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The Ickabog
The Ickabog is coming… A mythical monster, a kingdom in peril, an adventure that will test two children’s bravery to the limit. Discover a brilliantly original fairy tale about the power of hope and friendship to triumph against all odds.
The kingdom of Cornucopia was once the happiest in the world. It had plenty of gold, a king with the finest moustaches you could possibly imagine, and butchers, bakers and cheesemongers whose exquisite foods made a person dance with delight when they ate them.
Everything was perfect – except for the misty Marshlands to the north which, according to legend, were home to the monstrous Ickabog. Anyone sensible knew that the Ickabog was just a myth, to scare children into behaving. But the funny thing about myths is that sometimes they take on a life of their own.
Could a myth unseat a beloved king? Could a myth bring a once happy country to its knees? Could a myth thrust two children into an adventure they didn’t ask for and never expected?
If you’re feeling brave, step into the pages of this book to find out…
A beautiful digital edition, brought to life with full-colour illustrations by the young winners of The Ickabog competition.
The kingdom of Cornucopia was once the happiest in the world. It had plenty of gold, a king with the finest moustaches you could possibly imagine, and butchers, bakers and cheesemongers whose exquisite foods made a person dance with delight when they ate them.
Everything was perfect – except for the misty Marshlands to the north which, according to legend, were home to the monstrous Ickabog. Anyone sensible knew that the Ickabog was just a myth, to scare children into behaving. But the funny thing about myths is that sometimes they take on a life of their own.
Could a myth unseat a beloved king? Could a myth bring a once happy country to its knees? Could a myth thrust two children into an adventure they didn’t ask for and never expected?
If you’re feeling brave, step into the pages of this book to find out…
A beautiful digital edition, brought to life with full-colour illustrations by the young winners of The Ickabog competition.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
3891 people are currently reading
50211 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Rowling
674 books234k followersSee also: Robert Galbraith
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.
Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.
Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,850 reviews
March 10, 2022
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: Downright Grimm, it's a song of scams and scheming, too on-the-nose and twee for me but teeming deeper meaning.
Notes: Downright Grimm, it's a song of scams and scheming, too on-the-nose and twee for me but teeming deeper meaning.
September 7, 2020
This is supposed to be a reviewing site of the BOOKS!! Not a political platform for ppl who don't support women's rights.
As always JK has done a magical job of drawing you into this fantasy world. Love, love, LOVED IT and will be buying it to read over n over again. This was the smile in my endless days of lockdown n for that I thank u. 💛
#istandwithjkrowling, like millions of others and if you don't like that keep scrolling, coz no damn is given.
As always JK has done a magical job of drawing you into this fantasy world. Love, love, LOVED IT and will be buying it to read over n over again. This was the smile in my endless days of lockdown n for that I thank u. 💛
#istandwithjkrowling, like millions of others and if you don't like that keep scrolling, coz no damn is given.
July 18, 2020
I’m currently on chapter 20, and while I usually refrain from rating a book till I’ve finished it, “The Ickabog” really is that good: despite being a fairytale aimed for younger children, it has not failed to capture my imagination.
I loved the detailed and fascinating descriptions of the Kingdom of Cornucopia, as well as the flaws in the characters which are portrayed as though through the eyes of a child. I love how simplistic and no nonsense the plot is, yet it’s so twisted that it keeps you guessing what could happen next. The building of the story has been phenomenal so far. Enjoying it thoroughly!
I loved the detailed and fascinating descriptions of the Kingdom of Cornucopia, as well as the flaws in the characters which are portrayed as though through the eyes of a child. I love how simplistic and no nonsense the plot is, yet it’s so twisted that it keeps you guessing what could happen next. The building of the story has been phenomenal so far. Enjoying it thoroughly!
July 10, 2020
Once again Rowling did it, never afraid to write about grown-up problems and serious themes for children. I've never expected any less from her. Can't wait to get my physical copy! Hatred brings only more hatred - a lesson everyone should've learnt as a child but unfortunately many grown-ups can benefit from this book's lessons.
July 25, 2020
I don't even know what would be my response for readers who rate the book without reading it and just saying that they started to hate Rowling for her behaviour. I didn't read the latest news about her, as I didn't want anything to have even a little influence on my feelings towards the writer who created my escape world. I love her as an author not because of HP, but for being the contemporary author I read, no matter it's crime fiction or children's literature.
