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Maddigan's Fantasia
In a time not far from our own, a colourful group of travellers braves the twisting, unpredictable landscape of a world trying to remake itself years after near-destruction. They are the magicians, clowns, trapeze artists and musicians of Maddigan's Fantasia, healing the injured land with wonder and laughter. Garland Maddigan, the 12-year-old daughter of the Fantasia's ringmaster, has been on many journeys before. But she soon realises that this one is going to be very different. For three mysterious children have joined the Fantasia - children with uncanny abilities and a secret past. And with them they bring powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to hunt them down. Soon Garland finds herself embroiled in a series of terrifying adventures that will take her within perilous underground tunnels, through the land of the Witch-Finder and across time itself . . .
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First published December 31, 2005
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About the author
Margaret Mahy
400 books291 followersMargaret Mahy was a well-known New Zealand author of children's and young adult books. While the plots of many of her books have strong supernatural elements, her writing concentrates on the themes of human relationships and growing up.
Her books The Haunting and The Changeover: A Supernatural Romance both received the Carnegie Medal of the British Library Association. There have 100 children's books, 40 novels, and 20 collections of her stories published. Among her children's books, A Lion in the Meadow and The Seven Chinese Brothers and The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate are considered national classics. Her novels have been translated into German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Italian, Japanese, Catalan and Afrikaans. In addition, some stories have been translated into Russian, Chinese and Icelandic.
For her contributions to children's literature she was made a member of the Order of New Zealand. The Margaret Mahy Medal Award was established by the New Zealand Children's Book Foundation in 1991 to provide recognition of excellence in children's literature, publishing and literacy in New Zealand. In 2006 she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award (known as the Little Nobel Prize) in recognition of a "lasting contribution to children's literature".
Margaret Mahy died on 23 July 2012.
On 29 April 2013, New Zealand’s top honour for children’s books was renamed the New Zealand Post Margaret Mahy Book of the Year award.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret...
Her books The Haunting and The Changeover: A Supernatural Romance both received the Carnegie Medal of the British Library Association. There have 100 children's books, 40 novels, and 20 collections of her stories published. Among her children's books, A Lion in the Meadow and The Seven Chinese Brothers and The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate are considered national classics. Her novels have been translated into German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Italian, Japanese, Catalan and Afrikaans. In addition, some stories have been translated into Russian, Chinese and Icelandic.
For her contributions to children's literature she was made a member of the Order of New Zealand. The Margaret Mahy Medal Award was established by the New Zealand Children's Book Foundation in 1991 to provide recognition of excellence in children's literature, publishing and literacy in New Zealand. In 2006 she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award (known as the Little Nobel Prize) in recognition of a "lasting contribution to children's literature".
Margaret Mahy died on 23 July 2012.
On 29 April 2013, New Zealand’s top honour for children’s books was renamed the New Zealand Post Margaret Mahy Book of the Year award.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 29, 2011
This book was so FREAKING huge! When I first got it from the library, I literally gasped out loud. It was kind of boring in the beginning, but I came to like Garland as the book went on.I never liked Timon And Eden. They were too damn mysterious. They don't explain any thing. I didn't understand anything, not the plot, not the resolution, not the bad guy, not ANYTHING. I only gave this book another star because i liked Garland. Her character, her resolution, her attitude. But there just too many questions. WHO are the boys? WHY did they come? WHAT the HECK is going onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn?! So much could've been done, and I just had to hate those future jerks who don't understand the meaning of dang privacy. Like, they had her diary for God's sake and would casually peer in there, hey I wonder about her deepest most private thoughts today? And then the time traveling confuse me even more. Third times the charm though! on my third attempt, I completed the book Maddigan's Fantasia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! La-dee-freaking-da. I was truly dissapointed by the utter confusion it left me in, and despite the one worthwhile character and an amiable plot, and the fact Margaret Mahy is one of my favorite author just left me sad.
January 7, 2009
All of the elements of a good fantasy novel are here: a post-apocalyptic society; a fantastic traveling circus; a world in peril; a quest; a cruel villain; a love plot. And written by one of the best writers around. Why, then, does the whole thing fall flatter than a pancake?
Perhaps because the book is all plot, and repetitive plot at that. Perhaps because Mahy shows rather than tells everything about what her characters are supposed to be thinking and feeling. Perhaps because the main character, Garland, comes off merely as whiny rather than as interesting, brave, or fascinating. Perhaps because the magic of the circus, the thrill of performing, is rarely featured. Perhaps because the villain is off-stage for most of the book. Perhaps because we never understand why this quest is at all important. Perhaps because adding a time-traveling group of siblings to all of the elements above overloads an already chock-full plot. Or perhaps because Mahy's become so big a name that her editor no longer edits her?
A real disappointment.
