Another great novel from Chris, this time a science fiction adventure traveling all throughout the galaxy. I have been hoping he would write a sci-fi Another great novel from Chris, this time a science fiction adventure traveling all throughout the galaxy. I have been hoping he would write a sci-fi book for years and Roswell Johnson Saves the World definitely didn't disappoint.
Roswell's journey was an enjoyable ride with so many dynamic characters. Each came alive throughout the pages. I loved the alien friends Roswell made and the team they built. It was fun traveling to their worlds and learning about each of their civilization's cultures. They worked together very well and brought so much to the story.
This had Chris's signature sense of humor which fills each of his novels. Along with the humor, it focuses on many hard-hitting and thought provoking topics. Parents, teachers, and students can start many important conversations with this book. It's a great mix of silly and serious. A perfect book for middle-grade readers and those young at heart. I know I always have a wonderful time whenever I visit one of his worlds.
Roswell stands out as the protagonist. His personality shines through even with so many eccentric characters, such as a talking alien which looks like a dog. Roswell is a character readers will relate to on many levels and is a great one for kids to read about. I look forward to seeing what Chris will write after this book. Hopefully, a sequel so we can see what will happen with Roswell, Nerp, Bleep, Rob, Mank, Cassi, and Stella.
Cannot wait for my preordered copy to arrive today. I highly recommend this book (especially the audiobook) for lovers of middle-grade books.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.*...more
Definitely, my favorite of the series so far. I loved the focus on Xanthous throughout the book and the emergence of dragons. Everything's better withDefinitely, my favorite of the series so far. I loved the focus on Xanthous throughout the book and the emergence of dragons. Everything's better with dragons, just saying. The humor was spot on throughout the book, and I could not help laughing out loud a lot. Chris has created a world that I don't ever want to end. I enjoy every new entry and cannot wait to see where he takes this from here. This book had so many surprises and I loved seeing the connections to the original series again throughout this one.
Xanthous was definitely my favorite part of this book though. He is dealing with finding his identity while also dealing with problems that could literally destroy the world around him. I love after knowing him for so long in the previous series and then in this one, we get to see him grow into himself. That was just great.
My new favorite characters are Gobzella and Elrick. Gobzilla is hilarious.
I loved following Brystal and the gang throughout this new adventure and into parts of the past of the fairy tale world that we only have ever heard of from characters. Especially, the dragons. All of those scenes were amazing. This series has branched off into something of its own and I'm so excited to see where Chris will continue from here....more
I didn't enjoy this graphic novel as much as I assumed that I would because I really love Chris' books. The Land of Stories has easily become my favorI didn't enjoy this graphic novel as much as I assumed that I would because I really love Chris' books. The Land of Stories has easily become my favorite series over my countless rereads over the years. And this was a highly anticipated companion to the series for me. The illustration style just wasn't for me. I kind of wish that Brandon Dorman, the illustrator for the original series was who did it for this version too. Also, the Charming brothers seemed off character-wise. I did enjoy getting more of Goldilock's character in this story though. She has always been one of my favorite characters from the series. Also, I really enjoyed seeing Red's part in this book. Overall, this was a pretty good graphic novel that I did like but disappointed me a little bit. ...more
This book definitely went in directions I was not expecting in the slightest but man, it was good. Brystal is a great protagonist for this series and This book definitely went in directions I was not expecting in the slightest but man, it was good. Brystal is a great protagonist for this series and I cannot wait to see what else happens with her story. Also, the whole storyline with the new character Mistress Mara was surprising and so entertaining. I want to say so much about that but I don't want to spoil it for anyone that didn't read the book.
I really like the fact that Chris brings in issues that people have to deal with in our world today and makes them accessible. All of his books have real-world issues that I believe will help children greatly. Sometimes, I wish I could have grown up with these books myself. Though I believe anyone can enjoy his books, no matter your age.
There is a quote in the book on page 159 that really spoke to me for many reasons. "Misery is like an animal, it needs food to survive- so starve it. Surround yourself with art and beauty that brightens your darkest days. Listen to music and poetry that always fill the cracks of your broken heart. Read quotes and passages that can soothe and motivate you when you feel the most discouraged. Spend time with people who make you laugh and distract you from your troubles. Nourish your soul and hopefully, the mind will follow. However, if you find you can't help yourself, there's no shame in asking others for help. Sometimes asking for help is just as heroic as giving it." This is just a beautiful sentiment that really makes you think. It's just one of the many gems in this book, that I'm glad children will get the chance to read.
Loved the nods to the original series also.
