today. The writing is fantastic, too - not too difficult to decipher for younger readers, but still very descriptive and sophisticated, so it appeals to all ages. I was instantly pulled into Hannah's story, in such a way that right from the start I felt Hannah's emotions, something that I loved. The story starts pretty quickly - there's not much buildup, which actually surprised me. I was expecting to have a scene where Hannah hears about her father's death, or some sort of prologue.
I'm actually thankful my expectations were proved wrong, because it really sets the tone for this fast-paced story. The action and adventure is fantastic - exactly what middle grade readers, in my opinion, are looking for. The plot isn't too complicated, but there are also tons of twists that keep the reader on their feet. THE UGLY TEAPOT is anything but a predictable read. For me, the ending really made this a five-star-and-beyond book. There's a major, heartwrenching twist that readers seeking something new and fresh will appreciate. Holmes skillfully gave the story some feeling of closure while still keeping readers gripped to read the next book. My only gripe with this book - and it's incredibly minor - was that I wasn't totally feeling Hannah and her father's relationship. Again, not major, but just something that I would have liked to see more of.
Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed story with a main character to remember.
Disclosure: I recieved this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 7, 2016
First off let me start off by saying "OMG". This book is a must read and must purchase. I literally could not stop reading it. Mr. Holmes is a very talented writer. Reading about Mr. Holmes' background working on television shows, it helped him in this case with his first fiction novel. I have read many children and young adult books and this one will really appeal to both the younger and older audience.
Hannah is a fearless young girl. This is what I liked about her best. Than there is Hannah's father and traveling companions including Grif, Hannah's dog. One of the things I liked the most was the reference to the different stories like Aladdin and Tarzan. Of course, I can't forget the exciting, thrilling, magical adventure that Hannah and everyone else went on. There was never a dull moment to be had in this book. The ending left me wanting to read the next book.
Hannah is a fearless young girl. This is what I liked about her best. Than there is Hannah's father and traveling companions including Grif, Hannah's dog. One of the things I liked the most was the reference to the different stories like Aladdin and Tarzan. Of course, I can't forget the exciting, thrilling, magical adventure that Hannah and everyone else went on. There was never a dull moment to be had in this book. The ending left me wanting to read the next book.
August 9, 2016
When Hannah’s beloved father dies, she finds herself doing something incredibly silly: she rubs the lamp that he had brought her from Baghdad. In fact, it looked more like an ugly teapot, but when the genie appears, Hannah believes that she might finally be able to resurrect her father. However, wishes not always work out the way we want them to and the Magician won’t stop before he gets his hands on the lamp. Will Hannah be capable of using her last wish to ensure the safety of mankind?
“The Ugly Teapot”, written by Fred Holmes, is a beautiful story of the unconditional love that a girl has for her father and how far she is willing to go to have him back. Hannah’s father was always the adventurous photographer who travelled the world, bringing back amazing stories. On the other hand, Vivian, Hannah’s mother, worked hard in a decrepit dinner to sustain her three children and a house that was falling apart appliance by appliance. “The Ugly Teapot” shows how hard it is for a child to deal with grief, but what I appreciated the most was the development of Hannah’s relationship with her mother. In the end, she finally realizes that her mother was the true warrior of the family, even if she didn’t have interesting stories to tell.
Nevertheless, there were some parts of the book I did not enjoy that much, mainly because they seemed rather confusing. Hannah didn’t find it strange that her dog could talk to her through telepathy, but she refused to believe that the ugly teapot could in fact be a magical lamp. I also thought that instead of just mentioning that Hannah had ran away twice since her father’s death, the writer could have developed that further. Additionally, Fred Holmes leaves the writer with the impression that all this adventure was in fact a product of Hannah’s imagination, but then hints that the lamp is actually enchanted. My guess is that Hannah experienced a hallucination caused by the lamp which taught her to deal with her father’s loss. However, this is not exactly clear.
When it comes to writing style, I think that “The Ugly Teapot” was an easy read, with fluid writing. The descriptions were vivid, although there was quite an overuse of metaphors and similes. Nevertheless, Hannah’s voice was well depicted, with the insecurities and hyperboles typical of a fourteen-year old girl. I do believe that “The Ugly Teapot” read like a Middle Grade book, but I also thought that several scenes were extremely violent so it might also be considered an early YA book.
Despite these few issues, I think that “The Ugly Teapot” deals with an important yet sometimes overlooked part of teenagers' lives: the loss of a parent. Unfortunately, these sort of things happen as it’s good to have a book that helps overcome this loss through an interesting and action-packed adventure. The amazing cliff-hanger at the end surely leaves the reader asking for more.
“The Ugly Teapot”, written by Fred Holmes, is a beautiful story of the unconditional love that a girl has for her father and how far she is willing to go to have him back. Hannah’s father was always the adventurous photographer who travelled the world, bringing back amazing stories. On the other hand, Vivian, Hannah’s mother, worked hard in a decrepit dinner to sustain her three children and a house that was falling apart appliance by appliance. “The Ugly Teapot” shows how hard it is for a child to deal with grief, but what I appreciated the most was the development of Hannah’s relationship with her mother. In the end, she finally realizes that her mother was the true warrior of the family, even if she didn’t have interesting stories to tell.
Nevertheless, there were some parts of the book I did not enjoy that much, mainly because they seemed rather confusing. Hannah didn’t find it strange that her dog could talk to her through telepathy, but she refused to believe that the ugly teapot could in fact be a magical lamp. I also thought that instead of just mentioning that Hannah had ran away twice since her father’s death, the writer could have developed that further. Additionally, Fred Holmes leaves the writer with the impression that all this adventure was in fact a product of Hannah’s imagination, but then hints that the lamp is actually enchanted. My guess is that Hannah experienced a hallucination caused by the lamp which taught her to deal with her father’s loss. However, this is not exactly clear.
When it comes to writing style, I think that “The Ugly Teapot” was an easy read, with fluid writing. The descriptions were vivid, although there was quite an overuse of metaphors and similes. Nevertheless, Hannah’s voice was well depicted, with the insecurities and hyperboles typical of a fourteen-year old girl. I do believe that “The Ugly Teapot” read like a Middle Grade book, but I also thought that several scenes were extremely violent so it might also be considered an early YA book.