Perhaps because the book is all plot, and repetitive plot at that. Perhaps because Mahy shows rather than tells everything about what her characters are supposed to be thinking and feeling. Perhaps because the main character, Garland, comes off merely as whiny rather than as interesting, brave, or fascinating. Perhaps because the magic of the circus, the thrill of performing, is rarely featured. Perhaps because the villain is off-stage for most of the book. Perhaps because we never understand why this quest is at all important. Perhaps because adding a time-traveling group of siblings to all of the elements above overloads an already chock-full plot. Or perhaps because Mahy's become so big a name that her editor no longer edits her?
A real disappointment.
October 21, 2014
Early in the 22nd century, the world underwent a vast and radical change, in which the tectonic plates of the Earth shifted and a series of devastating earthquakes changed the face of the planet. As a result of these events — now known as the Great Chaos — the population has severely dropped and most technology has been lost. What remains is a dangerous wilderness where communities are isolated and bandits roam the unmapped highways.
Yet out of the ashes of the old world comes Solis, the shining city. It is here that the circus troupe known as Maddigan's Fantasia spends each winter before heading out every year to explore new lands, collect lost knowledge and spread some colour and joy to those living in a post-apocalyptic world.
But this year things are different. Because Solis is powered by the sun, it is in desperate need of a new solar converter if the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Yet out of the ashes of the old world comes Solis, the shining city. It is here that the circus troupe known as Maddigan's Fantasia spends each winter before heading out every year to explore new lands, collect lost knowledge and spread some colour and joy to those living in a post-apocalyptic world.
But this year things are different. Because Solis is powered by the sun, it is in desperate need of a new solar converter if the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
July 17, 2010
The only thing missing in the book is the romance...
February 4, 2014
I've been wanting to read a book by Margaret Mahy since I lived in New Zealand and first heard her name. Maddigan's Fantasia was the perfect book to start with, because in the strange future world that seems like a distortion of New Zealand, the world building, characters and plot pulled me in. The Fantasia is a traveling circus that moves along the shifting roads of a world that has been broken and remade and is still rebuilding itself, by reconnecting the various towns, the Fantasia helps to strengthen everything. Garland Maddigan is an acrobat and the daughter of Ferdy, the ringmaster and Maddie, who does a bit of everything, she's a true Maddigan and child of the Fantasia. Her point of view is fascinating as she is aware of the shifting world and when she comes across a strange family of two brothers and a sister on the run from the future, she finds herself in a powerful position. This book is a road trip about how small actions can make great changes and how family has many different meanings. I know that there are other books in this series but this book easily stands on its own and I hope I can find away to watch the miniseries that was made of it in New Zealand.
I would recommend this book to a middle grade reader who enjoys the Percy Jackson series, as there's the same level of magic and violence. This is a long book, but it moves quickly as the travel provides distinct episodes. An older reader would find a lot inside it as the book has a lot of depth in terms of identity and society without being too complicated. As a reader of fantasy and young adult fiction, this is one of the best books of its kind that I've read.
I would recommend this book to a middle grade reader who enjoys the Percy Jackson series, as there's the same level of magic and violence. This is a long book, but it moves quickly as the travel provides distinct episodes. An older reader would find a lot inside it as the book has a lot of depth in terms of identity and society without being too complicated. As a reader of fantasy and young adult fiction, this is one of the best books of its kind that I've read.
March 7, 2008
I love Margaret Mahy. Her book The Changeover is one of my all-time favorites. So I was excited to see a new fantasy by her. However, it is not a very good fantasy - it tries to hard to have a fantasy tone. And boy, is it overwritten.
Garland Maddigan travels with her family's circus, called Maddigan's Fantasia. After her father dies in an attack by Road Rats, she meets two boys, one holding a baby, who is their sister Jewel. They are from The Future, and they have come back in time to save the world. They join the Fantasia, and travel from town to town discovering dire situations in each and every one of them. Until they get to their main destination and have the big showdown climax.
I enjoyed the tunnel episode, and the monster in the lake part. But the book suffers from repetitious dialogue, and an irritating main character, Garland, who is very full of herself.
The worst part of this book is how many times Garland says she's a Maddigan, of Maddigan's Fantasia, and a Maddigan has always been in charge of the Fantasia, and she's the last true Maddigan. After a while, I grew inured to it, but I think the book could have been shorter by about a third if most of that had been cut out.
The second worst thing is how loooong this story stretches out - to 499 pages, with many episodes that didn't further the plot.
I guess I might have rated this higher if it hadn't been Mahy - my expectations for her are pretty big. Maybe I'm being too harsh. I did finish it...
Great cover art.
Garland Maddigan travels with her family's circus, called Maddigan's Fantasia. After her father dies in an attack by Road Rats, she meets two boys, one holding a baby, who is their sister Jewel. They are from The Future, and they have come back in time to save the world. They join the Fantasia, and travel from town to town discovering dire situations in each and every one of them. Until they get to their main destination and have the big showdown climax.
