When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel—and save the new species from destruction

Middle grade ...check
Historical fiction....check
A little adventure ....check
Imaginative....check!!

3.5

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. Spineless was a very cute, and overall, really enjoyable middle grade book. The main trio of characters were engaging and Algie was very lovable. It was also nice to see a MC who isn't necessarily the bravest or most athletic person, and the author did a great job with the asthma representation. I also loved Pulpy. I do feel that the plot lost it's way a little bit in the end and that the descriptions of some of the action sequences were a bit tough to follow; however, it was not enough to take away from the overall charm and positive lessons of the book.

When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel—and save the new species from destruction.

I just absolutely loved this book! The characters, the setting, the storyline, the writing… it was ALL magical and fantastic.

I adored the three protagonists, the shy but courageous Algie and feisty powerhouse sisters Frankie and Lulu. I couldn’t wait to see what trouble they got themselves into next. Filled with excitement, friendship, amazing animals, death defying adventure and an underlying message of loyalty and courage this was a heartwarming and enthralling read that any child, teenager and even adult will enjoy!

I really wanted to like this book, a gilded age adventure story with giant octopi it seemed like a perfect book. Unfortunately, it was really just okay.

Normally I don't pay much attention to timelines in books, especially not in middle grade. A bit of hand waving and wishy washy time passing is necessary for plot progression and for the story to not get bogged down in unnecessary detail; in this case however, especially at the beginning of the book, the style of writing and the short chapters made things feel disjointed and difficult to follow. (I would place that difficulty solely on myself and my decision to pick this book up while sick, but I've seen this cited by a handful of others so I don't think I'm alone). To make it worse, once the beginning found it's feet the middle seemed to drag.

It also seems inaccurate to call Algie cowardly, a problem since the book seems to insist on it from the title onward. At most he's sheltered by a widowed mother who's concerned about his potentially fatal medical condition. Algie regularly stands up to his brother, Frankie, and others throughout the book even when it angers those people. The times that he does relent it reads less like cowardice and more like the smarter move. He also doesn't really read like a twelve year old, if you're at all familiar with the age Algie presents a level of emotional maturity far beyond his years. This isn't something that personally bothered me all that much, I think children's books can be a place to model older behavior for children to emulate, but I get that it can be something that annoys people.

Overall, this was a fine book, one that I think adventure loving kids will enjoy.

3.5. A wondrous and mysterious historical fiction that is full of fun, friendship, and adventure.

It has such wonderfully quirky elements to the story. The author combines fantasy and science together that engage the reader. We follow four kids and their adventurous exploits at remote hotel in Florida, where they must solve the mysteries of the Grand Hotel as well as trying to save a species from extinction.

This teaches kids how to be innovative as well as the importance of saving creatures from elimination and the natural sciences of our Earth.

The story's downfall is that it's very inconsistent and jumbled at times in regards to the plot's flow and transition.

With a beautiful cover to accompany it this is an entertaining and exciting read.

I wanted to love this. Unfortunately the plot was just a bit too disjointed for me. I had a hard time connecting to the characters, and had a lot of trouble following the plot of the story. It has a unique premise and definitely some fun aspects, but it was just not a good fit for my personal taste.

Two brothers, two daughters, secrets, betrayal, and danger all await them as they set on an adventure. The story follows brothers Algie (12 years old) and Everett (16) who have gone to a secluded hotel in Florida for holiday with their mother. The hotel owner’s girls, Frankie and Lulu join them as they embark on their adventure to solving mysteries. Giant squids, friendship, and hijinks await these characters as they try and figure out what sort of creature is haunting the hotel. It was a cute read with fun elements of fantasy and an overall fun book for readers. While it night have felt a bit disjointed at points and the story might seem a bit confusing at points its an overall fun read.

*Thanks Netgalley and Union Square Kids - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the plot and the way the story unfolded. I just wish it was pieced together better, but overall, it was a really good book.

Spineless is a rollicking historical middle grade novel set in a fantastic hotel in the mysterious Florida marshland. Our hero, Algie, wants nothing more than to become a famous naturalist with amazing biological discoveries to his name. However, his asthma and overprotective mother have prevented him from exploring anything more exotic than squirles and pidgeons. Until now. At a Florida health result, Algie befriends a pair of explorer sisters and begins the adventure of his life: trying to figure out what sort of creature is haunting the hotel.