This book was a little surprise and kind of appetizer before Strike #5 is out. It's a good story. I don't think I would be that captured if I were 10-11, it seemed a little long for that age.
No matter what, I enjoyed it immensely.
This book was a little surprise and kind of appetizer before Strike #5 is out. It's a good story. I don't think I would be that captured if I were 10-11, it seemed a little long for that age.
No matter what, I enjoyed it immensely.
June 29, 2022
After everything JK Rowling has said I couldn't bring myself to finish this. And the story was boring anyway.
August 3, 2020
I all ready know that this is a new bestseller in making. The Ickabog captured me right from the first sentence, just as all J. K. Rowling’s books have the tendency to do.
May 27, 2020
I don’t care if it’s a children’s book, I am going to read it!! 😍
July 20, 2025
(B+) 76% | Good
Notes: Where panic's kindled, public's swindled, myth and truth collide, quite juvenile in tone and style if tons of homicide.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
Notes: Where panic's kindled, public's swindled, myth and truth collide, quite juvenile in tone and style if tons of homicide.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:
June 12, 2020
Did not finish.
In light of the anti-trans remarks that JK Rowling has not only made but doubled down on, we have decided as a family to put this the book down and not continue to read it. To: JK Rowling - children listen to your words. All of them. We are not going to continue to read your words.
In light of the anti-trans remarks that JK Rowling has not only made but doubled down on, we have decided as a family to put this the book down and not continue to read it. To: JK Rowling - children listen to your words. All of them. We are not going to continue to read your words.
December 27, 2025
When I found out that J.K. Rowling is writing a story for children during lockdown, I didn’t really care. But they were releasing a new chapter each week, and I decided to give it a try and read the first few chapters. Maybe it was the beginning of The Ickabog, or perhaps it was J.K. Rowling’s writing that reminded me of my first time reading Harry Potter. Whatever it was, it hooked me to this story, and I kept coming back for more.
Synopsis:
Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them.
But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands… the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it’s just a myth…
And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children — best friends Bert and Daisy — embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed The Ickabog. It is very descriptive and full of adventure, from the very first start. From the first chapters, I immediately warmed up to Bert and Daisy, and their everyday lives. I also loved the scenes inside the castle, with the kind and guards.
The world building was amazing, the Kingdom and the Marshlands were so vividly explained, it’s no wonder so many children were inspired to draw them and share those drawings. The intriguing plot twists and backstabbing scenes left me pleasantly surprised as well. What I loved the most, though, was the story about the legend of The Ickabog. This mysterious monster that everyone in the Kingdom fears. The terror that people feel as soon as its name is mentioned.
This story is obviously targeted for the young readers. And for what it is, this book does deliver. There are plenty of adventures, battles between good and evil, scenes that will prompt a discussion with the children and an ending that has a lesson to teach. I recommend it to every child that loves reading about adventures and foreign kingdoms.
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Synopsis:
Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them.
But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands… the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it’s just a myth…
And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children — best friends Bert and Daisy — embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed The Ickabog. It is very descriptive and full of adventure, from the very first start. From the first chapters, I immediately warmed up to Bert and Daisy, and their everyday lives. I also loved the scenes inside the castle, with the kind and guards.
The world building was amazing, the Kingdom and the Marshlands were so vividly explained, it’s no wonder so many children were inspired to draw them and share those drawings. The intriguing plot twists and backstabbing scenes left me pleasantly surprised as well. What I loved the most, though, was the story about the legend of The Ickabog. This mysterious monster that everyone in the Kingdom fears. The terror that people feel as soon as its name is mentioned.
This story is obviously targeted for the young readers. And for what it is, this book does deliver. There are plenty of adventures, battles between good and evil, scenes that will prompt a discussion with the children and an ending that has a lesson to teach. I recommend it to every child that loves reading about adventures and foreign kingdoms.
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi
March 8, 2021
***Warning: Do Not Harm Yourself With Boring Books***
The writing tried too hard. The plot too desperate. The characters too flat. The storytelling too dramatic for nothing. And what's this "Ickabog"? Boo.
And yes, that 2 star rating is for the one who designed the book cover.
Seriously, is this meant to be a children's book?
Like the reading age group is 7 to 11 years. Not even meant to be a middle grade one. Like seriously?! Are you fking kidding me? With all those pretentious characters and dialogues?
With all those sexist remarks, incidents, thoughts and damn hopeless comparisons?!
The book started out not so great. It made me actually look up the reading age group it's meant for.