Despite these few issues, I think that “The Ugly Teapot” deals with an important yet sometimes overlooked part of teenagers' lives: the loss of a parent. Unfortunately, these sort of things happen as it’s good to have a book that helps overcome this loss through an interesting and action-packed adventure. The amazing cliff-hanger at the end surely leaves the reader asking for more.
June 11, 2016
The Ugly Teapot is a novel about 14-year-old Hannah Bradbury, a girl who is mourning her father’s death. Hannah's father, Gil Bradbury, was a famous photographer who explored and captured the wonders of the world while Hannah’s mother stayed home with Hannah and her two younger brothers at their house in Green Park, Tennessee. Gil was Hannah’s role model, and it seems like she has lost him forever after his death. However, Hannah soon finds out that may not be the case.
She discovers an old teapot that her father gave to her after one of his many expeditions. After examining the gift further, Hannah realizes it is no ordinary teapot, but instead a magical lamp. She rubs the lamp and a genie appears- but more importantly, so does the opportunity of three wishes that will take Hannah on a journey far crazier than any of her father’s expeditions.
Opinion:
I really enjoyed reading The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes. From the very beginning, this novel captured and held my attention. The protagonist, Hannah, was a strong female character who exhibited bravery and strength throughout the story. She was very likeable, and I found her character easy to relate to.
I liked how this story was filled with action but still dealt with heavy subjects, including death and grief. I think the author did a nice job in finding the balance between happy and sad; some scenes were fun and adventurous while others provoked deep thinking. The plot was well-developed and executed, and the story kept me guessing until the very end.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Ugly Teapot to any reader looking for an action-packed story with sentimental themes.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age: 16
She discovers an old teapot that her father gave to her after one of his many expeditions. After examining the gift further, Hannah realizes it is no ordinary teapot, but instead a magical lamp. She rubs the lamp and a genie appears- but more importantly, so does the opportunity of three wishes that will take Hannah on a journey far crazier than any of her father’s expeditions.
Opinion:
I really enjoyed reading The Ugly Teapot by Fred Holmes. From the very beginning, this novel captured and held my attention. The protagonist, Hannah, was a strong female character who exhibited bravery and strength throughout the story. She was very likeable, and I found her character easy to relate to.
I liked how this story was filled with action but still dealt with heavy subjects, including death and grief. I think the author did a nice job in finding the balance between happy and sad; some scenes were fun and adventurous while others provoked deep thinking. The plot was well-developed and executed, and the story kept me guessing until the very end.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Ugly Teapot to any reader looking for an action-packed story with sentimental themes.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age: 16
February 2, 2017
FULL REVIEW HERE
(...)
The thing I loved most about the book must be the humor on it! Gus was extremely sarcastic, but Hannah’s father wasn’t very far below and even Hannah wasn’t so bad herself. I remember the first time I had one of my “What the hell is going on?” moments was when Griff, Hannah’s dog, revealed his “ability”, and I seriously started questioning Hannah’s mental health after that. But honestly, Gus really got on my nerves sometimes; he’s this relaxed person who whatever he does he’s calm, and I just couldn’t stand him, because I’d be as frightened as Hannah in their situation!
Hannah’s parents were really good characters as well: during the entire book I didn’t like her mom the way Hannah pictured her, but at the end, we could see she’s actually a great mom; and her dad is this charismatic man Hannah remembers him to be, with a life full of adventures! Her little brothers surprised me too, with the maturity they showed.
And although I loved the fact that nothing of this led to a romance, at the same time I just adored reading the moments between Hannah and Ahmed.
(...)
The thing I loved most about the book must be the humor on it! Gus was extremely sarcastic, but Hannah’s father wasn’t very far below and even Hannah wasn’t so bad herself. I remember the first time I had one of my “What the hell is going on?” moments was when Griff, Hannah’s dog, revealed his “ability”, and I seriously started questioning Hannah’s mental health after that. But honestly, Gus really got on my nerves sometimes; he’s this relaxed person who whatever he does he’s calm, and I just couldn’t stand him, because I’d be as frightened as Hannah in their situation!
Hannah’s parents were really good characters as well: during the entire book I didn’t like her mom the way Hannah pictured her, but at the end, we could see she’s actually a great mom; and her dad is this charismatic man Hannah remembers him to be, with a life full of adventures! Her little brothers surprised me too, with the maturity they showed.
And although I loved the fact that nothing of this led to a romance, at the same time I just adored reading the moments between Hannah and Ahmed.
February 2, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I started reading this book, I was trying not to expect too much even though the story is definitely reminiscent of Aladdin. The ugly teapot… the magic lamp… Same thing, right? But what I wasn’t expecting was the huge twist at the end that totally shocked me. I did not see that one coming at all. Throughout the book, you get a great look at who Hannah is as a person. You really are able to connect with her story and how much she loved her father. One thing I wasn’t too keen on was that she seemed a little more naive than most 14 year olds. But then again, I haven’t been 14 for a long time so I could be wrong. There was so much action and adventure in this book. There was one scene in particular that was described so vividly that it gave me anxiety to read! I am an insanely anxious flyer so reading that treacherous plane ride across the ocean just about gave me a heart attack. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and think that it would be a good read for younger pre-teens to early teens.
3.5 Stars
When I started reading this book, I was trying not to expect too much even though the story is definitely reminiscent of Aladdin. The ugly teapot… the magic lamp… Same thing, right? But what I wasn’t expecting was the huge twist at the end that totally shocked me. I did not see that one coming at all. Throughout the book, you get a great look at who Hannah is as a person. You really are able to connect with her story and how much she loved her father. One thing I wasn’t too keen on was that she seemed a little more naive than most 14 year olds. But then again, I haven’t been 14 for a long time so I could be wrong. There was so much action and adventure in this book. There was one scene in particular that was described so vividly that it gave me anxiety to read! I am an insanely anxious flyer so reading that treacherous plane ride across the ocean just about gave me a heart attack. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and think that it would be a good read for younger pre-teens to early teens.
3.5 Stars
November 11, 2016
Full review on: https://pagesboundtogether.wordpress....
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love the idea of incorporating Aladdin’s lamp in the plot. I’ve never seen that done before so it’s great that authors are creating original ideas. I imagined that the story stayed true to the story of Aladdin (the Disney movie) but I could be wrong as I’ve only seen the movie once when I was a little kid!
