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The Beast of Buckingham Palace
Fly into a fiery and fantastical future with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams, in an epic adventure of myth and legend, good and evil, and one small boy who must save the world…
Illustrated by the artistic genius Tony Ross!
It is 2120 and London is in ruins.
The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters.
And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city.
In a future of myths and legends, join the bestselling David Walliams and venture forth into his most enthralling tale yet!
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
About the author
David Walliams
169 books3,240 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
January 22, 2020
This was a Christmas present from Gran. (Thanks Gran love you). Its really way below my reading age, I would say max age 11. The story is very short, too many pictures and BOLD capital letters that are annoying.
I was given it as I loved Archie Wilson & The Beasts of Loch Ness
. One of the best secret books, I call Archie a secret book as its really unknown the author does not appear next to Simon Cowell on Britains Got talent. That book is a classic.
Back to this, maybe if I was 8 or 9 I would like it more, but I am a reader who likes to read a book, this is more like half children book and half comic. Some fresh ideas and a fair bit of tongue-in-cheek borrowing from other stories. The ending is terrible. speed written, confusing and just awful.
I could not recommend to younger kids under 8 as its violent, dark and it promotes violence.
I was given it as I loved Archie Wilson & The Beasts of Loch Ness
. One of the best secret books, I call Archie a secret book as its really unknown the author does not appear next to Simon Cowell on Britains Got talent. That book is a classic.Back to this, maybe if I was 8 or 9 I would like it more, but I am a reader who likes to read a book, this is more like half children book and half comic. Some fresh ideas and a fair bit of tongue-in-cheek borrowing from other stories. The ending is terrible. speed written, confusing and just awful.
I could not recommend to younger kids under 8 as its violent, dark and it promotes violence.
December 18, 2019
I am very disappointed in this book. It was the worst David Walliams I have ever read. It's violent, dark and it promotes violence. It's a shame because some parts were enjoyable. Firstly the story isn't very original, secondly it's suppose to be children's fiction not teen or young adult. I work in a bookshop and I read many children's books and this crossed the line completely. With all the darkness in the world , it's the last thing sensitive readers need. Children are sensitive readers and I know what's happening in the world is very dark and it's the reality but there are other ways to put things across.It made me terribly concerned with the type of stories authors are creating for young readers today. :(
January 24, 2020
Meh! Cliche characters.
I thought like others it would be more like Archie Wilson & The Beasts of Loch Ness. That is one of my favourites. This is more for younger children 6-8 year olds, has many pictures, has a couple of dark moments so 6 year olds might find it heavy going. Recommend if you have kids who want an audio book to listen to in the car, this would be one to add along with Archie Wilson.
This is the first David Walliams book I have read, put it this way, it will be the last.
I thought like others it would be more like Archie Wilson & The Beasts of Loch Ness. That is one of my favourites. This is more for younger children 6-8 year olds, has many pictures, has a couple of dark moments so 6 year olds might find it heavy going. Recommend if you have kids who want an audio book to listen to in the car, this would be one to add along with Archie Wilson.
This is the first David Walliams book I have read, put it this way, it will be the last.
January 8, 2020
Dark dystopia, target market may find themselves confused.
2.5 stars.
By 'confused' I mean that readers may wonder if they are in fact reading Walliams, as well as being a little confused as the story progresses. There is nothing amiss about a writer branching out, sampling new genres and moving outside their comfort zone (comedic writing is clearly a genre Walliams can write almost in his sleep).
But my nearly 9-year-old listened along with me and his assessment was roughly similar to mine upon finishing. He just didn't enjoy it all that much. He found it dark and depressing (though there is nothing wrong with this is general), and I'm not sure he followed it completely, whereas usually he is a very close listener.
Set 100 years in the future in a country where most have very little and the Royals are locked away in Buckingham Palace, sickly Prince Alfie finds himself having to step up when his mother, the Queen is taken off to the Tower of London, deemed a Rebel.