I enjoyed the tunnel episode, and the monster in the lake part. But the book suffers from repetitious dialogue, and an irritating main character, Garland, who is very full of herself.
The worst part of this book is how many times Garland says she's a Maddigan, of Maddigan's Fantasia, and a Maddigan has always been in charge of the Fantasia, and she's the last true Maddigan. After a while, I grew inured to it, but I think the book could have been shorter by about a third if most of that had been cut out.
The second worst thing is how loooong this story stretches out - to 499 pages, with many episodes that didn't further the plot.
I guess I might have rated this higher if it hadn't been Mahy - my expectations for her are pretty big. Maybe I'm being too harsh. I did finish it...
Great cover art.
September 12, 2017
Fantastic and magical.
August 18, 2012
Not one of Ms Mahy's best, but still a very solid book and worth reading. It's very large for an MG and it can be a bit scary at times. It follows a carnival/circus as they wander through a post-apocalyptic wilderness, spreading hope and happiness and searching for new technology.
It was written as a companion to a TV series (of her creation) of the same name which I have yet to see, but which got very good reviews.
Unfortunately, this shows in the writing, which can be very telling at times. Particularly in the beginning when I could almost see the script in the novel.
However, the broad scope of the journey and the world she has created is still worth visiting. She is a master at allowing the wider world to "press in" on the direct storyline, so the reader gets a taste of what else might be out there if the characters would only look.
It's an easy read, if not quite a quick one and I do recommend it, although maybe not as your first Mahy. If you want to read some really exquisite work she has done on magic and circuses then you might want to take a look at The Door in the Air and Other Stories.
It was written as a companion to a TV series (of her creation) of the same name which I have yet to see, but which got very good reviews.
Unfortunately, this shows in the writing, which can be very telling at times. Particularly in the beginning when I could almost see the script in the novel.
However, the broad scope of the journey and the world she has created is still worth visiting. She is a master at allowing the wider world to "press in" on the direct storyline, so the reader gets a taste of what else might be out there if the characters would only look.
It's an easy read, if not quite a quick one and I do recommend it, although maybe not as your first Mahy. If you want to read some really exquisite work she has done on magic and circuses then you might want to take a look at The Door in the Air and Other Stories.
December 30, 2008
I read almost exclusively YA Fiction, but this book was too young for me. (I only read the first third or so.) The writing bends over backwards to expose every aspect of the story and characters, leaving no surprises, suspense, or room for imagination. I suppose it would be a good read-aloud tale for kids under 10, but that's about it. I was really disappointed, too: a post-apocalyptic circus? How cool is that?!? But, alas, the answer is "not very".
November 5, 2008
I was rather wiped when I read this, so I am probably going to have to read it again. I kept losing interest when I read the first time around, but I am unsure whether to chalk that up to exhaustion or the book itself....
June 5, 2012
Maddigans Fantasia is dull and even though they have lots of adventures I have seen better. The whole time traveling thing is kinda confusing. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone 'cause i don't know who would want to read a book like this. It is a really weird and confusing story.
January 15, 2009
Actually, I did not read this one; I could NOT get into it at all...so I stopped trying.
January 17, 2024
"Maddigan's Fantasia" by Margaret Mahy is a spellbinding adventure that transports readers to a post-apocalyptic world filled with wonder and danger. The novel follows the Maddigan family, members of the traveling circus Maddigan's Fantasia, as they embark on a quest to find a Timekeeper – a device that could potentially save their world from impending doom.
What makes Mahy's storytelling truly captivating is the rich tapestry of fantasy she weaves throughout the narrative. The desolate and dangerous landscape serves as a backdrop to the Maddigans' journey, creating a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. The circus setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, providing a unique and colorful backdrop for the unfolding adventure.
The central plot, focused on the quest for the Timekeeper, is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Mahy introduces bizarre characters and creatures, adding a delightful element of unpredictability to the story. As the Maddigans navigate through this strange world, they must confront their fears, form alliances, and rely on each other's strengths, creating a sense of camaraderie that adds depth to the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as resilience, courage, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Mahy skillfully intertwines these themes with the characters' personal journeys, creating a heartfelt and emotionally resonant narrative. The family bonds within the Maddigan clan serve as a powerful anchor, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a relatable and human context.
Margaret Mahy's ability to transport readers to a fantastical world is truly commendable. "Maddigan's Fantasia" is a testament to her storytelling prowess, offering a unique and imaginative tale that will leave readers both entertained and moved. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, adventure, or stories that celebrate the strength of familial bonds, this novel is a must-read. Mahy's expertly crafted narrative and the captivating world of Maddigan's Fantasia make it a four-star adventure that lingers in the imagination long after the final page is turned.
What makes Mahy's storytelling truly captivating is the rich tapestry of fantasy she weaves throughout the narrative. The desolate and dangerous landscape serves as a backdrop to the Maddigans' journey, creating a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. The circus setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, providing a unique and colorful backdrop for the unfolding adventure.