I know why it's been so. Damn too many boring 64 chapters just to tell "selfish, vain, and cowardly... though not meant to hurt anyone" character despairing over the lost throne (actually not regretful or guilty), and that what/who we fear actually can turn out kind.
That's it!
*One of the most boring books I have ever read
*Yes, also goes well for the worst 2020 release
I know it's a historical fiction and that women were treated that way. But for 7 to 11 year olds and in 2020, do we still have to read such books to kids this age group?
Heard of exchanging daughters for bakery items? Yes, without thinking twice. That's just a nanopart of the story.
Telling kids that farm animals are stupid and such. Too many unlikeable characters (lairs, cheats and yes, those that movie dialogues use to represent unlikeable characters!). I mean what's even the point of this story.
And what's with all these comparisons, comparisons and more comparisons for adults and kid characters??
Does the title have any relevance? Ummm, it does have. But by the time I reached page 10, I lost all interest who or what "Ickabog" would be.
I mean when is the story starting about Ickabog was all I was thinking about getting irritated like forever.
This plot started like there's a kingdom ruled by a weakass king handled by his so called freeloading friends (who didn't let him get married and we know why. But seriously?!)
And then the plot jumps to introduce the name 'Ickabog' which by the way lay flat and didn't do anything.
Then, a seamstress dies. And you begin to not like the book more because of the various characters involved, including the king, his advisors, the dead woman's family and all.
And what's with the character names? Doesn't sound funny, doesn't sound interesting. Last minute make up a word kinda thing eh? Spittleworth? Flapoon?
But most of all, why is the story so damn long for nothing?!
I was so damn bored after reading 7 chapters. It was like nothing much was happening but a play of words in a boring assembly hall. There's nothing going on. Ugh. Why is it so boring??? Have I emphasized enough how boring this book is?
And what the hell are those 64 chapters doing?
🚨 Skip this one without thinking even once 😁
.
.
.
.
*My reaction just after reading this book:
Never have I ever read something this boring when it's a children's book!
Will I be able to handle my own rant review?
🤦 The first page itself got me eyerolling. My poor eyes. *Review coming up. Need to calm down first. The rating might go down.
(I gave it 3 🌟 thinking about the first few pages giving me strong negative vibes but no, we don't need it, right? The 2 🌟 solely for the cover. If this book was an actual book I would burn it but keep the cover to feature in my worst reads series.)
The writing tried too hard. The plot too desperate. The characters too flat. The storytelling too dramatic for nothing. And what's this "Ickabog"? Boo.
And yes, that 2 star rating is for the one who designed the book cover.
Seriously, is this meant to be a children's book?
Like the reading age group is 7 to 11 years. Not even meant to be a middle grade one. Like seriously?! Are you fking kidding me? With all those pretentious characters and dialogues?
With all those sexist remarks, incidents, thoughts and damn hopeless comparisons?!
The book started out not so great. It made me actually look up the reading age group it's meant for.
I know why it's been so. Damn too many boring 64 chapters just to tell "selfish, vain, and cowardly... though not meant to hurt anyone" character despairing over the lost throne (actually not regretful or guilty), and that what/who we fear actually can turn out kind.
That's it!
*One of the most boring books I have ever read
*Yes, also goes well for the worst 2020 release
I know it's a historical fiction and that women were treated that way. But for 7 to 11 year olds and in 2020, do we still have to read such books to kids this age group?
Heard of exchanging daughters for bakery items? Yes, without thinking twice. That's just a nanopart of the story.
Telling kids that farm animals are stupid and such. Too many unlikeable characters (lairs, cheats and yes, those that movie dialogues use to represent unlikeable characters!). I mean what's even the point of this story.
And what's with all these comparisons, comparisons and more comparisons for adults and kid characters??
Does the title have any relevance? Ummm, it does have. But by the time I reached page 10, I lost all interest who or what "Ickabog" would be.
I mean when is the story starting about Ickabog was all I was thinking about getting irritated like forever.
This plot started like there's a kingdom ruled by a weakass king handled by his so called freeloading friends (who didn't let him get married and we know why. But seriously?!)
And then the plot jumps to introduce the name 'Ickabog' which by the way lay flat and didn't do anything.
Then, a seamstress dies. And you begin to not like the book more because of the various characters involved, including the king, his advisors, the dead woman's family and all.
