 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Chime
- By Franny Billingsley
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Spellbinding romantic fantasy with feisty heroine, violence.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this supernatural tale has a fair amount of violent elements, including dangerous spirits in a swamp, the grisly death of an adult, the maiming of two characters, the hanging of an innocent girl, an emotionally manipulative parental figure, and more. But all this darkness is woven into a very good mystery tale that closes on an uplifting, hopeful note.
What's the story?
Briony is a witch and hates herself for her dark secret. She blames herself for causing her stepmother’s death, breaking her twin sister’s mind, and bringing heartache after heartache to her family. She feels unworthy of the friendship and kindness offered by handsome Eldric, newly arrived in the Swampsea. When her twin, Rose, falls ill with the deadly swamp cough -- sent by the Old Ones to punish the children for efforts to drain the swamp -- Briony realizes the only way to save her sister’s life is to reveal her secret -- and risk being executed.
Is it any good?
Author Franny Billingsley writes with a poetic, enchanting voice, weaving magic with delightful use of language. Her characters are strong and, for the most part, appealing. Sensitive readers will find themselves rooting for smart, brave Briony, trapped in a prison of self-hatred, but the most vivid character may be the swamp itself, pulsing with mystery. Some of Billingsley’s choices are little odd -- the use of a colloquial, antiquated style of diction by everyone except the central figures feels forced and awkward, for example. But mostly this is a book that is a sheer pleasure to read.
Readers half as clever as Briony will very likely guess the book’s ending, but won’t mind a bit because the journey is so captivating. Some may be disappointed to find, in the end, a rather typical romantic convention at the heart of the story: The beautiful, seemingly independent heroine ends up needing -- and craving -- to be saved by her Prince Charming. But the misty, murky world of the Swampsea will linger long in readers’ hearts and minds.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of romantic fantasies. Why is this such a popular genre for teens, particularly for girls? What other books have you read that fit into this genre?
This has many classic elements of romantic novels: a dashing new arrival, a rival suitor, and a strong-minded heroine who, in the end, is relieved to find comfort in the arms of the one she once tried to keep at arm's length. Does this book fit the archetype exactly -- or is it different in any way? Did you find the ending satisfying?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
August 20, 2011
AGE
Really Good
I loved this book- and was romantic, fantastical, and scary....... a great book!
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Kid, 12 years old
January 27, 2012
AGE
Not good for children
It was sort of violent,with danger, and it's kind of scary I wouldn't recommend it for younger kids. A main character's hand is ripped off, and a death skull appears on someone's shoulder, who eventually dies. There are creatures who slowly suck the creativity out of people as well. A innocent girl is hung. The main character also killed her stepmother.There is mild cursing, as said in the review above. I was concerned mostly about sexual content. A scene or two was a bit too descriptive for the younger kids. Also the mention of witches with little clothing. I think I could have waited a year or two to read it myself. Also included were characters getting drunk, and acting a bit tipsy; as well as characters who were arsenic consumers. However, I thought the plot was very well sequenced and written. It was a good book, although a bit mature.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Author: | Franny Billingsley |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Dial Books |
| Publication date: | March 17, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 368 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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