The central plot, focused on the quest for the Timekeeper, is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Mahy introduces bizarre characters and creatures, adding a delightful element of unpredictability to the story. As the Maddigans navigate through this strange world, they must confront their fears, form alliances, and rely on each other's strengths, creating a sense of camaraderie that adds depth to the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as resilience, courage, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Mahy skillfully intertwines these themes with the characters' personal journeys, creating a heartfelt and emotionally resonant narrative. The family bonds within the Maddigan clan serve as a powerful anchor, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a relatable and human context.
Margaret Mahy's ability to transport readers to a fantastical world is truly commendable. "Maddigan's Fantasia" is a testament to her storytelling prowess, offering a unique and imaginative tale that will leave readers both entertained and moved. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, adventure, or stories that celebrate the strength of familial bonds, this novel is a must-read. Mahy's expertly crafted narrative and the captivating world of Maddigan's Fantasia make it a four-star adventure that lingers in the imagination long after the final page is turned.
February 21, 2019
I was excited to discover this at a local book sale but far out, it really did not tick any boxes for me - except that I liked the cover (which is different to this one).
It had taken a spot on my reading requirement list for my course, I read a decent amount and knew it was going to be such a chore to finish it so it's now on the Koha Shed pile and I'll be searching for a replacement.
The characters were too many for my starting-story-eyes (I made that up) and I wasn't fond of any of them.
It had taken a spot on my reading requirement list for my course, I read a decent amount and knew it was going to be such a chore to finish it so it's now on the Koha Shed pile and I'll be searching for a replacement.
The characters were too many for my starting-story-eyes (I made that up) and I wasn't fond of any of them.
November 5, 2023
I love most of Mahy's books and I enjoyed this one, but I don't think it's her best work. There were awkward places where it felt like a TV tie-in book or a series of short stories. This format also made it longer than it should have been. Books and movies or TV shows are different art forms and should do their own thing, even when one is based on the other.
March 10, 2020
A very easy read, but not as light as I expected. Quite a bit was pretty easily guessed from near the beginning, but a few good catches and unseen hoops at the end made it a good ending and worth the read. Overall pretty great for a young teen book
xx-dnf-skim-reference
November 7, 2023Oct. 2023 Page 112. Apparently the things that are bugging me, like why these two boys and their baby sister are sent time-traveling for example, or Garland's attitude, don't improve/ get sorted out. Too bad; I was really looking forward to it as I have loved many of Mahy's other works.
January 28, 2017
Fantastic book. Exciting and very readable.
June 14, 2020
There was a time, when I was about nine or ten, when this book was everything . I loved it and didn't want to talk about anything else. I never get rid of anything, so I still own it and I wanted to see if it was as good as I remember.
If I'm being honest, it's probably not. The exposition is clunky, the plot is episodic, the ending is weak and the bad guy is a nonpresence really. Also, the whole diary thing is a cheap trick to show us Garland's thoughts.
I can hear you saying "If the book was that bad, why'd you give it four stars?" One - nostalgia is one hell of a drug. Two - There's still plenty of things I do like: the post-apocalyptic setting is cool, I like getting to watching Garland , and the episodic plot does mean you get distinct and interesting set pieces along the way.
If I'm being honest, it's probably not. The exposition is clunky, the plot is episodic, the ending is weak and the bad guy is a nonpresence really. Also, the whole diary thing is a cheap trick to show us Garland's thoughts.
I can hear you saying "If the book was that bad, why'd you give it four stars?" One - nostalgia is one hell of a drug. Two - There's still plenty of things I do like: the post-apocalyptic setting is cool, I like getting to watching Garland , and the episodic plot does mean you get distinct and interesting set pieces along the way.
February 22, 2012
This is the third of Margaret Mahy's books that I have read and I think I can say that it is by far my favourite. I think I enjoyed it the most because the traveling circus gave a unique atmosphere to the story. The fantasia seemed more like a character itself than a setting and it traveled through so many different locations, giving the whole book quite a sense of adventure. I loved the idea of a traveling circus full of many different personalities, all moving together to various places just hoping to find an audience to perform to. This may have been my favourite part of the book. The Fantasia was lovely to read about.
Another part of the story that shone out to me was the relationship between Garland and her mother and how they each coped after the death of Garland's father. Both were very powerful characters and they clashed a lot in the story, but beneath that was a deep familial love for one another that nothing could beat. Garland's mother Maddie was strong and dedicated and Garland rightfully felt that Maddie could lead the Fantasia on after the loss of her father. But what Garland didn't always understand is that she was not the only character grieving. Her mother and her father's friends all deeply missed him too and they were just trying to keep going, to do what he would have wanted and keep the Fantasia moving. Garland's hostility towards Yves was also great to read. She thought he was trying to take her father's place, by leading the Fantasia and comforting her mother, and it takes a long time for her to come to terms with the fact that he cared about her father as well and his actions are in the best interests of all of them.