There were a few too many elements conflicting for me - a bit of a Secret Garden vibe with the sickly Alfie and another character, the dystopia (actually, very well created, but an incredibly dark world for a typical Walliams reader to be thrust into!!), and the sci-fi element of a 'beast', a griffin, in Buckingham Palace. All with the sinister machinations of a 'power behind the throne' character running the show - and some twists that children will be shocked at and possibly upset by.
As an adult, I didn't particularly enjoy this, but listening as someone who needs to be aware of children's tastes and trends, I can't see this making waves as Walliams' comic efforts have done. While Alfie of course becomes a braver hero than he starts out as, it's a genre (or mix of) that is better suited to the adolescent who can deal with the more mature themes more comfortably. There is a lot here that will puzzle and put off.
I suppose we had a taste of this in The Ice Monster, with a Victorian orphan character, but there is no outright lift of an end, and I don't think I laughed or smiled whilst listening. I did like the cast of actors brought in to voice the characters, not leaving Walliams to take on each role (he narrates). And yes, Raj makes a guest appearance though within the plot, it wasn't as much fun to 'spot' him as it usually is.
I didn't like the Audible version very much, the music used as bookends to chapters was annoying, a little 80s computer-sounding, and I think I'd have preferred to read an illustrated paper copy. I did find myself tuning out a few times, which I try very hard not to do.
While I applaud an author for broadening their range, I just didn't really like this one. While I could read Billionaire Boy or Boy in the Dress again and again, this one isn't likely to be repeated on our school runs.
I'm sure the usual age group are going to be reading this in their droves, but I would recommend an older age range of 10-13 to this title. With warnings of sad/violent scenes and dark/disturbing themes to parents.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
2.5 stars.
By 'confused' I mean that readers may wonder if they are in fact reading Walliams, as well as being a little confused as the story progresses. There is nothing amiss about a writer branching out, sampling new genres and moving outside their comfort zone (comedic writing is clearly a genre Walliams can write almost in his sleep).
But my nearly 9-year-old listened along with me and his assessment was roughly similar to mine upon finishing. He just didn't enjoy it all that much. He found it dark and depressing (though there is nothing wrong with this is general), and I'm not sure he followed it completely, whereas usually he is a very close listener.
Set 100 years in the future in a country where most have very little and the Royals are locked away in Buckingham Palace, sickly Prince Alfie finds himself having to step up when his mother, the Queen is taken off to the Tower of London, deemed a Rebel.
There were a few too many elements conflicting for me - a bit of a Secret Garden vibe with the sickly Alfie and another character, the dystopia (actually, very well created, but an incredibly dark world for a typical Walliams reader to be thrust into!!), and the sci-fi element of a 'beast', a griffin, in Buckingham Palace. All with the sinister machinations of a 'power behind the throne' character running the show - and some twists that children will be shocked at and possibly upset by.
As an adult, I didn't particularly enjoy this, but listening as someone who needs to be aware of children's tastes and trends, I can't see this making waves as Walliams' comic efforts have done. While Alfie of course becomes a braver hero than he starts out as, it's a genre (or mix of) that is better suited to the adolescent who can deal with the more mature themes more comfortably. There is a lot here that will puzzle and put off.
I suppose we had a taste of this in The Ice Monster, with a Victorian orphan character, but there is no outright lift of an end, and I don't think I laughed or smiled whilst listening. I did like the cast of actors brought in to voice the characters, not leaving Walliams to take on each role (he narrates). And yes, Raj makes a guest appearance though within the plot, it wasn't as much fun to 'spot' him as it usually is.
I didn't like the Audible version very much, the music used as bookends to chapters was annoying, a little 80s computer-sounding, and I think I'd have preferred to read an illustrated paper copy. I did find myself tuning out a few times, which I try very hard not to do.
While I applaud an author for broadening their range, I just didn't really like this one. While I could read Billionaire Boy or Boy in the Dress again and again, this one isn't likely to be repeated on our school runs.
