Half World by Hiromi Goto

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Impoverished and a victim of bullying, Melanie Tamaki is an outsider and the only child of a sickly mother. While trying to cope with school and the reality of life, she comes home to find her mother has been kidnapped by the evil Mr. Glueskin who rules over Half World. Though frightened and unsure of herself, Melanie sets out to travel to Half World and rescue her mother from the clutches of Mr. Glueskin; but little does she realize that there is more at stake than her mother. 

Goodreads People. Really?

This book has a little over a 3 star rating on Goodreads. This is exactly why I don’t take the overall rating on there that seriously. Because the Lux series had a 5 star rating and those books were trash. Are people crazy? 

I Can Back Up This Claim

This book was absolutely golden. Nearly every sentence was magical and beautifully strung together. Hiromi Goto paints a vivid and extraordinary picture of Half World and it’s imaginative creatures. He also does well with conveying that there are more deep seated intricacies than the hybrid creatures in Half World, but also the stories of how they came to be trapped there and the trauma of their past lives. 

Characters

I would have to say the best developed character was Mr. Glueskin. He was full of substance and his traits remained true throughout the story. He was wonderfully odd and I literally cringed every time his character appeared in a chapter. It was resonating. 

Honestly, every character lived up to my expectations. Each person had depth. This book had all the vital roles a person could hope for. From magical objects that turned into animal guides to old wise women and half beasts. 

I thought with Melanie being a young 14 year old girl, that she would be foolish and annoying. But her actions and capabilities weren’t unrealistic but appropriate for her age. I can’t count how many times I’ve read books where kids are doing unrealistic things for their age. But Goto found brilliance in simplicity. 

Writing

Goto’s writing style slightly reminds of Jay Kristoff’s, but mildly simpler and less wordy; which makes this the perfect read. I enjoyed the few illustrations that were included. It wasn’t needed due to Goto’s descriptive writing, however, it was appreciated and admired. 

On the back of the book I can’t help but notice that it is recommended for ages 12 and up. I strongly disagree with that. I believe at least ages 17 and up are more suitable considering that the book contained some scenes that were rather violent and disturbing. Some examples are: biting off of fingers, ripping off limbs, Mr. Glueskin swallowing people whole.. and earlier in the beginning of the book he mentions filleting the skin of Melanie’s mother and feeding it to her father. Later on he mentions cooking and feeding Melanie to her own mother. So yeah…. 

Favorite Lines

“Histories will only account for what has transpired. Prophecies only recount for what may be.” 

“…the Realms rang with such immeasurable force Melanie felt like she would blow apart into atoms.”