And what's with the character names? Doesn't sound funny, doesn't sound interesting. Last minute make up a word kinda thing eh? Spittleworth? Flapoon?
But most of all, why is the story so damn long for nothing?!
I was so damn bored after reading 7 chapters. It was like nothing much was happening but a play of words in a boring assembly hall. There's nothing going on. Ugh. Why is it so boring??? Have I emphasized enough how boring this book is?
And what the hell are those 64 chapters doing?
🚨 Skip this one without thinking even once 😁
.
.
.
.
*My reaction just after reading this book:
Never have I ever read something this boring when it's a children's book!
Will I be able to handle my own rant review?
🤦 The first page itself got me eyerolling. My poor eyes. *Review coming up. Need to calm down first. The rating might go down.
(I gave it 3 🌟 thinking about the first few pages giving me strong negative vibes but no, we don't need it, right? The 2 🌟 solely for the cover. If this book was an actual book I would burn it but keep the cover to feature in my worst reads series.)
July 10, 2020
I have read all the 56 updates which have been uploaded by Rowling till now and I am absolutely loving the story so far. The book has a mesmerizing effect, it contains every single thing which a good book requires. I can't really call it a children's book considering the number of deaths that take place and the malice involved. However, it is a perfect representation of a state with a corrupt government and showcases abuse of power. It portrays how when the government is corrupt and the supervision and commitment to serve is weak, it can affect the society at large. It clearly puts forth the message that the monster is not a different being, but it resides within such humans who resort to wickedness. The book is full of Rowling's signature sense of humor. It definitely is a fun read and gets more and more interesting as it proceeds.
February 11, 2021
What a fantastical and delightful world Rowling created once again! Around halfway through, I was feeling that the plot was a bit morbid and vicious to be a children’s book, but the ending was wonderful. She tied up all the loose ends perfectly! It’s no wonder this is such a popular new work.
June 7, 2020
I'd bet you can find a children's story written by someone who isn't a transphobe; read that instead!
August 10, 2021
Welcome to Cornucopia..
Actually when I first read it's kind of "political" novel for children I wasn't really that excited..
I mean who really like political affairs and dirty games..how Rowling will make a "Political" Fairy-tale?
But then halfway through the dirty "Game of Thrones" kind of injustices, lies, deceives and even blood I was already stunned by how different and strange this kind of Children novel is.
It's Revolutionary Children Novel about Justice, Bravery, Kindness and…. Revolution.
J. K. Rowling's signature storytelling is at its best here, she makes the role of the narrator here in fantastic way as if she's telling you the story herself.
I used to read the first third of the novel back in the Godforsaken summer of 2020 "the Covid-19 Pandemic Summer" a 2 or 3 chapters before sleeping. And it was fun experience really, like Scheherazade telling me this macabre injustice events at Cornucopia.
She's the one who builtHogwarts a Whole Wizarding World, Building the Kingdom of Cornucopia was sure an easy thing, yet it's so mesmerizing, I felt as if know this kingdom for real with its prosperous specialist cities….and the Waste Marsh North and its...Ickabog.
The most profound aspect here is how in about 6 or 7 years -the length of the story timeline- you see the changes that happens throughout Cornucopia, the raise and fall and, by the end; the beautiful redrawing of Cornucopia's map..
A diverse set of characters between ignorant and cunning, peaceful and aggressive, rich and poor, Lords and servants….and King and Ickabog.
The story draw them all just fine. All likable characters although it's more of plot driving novel.
Lord Lord Spittleworth reminded me with Little Finger from Game of Thrones, and he represents the real dirty political and dictators. I couldn't wait to see a revolution gets him down.
That was really amazing read, that's one of the best children books I've ever read, teaching them justifying revolutions. And also a great reminder for all the adults who sure will enjoy reading it too.
Thank you Rowling, can't wait for more of your original beautiful work.
Mohammed Arabey
Locked down in Cornucopia from 1 June to 22 June 2020
Then back again officially
From 3 Aug. 2021
To 8 Aug. 2021
Actually when I first read it's kind of "political" novel for children I wasn't really that excited..
I mean who really like political affairs and dirty games..how Rowling will make a "Political" Fairy-tale?
But then halfway through the dirty "Game of Thrones" kind of injustices, lies, deceives and even blood I was already stunned by how different and strange this kind of Children novel is.
It's Revolutionary Children Novel about Justice, Bravery, Kindness and…. Revolution.
