Frogbottom Sound Reviews

This book was so refreshing! The story takes you on an adventure with the characters but also creates a kind of relationship between you and the narrator - like a wizened, magical guide showing you all the brilliant secrets of the world.
It was interesting and clever, without being exhausting. It was fun and silly without any dumbing down, and the somewhat fantastical world was so well-wrought it never became ridiculous. A total delight!

Sienna Novak: 5/5 (Goodreads)

As a 13 year old girl, The Sound is one of the most captivating books I’ve read.

I was instantly drawn in by the clever plot, with twists and turns, the funny characters that really touch the reader and make sure you can’t put the book down, and finally the beautiful writing. The dialogue is so well done and the style of writing throughout the book is so unique and interesting, and it makes you want the book to go on forever.

Oliver Dibley: 5/5 (Goodreads)

It was amazing.

I absolutely loved it! The interweaving of mystery and magic with science and a topsy turvy world is brilliant. Made me laugh and smile more times than I could count. Definitely worth a read.

Emma Hodgson: 5/5 (Goodreads)

Fantastic book, really intriguing I couldn't put it down.

I loved that the science parts were broken down and explained really well. Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!!

Caley Rhodes: 5/5 (Amazon)

An absolute must read!

An amazing tale of adventure and discovery for the curious mind. I really enjoyed the writing style; footnotes provided a side narrative, creating a bond between reader and author. I loved discovering music lyrics intertwined throughout the book, clearly a nod to the author's musical background. Such an amazing world he's created in this novel, I can't wait to see what's in store for book two!

Adi Toohey: 5/5 (Goodreads)

Where did all the frogs go‽‽

The Sound is a well-paced adventure that tiptoes the line between fantasy and science fiction! I enjoyed the quirky characters and their witty exchanges, especially Sing and Oggi's cousin-ly bickering. Looking forward to unravelling more of the mysteries of Frogbottom Downs in Book 2.

Yvette Myhill: 4/5 (Goodreads)

I really liked it.

Part Alice in Wonderland, part The Secret Garden, part Lord of the Rings, part New Scientist magazine and part useful English lesson. Stayed up all night reading this all in one go. Can’t wait for my young son to be old enough to enjoy it!

One of my favourite parts were the footnotes. I wish they were a bit more consistent throughout the book. It felt like there was a lot at the start and then they appeared randomly after that, sometimes with big gaps between. It was an unusual technique that made me pause my normal speed-reader style and reflect more on what was happening in the story, but also with useful facts and additional insights. I particularly liked the fun ‘Milo vs Oggi’ thread.

I enjoyed the friendship between Sing & Oggi. Loyal but with its own faults.

Main feedback is that I wanted the story to stretch out for a bit longer at the end. I wanted more info on the past and how everyone ended up alive/dead/ghost/magically reappeared baby etc. I could have happily read on for another hour or so.

I liked the glossary too - definitely learnt a few new meanings and words I didn’t know before, but with kindle estimating the time needed just to read the glossary at 1hr 36 mins I have to admit that I didn’t make it right through before losing interest. Probably would have been better in a physical copy of the book though I imagine - easier to flip through and pick out random words.

Looking forward to Book 2 already!

Mat Graham: 5/5 (Goodreads)

I read it and loved it. Already ordered the next instalment.

My 13 year old read it and asks me every day when the next one will arrive (should have paid for expedited post). She wrote her own review:

The sound was a very entertaining story that had me hooked on the third page. It is a great combination of mystery, fantasy and adventure. The book lets you see into the minds of the characters, making it even more interesting. Every chapter leaves you with new questions and it leaves you wanting more, even in the last chapter, I am really excited to read the next book!

Maddy May: 5/5 (Goodreads)

Fantastic book! Both adults and teenagers will love this wonderfully written and creative novel! Can't wait to start the second one.... Unlike anything else I have read before!

Oggi Yusuf: 5/5 (Goodreads)

I Love this book!!

I was lucky enough to be given an advance copy of this book by the author. This book filled me with laughter, excitement, and it was full of adventure in many dimensions which had me captivated from the first chapter. I loved the relationship between the main characters Sing and Oggi plus all the shenanigans between the crew. Sci-Fi mixed in with humour and smarts all on the backdrop of some crazy Aussie town called Woop Woop.

Rachelle Young: 5/5 (Goodreads)

If it weren't for my 2 year old son, I would not have put the book down! Every page was intriguing and I desperately wanted to find out what happened next and then what happens next...I have the 2nd book and buying the 3rd so I don't have to wait to know what happens next. Love the escape from reality 😁

Shane Warren: 5/5 (Goodreads)

Great read! There is something about this that works - I brought a copy for one of my children (12) and he then insisted I needed to buy a copy for each of his cousins as a Christmas present... so guess what the summer holidays chatter was all about this summer past!? I would encourage you to grab this if you want to get your teenagers to read more and enjoy story telling... Children aside, I even took the plunge during locked down and really enjoyed it!