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The Divide #2
Back to the Divide
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.
Hardcover
First published July 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 23, 2011
Original, loveable and funny; this is yet another fabulous installment in one of my favourite trilogies. This new adventure takes the reader to the far reaches of the other world and back in a tale that revisits old friends, old enemies and introduces delightful new characters that I just couldn't get enough of.
As with the first book, it's perfectly written for children of all ages and it has stayed with me for several years. This trilogy is a rarity that I know I can read over and over again without ever getting bored of it; I hope that I will have the opportunity to share Kay's world with my future children.
As with the first book, it's perfectly written for children of all ages and it has stayed with me for several years. This trilogy is a rarity that I know I can read over and over again without ever getting bored of it; I hope that I will have the opportunity to share Kay's world with my future children.
March 7, 2015
I enjoyed the book very much, even though I had never read the first one. I found out that it happens to be a trilogy. The supporting mythical cast of characters were my favorite. By the end of this book I would have willingly traded in my car for Nimby the flying carpet...even if he does talk a lot. It was definitely worth the read and I am glad it reminded me of how fun middle grade novels are!
May 8, 2009
This was as amazing and awesome as the first one. Elizabeth Kay just knows how to capture her readers and take them on the wildest adventure they will ever go on. An Unbelievably exquisite sequel book.
April 9, 2018
Awesome foldable cover
July 25, 2022
Star Rating: 4 stars
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Divide trilogy by Elizabeth Kay so this will not be an in-depth review.
As previously mentioned, I am sporadically re-reading some of my childhood favorites in order to make my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ accurate, and I was recently able to read Back to the Divide by Elizabeth Kay, book 2 in the Divide trilogy. This book continues the story of Felix and his friend’s journeys back and forth across the Divide and all the antics they get up to because of it.
Before I start discussing this book, I want to discuss middle grade in general. This series delves into some serious topics, and I love that the author has the courage to go there as a lot of authors don’t, whether it’s because they think young readers don’t have the scope to understand the message/situation they are discussing or they are afraid that parents/guardian will be upset that they expose their children to harder topics. Since I have always been a very mature child and reader (my autism and how it was handled when I was a child led to me losing my childhood innocence at a VERY early age.), I greatly appreciate when authors decide to be brave and challenge young readers.
When it comes to the topics that Kay decides to tackle, she takes on colonialism, free will, medicinal/company malpractice, grief, and friendship over the course of this book. Although the two worlds aren’t building settlements in each other’s dimension, it is obvious that the few travelers that have journeyed between have caused damage and bleed-over between the worlds and this has led to unforeseen issues, which are cool to investigate and explore. There are creatures in this book that must fulfill the wishes of whoever summons, and Kay uses these creatures to explore the concept of free will and why it is so important. She also continues her discussion of medicinal/company malpractice, friendship, and grief that she started in the first book. If you are a parent/guardian looking for a book/series to not only teach your young readers some valuable lessons but also entertain them, then this is a good series for you to check out.
All in all, I really enjoyed this installment in the series, although it got a little wonky at the end and slightly lost its way. I really like how Kay is continuing her discussions while also expanding the Divide world, and I am very excited to finish this series later in the year. 4 stars and a solid middle grade book/series!!!
Note: This is the 2nd book in the Divide trilogy by Elizabeth Kay so this will not be an in-depth review.
As previously mentioned, I am sporadically re-reading some of my childhood favorites in order to make my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ accurate, and I was recently able to read Back to the Divide by Elizabeth Kay, book 2 in the Divide trilogy. This book continues the story of Felix and his friend’s journeys back and forth across the Divide and all the antics they get up to because of it.
Before I start discussing this book, I want to discuss middle grade in general. This series delves into some serious topics, and I love that the author has the courage to go there as a lot of authors don’t, whether it’s because they think young readers don’t have the scope to understand the message/situation they are discussing or they are afraid that parents/guardian will be upset that they expose their children to harder topics. Since I have always been a very mature child and reader (my autism and how it was handled when I was a child led to me losing my childhood innocence at a VERY early age.), I greatly appreciate when authors decide to be brave and challenge young readers.
When it comes to the topics that Kay decides to tackle, she takes on colonialism, free will, medicinal/company malpractice, grief, and friendship over the course of this book. Although the two worlds aren’t building settlements in each other’s dimension, it is obvious that the few travelers that have journeyed between have caused damage and bleed-over between the worlds and this has led to unforeseen issues, which are cool to investigate and explore. There are creatures in this book that must fulfill the wishes of whoever summons, and Kay uses these creatures to explore the concept of free will and why it is so important. She also continues her discussion of medicinal/company malpractice, friendship, and grief that she started in the first book. If you are a parent/guardian looking for a book/series to not only teach your young readers some valuable lessons but also entertain them, then this is a good series for you to check out.
All in all, I really enjoyed this installment in the series, although it got a little wonky at the end and slightly lost its way. I really like how Kay is continuing her discussions while also expanding the Divide world, and I am very excited to finish this series later in the year. 4 stars and a solid middle grade book/series!!!
April 9, 2023
Still not my favorite series ever, but we're 2/3 in so we'll pick up the third. In this one Felix has travel back to get a cure for his parents who've been turned to stone by Snakeweed, which leads them on a grand adventure. In book 2 we're introduced to more characters and still can't remember the ones from book 1 that are referenced occasionally. Felix and Betony act like kids but there are hints of romance that seem out of place. Some very obvious messaging about the perils of modern society like cars and printing [again].
December 5, 2023
One of my absolute favorite childhood book series! I knew I needed to leave a review so in a few decades I can see this and be reminded of this tale. Truthfully I haven’t read it in over a decade, but I may just have to revisit it, especially knowing it’s part of a trilogy?? I only ever read the first two!!
June 25, 2018
Also read this as part of the book club that I was in - it was a great read at the time.
May 26, 2019
Another good book in the series cant wait to read the next one
October 23, 2019
I NEED BOOK THREE!!!
December 12, 2019
Positively fantastic book, a forever childhood favorite. I grew up with the Divide series, and I think my love for the books will never dim. I absolutely recommend these books!
February 26, 2020
I enjoyed it. A fun read!
April 22, 2020
Compared to the other two books in the series this one isn’t as good. This seems to be common in trilogies. It was good don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t as extraordinary as the other two. The return of Snakeweed wasn’t the best plot line in my opinion. It seemed like a really similar story of the first book but in reverse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2020
Just like the title indicates, Felix has to go back to the divide. All the familiar characters are there.
October 13, 2020
Very smart book. And entertaining on top of that. Who would've thought that middle grade books are so awesome.
December 19, 2020
Some plot holes and a few more convenient occurrences than I would have liked, but still an enjoyable read.
July 17, 2019
AMAZING
I stopped half way through. I was had a lot on my mind but it was one of those books I don’t forget LOVED IT
I stopped half way through. I was had a lot on my mind but it was one of those books I don’t forget LOVED IT
April 21, 2023
I like this book because it has adventure
November 14, 2012
Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.com
After spending the previous summer in a magical world where humans are only a legend, Felix settles in back at home for a nice, normal life with his parents. During his trip to the magical world the previous year, Felix's heart condition had been cured with magic, so he is able to finally engage in the kinds of normal activities he has always dreamed of.
But a quiet life is not in the cards for Felix. One day, he is shocked to find his enemy from the magical world, Snakeweed, standing on the front porch. The evil Snakeweed had managed to sneak into the human world. He did not find it to his liking, however, so he sought out Felix to give him the spell to return to his own magical world. As a means to force Felix into giving up the return spell, Snakeweed puts a spell on Felix's parents that turns them into marble statues. Felix soon realizes that he must return to the magical world and enlist his friends' help once again in order to free his parents.
BACK TO THE DIVIDE is a fine sequel for readers who enjoyed THE DIVIDE, the first book in the trilogy. I must admit, though, that I was not as entertained by it as I was by the original. Perhaps that is largely because the novelty of the magical world was wearing off. But what bothered me more was that the book seemed to focus on an awful lot of traveling. It felt like Felix and his companions moved back and forth across the magical world a dozen times during the story. I'm sure they didn't, but it felt that way at times.
Despite these complaints, I was pleased to see that the fun creatures from THE DIVIDE were back in this sequel, including giant, bird-like, math-obsessed brazzles and evil, shape-shifting sinistroms. Also, in addition to the main quest in the magical world, there was an interesting sub-plot about how the spell that turned Felix's parents to marble was threatening to destroy the entire non-magical world. This added some tension to the story. And, like its predecessor, BACK TO THE DIVIDE has a great cover that is split in the middle. It does not necessarily contribute to the story, but it is a unique feature nonetheless, that might add to the experience of the book for some readers.
Overall, for those who enjoyed their first journey across the Divide, I recommend a return trip.
After spending the previous summer in a magical world where humans are only a legend, Felix settles in back at home for a nice, normal life with his parents. During his trip to the magical world the previous year, Felix's heart condition had been cured with magic, so he is able to finally engage in the kinds of normal activities he has always dreamed of.
But a quiet life is not in the cards for Felix. One day, he is shocked to find his enemy from the magical world, Snakeweed, standing on the front porch. The evil Snakeweed had managed to sneak into the human world. He did not find it to his liking, however, so he sought out Felix to give him the spell to return to his own magical world. As a means to force Felix into giving up the return spell, Snakeweed puts a spell on Felix's parents that turns them into marble statues. Felix soon realizes that he must return to the magical world and enlist his friends' help once again in order to free his parents.
BACK TO THE DIVIDE is a fine sequel for readers who enjoyed THE DIVIDE, the first book in the trilogy. I must admit, though, that I was not as entertained by it as I was by the original. Perhaps that is largely because the novelty of the magical world was wearing off. But what bothered me more was that the book seemed to focus on an awful lot of traveling. It felt like Felix and his companions moved back and forth across the magical world a dozen times during the story. I'm sure they didn't, but it felt that way at times.
Despite these complaints, I was pleased to see that the fun creatures from THE DIVIDE were back in this sequel, including giant, bird-like, math-obsessed brazzles and evil, shape-shifting sinistroms. Also, in addition to the main quest in the magical world, there was an interesting sub-plot about how the spell that turned Felix's parents to marble was threatening to destroy the entire non-magical world. This added some tension to the story. And, like its predecessor, BACK TO THE DIVIDE has a great cover that is split in the middle. It does not necessarily contribute to the story, but it is a unique feature nonetheless, that might add to the experience of the book for some readers.
Overall, for those who enjoyed their first journey across the Divide, I recommend a return trip.
January 10, 2022
I swear I don’t have memory issues uhh.
October 7, 2009
This book was about how a boy knew all about a magic world that was kept secret because if humans found out about it then there would be chaos. What we call a pixie came into the human world and froze the boy's parents because of some magic book that allowed people and magic creatures to go to each others' worlds. The evil pixie stole this book so now the boy went back into the magic world to try to find a cure to unfreeze his parents. While in the magic world chaos happens and he meets good and evil creatures that are willing to help, while others block his path to the cure. He does many other people before he finds the cure and gets bak to his world where someone has discovered his frozen parents and the magic behind this.
I thought this book was a good one because it had action and mystery. I liked it because it was about a boy who was trying to rescue his parents and there was also lots of magic creatures, good and bad that either helped him or blocked his path. I also liked it because it was about a whole different world that humans didn't know about, but the magic creatures knew all about them or heard of them, one way or another.
I thought this book was a good one because it had action and mystery. I liked it because it was about a boy who was trying to rescue his parents and there was also lots of magic creatures, good and bad that either helped him or blocked his path. I also liked it because it was about a whole different world that humans didn't know about, but the magic creatures knew all about them or heard of them, one way or another.
July 5, 2008
This is the second in the series. I read the first book to my class, and at that time I was still unsure about whether I liked it or not. The author reminded me a lot of PB Kerr (Children of the Lamp); the characters rationalized too much and seams were tied up too neatly.
That being said, I did decide to read this book. Although the same irritations arose in this book as well, I did find myself becoming attached to the characters, which (after two books) became more developed over time. I suppose I'll read the third one just to see what happens.
Note to read alouds: many times the author uses language/terminology that is distinctly British Isles and must be explained to American palettes.
That being said, I did decide to read this book. Although the same irritations arose in this book as well, I did find myself becoming attached to the characters, which (after two books) became more developed over time. I suppose I'll read the third one just to see what happens.
Note to read alouds: many times the author uses language/terminology that is distinctly British Isles and must be explained to American palettes.
