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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Honestly kind of terrible. Really not a fan of the writing, could've used a whole lot more editing, but the world-building was good enough that I finished it. Sadly overly complicated, too many characters, and lots of telling not showing. Not much character development for the main character, who's single characteristic was "trans and sad about it". If all you want is some interesting medieval witchy vibes though, go for it. I wouldn't mind a better-written book in the same universe.
This was a little slow to start and somewhat whiny...but then again the main characters are 14 year old girls so I guess that's on brand. By the end I really enjoyed it.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If you are looking for something in the style of Tamora Pierce, I think this book would be a great choice.
The Writing
It is YA writing, but on the upper end of skill for that. I felt that the descriptions were vibrant. I do feel scenes were rushed occasionally, though, and I would occasionally have trouble remembering which witch was which.
Everyone I can't differentiate had a clearly separate voice in the writing.
It is a setup book, but I don't mind that because it adds to the Tamora Pierce vibes. This book is about a journey, not a destination.
The Characters
The teenage characters were well developed and felt mostly real. The adult witches I remember many of clearly as well.
Our main character was Lorel. I quite loved her and thought she was sweet.
Im excited to see all the teens grow and change in the subsequent books. They all have immense potential in this book.
Setting
This world was cool. It has many moving cogs that do all fit together nicely. It has interesting magical creatures that don't show up often. The description of magic running through the ley was beautiful.
Overall: would recommend and would read the next book when it comes out.
The Writing
It is YA writing, but on the upper end of skill for that. I felt that the descriptions were vibrant. I do feel scenes were rushed occasionally, though, and I would occasionally have trouble remembering which witch was which.
Everyone I can't differentiate had a clearly separate voice in the writing.
It is a setup book, but I don't mind that because it adds to the Tamora Pierce vibes. This book is about a journey, not a destination.
The Characters
The teenage characters were well developed and felt mostly real. The adult witches I remember many of clearly as well.
Our main character was Lorel. I quite loved her and thought she was sweet.
Im excited to see all the teens grow and change in the subsequent books. They all have immense potential in this book.
Setting
This world was cool. It has many moving cogs that do all fit together nicely. It has interesting magical creatures that don't show up often. The description of magic running through the ley was beautiful.
Overall: would recommend and would read the next book when it comes out.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
trans witches!!! refreshing to read of a fantasy world that’s open-minded irt gender and sexuality. ace rep, too. it’s got some layers of politics, but it’s mostly abt the main character’s journey :)
There were things I enjoyed about this book, but ultimately it didn't feel fully developed to me--it often felt more like a sketch than a painting, and I wanted the author to linger more over certain things--character details, world building, dialogue, scenes, etc. It almost felt like it moved too fast, especially for a fantasy novel.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This one is for everyone who grew up reading Tamora Pierce—but especially for the generation after. In Lorel, we have a courageous and tender-hearted transfemme lead disguising herself and going after her dream of joining an order of witches. The characters, world-building, and magic were wonderful—but I expected more depth and complexity from a bildungsroman marketed to adults vs a YA novel. Maybe the sequel will bring more, I’ll be waiting!
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a fabulous trans affirming book with magic. My only criticism is that the book wasn’t long enough as a result, I felt like the book was lacking depth in its conflict and characterization of some of the characters.
That being said, I thought the magic system and world building was interesting, if under developed.
That being said, I thought the magic system and world building was interesting, if under developed.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes