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momelimberham's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Although this book is a middle grade read and I am an adult, I enjoyed it! The beginning is a bit slow, but it works great to contrast the more fast-paced remaining 3/4 of the book. Although nothing is described in graphic detail, there IS mention of violence. Some things are left up to our imaginations, as well as that of the main character, which seems appropriate for the reading level.
The protagonist's experiences of self-doubt, her ups and downs, all felt very believable and earned. It made sense when she felt like she'd messed up, and it made sense when she felt like she'd gotten a "win." The story doesn't get all wrapped up neatly at the end - it's historical fiction taking place over the course of like 3 months, so of course not - but it ends on a "happily for now."
The biggest flaw of this book is the problem with it being written in a diary format, sometimes it doesn't make sense. She'll have entries that end "...and I - what was that noise? Sounds like thunder." I get for narrative reasons why that happens, but it got to be really ridiculous because it just kept happening. If I was writing and got interrupted by a loud noise, I wouldn't write "what was that loud noise?", I would just get up and see what it was! So that was silly.
The protagonist's experiences of self-doubt, her ups and downs, all felt very believable and earned. It made sense when she felt like she'd messed up, and it made sense when she felt like she'd gotten a "win." The story doesn't get all wrapped up neatly at the end - it's historical fiction taking place over the course of like 3 months, so of course not - but it ends on a "happily for now."
The biggest flaw of this book is the problem with it being written in a diary format, sometimes it doesn't make sense. She'll have entries that end "...and I - what was that noise? Sounds like thunder." I get for narrative reasons why that happens, but it got to be really ridiculous because it just kept happening. If I was writing and got interrupted by a loud noise, I wouldn't write "what was that loud noise?", I would just get up and see what it was! So that was silly.
zenithharpink's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoyed this - it's for more thorough than other books in the series, which generally have one conflict and then wrap up over a cliff, relegating everything to the epilogue. This was vibrant and interesting, especially because I was wholly ignorant of this part of history. She seems like an interesting lady.
I recommend to young readers, and fans of the series, as well as this period of time history.
I recommend to young readers, and fans of the series, as well as this period of time history.
fmun53's review against another edition
I read this whole series and it was so dumb of me to think that the events in these books were real (as in based on real events). However, when I searched up the "Dog's Head" (the name of the gang that opposed the Hsien), I could not find anything. I'm pretty mad at myself for thinking that the events in each of the books in this series were based on true events. Well, at least it taught me to not be so gullible!
meaganmart's review against another edition
3.0
This is another installment from childhood that does hold up to rereading. I have almost no background knowledge of ancient China and I thought that this book did a good job providing background for those unfamiliar with the culture and history of the region. I thought the Lady was an interesting, intelligent, and thoughtful character. It was very impressive to read of how highly she was regarded in her time in China.
marlfox24's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
5.0
booksnorkel's review against another edition
3.0
I have always loved these books. A peak at history through the eyes of the teens who lived it. How girls and teens were treated in these settings has always interested me, as well as the outfits and food. I think these glimpses into the past are perfect for someone who isn't a super history buff but is interested in learning more.
Set in Southern China this book is about a teen who goes to live with the Chinese colonists so that her tribe has someone who understands the culture and language. She is even headed and understands what it takes to be a warrior. The Lady is a celebrated historical figure that I never would have heard of if I hadn't picked up this book.
For girls 4th grade and up this is a great addition to any classroom.
Set in Southern China this book is about a teen who goes to live with the Chinese colonists so that her tribe has someone who understands the culture and language. She is even headed and understands what it takes to be a warrior. The Lady is a celebrated historical figure that I never would have heard of if I hadn't picked up this book.
For girls 4th grade and up this is a great addition to any classroom.
emilyusuallyreading's review against another edition
2.0
What I Liked
Ancient China fascinates me after reading this story. I never realized there were different "tribes" of Chinese - and that Redbird's tribe tattooed their faces. This was certainly a learning experience.
Yu's character was by far my favorite. I enjoyed reading of Redbird's experience in the wealthy Chinese family household.
What I Didn't Like
This story moves slowly. Like snail's pace slowly. I enjoy a good action novel, but somehow the action and war tales of this one run dry.
I found myself putting this down again and again, unable to immerse myself into the excitement and feeling only boredom for the last 2/3rds of the story.
Did the author rely too much on history to make this too historical to have enjoyment within? Or was there so little historical information available for him that he struggled to come up with content at all? I don't even know the answer.
Ancient China fascinates me after reading this story. I never realized there were different "tribes" of Chinese - and that Redbird's tribe tattooed their faces. This was certainly a learning experience.
Yu's character was by far my favorite. I enjoyed reading of Redbird's experience in the wealthy Chinese family household.
What I Didn't Like
This story moves slowly. Like snail's pace slowly. I enjoy a good action novel, but somehow the action and war tales of this one run dry.
I found myself putting this down again and again, unable to immerse myself into the excitement and feeling only boredom for the last 2/3rds of the story.
Did the author rely too much on history to make this too historical to have enjoyment within? Or was there so little historical information available for him that he struggled to come up with content at all? I don't even know the answer.