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Jul 06, 2016samcmar rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by how sucked in I was while reading The Boy Who Knew Everything. Forester writes such a gripping middle grade novel full of wonder, whimsy, and action. I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but I really had a hard time putting it down! I didn't realize this was a companion to The Girl Who Could Fly, a novel I admit I hadn't read. Most of the time, I'm not fond of reading books that are companion pieces to something I haven't read before, but this was a rare case for me, as the author does an amazing job of making you feel like you haven't missed anything too huge. Were the descriptions lacking at times? A bit. But considering I didn't have the first book to work with, it allowed me to perhaps imagine some aspects of the story a bit differently. I loved how rich the world building was, even for a world that was likely well established in the first book. I loved these characters, especially Piper who easily won my heart throughout the novel. I loved watching Conrad grow in the novel, especially because he starts out just so cynical and egotistical because he's a super genius. His growth is wonderfully developed, quite gradual, and I love the lessons that he learns from the other characters about sharing emotion, that logic can't solve every problem. The book also has one twist that is done SO WELL that I admit, I didn't see it coming! The ending was a bit of a non-ending, though for the most part I did like how Forester wrapped every up, especially for Conrad. Reading The Boy Who Knew Everything makes me want to go back and find a copy of The Girl Who Could Fly, just so I can really truly understand this world and it's characters more. While I didn't feel lost per say, part of me just wants to see why that first book is such a cult favourite amongst adults and children. I'm eager to see what Victoria Forester will write next, and part of me is thrilled that I get to go back now and see where everything began in the first place.