The prologue was done extremely well as I got hooked into the story straight away. Also, I really want to comment on the length of the chapters. Even thought there were 38 chapters in this book I feel like that it wasn’t really that long. I think that this is because some chapters were 17 pages, and others were 5 pages. I really like how the Fred Holmes structured it since I mostly read on the train and this made it a lot easier to continue with the story.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love the idea of incorporating Aladdin’s lamp in the plot. I’ve never seen that done before so it’s great that authors are creating original ideas. I imagined that the story stayed true to the story of Aladdin (the Disney movie) but I could be wrong as I’ve only seen the movie once when I was a little kid!
The prologue was done extremely well as I got hooked into the story straight away. Also, I really want to comment on the length of the chapters. Even thought there were 38 chapters in this book I feel like that it wasn’t really that long. I think that this is because some chapters were 17 pages, and others were 5 pages. I really like how the Fred Holmes structured it since I mostly read on the train and this made it a lot easier to continue with the story.
October 18, 2016
[2.5]
My rating is low but I didn't hate it, I just didn't love it.
Hannah uses an ugly old teapot to save her father, but the genie had warned her of consequences and now she must face life and death situations to make sure she and her father live.
This book had a good, fast and adventurous plot but the characters felt dull. So many characters were being introduced to us that I wouldn't remember their names or their personality. There was a point where I couldn't differentiate between Gus and Griff and one of them is a dog.
The writing was not bad but certain scenes would be expanded so much that I would get distracted and since I read e-books on the metro/bus, that happened a lot.
So it was an interesting plot and I loved the twist in the end. Recommended for people who love fast paced books.
My rating is low but I didn't hate it, I just didn't love it.
Hannah uses an ugly old teapot to save her father, but the genie had warned her of consequences and now she must face life and death situations to make sure she and her father live.
This book had a good, fast and adventurous plot but the characters felt dull. So many characters were being introduced to us that I wouldn't remember their names or their personality. There was a point where I couldn't differentiate between Gus and Griff and one of them is a dog.
The writing was not bad but certain scenes would be expanded so much that I would get distracted and since I read e-books on the metro/bus, that happened a lot.
So it was an interesting plot and I loved the twist in the end. Recommended for people who love fast paced books.
October 18, 2016
I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I first heard what this book was about it sounded so good, I ended up with some expectations for it but I still wasn't really sure what to expect. It sounded magical and I like magic. The book wasn't what I expected, it was different and it was more than just magic and adventure. It made me think, and I really enjoyed it. When I've put my complete thoughts together, a full review will go up on my blog (thediaryofabookishgirl.wordpress.com) but in the meantime, if you are looking for a new book from a new author, you should definitely consider checking this book out.
When I first heard what this book was about it sounded so good, I ended up with some expectations for it but I still wasn't really sure what to expect. It sounded magical and I like magic. The book wasn't what I expected, it was different and it was more than just magic and adventure. It made me think, and I really enjoyed it. When I've put my complete thoughts together, a full review will go up on my blog (thediaryofabookishgirl.wordpress.com) but in the meantime, if you are looking for a new book from a new author, you should definitely consider checking this book out.
April 21, 2017
Thank you to the author, Fred Holmes, for gifting me with a copy of The Ugly Teapot in exchange for an honest review!
I have overall mixed feelings for this book. I think it's time I start weaning myself off of middle grade because I consistently want more character development but in MG, that's not exactly a priority. But let me wait to go into more detail on that.
1. The plot. By definition, the middle grade (MG) genre is very plot driven. The plot for this specific book is well-organized and structured with a spectacular sense of overall drive. This is an Aladdin retelling and there is an overall end goal to get the lamp to the secret cavern in order to save the world from itself (more on the retelling later). The author did a great job keeping the action moving along which created a very fast paced novel; perfect for MG.
2. The characters. This is where I have a little bit of internal struggle. On one hand, the genre is MG which designates a certain amount of ambiguity in terms of character development. On the other hand, I found myself consistently baffled by the decisions of the characters. This was especially the case with Hannah. She seemed to always think in the moment and never took a big picture view. This was not helped by the fact that I'm unsure of her actual age. I don't believe it was ever actually stated (or perpetuated) in the novel and she would act mature in one scene and descend into a 10 year old mindset in another. With all that being said, it doesn't hold a large bearing on my rating simply because this is MG and the characters don't matter as much as in YA or Adult.
3. The ending. I feel I have to address this as I am a bit mystified by the ending. Generally speaking, without spoilers, I wish there were more there. Hannah and her father's adventure ends quite abruptly and after the ending, there is very little recovery time shown which would have built up the ending's reasoning a bit more. There is an epilogue as well that connects this book to the next (not currently written to my knowledge at this time) which I did appreciate. It did a wonderfully smooth job of slipping the reader into the next story. The rest of this section has spoilers. This played a significant role in my rating.
4. The retelling. I truly loved how the author chose to do an Aladdin retelling. I rewatched the Disney version during Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas and I was thinking about why there aren't many retellings of Aladdin. There are plenty of Peter Pan, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, etc etc, but there aren't many of Aladdin so I found this book quite refreshing and unique. The story is kept relatively the same (it's set hundreds of years after Aladdin gets the lamp) with some changes.
5. The writing. This is the best part of my reading experience. The author of this book has such concise and smooth prose which made reading a true delight. I felt as if I was actually within the novel and participating in the story, even with the hiccups.
The Final Verdict:
This retelling of Aladdin has a well-structured plot line, solid characters, and excellent written form. The ending could use some reworking, however (or clarification). Overall, a well-rounded MG novel.
3.5 stars
I have overall mixed feelings for this book. I think it's time I start weaning myself off of middle grade because I consistently want more character development but in MG, that's not exactly a priority. But let me wait to go into more detail on that.
1. The plot. By definition, the middle grade (MG) genre is very plot driven. The plot for this specific book is well-organized and structured with a spectacular sense of overall drive. This is an Aladdin retelling and there is an overall end goal to get the lamp to the secret cavern in order to save the world from itself (more on the retelling later). The author did a great job keeping the action moving along which created a very fast paced novel; perfect for MG.
2. The characters. This is where I have a little bit of internal struggle. On one hand, the genre is MG which designates a certain amount of ambiguity in terms of character development. On the other hand, I found myself consistently baffled by the decisions of the characters. This was especially the case with Hannah. She seemed to always think in the moment and never took a big picture view. This was not helped by the fact that I'm unsure of her actual age. I don't believe it was ever actually stated (or perpetuated) in the novel and she would act mature in one scene and descend into a 10 year old mindset in another. With all that being said, it doesn't hold a large bearing on my rating simply because this is MG and the characters don't matter as much as in YA or Adult.