I'm sure the usual age group are going to be reading this in their droves, but I would recommend an older age range of 10-13 to this title. With warnings of sad/violent scenes and dark/disturbing themes to parents.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
March 4, 2022
4.5
Ne znam kako vi, ali ja, kada vidim da se pojavila nova knjiga iz pera Davida Walliamsa, ne skidam osmijeh s lica, bolje se osjećam i jedva čekam vidjeti što nam je ovaj put pripremio. Naslov odličan, sinopsis obećava, naslovnica genijalna, a i uvod u knjigu nama knjigoljupcima ne može biti bolji!
Više o utiscima pročitajte klikom na link: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...
Ne znam kako vi, ali ja, kada vidim da se pojavila nova knjiga iz pera Davida Walliamsa, ne skidam osmijeh s lica, bolje se osjećam i jedva čekam vidjeti što nam je ovaj put pripremio. Naslov odličan, sinopsis obećava, naslovnica genijalna, a i uvod u knjigu nama knjigoljupcima ne može biti bolji!
Više o utiscima pročitajte klikom na link: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...
January 30, 2020
Not that good really, a waste of money about 2000 words, in total, mostly a picture book, dark and dreary, not sure who the target audience is.
I was expecting it to be like the Archie Wilson and Beasts of Loch Ness book, as its listed in teh same Listopia list. I was wrong. Sorry it was just not for me, I was disappointed that I used some of my months book allowance on this.
I was expecting it to be like the Archie Wilson and Beasts of Loch Ness book, as its listed in teh same Listopia list. I was wrong. Sorry it was just not for me, I was disappointed that I used some of my months book allowance on this.
December 31, 2019
Well, this is my first David Walliams book and as I am aged 44, I suspect I am not really his target demographic.
I was brought up reading Roald Dahl books and the whole look of this book (including the illustrations) was probably deliberately done to mimic those works. Looking back, there is much about the writer Dahl that we might now see as problematic, but there is little doubt that his books are imaginative and original. Is Walliams in the same vein? Not quite.
There is a lot to like about this book. It’s different and the concept is very topical - a dystopian vision of the future with greedy, despotic types in control of the country. And I thought that the story followed some interesting twists and turns.
But, the ending is terrible. Rushed, confused and quite frankly, horrific in parts. I know not all stories have happy endings, and lord knows Dahl wasn’t one to shirk the more challenging topics. But, dear me, the ending is bad. Sorry, Mr Walliams, it felt like you had written a very good book until the last third. Was there a publishers deadline that you had to meet? A shame.
I was brought up reading Roald Dahl books and the whole look of this book (including the illustrations) was probably deliberately done to mimic those works. Looking back, there is much about the writer Dahl that we might now see as problematic, but there is little doubt that his books are imaginative and original. Is Walliams in the same vein? Not quite.
There is a lot to like about this book. It’s different and the concept is very topical - a dystopian vision of the future with greedy, despotic types in control of the country. And I thought that the story followed some interesting twists and turns.
But, the ending is terrible. Rushed, confused and quite frankly, horrific in parts. I know not all stories have happy endings, and lord knows Dahl wasn’t one to shirk the more challenging topics. But, dear me, the ending is bad. Sorry, Mr Walliams, it felt like you had written a very good book until the last third. Was there a publishers deadline that you had to meet? A shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
Another great read from the author David Walliams, set in a futuristic version of London and a young prince caught up with evil creatures and a plot to overthrow the royal family. I was very excited to get my hands on a library copy just after release date, kids will enjoy this adventure and lots of plot twists!
January 19, 2020
A bit of a childish book. I have grown to old for this but I still enjoy some of it.
But I gotta say, walliams is trying to hard to impress now. He used to be so laid back with good books, now it's just for the money or something. Eh, good try anyway.