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September 25, 2009Back to the Divide
Felix crosses over the divide once again after Snakeweed turns his parents to stone. In search for the counter charm he finds the city of Andria has been taken over by a japegrin who is supposedly worse than Snakeweed, his name is Fleebane. He has threatened to burn down the library while Thornbeak, Betony, and many other historians are poisoned inside, Felix needs to find the counter charm but he needs a sorcerer to do it, and the sorcerer he needs is a sphinx the most deadly creature across the divide. You may like this book if you liked, The Divide, The Seventh Tower Series, or books about action, mythical creatures, and a little romance, I hope you find this book interesting.
Felix crosses over the divide once again after Snakeweed turns his parents to stone. In search for the counter charm he finds the city of Andria has been taken over by a japegrin who is supposedly worse than Snakeweed, his name is Fleebane. He has threatened to burn down the library while Thornbeak, Betony, and many other historians are poisoned inside, Felix needs to find the counter charm but he needs a sorcerer to do it, and the sorcerer he needs is a sphinx the most deadly creature across the divide. You may like this book if you liked, The Divide, The Seventh Tower Series, or books about action, mythical creatures, and a little romance, I hope you find this book interesting.
April 15, 2012
This is the sequel to “The Divide�. Felix has to return to the Divide when a japegrin forces him to give up his formula for traveling back and forth between worlds.
The stakes get higher in this story as a foul spell threatens the world in which Felix lives with his parents. It’s a race against time as he seeks for the counterspell to remove and reverse its effects. This makes for a taut, gripping yarn, one filled with the familiar characters from the first book and a few new ones, including an irascible sphinx prone to impenetrable riddles.
The stakes get higher in this story as a foul spell threatens the world in which Felix lives with his parents. It’s a race against time as he seeks for the counterspell to remove and reverse its effects. This makes for a taut, gripping yarn, one filled with the familiar characters from the first book and a few new ones, including an irascible sphinx prone to impenetrable riddles.
December 19, 2012
Omg! this was an amzing book that in my opinion has surpassed the firsst. in this one alex returns across the divide because his parents have been turned into marble by snakeweed. once across the divide alex discovers things have massivly changed do to the printing press he showed them last time he was there. after traveling passed the boundries of every map in that world alex findly finds a cure for the marble stone spell. he returns to his own world to find that his mom an dad have been taken by dyluded scientists an he has to get them back. he manages this an is happy yet again at home.
May 27, 2013
I read this immediately after finishing the first Divide book, eager for more tales with Felix and his friends. It was a good read, but I wasn't swept away by it as I was with the first novel. It feels rushed, as if the author had to meet a publishing deadline. The story-line crossing back into Felix's world worked as a cause of conflict, but it did serve to break out of the suspension of disbelief for me. It's worth reading, to link the first and the third books together, and it is still entertaining. But not the best of the three. I'd give it 3.5 stars!
March 14, 2012
A wonderful adventure the whole way through! Much better than the first. I really love Thornbeak and Ironclaw, the brazzles. They are just so funny together.
Still, a little forced sometimes in terms of dialogue and characterization. But top marks for creativity in magic systems and creatures and places. Riveting storytelling at times, as well. Perhaps a few too many characters,or at least, too many shifting viewpoints.
Still, a little forced sometimes in terms of dialogue and characterization. But top marks for creativity in magic systems and creatures and places. Riveting storytelling at times, as well. Perhaps a few too many characters,or at least, too many shifting viewpoints.
July 29, 2016
The second book in the Divide series. When Snakeweed turns his parents to stone, Felix must return across the Divide to find the spell to set things right. He reunites with Thornbeak, Ironclaw, and Betony. He finds things are not well in their world either since his departure and he must help them to help himself. Can he find a cure for his parents before everything in our world turns to stone? Can he and his friends find the missing king and queen and defeat Snakeweed once and for all?
January 24, 2012
The first book was wonderful. This book lost a little intrigue because the world lost a little depth and there is so much more back and forth between characters. The author still did a great job of making you fall in love with the characters and making you wait in anticipation to see what will happen next.
October 13, 2015
It was so good! even I'm not sure if I liked more this or the book before xD I enjoyed so much but Sadly I don't have the nex book so.... I won't know how it's going to finish :c I recommend this book to everybody!! remember, those are books for "kids" but It doesn't matter because they are so SO good! <3
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