3. The ending. I feel I have to address this as I am a bit mystified by the ending. Generally speaking, without spoilers, I wish there were more there. Hannah and her father's adventure ends quite abruptly and after the ending, there is very little recovery time shown which would have built up the ending's reasoning a bit more. There is an epilogue as well that connects this book to the next (not currently written to my knowledge at this time) which I did appreciate. It did a wonderfully smooth job of slipping the reader into the next story. The rest of this section has spoilers. This played a significant role in my rating.
4. The retelling. I truly loved how the author chose to do an Aladdin retelling. I rewatched the Disney version during Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas and I was thinking about why there aren't many retellings of Aladdin. There are plenty of Peter Pan, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, etc etc, but there aren't many of Aladdin so I found this book quite refreshing and unique. The story is kept relatively the same (it's set hundreds of years after Aladdin gets the lamp) with some changes.
5. The writing. This is the best part of my reading experience. The author of this book has such concise and smooth prose which made reading a true delight. I felt as if I was actually within the novel and participating in the story, even with the hiccups.
The Final Verdict:
This retelling of Aladdin has a well-structured plot line, solid characters, and excellent written form. The ending could use some reworking, however (or clarification). Overall, a well-rounded MG novel.
3.5 stars
March 28, 2017
Originally posted on Reveries Reviews
I honestly don't know how to rate and review this book. I thought I'd wait a while after reading it to see if my thoughts organized themselves, but they haven't, and so I guess I'll just do my best to give my honest opinion.
Honestly, it's an emotional journey, and emotions boggle me a little. I laughed and cried and was both disturbed and happy.
Plot: 3/5
The plot was really one of the cleverest I've read in a while. If you've read the blurb (^), you probably have a pretty fair idea as to what goes on, but it still surprised me. I think the only thing I didn't appreciate was pausing the adventure to return to V's life every once and a while, though when the ending came I understood why it was necessary.
The ending was a bit disturbing. I didn't quite know what to think about it at first ... and was a little disappointed, too. However, after I thought about it for a while, I decided it was really a cool twist ... and totally unexpected! Still, it was disturbing and, in my opinion, sudden.
Characters: 4/5
There were several characters who held prominent parts besides Hannah, but I always had them kept straight in my mind. A few things did confuse me (for instance, it wasn't explained until the very end of the book why Griff has the ability to communicate with Hannah telepathically; we were just expected to accept it like all dogs communicate with their masters like that), but overall, I found them all well-developed and interesting.
Hannah was a sweet little girl (well, "little" is a broad term ...) looking for her father. Stories with grieving people in them always get me even though I've never lost anyone really important to me.
Griff, Hannah's dog, was a fun character. He can communicate telepathically with Hannah for much of the book, and he has a fun sense of humor.
Hannah's father ... well, something seemed wrong with him from the beginning, and so I was pleased with Hannah's realization towards the end. Sure, he was a fun dad ... but a good one? Eh. Not so much.
Vivian (V), Hannah's mother, was a great character. I loved her growth and the growth of her and Hannah's relationship. It was also cool how she's this steady person who is always there, even if Hannah didn't think her decisions were always the best.
Gus was my favorite. He was just so hilarious! Every word out of his mouth had me in stitches, and that whole thing with the treasure chest ... and his relationship with Hannah's father was the best. :P
Ahmed ... wow. Insta-crush, huh, Hannah? *glares at Hannah* Okay, okay, I know, you're fourteen and he's this awesome exotic gentleman ... but still.
Ahmed's parents I actually liked ... until the end. At which point I kinda got frustrated with them. I still don't know about that little lie to Hannah's father. What was that about?
The Magician, we all hated. Well, at least I did. He was so cruel and evil and wicked and awful ... and other words that are near-synonyms to each other. I hate him! And yet he's a "good" villain as villains go (as in he is good at being evil).
Setting: 5/5
The description and setting were both very good. I always had a good idea as to where we were. I especially loved the descriptions of the treasure chamber and the Sheik's house.
As far as settings, we started in a small town in the United States in Hannah's bedroom and went halfway around the world to Baghdad and then some mountains (I've forgotten which) and back to Hannah's house. All vividly described without too many words.
Writing: 4/5
Excellent! I especially enjoyed the punchy dialogue and, of course, description. The best thing about the writing was the humor. I laughed aloud several times.
However, I did find some sentences to be a little complicated or overthought.
Theme: 3/5
I felt like the theme could have been worked a little better. The ending and resolution were somewhat sudden, as I mentioned before, and the main character was kind of in denial before that point. V's point of view helped decrease that shield Hannah put up a little ... but not much, especially as V had no idea what was going on until the end.
Content: 3/5
Language: "oh my god" several times and then stronger euphemism such as "crap," etc. 10+.
Violence: lots of this, I'm afraid. Many, many people were killed during Hannah's adventure. There was lots of blood and death and scary situations. It never got extremely gory, but it was mildly gory in several places. 13+ at least.
Sexual: n/a (although Hannah develops a crush on a boy she's traveling with)
Other: the world is assumed millions of years old. Hannah is suffering from severe depression, anxiety, and delusions. The ending is kinda of disturbing. 10+
I'd say 13+ at least for violence, disturbing themes, and mild language (taking the Lord's name in vain). Parental guidance suggested for more the more sensitive.
Overall: 3.5/5
A fairly decent young adult novel with a great beginning and middle. The end was a little sudden, but for those who are good at sorting details out, it won't make any difference. I really enjoyed the humor and the adventure (though it could be a little gory or disturbing at times), and the character were well-developed and interesting.
A great story for any upper middle grade or young adult reader who loves a character-based adventure with magic elements.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
I honestly don't know how to rate and review this book. I thought I'd wait a while after reading it to see if my thoughts organized themselves, but they haven't, and so I guess I'll just do my best to give my honest opinion.
Honestly, it's an emotional journey, and emotions boggle me a little. I laughed and cried and was both disturbed and happy.
Plot: 3/5
The plot was really one of the cleverest I've read in a while. If you've read the blurb (^), you probably have a pretty fair idea as to what goes on, but it still surprised me. I think the only thing I didn't appreciate was pausing the adventure to return to V's life every once and a while, though when the ending came I understood why it was necessary.