The main character of Garland was very likeable. She was kind but not too soft. She had a great strength and determination that she clearly inherited from her parents and their lifestyle. She goes through a lot in this story and is tested in many different ways, but always fights back, stays strong and takes any adventure that is offered to her. Through this sense of adventure she meets two brothers and their baby sister who claim to be from a very unpleasant future. Their stories all intertwine and, as they travel together escaping evil henchmen time and time again, they face many different unpleasant experiences in their journey. Fake witches, mind altering food, towns ruled by irresponsible children and even communities that had been abandoned since they last visited them. Though the world they're in is very hostile and dangerous as long as they're together and able to perform to an audience then the Fantasia will survive.
The brothers, Timon and Eden are also both great characters. The older brother looking like a prince from a fairytale, but with his own dark secret and the younger who looks like he is an extension of the forest and is able to conjure flowers to fall from the air and the ground to bounce like a trampoline. The boys are determined to change the future they have come from and prevent the evil Nennog from ever taking power but their every footstep is followed by the Nennog's evil henchmen, one human, one that appears human.
Together the Fantasia must fight future evil and current hostility everywhere they go, defeating many challenges and always remaining unified and strong. It was an enjoyable escapist read and I'm glad to have found something of Mahy's that I could enjoy as much as I'm sure the author deserves.
Another part of the story that shone out to me was the relationship between Garland and her mother and how they each coped after the death of Garland's father. Both were very powerful characters and they clashed a lot in the story, but beneath that was a deep familial love for one another that nothing could beat. Garland's mother Maddie was strong and dedicated and Garland rightfully felt that Maddie could lead the Fantasia on after the loss of her father. But what Garland didn't always understand is that she was not the only character grieving. Her mother and her father's friends all deeply missed him too and they were just trying to keep going, to do what he would have wanted and keep the Fantasia moving. Garland's hostility towards Yves was also great to read. She thought he was trying to take her father's place, by leading the Fantasia and comforting her mother, and it takes a long time for her to come to terms with the fact that he cared about her father as well and his actions are in the best interests of all of them.
The main character of Garland was very likeable. She was kind but not too soft. She had a great strength and determination that she clearly inherited from her parents and their lifestyle. She goes through a lot in this story and is tested in many different ways, but always fights back, stays strong and takes any adventure that is offered to her. Through this sense of adventure she meets two brothers and their baby sister who claim to be from a very unpleasant future. Their stories all intertwine and, as they travel together escaping evil henchmen time and time again, they face many different unpleasant experiences in their journey. Fake witches, mind altering food, towns ruled by irresponsible children and even communities that had been abandoned since they last visited them. Though the world they're in is very hostile and dangerous as long as they're together and able to perform to an audience then the Fantasia will survive.
The brothers, Timon and Eden are also both great characters. The older brother looking like a prince from a fairytale, but with his own dark secret and the younger who looks like he is an extension of the forest and is able to conjure flowers to fall from the air and the ground to bounce like a trampoline. The boys are determined to change the future they have come from and prevent the evil Nennog from ever taking power but their every footstep is followed by the Nennog's evil henchmen, one human, one that appears human.
Together the Fantasia must fight future evil and current hostility everywhere they go, defeating many challenges and always remaining unified and strong. It was an enjoyable escapist read and I'm glad to have found something of Mahy's that I could enjoy as much as I'm sure the author deserves.
June 23, 2022
The writing left a lot to be desired, as did the editing. The story had potential, but I didn't feel it ever reached it. Characters seemed inconsistent, irregular, & illogical in their reactions to events. Cause and effect didn't always match up and/or wasn't clear.
August 15, 2019
set in a distopian world where nothing is certain and people are just starting to do things after the world has stopped falling apart, garland maddigan must travel with her fantasia to help save her city. hard enough, but then two new recruits make things a lot harder...
May 31, 2012
Maddiagan's Fantasia is a circus, and their goal was to travel to Newton to recieve the converter & bring it back to their hometown (Solis). Ferdy, the man in charge gets murdered at the beginning, by "Road Rats".Then Yves, the driver then takes Ferdy's place.Garland is the main character in this book.She's the daughter of Maddie and Ferdy Maddigan.All the adventure begins when three mysterious children joined the Fantasia, Eden, Timon and Jewels, though trailing behing then are two cold hearted people, who follows the order of Nennog. Eden, Timon and Jewels claim they are from the future, escaping from the evil Nennog, who seeks the precious Talisman.
I thought the book Maddigan's Fantasia was OK.The main characters in the book was very interesting and mysterious.But my least favourite character is Garland, the main character in the book.She was stubborn and refusing to be open-minded, like when Timon and Eden tried to tell her they were from the future and about Nennog and their situation,she ran away and thought they were crazy.I really didn't like her because of that, and also about how she kept on saying:"I'm a true Maddigan.I should run Maddigan's Fantasia, nnot Yves!"So that's why Garland Maddigan is my least favourite character in this book.