*** The Storytelling ***
J. K. Rowling's signature storytelling is at its best here, she makes the role of the narrator here in fantastic way as if she's telling you the story herself.
I used to read the first third of the novel back in the Godforsaken summer of 2020 "the Covid-19 Pandemic Summer" a 2 or 3 chapters before sleeping. And it was fun experience really, like Scheherazade telling me this macabre injustice events at Cornucopia.
*** The Setting ***
She's the one who built
The most profound aspect here is how in about 6 or 7 years -the length of the story timeline- you see the changes that happens throughout Cornucopia, the raise and fall and, by the end; the beautiful redrawing of Cornucopia's map..
*** The Characters***
A diverse set of characters between ignorant and cunning, peaceful and aggressive, rich and poor, Lords and servants….and King and Ickabog.
The story draw them all just fine. All likable characters although it's more of plot driving novel.
Lord Lord Spittleworth reminded me with Little Finger from Game of Thrones, and he represents the real dirty political and dictators. I couldn't wait to see a revolution gets him down.
That was really amazing read, that's one of the best children books I've ever read, teaching them justifying revolutions. And also a great reminder for all the adults who sure will enjoy reading it too.
Thank you Rowling, can't wait for more of your original beautiful work.
Mohammed Arabey
Locked down in Cornucopia from 1 June to 22 June 2020
Then back again officially
From 3 Aug. 2021
To 8 Aug. 2021
November 12, 2020
TRANS WOMEN ARE WOMEN
TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
and yet again J.K. Umbridge over here tries to make profit over a book about the wrongness of abusing power when she´s abusing her own powers. This book was free on the internet but taken down and physical copies were made to make profit. As a billionaire because of the HP series don´t you think asking for more profits is a little bit too much when writing this book?
-----------------------------------------------------
Edit:
J.k. Rowling being transphobic is not in any way contributing to the way shes written this book.
I just dislike the message that this book portrays
no misunderstandings here, right?
I´ve also read this book secondhand so dont try to attack me for getting mad at her making profits from this book and say that I have had to buy it to read it
the copy was not mines
June 17, 2020
Found this a very poor choice as a read aloud for an 8 year old especially during the unsettling coronavirus shut down. Cleverly structured to make it hard to put down but lavish violence, cruelty and cavalier dispatching of good characters makes for a disturbing, anxious reading experience. Not at all what I had hoped for, and only wish I could interest my audience in abandoning the book. We did love My Father’s Dragon if you’re looking for an age appropriate fantasy with plenty of adventure.
December 5, 2020
This is aimed at younger readers and is an enjoyable read. The legend of the Ickabog takes on a life of its own thanks to King Fred the Fearless Of Cornucopia but especially his snake ministers Lords Spittleworth and Flapoon. I love Daisy Dovetail and Bert Beamish who are very smart kids. It’s dark in places but I think kids rather like dark! The hardback copy is beautifully presented and is high quality and would make a good present. The accompanying picture are drawn by children from all over the world are absolutely fantastic and add an extra element.
January 22, 2021
Whatever you think of her, J.K. Rowling is back with another story aimed at her younger readers. This is not Hogwarts and there are not Quidditch matches, but the piece works well as a fairytale, albeit slight grim (or, shall I say, Grimm) at times as well. Rowling pulls together a great story in which many children can find enjoyment (and those who are younger at heart), as it adds some of the traditional world of knights and kingdoms to a meaningful tale. Well-paced for the intended reading audience and entertaining enough for me.
Life in the Kingdom of Cornucopia is splendid for many, ruled by a happy, if not eccentric, King Fred. Many of the inhabitants are pleased and show it through their creation of lovely foods and the area’s vast riches. King Fred is pleased to see how happy everyone is and does all he can to keep his subjects pleased, which makes for peace within all the land. The king’s positive outlook is helped along by two sycophants who use flattery to ensure all flows smoothly and with ease.
However, not everything is wonderful in Cornucopia. Those who live near the northern Marshlands are very poor and have taken to concocting a story about a monster called the Ickabog. This creature apparently resides in the marshes and eats sheep, as well as the occasional person. King Fred vows to take action against this creature, which will cement his place in the history books. King Fred leads his Royal Guard along to hunt down this creature, which will end the mythical stories and ensure that Cornucopia turns to him as their fearless leader.