Recommended for 10 and under
☆☆
But I gotta say, walliams is trying to hard to impress now. He used to be so laid back with good books, now it's just for the money or something. Eh, good try anyway.
Recommended for 10 and under
☆☆
January 1, 2020
Overall I enjoyed the book, it was simple and the use of pictures was fun. The ending was lacklustre and was my only issue with the book. I would recommend it however it will not be my new favourite book by any means.
November 18, 2020
Baš mi se dopala priča!
Pregršt ilustracija i raznih fontova čine avanturu zabavnijom.
Nije veća ocena jer je kraj zbrzan.
Dosta je mračna priča i ne bih je preporučila mlađoj deci. Možda 13+
Ali meni to nije smetalo. 😅 Uživala sam.
Pregršt ilustracija i raznih fontova čine avanturu zabavnijom.
Nije veća ocena jer je kraj zbrzan.
Dosta je mračna priča i ne bih je preporučila mlađoj deci. Možda 13+
Ali meni to nije smetalo. 😅 Uživala sam.
December 9, 2019
2.5 stars
January 15, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, loved how the characters felt like family too! The last 200 pages made the book even more unputdownable, didn't finish reading until 4am! I am such a slow reader lol.
Just wanted to add that I loved this book so much - I read the library copy that I borrowed and I bought this at Tesco this morning, or rather my husband got it for me as I requested it as part of our collection. So now it is part of our household, we love it.
Just wanted to add that I loved this book so much - I read the library copy that I borrowed and I bought this at Tesco this morning, or rather my husband got it for me as I requested it as part of our collection. So now it is part of our household, we love it.
April 16, 2022
Set in a future London, the city is literally falling apart with the King unable to lead and his son, Prince Alfred too sickly to do much, including leaving Buckingham Palace. Things go from bad to worse when his mother, the Queen, is accused of being a traitor by the King's closest advisor, and dragged away to the Tower of London. Alfred starts sneaking out of his room to witness a weird ceremony. When caught, he is also sent to the Tower, where he begins to see the truth and narrowly escapes into the Thames, where he finds some allies in the Resistance. Disappointing, and not up to the usual quality of David Walliams.
November 24, 2019
I enjoyed it, I love kid's books. My 7 year old daughter got it from the library, I read it first, in less than 5 hours across 2 days.
March 9, 2020
Not what I expected. Strange little novel, yes its a kids book, so it was full of bold letters and drawings. But it has a dark side, maybe not suitable for kids under 8.
April 1, 2020
I love how david walliams manages to make everything soooo funny and cool
August 3, 2024
Sorry, Mr. David Walliams, when I want to read Roald Dahl, I will read Roald Dahl. With Quentin Blake's illustrations, Mr. Tony Ross. Imitations are not required.
May 24, 2022
Još jedna odlična Walliamsova knjiga!
June 17, 2022
Review typed by Erin. Aged 10.
I thought this book was amazing because it was all about adventure.I love David Walliams books because he can make them really funny and they make me laugh. The bit that I most loved is the end because the sun comes out from the darkness and Alfred was holding the Union Jack. The bit that made me laugh is when one of the ladies in waiting gets hurt and the old Queen was sad and then she wakes up and says “why are you all crying” and then the old Queen was relieved. I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it.
My review.
I love reading books with Erin. Us reading our bedtime story is my favourite part of the day. This book was really funny and had us laughing out loud in places. Even Raj makes an appearance! I really enjoyed it and seeing Erin enjoy a book makes me so happy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us both!
I thought this book was amazing because it was all about adventure.I love David Walliams books because he can make them really funny and they make me laugh. The bit that I most loved is the end because the sun comes out from the darkness and Alfred was holding the Union Jack. The bit that made me laugh is when one of the ladies in waiting gets hurt and the old Queen was sad and then she wakes up and says “why are you all crying” and then the old Queen was relieved. I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it.
My review.