The ending was a bit disturbing. I didn't quite know what to think about it at first ... and was a little disappointed, too. However, after I thought about it for a while, I decided it was really a cool twist ... and totally unexpected! Still, it was disturbing and, in my opinion, sudden.
Characters: 4/5
There were several characters who held prominent parts besides Hannah, but I always had them kept straight in my mind. A few things did confuse me (for instance, it wasn't explained until the very end of the book why Griff has the ability to communicate with Hannah telepathically; we were just expected to accept it like all dogs communicate with their masters like that), but overall, I found them all well-developed and interesting.
Hannah was a sweet little girl (well, "little" is a broad term ...) looking for her father. Stories with grieving people in them always get me even though I've never lost anyone really important to me.
Griff, Hannah's dog, was a fun character. He can communicate telepathically with Hannah for much of the book, and he has a fun sense of humor.
Hannah's father ... well, something seemed wrong with him from the beginning, and so I was pleased with Hannah's realization towards the end. Sure, he was a fun dad ... but a good one? Eh. Not so much.
Vivian (V), Hannah's mother, was a great character. I loved her growth and the growth of her and Hannah's relationship. It was also cool how she's this steady person who is always there, even if Hannah didn't think her decisions were always the best.
Gus was my favorite. He was just so hilarious! Every word out of his mouth had me in stitches, and that whole thing with the treasure chest ... and his relationship with Hannah's father was the best. :P
Ahmed ... wow. Insta-crush, huh, Hannah? *glares at Hannah* Okay, okay, I know, you're fourteen and he's this awesome exotic gentleman ... but still.
Ahmed's parents I actually liked ... until the end. At which point I kinda got frustrated with them. I still don't know about that little lie to Hannah's father. What was that about?
The Magician, we all hated. Well, at least I did. He was so cruel and evil and wicked and awful ... and other words that are near-synonyms to each other. I hate him! And yet he's a "good" villain as villains go (as in he is good at being evil).
Setting: 5/5
The description and setting were both very good. I always had a good idea as to where we were. I especially loved the descriptions of the treasure chamber and the Sheik's house.
As far as settings, we started in a small town in the United States in Hannah's bedroom and went halfway around the world to Baghdad and then some mountains (I've forgotten which) and back to Hannah's house. All vividly described without too many words.
Writing: 4/5
Excellent! I especially enjoyed the punchy dialogue and, of course, description. The best thing about the writing was the humor. I laughed aloud several times.
However, I did find some sentences to be a little complicated or overthought.
Theme: 3/5
I felt like the theme could have been worked a little better. The ending and resolution were somewhat sudden, as I mentioned before, and the main character was kind of in denial before that point. V's point of view helped decrease that shield Hannah put up a little ... but not much, especially as V had no idea what was going on until the end.
Content: 3/5
Language: "oh my god" several times and then stronger euphemism such as "crap," etc. 10+.
Violence: lots of this, I'm afraid. Many, many people were killed during Hannah's adventure. There was lots of blood and death and scary situations. It never got extremely gory, but it was mildly gory in several places. 13+ at least.
Sexual: n/a (although Hannah develops a crush on a boy she's traveling with)
Other: the world is assumed millions of years old. Hannah is suffering from severe depression, anxiety, and delusions. The ending is kinda of disturbing. 10+
I'd say 13+ at least for violence, disturbing themes, and mild language (taking the Lord's name in vain). Parental guidance suggested for more the more sensitive.
Overall: 3.5/5
A fairly decent young adult novel with a great beginning and middle. The end was a little sudden, but for those who are good at sorting details out, it won't make any difference. I really enjoyed the humor and the adventure (though it could be a little gory or disturbing at times), and the character were well-developed and interesting.
A great story for any upper middle grade or young adult reader who loves a character-based adventure with magic elements.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
April 12, 2017
You can also find this review on my blog.
The Ugly Teapot is a cute novel filled with action and both a heartwarming and heartbreaking message about family and loss. The best part? We’ve got Hannah as our main character – a realistic 14-year-old girl experiencing grief after her father’s death and trying to cope with it. Though in the end I found the story a bit clichéd, I thought it was an interesting way to deal with the theme of grief and moving on.
The novel plays a lot with fantasy and magical elements. Sometimes it’s confusing because you don’t know if some things are real or not, like Hannah’s dog Griff being telepathic. The characters' adventures are based on the tale of Ali Baba, which I believe is of Arab origin, and the setting is mainly Iraq. There was also an appearance of a creature from a Persian tale I hadn’t heard of (Fulad-zereh) and there were probably more details that I missed from different mythologies. It’s interesting to see this mix, but it’s also frustrating when trying to pinpoint where the elements are actually from. That’s probably just me, though, because I don’t know about them enough.
As I said before, our main character is believable and that’s always a big plus for me. Hannah wasn’t exactly a fearless protagonist. She was very brave, but she also showed her vulnerability, her innocence, and her fears throughout the adventure. This, along with her indisputable love for her father, was what made her so real and sweet. Sometimes I wished she did things differently, but then I remembered her age and I thought it was a perfectly reasonable way for her to act or react to certain situations.
The cast of secondary characters was okay, especially Gus, who had a very distinct personality, but I wish we could have dwelt deeper into all of them. For example, the Magician, who was the villain, wasn’t very exceptional for me. He actually made the action feel out of place in such a magical adventure.
As for Ahmed, I would have liked to see know more about him because what I got was too little and disappointing. He says the next quotes to Hannah and maybe out of context they don’t sound bad, but then Hannah’s insecurities arise and I found them frustrating. It probably wasn’t the intention at all, but I think they perpetuate the notion than girls shouldn’t feel or show confidence. There’s nothing wrong with girls loving themselves unapologetically and it definitely doesn’t take their beauty away.
The themes of the novel are mainly grief, family, and to learn to move on. I truly liked how the last two were dealt with. However, I was let down by how the plot ended up dealing with Hannah’s grief. This is what I found clichéd. It was something I expected and it made the ending feel too rushed.
Overall, it was a nice and touching magical adventure with many fun moments and also sad ones. Maybe it wasn’t exactly anything new for me, but the themes are universal and I think anyone can relate to it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Ugly Teapot is a cute novel filled with action and both a heartwarming and heartbreaking message about family and loss. The best part? We’ve got Hannah as our main character – a realistic 14-year-old girl experiencing grief after her father’s death and trying to cope with it. Though in the end I found the story a bit clichéd, I thought it was an interesting way to deal with the theme of grief and moving on.