My favourite character in the book will have to be Eden.Although he's younger than Garland & Timon, I think he's the more sensible one, and he tries really hard with the magic.
In this book, the characters go to a lot of different towns/cities, & runs into heaps of problems.The book started a bit slow as well.What i think Margaret Mahy should have done is shorten the book, and speed it up a little as well.I was really bummed when Ferdy died in the really beginning, it was such a turndown.But my favourite part of the book is the exciting part, when the Nennog starts taking over Timon, & fighting over Jewels. That part was a bit confusing though, with the Nennog & Timon, changing around all the time.
I was mixed up about the part where Garland, Timon and Eden go back in time together.I was confused because in the book, when they travel back in time, they get other people killed, like Old Shell, and Penrod. But when they get back to their time, they were all alive, except Ferdy.I find that very strange, because, according to the book, what happens in the past effects the future.Therefore, Old Shell and Penrod are still supposed to be dead.
Overall, it was a very confusing, but interesing book.It wasn't the kind of book i would normally read, but i would recommend it for people who like fantasy books.
I thought the book Maddigan's Fantasia was OK.The main characters in the book was very interesting and mysterious.But my least favourite character is Garland, the main character in the book.She was stubborn and refusing to be open-minded, like when Timon and Eden tried to tell her they were from the future and about Nennog and their situation,she ran away and thought they were crazy.I really didn't like her because of that, and also about how she kept on saying:"I'm a true Maddigan.I should run Maddigan's Fantasia, nnot Yves!"So that's why Garland Maddigan is my least favourite character in this book.
My favourite character in the book will have to be Eden.Although he's younger than Garland & Timon, I think he's the more sensible one, and he tries really hard with the magic.
In this book, the characters go to a lot of different towns/cities, & runs into heaps of problems.The book started a bit slow as well.What i think Margaret Mahy should have done is shorten the book, and speed it up a little as well.I was really bummed when Ferdy died in the really beginning, it was such a turndown.But my favourite part of the book is the exciting part, when the Nennog starts taking over Timon, & fighting over Jewels. That part was a bit confusing though, with the Nennog & Timon, changing around all the time.
I was mixed up about the part where Garland, Timon and Eden go back in time together.I was confused because in the book, when they travel back in time, they get other people killed, like Old Shell, and Penrod. But when they get back to their time, they were all alive, except Ferdy.I find that very strange, because, according to the book, what happens in the past effects the future.Therefore, Old Shell and Penrod are still supposed to be dead.
Overall, it was a very confusing, but interesing book.It wasn't the kind of book i would normally read, but i would recommend it for people who like fantasy books.
May 29, 2012
Book review:
Losing a faher is a nightmareto Garland, when Yves replaced her father in the Fantasia, it gets even worse. Garland wished her father will come back, and will do anything for her father to come back. Her wish might come true when three mysterious children came and joined the Fantasia: Timon, Eden,and baby Jewel, most important,they came from the future. But they came froman important place and they are important people to their greedy Uncle,which made troule to the Fantasia and themselves...
My favorite character is Boomer. Because he can be confident in which route he chose, even if some one is against him. Like the main character, Garland, is always said that Boomer is wrong of judging Timon becoming a 'demon',but Boomer still beleive in himself.
The book is alright, tough the first few chapters doesn't really make you excited or emotional, which can let you close the book easily. but if you continue reading, the book will take you throught a 'fanasic' adventure. And now, i still have a question:" At the end, The silver girl turns out to be baby Jewel, but does that mean Jewel is a teenager when Timon and Eden is back in their own time,or she is still the baby at that time?"And there is something in this book I really disliked. Surely the author can use other words to describe the scene, because it feels like she is using the same words everytime, and the author kept on using the word 'cried', she can use mybe even moan or shrieked. But after reading the vivid description on the inside cover of Maddigan's Fantasia, I was intrigued by the story lines.
I would change the ending, I would turn it into Timon, Eden, and Jewel on Timon's hands, they haad a chat, to know more about each other and laughed around like ordinary kids. then The Silver Girl suddenly appeared and said it is time to go home, they still have lots to do. Saying their last goodbyes, Timon, Eden, Jewel and the Silver Girl whisked away. Then 100 years later, Garland's great-great grandchild, which is 11 years old, met Timon, Eden and Jewel.And the Fantasia eventually stopped. But Garland's tale is still noe forgotten, and became part of the family history. so she told the tale to Timon, Eden, and Jewel. At the corner of her eye she can see Timon and Eden gave each other winks and Jewel laughed...
Maddigan's Fantasia is actually a great tale, but if they replace the boring words, it might be perfect!
Natasha
(MS. Ingram,this is my first book review, so please give any tips or corrections, and anything i've did wrong.)