I love reading books with Erin. Us reading our bedtime story is my favourite part of the day. This book was really funny and had us laughing out loud in places. Even Raj makes an appearance! I really enjoyed it and seeing Erin enjoy a book makes me so happy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us both!
December 27, 2019
My first book by the author. I read it over 2 days. Not bad. Some dark parts which will make some people cry and some very humorous parts that will make people laugh out loud. The book would be shorter if the author chose not to place in words for every sound made, e.g. the book fell to the flor THUD. That's my only real negative for the book. It seems to be a dig at the way the world is going at the moment politically. I applaud him for that.
January 12, 2020
The book is good, but the ending is sad. And I think there should be a part two to it
- Henry, aged 9
- Henry, aged 9
November 5, 2020
Znate, dragi moji knjigoljupci, prvo na šta moram da vas upozorim je sledeće:
Ukoliko ikada planirate da krenete sa čitanjem neke Valijamsove knjige, uopšte ne pomišljajte na neke druge važne obaveze u toku dana. Pitate se zašto? Odgovor je jednostavan - njegove knjige se BUKVALNO ne ispuštaju iz ruku! Taj neverovatni duo, književni tandem koji zaista, doslovno otelotvoruje magiju - Dejvid Valijams (pisac) i Toni Ros (tvorac fantastičnih ilustracija koje bogate Valijamsove knjige) ima tu neobičnu sposobnost, tu veštinu da vas uvuče, infiltrira u svet koji stvara tako da vi nemate ni najmanju želju da se iz njega izvučete.
Zver iz Bakingemske palate nas vodi u postapokaliptični London, u 2120. godinu, u doba kada je svet devastiran, možete pretpostaviti, ljudskom sklonošću ka autodestrukciji. Vlast u Britaniji je srušena, narod živi na ivici egzistencije i gladuje, a kraljevska porodica sa svojim zaštitnicima ne napušta Bakingemsku palatu. Kroz priču pratimo avanture mladog princa i naslednika trona Alfreda, bolešljivog i slabašnog dečaka koji kroz pokušaje da ispravi nepravde nanete njegovoj porodici od strane zlog Lorda zaštitnika, stiče hrabrost i snagu da povede pokret otpora poznat kao "revolucionari" protiv nametnute vlasti i izvede pravdu na videlo. Međutim, mračne sile deluju iza kulisa i jedna mitska zver je krvnom žrtvom oživljena. Da li će mladi princ uspeti da pobedi zlog neprijatelja, spase svoju porodicu i spasi britanski narod od propasti? U svojoj borbi zasigurno neće biti sam.
Zver iz Bakingemske palate je jedna divna priča o sazrevanju, o spoznaji da nepravda ne čeka da sama bude ispravljena već zahteva da damo svoj doprinos borbom, istrajnošću i upornošću. Ovo je priča o dečaku koji je uprkos svojim godinama i nejakom zdravlju smogao hrabrosti da se izbori za svoje bližnje, ali i za opšte dobro. Alfred je pravo oličenje nesebičnosti, plemenitosti i borbenosti i bilo mi je veliko zadovoljstvo i uživanje da budem deo njegovih avantura. Još jedna moja preporuka za Valijamsovu knjigu i čista petica.
Ukoliko ikada planirate da krenete sa čitanjem neke Valijamsove knjige, uopšte ne pomišljajte na neke druge važne obaveze u toku dana. Pitate se zašto? Odgovor je jednostavan - njegove knjige se BUKVALNO ne ispuštaju iz ruku! Taj neverovatni duo, književni tandem koji zaista, doslovno otelotvoruje magiju - Dejvid Valijams (pisac) i Toni Ros (tvorac fantastičnih ilustracija koje bogate Valijamsove knjige) ima tu neobičnu sposobnost, tu veštinu da vas uvuče, infiltrira u svet koji stvara tako da vi nemate ni najmanju želju da se iz njega izvučete.
