The Purpose for Pets

[Erin Dydek]

I just thought of this...in my review I had mentioned that the pets helped develop each character’s personality but now I realize that the pets “echo” the personality of the characters they are matched with. Maybe that’s why pets are an Echoland tradition?

[KendraRobinson]

I just thought of this...in my review I had mentioned that the pets helped develop each character’s personality but now I realize that the pets “echo” the personality of the characters they are matched with. Maybe that’s why pets are an Echoland tradition?

Interesting thought! I hadn't picked up on that, but very well could be!

[wordslinger42]

What do you think was the purpose of the orphanage giving pets to the children residing there? It seemed like it wasn't explained, other than it was a standing tradition. I almost felt the children choosing pets was a strange and unnecessary addition to the story. What do you think?

For me, the pets added a depth to the world of Echoland because, for whatever reason, it was an important tradition there. While I agree that it would have been helpful for more details to be given, I do like it when there are descriptions of places, traditions, etc. in a story because it adds a richness to the fantasy world that wouldn't otherwise be there.

[Kelyn]

Yeah, I agree. When something is said to be a tradition you obviously expect something interesting from it. Like, when you choose the pet, it'll be some sort of a guardian. Or, the pet, idk, can turn into sth else when you're in danger and help you... But no, here there was no use for the pets, which was a disappointment.

It almost seemed they were put in place to create a parallel to a patronus in Harry Potter series or daemons in the Golden Compass series, but weren't given the backstory to make it work.

The daemons in Golden Compass were what I thought of as well. Comfort and a companion in one. Of course, the daemons would also attack if the children were in danger as well as there being more significant connections. The pets in Crystilleries could definitely have been used more effectively.

[Vera_bookily]

I felt that the children adopting pets as soon as they started in the orphanage could be a tradition meant to foster a feeling of family and ownership. But I was really looking forward to seeing Wolfea join in the fight against the Fate Sealers, or at least save Will at some point. Valerie's albatross had more role than Wolfea.

[Washboard]

I liked the idea to give pets to the children, but I have to agree that it was not clear why they did it. That was a pity. The author could have explained this in just a few lines, and it would be perfect.

A few lines would have done the trick! I feel like there were a few opportunities where it could have fit in without feeling forced.

[Washboard]

I just thought of this...in my review I had mentioned that the pets helped develop each character’s personality but now I realize that the pets “echo” the personality of the characters they are matched with. Maybe that’s why pets are an Echoland tradition?

Perhaps! I really like that idea. Maybe the author can make it cannon!

[Washboard]

I felt that the children adopting pets as soon as they started in the orphanage could be a tradition meant to foster a feeling of family and ownership. But I was really looking forward to seeing Wolfea join in the fight against the Fate Sealers, or at least save Will at some point. Valerie's albatross had more role than Wolfea.

Other than creating conflict between Will and the gamekeeper, Wolfea seemed not to have much of a role at all. I was a bit disappointed.

[Washboard]

Yeah, I agree. When something is said to be a tradition you obviously expect something interesting from it. Like, when you choose the pet, it'll be some sort of a guardian. Or, the pet, idk, can turn into sth else when you're in danger and help you... But no, here there was no use for the pets, which was a disappointment.

It almost seemed they were put in place to create a parallel to a patronus in Harry Potter series or daemons in the Golden Compass series, but weren't given the backstory to make it work.

The daemons in Golden Compass were what I thought of as well. Comfort and a companion in one. Of course, the daemons would also attack if the children were in danger as well as there being more significant connections. The pets in Crystilleries could definitely have been used more effectively.

Agreed! Not a bad idea, but it wasn't executed in the best way in this story.

[Washboard]

What do you think was the purpose of the orphanage giving pets to the children residing there? It seemed like it wasn't explained, other than it was a standing tradition. I almost felt the children choosing pets was a strange and unnecessary addition to the story. What do you think?

For me, the pets added a depth to the world of Echoland because, for whatever reason, it was an important tradition there. While I agree that it would have been helpful for more details to be given, I do like it when there are descriptions of places, traditions, etc. in a story because it adds a richness to the fantasy world that wouldn't otherwise be there.

I do love extra details and elaborate world-building! This particular tradition seemed a bit oddly placed to me without an explanation. I love the inclusion of traditions, but I think it could have been done a bit more elegantly here.

[Washboard]

I agree. I felt like the addition of pets in the story was really more of a fun "filler" idea and not something that added anything substantial to the plot. I adored Poudini, though, so I'm not complaining.

Poudini was great! One of my favorite characters!

[Washboard]

I agree it wasn't explained but somehow I liked it anyway. Whenever I think of Brainy, I think of his mouse and who didn't love Poudini! Maybe they can be better explained in a sequel.

Poudini was great! I enjoyed his comedic relief.

[Washboard]

It was probably for comfort in the book but I think the inclusion of pets was also to show you the truth about the characters. Like, Will's compassion to Wolfèa was contrasted with the Gate Keeper's cruelty, for example.

That is true. Will being willing (haaa... wordplay...) to stand up for Wolfea and adopt her to save her life despite being told to lay low, and his continued compassion for her, did show a lot of his character.

[Washboard]

Maybe I'm reading into something that isn't there, but I saw the adoption of pets as a way to teach children about responsibility and compassion. Plus, Echoland can be volatile at times and a pet can offer comfort. There was also a scenario where Poudini and Wolfea comforted each other. If the animals hadn't been included, I'm not so sure I would have liked this book as much.

I agree that the pets were likely presented to make the children more responsible and to create a more home like environment. I am still reading the book and have found the pets to be comforting. I like the idea of a child having a loyal and faithful pet to accompany them on any journey, whether close to home or away. I like the beginning line when Will says the pets followed him, they always do.

I agree that they seem to offer comfort to the orphaned children. I think it would have been helpful for the author to include a line or two explaining that is the intention of the tradition though.

[Washboard]

I don't really think there was a point except for, like you said, it being a right of passage. I think it was supposed to be similar to the kids in Harry Potter getting an owl, toad, or rat. Just to have as a companion. Nothing more.

Maybe so. I think what bothered me was that it was a tradition to have a big choosing ceremony, but the reason for the tradition was not told to Will (or the reader).