Losing a faher is a nightmareto Garland, when Yves replaced her father in the Fantasia, it gets even worse. Garland wished her father will come back, and will do anything for her father to come back. Her wish might come true when three mysterious children came and joined the Fantasia: Timon, Eden,and baby Jewel, most important,they came from the future. But they came froman important place and they are important people to their greedy Uncle,which made troule to the Fantasia and themselves...
My favorite character is Boomer. Because he can be confident in which route he chose, even if some one is against him. Like the main character, Garland, is always said that Boomer is wrong of judging Timon becoming a 'demon',but Boomer still beleive in himself.
The book is alright, tough the first few chapters doesn't really make you excited or emotional, which can let you close the book easily. but if you continue reading, the book will take you throught a 'fanasic' adventure. And now, i still have a question:" At the end, The silver girl turns out to be baby Jewel, but does that mean Jewel is a teenager when Timon and Eden is back in their own time,or she is still the baby at that time?"And there is something in this book I really disliked. Surely the author can use other words to describe the scene, because it feels like she is using the same words everytime, and the author kept on using the word 'cried', she can use mybe even moan or shrieked. But after reading the vivid description on the inside cover of Maddigan's Fantasia, I was intrigued by the story lines.
I would change the ending, I would turn it into Timon, Eden, and Jewel on Timon's hands, they haad a chat, to know more about each other and laughed around like ordinary kids. then The Silver Girl suddenly appeared and said it is time to go home, they still have lots to do. Saying their last goodbyes, Timon, Eden, Jewel and the Silver Girl whisked away. Then 100 years later, Garland's great-great grandchild, which is 11 years old, met Timon, Eden and Jewel.And the Fantasia eventually stopped. But Garland's tale is still noe forgotten, and became part of the family history. so she told the tale to Timon, Eden, and Jewel. At the corner of her eye she can see Timon and Eden gave each other winks and Jewel laughed...
Maddigan's Fantasia is actually a great tale, but if they replace the boring words, it might be perfect!
Natasha
(MS. Ingram,this is my first book review, so please give any tips or corrections, and anything i've did wrong.)
December 30, 2011
Garland Maddigan is part of the travelling circus known as Maddigan's Fantasia. Travelling through a post-apocalyptic world that is slowly remaking itself after the Destruction and Chaos, this trip they're on a mission to find a Macguffin and bring it back to their home city of Solis. When two young boys appear in front of Garland out of nowhere, claiming sanctuary in the Fantasia, the trip suddenly becomes even more fraught with adventure and danger.
This was quite a frustrating book. There's a good story in there but it's let down by niggling inconsistencies, duex ex machina and inconsistent characters. Protagonist Garland's mood swings with the chapters, as does her apparent intelligence, although this can be somewhat excused as grief for her lost father, Ferdy, the Fantasia's ringmaster (not a spoiler, it happens right at the start of the book and the first chapter is entitled 'Losing Ferdy'), but I felt that Garland and her mother's grief were clumsily handled.
The villains following the runaway boys start off as menacing, but their threat is reduced as they are soundly beaten by the Fantasia in every encounter whereas the 'Big Bad' pulling the strings in the background, the Nennog, always feels somewhat abstract, even when he appears "on screen".
The book could have done with one fewer set piece to provide more time for the conclusion which was rushed and confused. In particular, the actions of the Duke of Solis came completely from nowhere and there were no reasons given for him behaving as he did, leaving me feeling confused and cheated.
There were some fun set pieces, and cool bits, and Garland's final farewell to her father was nicely handled but this is a book that failed to deliver on its possibilities.
This was quite a frustrating book. There's a good story in there but it's let down by niggling inconsistencies, duex ex machina and inconsistent characters. Protagonist Garland's mood swings with the chapters, as does her apparent intelligence, although this can be somewhat excused as grief for her lost father, Ferdy, the Fantasia's ringmaster (not a spoiler, it happens right at the start of the book and the first chapter is entitled 'Losing Ferdy'), but I felt that Garland and her mother's grief were clumsily handled.
The villains following the runaway boys start off as menacing, but their threat is reduced as they are soundly beaten by the Fantasia in every encounter whereas the 'Big Bad' pulling the strings in the background, the Nennog, always feels somewhat abstract, even when he appears "on screen".
The book could have done with one fewer set piece to provide more time for the conclusion which was rushed and confused. In particular, the actions of the Duke of Solis came completely from nowhere and there were no reasons given for him behaving as he did, leaving me feeling confused and cheated.
There were some fun set pieces, and cool bits, and Garland's final farewell to her father was nicely handled but this is a book that failed to deliver on its possibilities.
June 1, 2012
Maddigan's Fantasia is a novel by Margaret Mahy. Now a TV series, the novel unravels the story of a circus, named 'Maddigan's Fantasia'. The circus travels place after place in the near future, juggling their balls and playing their tricks. The leader, Ferdy Maddigan, is the father of the main character, Garland Maddigan. Unfortunately, the merry Fantasia was met by the 'Road Rats' and like their namesake they scrambled into the circus and stole food, money and resouces. Ferdy and many others lost their lives with a fight with them and Garland was heartbroken. Garland eventually meets two boys near her age, Timon and Eden and learns that the boys and their infant sister come from the future.
