I fell in love with this book from the very first page. This book is beautifully written and makes you feel like you are walking alongside them every step of the way. These were the types of books that kept me reading when I was in middle school. I identified with Lottie from the minute she was introduced. ( )

Not quite what I was expecting. The characters, especially Adelaide was annoying. I was hoping to see the characters grow, but that was almost non-existent. The premise was good, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired ( )

I love a good adventure through a strange land. The book is full of vivid details and alive characters. The author does a great job mixing important ideas with the trials and tribulations of still being a kid. Lots of excitement and details to keep adults interested along with young adults. :) ( )

My inner 12-year-old self is pouting right now. Why? Because she wants MORE! Like yesterday. In all seriousness, I wasn't aware that The Water and the Wild was going to have a sequel. However, unlike a lot of the first books, mostly the YA ones, I've read in the last couple years, The Water and the Wild stands well on its own and enticed my natural curiosity about subtle unanswered questions (like where is this other place from whence King Starkling came and what is he exactly?) and what happens next for Lottie, Eliot, Fife, Oliver, Adelaide, and the rest of Limn. I must read the next book!

The worlds of New Kemble and Limn were vivid, "real" places. Enchanted trees, inside which were "elevators" used to travel between worlds, keens, the gengas - loved it all. I also loved that Lottie didn't have to act like an adult to show bravery, ingenuity and loyalty. She was even a little selfish, at first, in her quest to cure Eliot. She cried openly when any kid would naturally get emotional. But she didn't whine and she didn't have a chip on her shoulder. Plus, she's stubborn and doesn't back down from bullies.

There were many allusions - Alice in Wonderland, Narnia, The Hobbit, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, to name but a few - yet Ormsbee's story felt like its own with its own charm and whimsy.

4 stars ( )

I am a huge fan of middle grade novels, and have read more than my share of middle grade fiction. I was delighted when I found I would be receiving a copy of this book for review. Unfortunately, however, I could not get into it. It felt too much like what's been written before -- a contemporary fantasy with a slow, old-timey pace and kids dealing with life-and-death issues only they don't quite understand but only they can handle. If you are looking for a book with that type of theme and tone, then THE WATER AND THE WILD may be just up your alley. I, however, was left wanting something with a bit jauntier pace and fresher material. ( )