As a thick fog envelops them, King Fred insists to his men that the Ickabog lurks just beyond their sight. A skirmish ensues and one of the men is shot, but Fred refuses to admit that it was human error and returns to his throne with the concocted idea that the Ickabog is to blame. Fred is paralyzed with fear and grief, leaving him to hide away and let others run the kingdom.
Working on the fear of the others, one man pushes the myth to the limits and begins creating stories of Ickabog attacks, as well as pushing a new tax to ‘defend’ the kingdom, all the while pocketing much of the money for himself. This leaves the locals on edge and poor, which stirs up resentment and added worry. As the myth story grows, some locals decide to take matters into their own hands and reveal the truth behind the Ickabog once and for all. It may not be easy, but it is surely something worth exploring, if truth still matters in Cornucopia.
While some appear to have created a boycott on Rowling because of a character in one of her books, I won’t stick my head in the sand and let vapid accusations distract from the heart of the matter; I picked up this book, to read and enjoy. Like the underlying premise of the piece, there is something that people are stirring up to start a movement, but it’s surely being blown out of proportion, for those readers who seek a story to escape. Believe what you will about a character in a book, but leave your social tar and feather pots at home when reading enjoyment is the name of the game.
While the story was aimed at a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The piece was not overly juvenile and kept me entertained throughout, offering up some great moments of intrigue and suspense. The fairytale nature of the piece gave it a mystical flavouring, with a peppering of some darker and more violent action, which parallels those tales children have had diluted to make them more palatable. Rowling does well with that and keeps the reader involved throughout.
There was most definitely a strong plot and well-paced characters in this piece. It is harder for me to properly analyze it, as I am so used to books geared towards the older crowd. Even the Potter series sought to instil a deeper storyline and meaning, though Rowling does well to keep her readers engaged. With wonderful artwork by young children, the story pops off the page and can be read repeatedly, as I am sure myths of the Ickabog were told over and over to young children.
Kudos, Madam Rowling, for a great piece. Whatever your haters say, just write and those of us who are interested in a story will be back, while people will too much time on their hands (and no enjoyment of reading) can paint placards of their own.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Life in the Kingdom of Cornucopia is splendid for many, ruled by a happy, if not eccentric, King Fred. Many of the inhabitants are pleased and show it through their creation of lovely foods and the area’s vast riches. King Fred is pleased to see how happy everyone is and does all he can to keep his subjects pleased, which makes for peace within all the land. The king’s positive outlook is helped along by two sycophants who use flattery to ensure all flows smoothly and with ease.
However, not everything is wonderful in Cornucopia. Those who live near the northern Marshlands are very poor and have taken to concocting a story about a monster called the Ickabog. This creature apparently resides in the marshes and eats sheep, as well as the occasional person. King Fred vows to take action against this creature, which will cement his place in the history books. King Fred leads his Royal Guard along to hunt down this creature, which will end the mythical stories and ensure that Cornucopia turns to him as their fearless leader.
As a thick fog envelops them, King Fred insists to his men that the Ickabog lurks just beyond their sight. A skirmish ensues and one of the men is shot, but Fred refuses to admit that it was human error and returns to his throne with the concocted idea that the Ickabog is to blame. Fred is paralyzed with fear and grief, leaving him to hide away and let others run the kingdom.
Working on the fear of the others, one man pushes the myth to the limits and begins creating stories of Ickabog attacks, as well as pushing a new tax to ‘defend’ the kingdom, all the while pocketing much of the money for himself. This leaves the locals on edge and poor, which stirs up resentment and added worry. As the myth story grows, some locals decide to take matters into their own hands and reveal the truth behind the Ickabog once and for all. It may not be easy, but it is surely something worth exploring, if truth still matters in Cornucopia.
While some appear to have created a boycott on Rowling because of a character in one of her books, I won’t stick my head in the sand and let vapid accusations distract from the heart of the matter; I picked up this book, to read and enjoy. Like the underlying premise of the piece, there is something that people are stirring up to start a movement, but it’s surely being blown out of proportion, for those readers who seek a story to escape. Believe what you will about a character in a book, but leave your social tar and feather pots at home when reading enjoyment is the name of the game.
While the story was aimed at a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The piece was not overly juvenile and kept me entertained throughout, offering up some great moments of intrigue and suspense. The fairytale nature of the piece gave it a mystical flavouring, with a peppering of some darker and more violent action, which parallels those tales children have had diluted to make them more palatable. Rowling does well with that and keeps the reader involved throughout.