Timon and Eden were followed by two people named Ozul and Maska who also come from the future. Their master, The Nennog was a powerful duke of the future Solis, who needed the power of the Talisman. Meanwhile, Garland was delighted to see the two boys as they are near her age and together they travel to many adventures.
Boomer was one of the children in the Fantasia and he played the role of banging a drum to announce that the Fantasia had arrived. My favourite character is Boomer. When Boomer meets Timon a suspicion grew in Boomer's mind. Because when he looked into Timon's eyes he would see a monster. He told this theory to many other people including Garland but no one would believe him. Boomer finally proves that at the end of the book that he was right. There are less people like Boomer who have their own theory that nobody believes and then proves that it makes sense.
I believe that Maddigan's Fantasia is worthwhile book to read as there is lots of bravery and it teaches you some things.
Jean
Timon and Eden were followed by two people named Ozul and Maska who also come from the future. Their master, The Nennog was a powerful duke of the future Solis, who needed the power of the Talisman. Meanwhile, Garland was delighted to see the two boys as they are near her age and together they travel to many adventures.
Boomer was one of the children in the Fantasia and he played the role of banging a drum to announce that the Fantasia had arrived. My favourite character is Boomer. When Boomer meets Timon a suspicion grew in Boomer's mind. Because when he looked into Timon's eyes he would see a monster. He told this theory to many other people including Garland but no one would believe him. Boomer finally proves that at the end of the book that he was right. There are less people like Boomer who have their own theory that nobody believes and then proves that it makes sense.
I believe that Maddigan's Fantasia is worthwhile book to read as there is lots of bravery and it teaches you some things.
Jean
December 23, 2014
This was exactly the type of adventure book I was looking for. After all of the romance books I had been reading, I found some well needed action and adventure in Maddigan's Fantasia. I am confused about what happened to Jewel when Garland was walking the tightrope. Did she disappear the was Timon, Eden and their elder sister did when as their time changed, or what???
The first few pages were boring and kind of confusing. I had to reread those first few pages a couple of times before I realised I was just looking at the words and watching them, not actually reading them. I felt proud when my deductions about Jewel being the Talisman turned out to be correct. What confused me though was that at the start Timon and Eden were adamant that Eden's power was buried deep within himself and not in Jewel. And then later on they were saying that the power was in the Talisman not Eden...it was confusing. Then another thing that confused me was the fact that I never found out how the Nennog disappeared. Timon, Eden and Garland said that the Nennog fell down a hole but I never read anything about that.
I kind of wish there had been something more between Timon and Garland.
Other than that it really was an amazing book!!! : D
The first few pages were boring and kind of confusing. I had to reread those first few pages a couple of times before I realised I was just looking at the words and watching them, not actually reading them. I felt proud when my deductions about Jewel being the Talisman turned out to be correct. What confused me though was that at the start Timon and Eden were adamant that Eden's power was buried deep within himself and not in Jewel. And then later on they were saying that the power was in the Talisman not Eden...it was confusing. Then another thing that confused me was the fact that I never found out how the Nennog disappeared. Timon, Eden and Garland said that the Nennog fell down a hole but I never read anything about that.
I kind of wish there had been something more between Timon and Garland.
Other than that it really was an amazing book!!! : D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2008
In a post-apocalyptic future, the traveling circus, Maddigan’s Fantasia, travels around a country where people struggle to bring civilization back from ruin. Ferdy Maddigan and the rest of his family/troupe are charged with bringing a new solar converter back to the city of Solis. But complications arise when the troupe is attacked by Road Rats and two boys with a baby join the troupe. The boys claim they are from a destroyed future, which happened because the troupe failed in their mission. There are several unexpected twists and turns that make this book a page turner. Dynamic characters, including the main character Garland, give life to the action. Themes include: family, loss, love and ethical dilemmas. The audience is those interested in fantasy elements, adventure, time travel and post-apocalyptic worlds.
November 6, 2010
Finally! It's taken me an unusually long time to finish this book, even though it is quite good. I am a complete sucker for books about fantasy circuses, and an even bigger sucker for books set in dystopic futures (so fond of those that I actually wrote one. Ha!), so it's no wonder I picked up this book. The writing flowed well and the plot/setting was always imaginative and full of wonder. Garland was a very believable and compelling main character; Timon and Boomer were also well-characterized. Eden's importance kind of faded after a while, and I would have liked to see more of him. Yes, it took me almost a month to read this, but unlike many books that are a little on the long side I didn't get "reading fatigue," where I know I should read a book but I just don't want to. All in all, enjoyable.
February 10, 2017
got a little tired of all the shouting and yelling
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