Zver iz Bakingemske palate nas vodi u postapokaliptični London, u 2120. godinu, u doba kada je svet devastiran, možete pretpostaviti, ljudskom sklonošću ka autodestrukciji. Vlast u Britaniji je srušena, narod živi na ivici egzistencije i gladuje, a kraljevska porodica sa svojim zaštitnicima ne napušta Bakingemsku palatu. Kroz priču pratimo avanture mladog princa i naslednika trona Alfreda, bolešljivog i slabašnog dečaka koji kroz pokušaje da ispravi nepravde nanete njegovoj porodici od strane zlog Lorda zaštitnika, stiče hrabrost i snagu da povede pokret otpora poznat kao "revolucionari" protiv nametnute vlasti i izvede pravdu na videlo. Međutim, mračne sile deluju iza kulisa i jedna mitska zver je krvnom žrtvom oživljena. Da li će mladi princ uspeti da pobedi zlog neprijatelja, spase svoju porodicu i spasi britanski narod od propasti? U svojoj borbi zasigurno neće biti sam.
Zver iz Bakingemske palate je jedna divna priča o sazrevanju, o spoznaji da nepravda ne čeka da sama bude ispravljena već zahteva da damo svoj doprinos borbom, istrajnošću i upornošću. Ovo je priča o dečaku koji je uprkos svojim godinama i nejakom zdravlju smogao hrabrosti da se izbori za svoje bližnje, ali i za opšte dobro. Alfred je pravo oličenje nesebičnosti, plemenitosti i borbenosti i bilo mi je veliko zadovoljstvo i uživanje da budem deo njegovih avantura. Još jedna moja preporuka za Valijamsovu knjigu i čista petica.
January 6, 2020
'It is 2120 and London is in ruins.
The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters.
And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city.'
This book was wonderful.
I am a massive David Walliams fan, so I expected a lot from this book. As usual David Walliams and Tony Ross delivered the goods.
This fantastic novel take the reader on a journey to the future, where good and evil must do battle. With the world at stake, this epic story will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.
While this book takes place in the future and deals with myths and fantasy, it doesn't shy away from very real situations and emotions. There is definitely lessons to be learned throughout this book.
Once again the pairing of David Walliams and Tony Ross created magic. Tony Ross' amazing illustrations completely enhance this wonderful book and perfectly capture the heart and soul of David Walliams' story.
I can easily say that David Walliams is one of my favourite Middle Grade Author's, and his partnership with Tony Ross is a match made in heaven. I honestly cant wait to see what they create next.
If you have a middle grade reader in your life, you have to get them some David Walliams novels. Trust me, they will absolutely love them. In fact, why not start them off with this one. There's no time like the present.
The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams is a must have for all middle grade readers.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters.
And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city.'
This book was wonderful.
I am a massive David Walliams fan, so I expected a lot from this book. As usual David Walliams and Tony Ross delivered the goods.
This fantastic novel take the reader on a journey to the future, where good and evil must do battle. With the world at stake, this epic story will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.
While this book takes place in the future and deals with myths and fantasy, it doesn't shy away from very real situations and emotions. There is definitely lessons to be learned throughout this book.
Once again the pairing of David Walliams and Tony Ross created magic. Tony Ross' amazing illustrations completely enhance this wonderful book and perfectly capture the heart and soul of David Walliams' story.
I can easily say that David Walliams is one of my favourite Middle Grade Author's, and his partnership with Tony Ross is a match made in heaven. I honestly cant wait to see what they create next.
If you have a middle grade reader in your life, you have to get them some David Walliams novels. Trust me, they will absolutely love them. In fact, why not start them off with this one. There's no time like the present.
The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams is a must have for all middle grade readers.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
July 16, 2021
Ok, so the disclaimer; I know I am not the target audience for the book. It would probably get four stars if I were writing about its rating for a 7-11 year old.
I read the book as I had read odd chapters at bedtime with my daughter but couldn’t quite get the story so told her that I would read it when she had finished it. I’m good for my word!
