Book review: The Book Without Words is just that

Book review:  The Book Without Words: A Fable of Medieval Magic by Avi

Characters with confusing motivations. A potentially interesting setting with limited detail. A slow-moving plot that goes almost nowhere. Pages and pages of dialogue that go where the plot goes. These are the reasons I was so disappointed with The Book Without Words. 

I would have enjoyed this book if it had delved into the deeper workings of the magic it describes. I might have recommended this book if the characters had compelling stories to tell. I would have put other books by this author on my to-read list if he hadn’t bored me so much with dialogue that babbles endlessly without advancing plot, character, or setting.
This book had a lot of potential, which is probably what makes it most disappointing. I have read several books that take place in medieval settings, and I was looking forward to another angle on this genre. Aspects of this story reminded me of the setting of Inkheart—it would be better to read Inkheart itself.


This book had a lot of potential, which is probably what makes it most disappointing. I have read several books that take place in medieval settings, and I was looking forward to another angle on this genre. Aspects of this story reminded me of the setting of Inkheart—it would be better to read Inkheart itself.
Here are my recommendations:

• If you want to read about the details of casting magic in a fantasy world, read the Harry Potter series or Magic Study.

• If you want to read a story that takes place in medieval times, read the Brother Cadfael mystery series.

• If you want to read a young adult story with compelling characters, read the Hunger Games trilogy or anything by Neal Shusterman. 

Sadly, The Book Without Words feels like just that—a book without words. There’s really no reason to read it unless you just want to add another book to your list of meh.

Two stars--maybe one.