This was a wonderful book that I highly recommend to new and returning readers of Chris....more
What a great prequel to The Land of Stories! Chris never ceases to create more and more in this world, that truly entertains. I loved this start to a What a great prequel to The Land of Stories! Chris never ceases to create more and more in this world, that truly entertains. I loved this start to a new series and I can't wait to see what else happens with Brystal and the gang. It was great seeing the old characters again and getting to know the new ones. Man, I can't even imagine the adventures we will go on in the future. And we all know who Brystal and Lucy are right? Lol
I can't wait to see what else he comes up with....more
-Note on September 13th's read: I only read the "Jack and the Beanstalk" story to the students, but I wanted to show that it was from this story on he-Note on September 13th's read: I only read the "Jack and the Beanstalk" story to the students, but I wanted to show that it was from this story on here. I have read all the stories in this book before and really enjoy Chris's take on them. ...more
July 10th, 2021 update: This is my fifth time reading this beautiful book and my feelings for it have not changed in the slightest. It has one powerfuJuly 10th, 2021 update: This is my fifth time reading this beautiful book and my feelings for it have not changed in the slightest. It has one powerful ending and is definitely one of my top favorite conclusions to a series ever. Alex and Conner's journey is one of my favorites and I hope we will visit them again in some capacity. Until then, I know that I will enjoy following these adventures in the Land of Stories.
July 11th, 2017 update: What a stunning book. I adored it with all of my heart. A great ending to a great series....more
I adore this book and the kids really enjoyed it also. Such a great little story. It's one of my favorite kids' books of all timeI adore this book and the kids really enjoyed it also. Such a great little story. It's one of my favorite kids' books of all time...more
First I would like to say that Chris Colfer is one of my favorite authors. I have loved each of his books so much. This book made me laugh so hard thrFirst I would like to say that Chris Colfer is one of my favorite authors. I have loved each of his books so much. This book made me laugh so hard throughout. Chris's humor is great and so sarcastic. I love it so much. Also this story is one of the most heartwarming of his. Great book and amazing characters. I loved Cash Carter. ...more
July 4th reread: This book is another absolute favorite of the series for me. The scenes with Conner and Bree in Europe are some of the best in the enJuly 4th reread: This book is another absolute favorite of the series for me. The scenes with Conner and Bree in Europe are some of the best in the entire series. I enjoy how Chris took real world figures and used them in this book to help tell the story. July 7th, 2021 update: Gotta say that I will always love the direction Chris took this series in. The ending will always be hard to read. Love Connor's adventure over in Europe and seeing the twins taken on the world by themselves for a while. Also, the parts with the Grimm brothers are some of the best....more
July 2nd, 2023 reread- Every time I reread this book it’s as if I’m going back home again. It’s a wonderful experience returning to a book that you adJuly 2nd, 2023 reread- Every time I reread this book it’s as if I’m going back home again. It’s a wonderful experience returning to a book that you adore with all your heart and visiting characters that feel like old friends because of how many times you have read their adventures. This is my most read book by far and I cannot recommend it enough. I love how Chris has continued on with many of the classic tales in Alex and Connor’s first adventure into the Land of Stories.
July 4th, 2021 update- Cannot believe that I have read this book 10 times now. This will always be my favorite series. I adore these characters and this world that Chris has created with this series and the A Tale of Magic series.
July 4th, 2018 update- I just wanted to add after reading this book for the seventh time, that it's just like visiting an old friend again. This time I listened to the audiobook that is read by the author. It was incredible and made the experience even better than before. I recommend this book and series to everyone....more
July 3rd, 2023 reread- I will forever love where Chris takes the series in this book. The team that Alex, Connor, Goldilocks, Jack, Froggy, and Red maJuly 3rd, 2023 reread- I will forever love where Chris takes the series in this book. The team that Alex, Connor, Goldilocks, Jack, Froggy, and Red make is one that I love following along with for the rest of the series. July 6th, 2021 update- My favorite book in this series. I absolutely adore it so much!...more
July 9th, 2021 update: I can honestly say that I wish I was in Connor's place in this book. At least being able to have a potion and to be able to go July 9th, 2021 update: I can honestly say that I wish I was in Connor's place in this book. At least being able to have a potion and to be able to go into my own writing. I cannot imagine being able to meet my own characters and spending so much time with them. It will always be my dream. There is such a great quote in this book "Traveling into the short stories had been all Conner could think about since he'd first had the idea. Naturally, the circumstances to warrant the trip were terrible, but he still felt like the luckiest author in the world. Who else got to visit the worlds and meet the people that existed in their imagination? Conner often fantasized about seeing a film or a play based on his writing one day but this would be much better than that. It wouldn't be someone else's interpretation or adaptation of his words, everything would be purely as he'd envisioned it." I think this is a dream of a lot of authors and I can honestly say that it would probably be the best thing to ever happen for me. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book again and visiting these characters yet again. This series will never get old.
July 17th, 2016 update: This one is the funniest out of the series. I loved it so much. I cannot wait until the next one....more