It’s entertaining. A quick read and Walliams writes in a semi comic book style throughout. The downside is that the onomatopoeic ‘interludes’ throughout the text began to grate fairly early on. However, if you can get past that, then I can understand why the books are popular with easy readability, fast paced story, a twist, a dramatic ending and some thought provocation about the role of the royal family at the conclusion. I like that David intersperses real history and mythology into the story including our recent history as ancient history (the story is set in the future) so has some small educational value.
I would recommend for 7-11 year olds, heartily, and will look forward to a future Christmas TV adaptation.
I read the book as I had read odd chapters at bedtime with my daughter but couldn’t quite get the story so told her that I would read it when she had finished it. I’m good for my word!
It’s entertaining. A quick read and Walliams writes in a semi comic book style throughout. The downside is that the onomatopoeic ‘interludes’ throughout the text began to grate fairly early on. However, if you can get past that, then I can understand why the books are popular with easy readability, fast paced story, a twist, a dramatic ending and some thought provocation about the role of the royal family at the conclusion. I like that David intersperses real history and mythology into the story including our recent history as ancient history (the story is set in the future) so has some small educational value.
I would recommend for 7-11 year olds, heartily, and will look forward to a future Christmas TV adaptation.
December 27, 2019
This book had a great premise but unfortunately didn’t quite reach its potential. Shave off some of the WALLOPS and DOLLOPS of onomatopoeia, toilet humour and a few of the superfluous characters and focus on the strengths; namely the mythology, family ties and Alfred’s own epiphanies and this book would be a winner.
I’m sure many children will love this book but I just felt there were the foundations of so much more there.
* Anybody spot the Dictionary of Walliamisms? It made me inwardly grin and think of Dahl’s Dictionary...
I’m sure many children will love this book but I just felt there were the foundations of so much more there.
* Anybody spot the Dictionary of Walliamisms? It made me inwardly grin and think of Dahl’s Dictionary...
July 18, 2020
Onomatopoeia is not a substitute for word count.
The book is confusing and messy.
I hope the students at my school enjoy this more than me.
The book is confusing and messy.
I hope the students at my school enjoy this more than me.
January 1, 2023
3,5*
Nepazinu Valjamu, kura grāmatās parasti ir ļoti daudz ālēšanās un pārspīlējumi vispārākajā pakāpē.
Bakingemas briesmonis ir kārtīgs piedzīvojumu gabals, distopija par nākotnes Londonu, kurā varu pārņēmis ļauns vadonis.
Lasīju un domāju – cik aktuāla grāmata, pat pārāk.
Ir arī ālēšanās, ja nu kas.
Nepazinu Valjamu, kura grāmatās parasti ir ļoti daudz ālēšanās un pārspīlējumi vispārākajā pakāpē.
Bakingemas briesmonis ir kārtīgs piedzīvojumu gabals, distopija par nākotnes Londonu, kurā varu pārņēmis ļauns vadonis.
Lasīju un domāju – cik aktuāla grāmata, pat pārāk.
Ir arī ālēšanās, ja nu kas.
March 27, 2023
Jedna od drazih Walliamsovih 😊
September 6, 2023
" "Much better to die a hero than to live as a coward" "
- David Walliams, The Beast of Buckingham Palace
My best friend reading it:
Me reading it:
It took SO LONG for something to actually happen. David Walliams is defo not Dahl's successor, but I guess if you like Roald Dahl's work, you'll like his work too!
Book No. 365!
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2023 - Book #9
A book your friend recommended.
5.5.2023: I think I gave up on the reading challenge-
- David Walliams, The Beast of Buckingham Palace
My best friend reading it:
Me reading it:
It took SO LONG for something to actually happen. David Walliams is defo not Dahl's successor, but I guess if you like Roald Dahl's work, you'll like his work too!
Book No. 365!
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2023 - Book #9
A book your friend recommended.
5.5.2023: I think I gave up on the reading challenge-
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