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bribri1988's review
5.0
I first read this book in middle school and then I read it again and again and again. I just finished it for the hundredth time and still loved every minute of it. It is one of my favorite books and the one that got me interested in fantasy. It's funny and honest and I found it to be less cliche then other stories about elves and fairies.
unwisely's review
2.0
I have never actually seen Portlandia, but a radio station I listened to used to play the theme song, and I feel like it applies here: the spirit of the 90's is alive in this book. The clothes, the culture, the everything. So...very...90s. (I was in college in the 90s, and I still was like, whoa, seriously??)
Other than that, umm, stuff happens, and I didn't really connect with anyone in the book or care that much, but I read it.
Other than that, umm, stuff happens, and I didn't really connect with anyone in the book or care that much, but I read it.
greenmtgirl's review
5.0
Shetterly shows us how to write a gripping book with an unlikeable protagonist. Loved it!
krin5292's review
3.0
I enjoyed this urban fantasy set in the NeverNever. I especially liked the interactions between Ron and the people he meets.
danoreading's review
4.0
I read this one for Tim-and-Danielle Read Together 2008... though it took me much longer to read it. I had a hard time getting into this one, mostly because the main character is a brat and, like with many fantasy novels, I had a hard time getting into the world and getting used to the many characters. But the last third of the book is really exciting. Ron's redemption is believable (and much appreciated) and I found myself really liking the characters and the book itself.
b00kdragon's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
duriangray's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-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? Yes
4.0
kcelena's review against another edition
5.0
This was my third foray into Bordertown and my love for the place has only grown deeper. The city and characters are filled with such vibrancy it's almost painful to think they might not exist.
crowyhead's review
4.0
I read this back when I was in highschool and dearly loved it. The whole "Bordertown" series was great fodder for my imagination. I was pleased to find when I re-read this that the writing was as good as I remembered, and the characters remain compelling. There are times when I walk through my West Philadelphia neighborhood that I half expect to find elves on spellbox-powered motorcycles. Shetterly imagines urban magic in a wonderful manner.
maiakobabe's review
5.0
I read this book for the first time when I was in junior high, and it was my first sweet taste of Urban Fantasy. Elves on motorcycles, magic at dance clubs, werewolfs staffing used bookstores- I was hooked. I read it again this month, outloud, all in one day during a road trip to LA with my sister. We were both amazed that it not only held up to our memories, but was perhaps ever better than we remembered. We caught more references (to bands, to other sci-fi and fantasy authors) than we had the before and the overarching theme of gentrification hit harder. Highly recommend.