Parents' Guide to

The Tangled Lands

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Related novellas have ecological themes, lots of violence.

Book Paolo Bacigalupi , Tobias Buckell Fantasy 2018
The Tangled Lands Poster Image

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What's the Story?

As THE TANGLED LANDS opens, the Alchemist has devised an invention that will stop the deadly brambles from taking over the city completely. He learns too late, however, that powerful forces wish to maintain the status quo. As the point of view shifts in each novella, the reader is introduced to characters determined to fight against the brambles in their own way -- two women who take up weapons in defense of their families, and an orphan boy sworn to protect his sister.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Collaborations between even the most accomplished participants are tricky, and this promising collection of related novellas demonstrates some of the difficulties. The Tangled Lands has a fascinating premise -- that the use of magic causes ecological disaster. Although they collaborated on the world-building, Paolo Bacigalupi and Tobias Buckell worked separately on each of their two novellas, and that strategy results in some narrative disjointedness. There's not much connection between the individual stories, so it takes a while for each of them to become fully engrossing, and the book ends without much resolution. There's much to like about The Tangled Lands -- its passion, its cleverness -- so older, more patient readers may find it absorbing and rewarding.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Tangled Lands uses magic as a metaphor for carbon dioxide emissions and climate change. Do you think the environmental theme works well in this fantasy setting?

  • The Tangled Lands features a women who becomes a feared and respected warrior. What is the history of women warriors in the real world? What challenges and advantages do women in the military face?

  • The Tangled Lands spotlights the plight of refugees. How are displaced people treated around the world? How do various governments deal with an influx of people without homes?

Book Details

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