The Neverending Story (Firebird) by Michael Ende Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Neverending Story (Firebird)
Book Review: An Adult-sized Fairy Tale
Summary: 4 Stars
Until recently, I was blissfully ignorant that the popular movie I had seen several times (in my younger days) was actually based on a book. Judging from the cover illustration of Bastian Balthazar Bux doing his "King of the World" thing aboard the Luck Dragon, you get the feeling that this is no ordinary fantasy book, and indeed it isn't.
I did get the feeling that some aspects of the story were lost in translation (which is another story altogether), as it has some abrupt swings in tone, the dialogue sometimes seeming clumsy and childish compared to the rest of the book - but that's nitpicking.
This is truly a Neverending Story, most of which springs from the imagination of the unlikely human hero, the aforementioned Master Bux, who steals the titular tome, and flees with it to the safety of his school attic, where he becomes much more than a casual onlooker of the worlds of Fantastica.
Michael Ende's imagination works overtime in creating Fantastica and all its inhabitants, and for each thrilling chapter, he introduces another story to be told at another time.
The main story however, is the metamorphosis of Bastian Bux from a frightened, insecure child, and the new relationship he was able to forge with his father after his great learning adventure.
Be wary in your reading of the adventures of The Childlike Empress, Atreyu, Morla, Ygramul, Falkor, Grograman, Hero Hynreck and Xayide, among others, beware the Nothing, and be careful what you wish for, least you also become a part of the Neverending Story, and forever lose your memories of this life.
Amanda Richards
Book Review: Brilliant, engaging fantasy that's entertaining and though-provoking ...
Summary: 5 Stars
I've seen the first two films based on this book(the first is alot better than the sequel), but even then the films don't compare to how wonderful this book actually is. I read this earlier this year and I'm still amazed by it
It's one of those books you just can't put down, and you may have to re-read one of the chapters in particular to really understand what's going on in it, but once you do get it, you'll be in awe. Also, the breaking of the fourth wall, like in the film is pretty freaky, I reckon but still very clever.
And before you ask, yes, although the book does have an 'ending' but Ende has a way of putting it that you just know that this story will go on forever, into infinity. Genius, no other words can describe it.
Book Review: THE classic
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read this book several times in my life and for all the fantastic readings I had, I gave it 5 stars, though this time, I had a great favorite in the characters and it was Atreju, meaning Bastian was too conceited and self-important for me to like him, right until the end.
I really feel there're 2 parts in this book and I really prefer the first part (5 stars, even 6!!!), but the 2nd part is worth four stars only I fear.