There was most definitely a strong plot and well-paced characters in this piece. It is harder for me to properly analyze it, as I am so used to books geared towards the older crowd. Even the Potter series sought to instil a deeper storyline and meaning, though Rowling does well to keep her readers engaged. With wonderful artwork by young children, the story pops off the page and can be read repeatedly, as I am sure myths of the Ickabog were told over and over to young children.
Kudos, Madam Rowling, for a great piece. Whatever your haters say, just write and those of us who are interested in a story will be back, while people will too much time on their hands (and no enjoyment of reading) can paint placards of their own.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Read
November 9, 2020I can’t support this author. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are 100% valid. Boycott all of her newest work and her future books. Let’s not support the Terf.
November 21, 2020
They lived in the happiest kingdom in the world. What harm could the Ickabog do?
I LOVED IT!
(Although I am not really sure that the target group is 7-9 years old. Death as a main subject is so cruel. I prefer children to be innocent and ignorant for as long as possible. On the other hand when children have to face a pandemic and their life is about to change for ever, it is good to be prepared. Still I wouldn't give it to my 9 year old daughter until I believe she can stomach the story...)
I LOVED IT!
(Although I am not really sure that the target group is 7-9 years old. Death as a main subject is so cruel. I prefer children to be innocent and ignorant for as long as possible. On the other hand when children have to face a pandemic and their life is about to change for ever, it is good to be prepared. Still I wouldn't give it to my 9 year old daughter until I believe she can stomach the story...)
July 10, 2020
I don't know how JKR comes up with such interesting ideas.
From publishing few chapters everyday to making another fairytale for kids, which even grown ups like me can enjoy, I enjoyed the ride throughout.
The cutest thing that I found in this book was "Bornding", which I don't wanna spoil for anyone so without giving the meaning away (do read the book though to find out what I am talking about!) I just want to say that the concept is so heart touching and interesting! Nobody is born a monster, they become monsters from the kind of things they see and experience.
From publishing few chapters everyday to making another fairytale for kids, which even grown ups like me can enjoy, I enjoyed the ride throughout.
The cutest thing that I found in this book was "Bornding", which I don't wanna spoil for anyone so without giving the meaning away (do read the book though to find out what I am talking about!) I just want to say that the concept is so heart touching and interesting! Nobody is born a monster, they become monsters from the kind of things they see and experience.
never-gonna-happen
November 17, 2020I have zero time for this close-minded woman or anything she writes.
Plus, offering it free online and then taking it down so you can make money off a print version? Did the HP cash cow run dry?
GTFO
**Edit: 11/20**
Glad to know the royalties are actually going "to help groups who've been particularly impacted by the pandemic". Whoever they may be.
Still don't support her, though.
Plus, offering it free online and then taking it down so you can make money off a print version? Did the HP cash cow run dry?
GTFO
**Edit: 11/20**
Glad to know the royalties are actually going "to help groups who've been particularly impacted by the pandemic". Whoever they may be.
Still don't support her, though.
July 12, 2020
I enjoyed reading this as the chapters were released. As always what I like most are her names, both characters and places.
But I don’t know who she aimed this at. If it’s young kids , it’s way too long and too dark. The darkness(lots of death and horrible people) seems to last for ages before the good guys come back and win. If it’s YA or adults, it lacks depth and character development.
So it kinda worked because I wondered what she was going to do with it,and I kept reading, but If I hadn’t read it, well I wouldn’t have missed much.
But I don’t know who she aimed this at. If it’s young kids , it’s way too long and too dark. The darkness(lots of death and horrible people) seems to last for ages before the good guys come back and win. If it’s YA or adults, it lacks depth and character development.
So it kinda worked because I wondered what she was going to do with it,and I kept reading, but If I hadn’t read it, well I wouldn’t have missed much.
September 21, 2020
First of all, thank you j.K Rowling for writing this amazing story and for being the amazing writer that you are.
Secondly, I must comment on this hateful thread in the comments, or everywhere J.K Rowling is present. I find it so tiring that we hate so much now a days for someone having different views than the mainstream ideas. I just want to point out, I never read J.K Rowling saying anything transphobic, she is simply stating complications that may following transitioning, complications that may follow when erasing the idea of man and female, complications that people in this generation are so blind to see. And by doing so, people, in their heat and unwillingness to hear other people, misinterpret what she is saying. Seriously, I look up to J.K Rowling for daring to voice her opinions in this day and age, when doing so may, or most certainly will cause, hullabaloo.