The novel plays a lot with fantasy and magical elements. Sometimes it’s confusing because you don’t know if some things are real or not, like Hannah’s dog Griff being telepathic. The characters' adventures are based on the tale of Ali Baba, which I believe is of Arab origin, and the setting is mainly Iraq. There was also an appearance of a creature from a Persian tale I hadn’t heard of (Fulad-zereh) and there were probably more details that I missed from different mythologies. It’s interesting to see this mix, but it’s also frustrating when trying to pinpoint where the elements are actually from. That’s probably just me, though, because I don’t know about them enough.
As I said before, our main character is believable and that’s always a big plus for me. Hannah wasn’t exactly a fearless protagonist. She was very brave, but she also showed her vulnerability, her innocence, and her fears throughout the adventure. This, along with her indisputable love for her father, was what made her so real and sweet. Sometimes I wished she did things differently, but then I remembered her age and I thought it was a perfectly reasonable way for her to act or react to certain situations.
“‘Taking a photograph is always a humbling experience,’ said her father, after Hannah had photographed everything in sight, and was waiting in the breathless twilight for the sky to turn the perfect shade of indigo. ‘You never achieve perfection, and only get one change at moderately good.'”
The cast of secondary characters was okay, especially Gus, who had a very distinct personality, but I wish we could have dwelt deeper into all of them. For example, the Magician, who was the villain, wasn’t very exceptional for me. He actually made the action feel out of place in such a magical adventure.
“What’s the point of having power, if one cannot use it? What’s the point of immortality if one cannot truly live?”
As for Ahmed, I would have liked to see know more about him because what I got was too little and disappointing. He says the next quotes to Hannah and maybe out of context they don’t sound bad, but then Hannah’s insecurities arise and I found them frustrating. It probably wasn’t the intention at all, but I think they perpetuate the notion than girls shouldn’t feel or show confidence. There’s nothing wrong with girls loving themselves unapologetically and it definitely doesn’t take their beauty away.
“My tutor says that only the truly beautiful do not know they are truly beautiful.”
“Your complete lack of narcissism is most attractive.”
The themes of the novel are mainly grief, family, and to learn to move on. I truly liked how the last two were dealt with. However, I was let down by how the plot ended up dealing with Hannah’s grief. This is what I found clichéd. It was something I expected and it made the ending feel too rushed.
Overall, it was a nice and touching magical adventure with many fun moments and also sad ones. Maybe it wasn’t exactly anything new for me, but the themes are universal and I think anyone can relate to it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2016
I received a copy of this for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The Ugly Teapot is about Hannah, a young girl who has just lost her photographer father. She discovers that the magic lamp he gave her is, in actuality, a real magic lamp, and so she uses her wishes to bring her father back to life, which begins an adventure that takes her all the way to the middle-east in order to stop an evil magician from gaining his powers again.
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The concept sounded really good, but the first chapters through me off. Not in a bad way, they just weren't what I was expecting. It wasn't hard for me to get back on board the narrative, though, and soon I was thoroughly enjoying the adventure within.
This is a fast paced book, which is something I really needed right now. I think I read it in two or three sittings, actually. The pace lends itself to the story, allowing the reader to feel the peril as Hannah does. Even though things are speeding past, this doesn't prevent from good character development and description.
Another pleasant surprise was Hannah's mother, V. I really, really, really disliked V at first (and I think we're supposed to) but as the novel plays out we slowly get to see more of her and suddenly I was her biggest fan. When we get to see things from her perspective the story starts to change and things get a little darker and more mature, all in good ways. The two story's, V and Hannah, parallel each other quite a bit, and they're both stories of women looking to "save the world" in a way. For V her family is her world and for Hannah, well, she's quite actually working to save the world. Hannah, too, was a great character, and a great protagonist. I enjoyed being in her head and going on an adventure with her. Even if at some points it was dangerous and terrifying, it was also a bunch of fun.
On the ending (no spoilers here, just thoughts): I really liked it. By the end of the book things have changed quite a bit since the beginning. More mature themes and a darker tone do prevail for a point, but they pull the story together in this "wow I can't believe it went there but I'm so glad it did" way. Beyond Hannah's own story, a grander world is built for this teapot, and it's a world full of stories I very much want to read.
TL;DR?
Don't let the first few chapters fool you, this is a wonderful book that tackles important issues in an appropriate way while also bringing the reader on a fun adventure.
That was... intense. And very good. Closer to 4.5 than 4 stars. A full review will be coming soon.
The Ugly Teapot is about Hannah, a young girl who has just lost her photographer father. She discovers that the magic lamp he gave her is, in actuality, a real magic lamp, and so she uses her wishes to bring her father back to life, which begins an adventure that takes her all the way to the middle-east in order to stop an evil magician from gaining his powers again.
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The concept sounded really good, but the first chapters through me off. Not in a bad way, they just weren't what I was expecting. It wasn't hard for me to get back on board the narrative, though, and soon I was thoroughly enjoying the adventure within.
This is a fast paced book, which is something I really needed right now. I think I read it in two or three sittings, actually. The pace lends itself to the story, allowing the reader to feel the peril as Hannah does. Even though things are speeding past, this doesn't prevent from good character development and description.
Another pleasant surprise was Hannah's mother, V. I really, really, really disliked V at first (and I think we're supposed to) but as the novel plays out we slowly get to see more of her and suddenly I was her biggest fan. When we get to see things from her perspective the story starts to change and things get a little darker and more mature, all in good ways. The two story's, V and Hannah, parallel each other quite a bit, and they're both stories of women looking to "save the world" in a way. For V her family is her world and for Hannah, well, she's quite actually working to save the world. Hannah, too, was a great character, and a great protagonist. I enjoyed being in her head and going on an adventure with her. Even if at some points it was dangerous and terrifying, it was also a bunch of fun.
On the ending (no spoilers here, just thoughts): I really liked it. By the end of the book things have changed quite a bit since the beginning. More mature themes and a darker tone do prevail for a point, but they pull the story together in this "wow I can't believe it went there but I'm so glad it did" way. Beyond Hannah's own story, a grander world is built for this teapot, and it's a world full of stories I very much want to read.
TL;DR?
Don't let the first few chapters fool you, this is a wonderful book that tackles important issues in an appropriate way while also bringing the reader on a fun adventure.
