Wilson created an interesting world with potential for fun, great stories; Ashtown and the Order of Brendan are kind of like a steam punk Hogwarts where exploration replaces wizardry. Sadly, there is no actual exploration in this story and the interesting characters are all either in supporting roles or are part of the background. The main protagonist, Cyrus, is a moody, boring ball of mischief without fun. The plot meanders around, characters don't have apparent motivations for their actions, and the vibrant setting feels wasted on stagnant, unsympathetic heroes.I had fun looking for the nods to Treasure Island sprinkled throughout the story (Billy Bones, Long John Silver, Ben Gunn, Squire Trelawney), and I kept waiting for Cyrus and Antigone to go have an adventure. Instead, they talked at various people at great length about the interesting things done by other people we never meet while sitting around doing nothing. The villains seem to be motivated by a desire to be villains and the good guys don't have an apparent goal. Cyrus and Antigone are motivated by love for a lost family that the reader doesn't meet and has no reason to care about. This is one instance in which the orphan-as-protagonist trope falls flat.Basically, I wish a more likable kid would join the Order of Brendan and that JK Rowling or Neil Gaiman would take over the duty of chronicling the adventure. It makes me sad that more people don't realize this book is a re-telling of Treasure Island. Knowing that made reading it much more exciting.I'm a huge fan of the 100 Cupboards trilogy, so I had high expectations for The Dragon's Tooth, and it did not disappoint! Wilson's world is exciting and easy to visualize, and his characters believable. Perhaps my favorite thing about Wilson's writing is that as someone who grew up in Small Town, USA (in the same state as the author, no less!), I find it MUCH easier to relate to his stories than, say, Percy Jackson. I highly recommend this book, especially to those who have read 100 Cupboards.
What do You think about Ashtown Burials #1: Ashtown (2011)?
I have given up for now, but I'm gonna try again sometime in the future.
—kari
AMAZINGLY COOL!!!! I love it so very much. ;)
—Brooke
My nice and me enjoy to read this book.
—c00ki3b33