Keep reading her beautiful stories.
Secondly, I must comment on this hateful thread in the comments, or everywhere J.K Rowling is present. I find it so tiring that we hate so much now a days for someone having different views than the mainstream ideas. I just want to point out, I never read J.K Rowling saying anything transphobic, she is simply stating complications that may following transitioning, complications that may follow when erasing the idea of man and female, complications that people in this generation are so blind to see. And by doing so, people, in their heat and unwillingness to hear other people, misinterpret what she is saying. Seriously, I look up to J.K Rowling for daring to voice her opinions in this day and age, when doing so may, or most certainly will cause, hullabaloo.
Keep reading her beautiful stories.
no-thank-you
July 5, 2020Why would I expose my children to this hateful author? Her use of her enormous fame to spread hateful lies about vulnerable women is truly vile. There are so many authors worth reading out there, this is not one of them.
I'm very excited about all the other things to read in the world! Moving on...
I'm very excited about all the other things to read in the world! Moving on...
dnf
March 21, 2021DNF at 31%
Earlier today, I was about to read it and realized I wasn't interested to know the rest of the story, despite the fact it's well-written (obviously - J.K. Rowling wrote it!). Maybe I'll try again in the future...
Earlier today, I was about to read it and realized I wasn't interested to know the rest of the story, despite the fact it's well-written (obviously - J.K. Rowling wrote it!). Maybe I'll try again in the future...
January 28, 2021
A well written book suitable for all ages, this story has a moral and is also suitable for a parent to read to their children before going to sleep. I highly recommend it, this story catapults you into an imaginary world as if you were with the characters. Worth reading
January 5, 2021
A new book by JKR, narrated by none other than Stephen Fry - how could I have resisted? Not at all, obviously.
There’s a terrible king with even more terrible advisers and a monster that may or may not be real but whose supposed existence has very real consequences for the people in this story. And then there’s two children in the thick of it all. That is the core of this story set in a fantastical realm: overwhelming odds but having no choice other than to do what is/feels right.
A monster isn’t their biggest problem, though, as fake news (spread to control the narrative), instigated frenzies (to make people not inquire about the truth but blindly follow), and falling in line with an intrigue (to save or inrich oneself) are everywhere.
It’s nothing less than a fight for the soul of a kingdom.
And if all that sounds familiar, then it’s because this is a wonderful fairytale that perfectly mirrors our times. It’s timeless to some degree and simultaneously specific if one knows historical context.
I can honestly say that JKR’s writing in this was excellent. Maybe even better than in the HP books sometimes. The author is also fantastic at world building which resulted in her, single-handedly, making reading „cool“ again and getting millions of kids to grow up alongside her characters on the pages, turning an entire generation into bookworms. And she showed off that fantastic world building here as well. With the political undertone she added on top of that, I was reminded of Pixar movies that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike due to their layers.
Last but not least, as already mentioned in the intro, the audio version is read by none other than Stephen Fry, who is simply a master storyteller. Period.
A nice adventure tale with a deeper moral tale for young and old that had me on the edge of my seat and should not be missed.
There’s a terrible king with even more terrible advisers and a monster that may or may not be real but whose supposed existence has very real consequences for the people in this story. And then there’s two children in the thick of it all. That is the core of this story set in a fantastical realm: overwhelming odds but having no choice other than to do what is/feels right.
A monster isn’t their biggest problem, though, as fake news (spread to control the narrative), instigated frenzies (to make people not inquire about the truth but blindly follow), and falling in line with an intrigue (to save or inrich oneself) are everywhere.
It’s nothing less than a fight for the soul of a kingdom.
And if all that sounds familiar, then it’s because this is a wonderful fairytale that perfectly mirrors our times. It’s timeless to some degree and simultaneously specific if one knows historical context.
I can honestly say that JKR’s writing in this was excellent. Maybe even better than in the HP books sometimes. The author is also fantastic at world building which resulted in her, single-handedly, making reading „cool“ again and getting millions of kids to grow up alongside her characters on the pages, turning an entire generation into bookworms. And she showed off that fantastic world building here as well. With the political undertone she added on top of that, I was reminded of Pixar movies that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike due to their layers.
Last but not least, as already mentioned in the intro, the audio version is read by none other than Stephen Fry, who is simply a master storyteller. Period.
A nice adventure tale with a deeper moral tale for young and old that had me on the edge of my seat and should not be missed.
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