That was... intense. And very good. Closer to 4.5 than 4 stars. A full review will be coming soon.
January 12, 2017
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
The Ugly Teapot is a heartfelt, touching story that features an imaginative, exciting world. The author, Fred Holmes, has an in-depth background in directing and screenwriting, making this his first foray in novel writing, and I think his talents transferred over to paper remarkably well. I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, as the summary provided is intriguing and informative, but also cleverly vague regarding details. If, like me, you are a fan of many Arabian Nights stories or Disney's Aladdin, then you are probably familiar with the idea of a genie (or from one of many other sources, of course), and this particular notion greatly intrigued me.
The Ugly Teapot is paced extremely well. There is an abundance of action and magic packed within these pages, but it never once felt as though it was rushed or moving too slowly. It is certainly fast-paced, but not in a negative way that is hard to follow. There weren't any dense information dumps, there were no parts that dragged on too long, and I never felt confused by too many plot elements. The entire story carried a delightfully whimsical atmosphere that helped the story breeze along, which led up to an incredible ending that I really enjoyed.
Hannah is a wonderful main character. She is outgoing, strong, and extremely relatable. Her resilience in the fact of struggle was refreshing to read, and her character's development was written in a consistent manner. She's just one of those characters that are easy to love and root for throughout the entire story.
This book also takes us into a variety of locations and cultures, and Holmes wrote these excursions in an informative and welcoming manner. Every description was vibrant and realistic, and I enjoyed being a part of Hannah's journey. I was actually quite thrilled to realize that this book would be taking its readers on a larger adventure into different areas of the world, as it gave the book an even more well-rounded feel.
One aspect of this book that I particularly enjoyed were the strong familial themes. There are all too many books available about dysfunctional families or unhealthy father/daughter scenarios, so it was really refreshing to see such a strong, loving relationship between Hannah and her father. While this book may not be for everyone due to the middle grade/young adult audience it is intended for, I encourage everyone to give it a shot! If you're like me, there are no age restrictions on books.
Overall, I am giving The Ugly Teapot four stars!
The Ugly Teapot is a heartfelt, touching story that features an imaginative, exciting world. The author, Fred Holmes, has an in-depth background in directing and screenwriting, making this his first foray in novel writing, and I think his talents transferred over to paper remarkably well. I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, as the summary provided is intriguing and informative, but also cleverly vague regarding details. If, like me, you are a fan of many Arabian Nights stories or Disney's Aladdin, then you are probably familiar with the idea of a genie (or from one of many other sources, of course), and this particular notion greatly intrigued me.
The Ugly Teapot is paced extremely well. There is an abundance of action and magic packed within these pages, but it never once felt as though it was rushed or moving too slowly. It is certainly fast-paced, but not in a negative way that is hard to follow. There weren't any dense information dumps, there were no parts that dragged on too long, and I never felt confused by too many plot elements. The entire story carried a delightfully whimsical atmosphere that helped the story breeze along, which led up to an incredible ending that I really enjoyed.
Hannah is a wonderful main character. She is outgoing, strong, and extremely relatable. Her resilience in the fact of struggle was refreshing to read, and her character's development was written in a consistent manner. She's just one of those characters that are easy to love and root for throughout the entire story.
This book also takes us into a variety of locations and cultures, and Holmes wrote these excursions in an informative and welcoming manner. Every description was vibrant and realistic, and I enjoyed being a part of Hannah's journey. I was actually quite thrilled to realize that this book would be taking its readers on a larger adventure into different areas of the world, as it gave the book an even more well-rounded feel.
One aspect of this book that I particularly enjoyed were the strong familial themes. There are all too many books available about dysfunctional families or unhealthy father/daughter scenarios, so it was really refreshing to see such a strong, loving relationship between Hannah and her father. While this book may not be for everyone due to the middle grade/young adult audience it is intended for, I encourage everyone to give it a shot! If you're like me, there are no age restrictions on books.
Overall, I am giving The Ugly Teapot four stars!
December 3, 2016
I had no expectations when I read this book because I don’t read middle grade books often, and the ones I read are usually contemporary. But I was still excited because it has a Genie in it, which is super thrilling for me. (duh)
As the synopsis said, this is about a 14 year old girl named Hannah and her adventures. She loves her father very much and greatly admires him, so just imagine the loss and hurt she felt when her father died. Filled with grief and sorrow, weird things started to happen and it seems to come from the ugly teapot that her father gave to her. I can’t say much from here, but that’s basically where her adventure starts. Just read the book to know more! (winks)
Hannah is a very strong main character. She’s a very strong, brave, and relatable girl. I wish I had read her story when I was her age, she could easily have been my hero. I also loved her dog, Griff, and that they can communicate with each other! I wish I could also do that. The other characters where also well-written, Hannah’s father is definitely one awesome dad. There where also a few more characters that are a bit more magical like the magician, genie, and a lot more creatures along the way.
I enjoyed the unpredictability of the plot, every twist and turn was done very well! The magical realism was also played out magically. The writing was easy to read and follow, everything was written vividly so I felt like I was really on a magical adventure with them. I liked that it was about family, grief, and love. It doesn’t have romance in it but there are some cutesy scenes to look out for.
With all these positive things, you might ask why I only gave it 3-stars? Well, it’s more of a personal issue. I wasn’t that into the story or engrossed enough, maybe I wasn’t in the mood when I read this or other external factors. But I could have easily gave this 4-stars, I really think a younger audience would love this.
The Ugly Teapot is a fast-paced and magical read, perfect for those who loves magic and adventure! It a very promising first book for a series, I wish I could read the next book real soon. I definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys middle grade fantasy books.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me digital copy of this book to review.
MORE REVIEWS AND OTHER STUFF ON MY BLOG: https://geniereads.wordpress.com/
As the synopsis said, this is about a 14 year old girl named Hannah and her adventures. She loves her father very much and greatly admires him, so just imagine the loss and hurt she felt when her father died. Filled with grief and sorrow, weird things started to happen and it seems to come from the ugly teapot that her father gave to her. I can’t say much from here, but that’s basically where her adventure starts. Just read the book to know more! (winks)
Hannah is a very strong main character. She’s a very strong, brave, and relatable girl. I wish I had read her story when I was her age, she could easily have been my hero. I also loved her dog, Griff, and that they can communicate with each other! I wish I could also do that. The other characters where also well-written, Hannah’s father is definitely one awesome dad. There where also a few more characters that are a bit more magical like the magician, genie, and a lot more creatures along the way.
