Ida is sixteen-years-old, but everyone treats her like she's a child. As frustrating as that is, she can't blame anyone because her appearance is frozen at what she looked like when she was twelve. After losing her parents, Ida is desperate to find a treatment that will allow her to age properly. She wants to grow up on the inside
and the outside. She has spent years chasing the treatment, but nothing works. Finally one of her tactics lands on the Unfinished City. It is unlike anything she has ever seen before and she is shocked when she discovers that a giant wave floods the city every year and destroys everything. The people need to rebuild over and over again. She can't figure out why most of the people seem happy and are okay with losing all their possessions. Why would people want to live this way? Are the people who think differently dangerous? Ida is having a hard time figuring out who to trust, but she does have a lead on the treatment. If only she could get a straight answer out of someone. The Unfinished City may be just the place for her to finally be cured. Will Ida get the treatment and change? Is there a way for her to get back to the land she came from? Does she want to leave? You will have to get lost in this unique city and story to find out.
I enjoyed Ida and the Unfinished City by Carolyn Cohagan. The cover appealed to me right away. Even though I hadn't read The Lost Children, it was very easy to follow along with Ida on her adventures. Nothing seemed hard to follow, so I would definitely say this book can be read as a stand alone. Ida is a tough girl with many survival skills. It was interesting to watch the way she reacted to the people she met. Like Ida, I was curious about the people who chose to build low when a giant wave was sure to wash away all of their belongings- and possibly their loved ones. It reminded me that it is always important to listen to others and hear their story so you can get a feel for their perspective. Ida had lots of decisions to make and there was plenty of tension and excitement. Now that I finished this book, I plan to go back and read the first book in the series. I recommend this book to people in fourth grade and up who enjoy a mixture of fantasy and reality.
Has anyone else read Ida and the Unfinished City or The Lost Children? Or have you read another book by Carolyn Cohagan? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~L
For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.
I haven't read either book - but based on your review I am going to have to track them down. Thank you. Drat you.
ReplyDeleteEC- I hope you enjoy them if you track them down. :)
Delete~L
This sounds like such an intriguing story! The Unfinished City sounds like an intriguing place, and I’m curious why people choose to live there as well. I’m glad this story works as a stand-alone. Thanks so much for the great review!
ReplyDeleteCompletely Full Bookshelf- It was definitely interesting to learn about why people wanted to live in a place that gets destroyed by floods each year. Glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L
DeleteThis is a new to me author and what a wonderful cover. Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeleteBrenda- I liked the cover a lot too! :) ~L
DeleteI read this one a few months back and enjoyed it immensely. The main character makes it shine as does the plot. I've had a few young readers also say they loved the story. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
ReplyDeleteGreg- Glad to hear you enjoyed Ida and the Unfinished City and that you know some young readers who loved the story too. :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read this, but it sounds like an interesting twist on a fantasy story. So glad you liked it enough to read other books in the series. That says a lot about it.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- I thought it definitely had some interesting twists! :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read it but it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteMary- I thought so! :) ~L
DeleteI've never heard of this book but it sounds so oddly interesting that it has made me curious. Thanks for your review, it's always nice to discover a new book.
ReplyDeleteRandomly Reading- I totally agree with you! :) ~L
DeleteThe cover is very appealing. I agree with you! I'm not familiar with this unusual series, but it really interests me. Thanks for the great review. Will definitely check it out!
ReplyDeletePatricia- Glad to introduce you to this series and I am so happy you enjoyed the review! :) ~L
DeleteSounds like a fascinating concept.
ReplyDeleteHave a great one.
Sandra- I thought so! :) ~L
DeleteWhat an interesting concept. I haven't read anything in this series. It's good to know about. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteRosi- You are welcome! :) ~L
DeleteWhat an interesting idea... I've not seen anything like it. I'm a fan of sciri/fantasy, so I'll have to look for the series.
ReplyDeleteSue- I thought it was different too! Enjoy! :) ~L
DeleteThat cover really DOES draw you in. I mean, that shadow! Love it. Thanks for sharing your review.
ReplyDeleteMaria Antonia- I agree! That shadow really makes you wonder when you see it. :) ~L
DeleteThe book Ida and the Unfinished City by Carolyn Cohagan looks wonderful, I love the title.
ReplyDeleteRachna- I thought the title was great too! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds really interesting, I love read about everything!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend!!
Gloria- So glad it sounds interesting to you. Thanks for stopping by. :) ~L
DeleteNew to me ... and yes the cover does look very good.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- Thanks for visiting! :) ~L
DeleteI feel for Ada. When young we aim to look older, never thinking that looking younger than our years when we get older will be something of a blessing rather than a hinderance.
ReplyDeleteWhat sounds like another great MG read, thank you for sharing.
Felicity- I thought it was an interesting concept too. We want to look older and then often we want to look younger. :) ~L
DeleteSounds like an interesting story and the cover looks great!
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader- You betcha! :) ~L
DeleteI agree - the cover is definitely eye-catching. Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteSherry- It really is! :) ~L
DeleteI love the cover and the book sounds really good! Thankyou for the review! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- Glad it sounds good to you! Hugs back! :) ~L
DeleteWow! What a brilliant idea for a story. I'm gonna grab this very cool book, then send it to my grand daughter. Thanks for the info and review, and hope you're doing well! Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO- I hope you and your granddaughter both enjoy this one. :) ~L
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