While the story goes a little off the rails for my taste towards the ending, I really enjoyed this novel overall. The mystery is intriguing, and the reveal towards the middle of the story leads to more fun instead of feeling like a let down. The discriptions of the wildlife and the action scenes are equal parts exciting and humorous. The author also did a wonderful job of incorporating fun, modern (for the 19th century) scientific gear into the story for the kids to take on their adventures. These include a submersible laboratory and individual “jet ski” style boats used to navigate the wetlands. All these aspects make for a fun, light read.

it's a quirky middle grade story about being true to yourself despite the odds, keep chasing your dreams and finding good in everyone. The setting makes for an interesting point in the plot, the characters are fun and the plot itself is engaging. It's told from the point of view of the kids, so there's a consistent "shading" of the adults, the pace can be a bit odd at times but flows well, and the last chapters were really entertaining. I did like the inventiveness and resourcefulness of the kids and the friendships were beautiful. It was a very entertaining read.

This book overall was a 3/3.5 stars!

I thought the concept and the story as a whole was super fun, but I found at points it felt a bit disjointed or at least I was reading and suddenly didn’t know how we had gotten to the point we were at but just accepted it. I has been looking at other reviews after I finished this as well and I have to agree that sometimes the dialogue seems a bit older than our characters. But I do have to remember that our kids, Algie, Frankie, and Lulu, all want to be naturalists and are interested in nature and science and everything in between. Sure, kids are all different, but to me this story probably could’ve benefited with a YA rating and story.

But I find most of this I can forgive for that ending. I thought that ending was so fun and I really am glad to see it ended nicely. Especially that epilogue.

I do think if there is another book in a similar vein by this author I will give it a chance! Because I can definitely see the potential!

I want to thank Netgalley and the Samantha San Miguel for giving me the chance to read this early!
#netgalley #spineless

SPINELESS is absolutely delightful.

I was originally drawn in by the gorgeous cover, and the contents didn't disappoint! This is a chaotic, imaginative adventure that follows Algie, an asthmatic aspiring naturalist, around the world chasing mysteries and rumors of cryptids. Even though it occasionally felt a little TOO chaotic, this was a quick, fun read and I very much enjoyed my time in Samantha San Miguel's world! I can't wait to read whatever the author writes next.

Two brothers and their mother are headed to a secluded hotel in Florida; they have different goals but each expects to rest and soak up some coastal culture.

What they aren't prepared for is secrecy, intrigue, betrayal, and genuine danger.

The hotel owner's girls, Frankie and Lulu, are just as puzzled by the events. They are unsure about trusting the brothers, but Algie (Algernon) proves himself worthy--if not athletically able in some ways.

The title misleads readers into thinking Algie lacks courage and determination. The truth is that his mother smothers and forces him into near inactivity because of his asthma (and what killed his father).

The adventure is (unrealistic) fantastic fiction, but the attitudes, dilemmas, and arguments of these children are far too mature, even in their language. (Algie is 12 years old.) Everett speaks a decade beyond his 16 years. (Yes, allowances are made for children's adventures--which tend to be written older.)

Events are often disjointed, and it isn't always clear which time of day it is (or which day); leaving me a bit disoriented. The focus of the story--supposedly keeping us in suspense about the mystery--is baffling for a dozen chapters or so. I didn't mind reading them, but I had no idea if or when something was going to happen. Given (especially) that some chapters are only paragraphs long, fixing this would be simple.

These things aside, the story is entertaining if you are prepared to just read and go along for the ride. It is an exciting ride!

3.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook. The review is voluntary.

#Spineless #NetGalley

Spineless is a sweet adventure story, following Algie, whose mother has brought him and his older brother to a health resort in Florida, in an attempt to help with his asthma. Algie is an aspiring naturalist, and together with the two, initially reluctant, daughters of the resort’s owner, he starts to investigate some strange goings-on at the resort.

Above all, this book is a whole lot of fun. It’s an adventure book in the best sense: full of chaos and hijinks, giant squids, and new friends. I loved reading it, especially the scenes between Algie and the two sisters, as they searched through the waterways surrounding the resort. Perhaps the growth of that friendship was my favourite aspect of the book.

But I also loved Algie’s relationships with his mother and brother. Algie and his brother have a bit of a fractious relationship, but they love each other still and would do anything for one another, even as they’re not really friends. Which, frankly, is a very accurate sibling relationship in my opinion. Algie’s mother, on the other hand, is less on the page, but the ending makes it clear that she loves and supports her children.

Really, these relationships are what elevates the book for me, from liking it to loving it. The plot is fun. It takes you on the right adventure, but if you didn’t love the characters and how they all interacted? It would fall a bit flat. Luckily for us all, this is nowhere near the case!

So, if you’re looking for a quick and exciting read, a break from heavier books perhaps, then I would definitely recommend you look towards this one.