I enjoyed the unpredictability of the plot, every twist and turn was done very well! The magical realism was also played out magically. The writing was easy to read and follow, everything was written vividly so I felt like I was really on a magical adventure with them. I liked that it was about family, grief, and love. It doesn’t have romance in it but there are some cutesy scenes to look out for.
With all these positive things, you might ask why I only gave it 3-stars? Well, it’s more of a personal issue. I wasn’t that into the story or engrossed enough, maybe I wasn’t in the mood when I read this or other external factors. But I could have easily gave this 4-stars, I really think a younger audience would love this.
The Ugly Teapot is a fast-paced and magical read, perfect for those who loves magic and adventure! It a very promising first book for a series, I wish I could read the next book real soon. I definitely recommend this to everyone who enjoys middle grade fantasy books.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me digital copy of this book to review.
MORE REVIEWS AND OTHER STUFF ON MY BLOG: https://geniereads.wordpress.com/
November 2, 2016
CLICK THIS AMAZING LINK TO SEE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR AND AN ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE CAT *inserts shady link* https://kittycatatthelibraryblog.word...
So… My final impression of this book is definitely quirky. One of the strangest books that I’ve read, not that the exact idea or story was weird, just…the book as a whole was weird. And that’s what I like about it! The whole idea of Aladdin’s lamp in a modern day society and it being used to bring back people from the dead was super cool! Though it isn’t the most original idea, how it was executed and told was definitely something that I hadn’t read before! The whole story was basically told in Hannah’s (the MC) POV, but it would occasionally switch from hers to her mother’s. Which was a nice little jolt, because her mother is doing everyday things and Hannah is going on a magical adventure, and you can definitely tell the difference just by the tone and pacing of it! I was never even bored throughout the entire thing either (a mighty feat indeed). It also was extremely funny. I LOLed more than once throughout the book. However, even though I enjoyed the book in general, there are a few things that bothered me. First off, Hannah’s mother! She was so so so mean!!! It was awful! Especially since Hannah’s dad had just died! Argh it was frustrating. The other main thing that bothered me, was that it would have been an absolutely AMAZING adventure story! But some of the descriptions felt just slightly…off. And most of the scenes were rushed and could’ve had more detail. Also, the ending was very strange and I was just like ?????? What? WHAT??? Though the very last part made me question literally everything so…Two Thumbs Up!™
So… My final impression of this book is definitely quirky. One of the strangest books that I’ve read, not that the exact idea or story was weird, just…the book as a whole was weird. And that’s what I like about it! The whole idea of Aladdin’s lamp in a modern day society and it being used to bring back people from the dead was super cool! Though it isn’t the most original idea, how it was executed and told was definitely something that I hadn’t read before! The whole story was basically told in Hannah’s (the MC) POV, but it would occasionally switch from hers to her mother’s. Which was a nice little jolt, because her mother is doing everyday things and Hannah is going on a magical adventure, and you can definitely tell the difference just by the tone and pacing of it! I was never even bored throughout the entire thing either (a mighty feat indeed). It also was extremely funny. I LOLed more than once throughout the book. However, even though I enjoyed the book in general, there are a few things that bothered me. First off, Hannah’s mother! She was so so so mean!!! It was awful! Especially since Hannah’s dad had just died! Argh it was frustrating. The other main thing that bothered me, was that it would have been an absolutely AMAZING adventure story! But some of the descriptions felt just slightly…off. And most of the scenes were rushed and could’ve had more detail. Also, the ending was very strange and I was just like ?????? What? WHAT??? Though the very last part made me question literally everything so…Two Thumbs Up!™
November 3, 2016
This middle grade book was a fantastic read! I very much enjoyed the author's writing style (and story, of course). I am 22 and fully confident that everyone who enjoys a good adventure will love this book! :)
I don't want to go into a lot of detail about this story in case you decide to read the book, but I'd like to talk a bit about the extremely creative ending. (NO SPOILERS!! I promise.) First, as you know, this story follows Hannah's many adventures as she sets out on the harrowing journey to rescue her father. The story is cheesy in only the best ways! It'll make you laugh, gasp, and hold your breath from the suspense. Then, you reach the final 30 pages (give or take). And those final 30 pages change your entire outlook on the book.
'Nuf said! Have fun. ;)
Okay, but seriously! This book made me laugh; then it made me cry. (And that takes TALENT because this is a middle grade book and I'm 22...) And then...ah, but that would be a spoiler. And I am SO determined to not spoil this book for you!! Which means this review is a lot shorter than my reviews usually are. Really though, go read this book! It was super good and you absolutely don't have to be middle grade to enjoy it. :) It's an easy 5 stars. I can't wait to read the next book!
(NOTE: The break-down below is in comparison to other middle grade books. It is not reviewed in comparison to YA literature.)
Content (10= extremely high focus; 0=non existent):
Adventure content: 7
Creepiness content: 4
Grief content: 6
Language content: 0
Religion content: 2
Romance content: 1
Sexual content: 0
Violence content: 5
I don't want to go into a lot of detail about this story in case you decide to read the book, but I'd like to talk a bit about the extremely creative ending. (NO SPOILERS!! I promise.) First, as you know, this story follows Hannah's many adventures as she sets out on the harrowing journey to rescue her father. The story is cheesy in only the best ways! It'll make you laugh, gasp, and hold your breath from the suspense. Then, you reach the final 30 pages (give or take). And those final 30 pages change your entire outlook on the book.
'Nuf said! Have fun. ;)
Okay, but seriously! This book made me laugh; then it made me cry. (And that takes TALENT because this is a middle grade book and I'm 22...) And then...ah, but that would be a spoiler. And I am SO determined to not spoil this book for you!! Which means this review is a lot shorter than my reviews usually are. Really though, go read this book! It was super good and you absolutely don't have to be middle grade to enjoy it. :) It's an easy 5 stars. I can't wait to read the next book!
(NOTE: The break-down below is in comparison to other middle grade books. It is not reviewed in comparison to YA literature.)
Content (10= extremely high focus; 0=non existent):
Adventure content: 7
Creepiness content: 4
Grief content: 6
Language content: 0
Religion content: 2
Romance content: 1
Sexual content: 0
Violence content: 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews