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beammey's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great story! I don't really know a whole lot about China or Chinese history, so this was a lot of fun to read. It was surprisingly long for a book in this series, but worth the read. I found it to be quite inspiring at times. a really good read for girls. 4 out of 5 stars.
wireless_wizard's review against another edition
5.0
I've read several of the books in the "Royal Diaries" series, but this one was, in my opinion, the most well-written one yet.
However, it should be noted that the subject of war and death is touched upon in a little more detail in the second half of this book than is typical of a work of juvenile fiction. This isn't to say that I don't think that this done to an unsuitable level (if anything, I think it strikes just the right balance); but I feel like it's important to keep in mind when recommending the book to young people who might have had traumatic experiences from or associated with war.
However, it should be noted that the subject of war and death is touched upon in a little more detail in the second half of this book than is typical of a work of juvenile fiction. This isn't to say that I don't think that this done to an unsuitable level (if anything, I think it strikes just the right balance); but I feel like it's important to keep in mind when recommending the book to young people who might have had traumatic experiences from or associated with war.
missmeddler's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
katiedavis's review
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
memyshelfsterling's review
3.0
Very nostalgic - I distinctly remember reading a couple of the novels in this series as a kid and loving them (notably Cleopatra, Elizabeth I, and Victoria). Going back and reading the full series from furthest back in history to most recent in history for nostalgic purposes.
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Maria
Cover Story: On Point
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 1.5
Talky Talk: War and Peace
Bonus Factors: Cool Teacher, Dynastic China
Relationship Status: A Whole New World
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: On Point
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 1.5
Talky Talk: War and Peace
Bonus Factors: Cool Teacher, Dynastic China
Relationship Status: A Whole New World
Read the full book report here.
livthebooknerd's review
5.0
I've probably read this book 15 times. I loved this book so much in middle school. I was obsessed with the chinese culture and I think I need to reread this to get some nostalgic feels
nicolebookish's review
3.0
I liked her alot and thought she had a great personality. I felt akin to her as a fellow reader.
It really liked it when I read it but i'm sure if I reread it now it'd be a bit problematic.
I remember thinking it was cool to see a different princess aka non European one but I didn't know how to express that.
I have to reread this series and give my adult post graduate degree perspective but what I remember liking was:
-the characters in this series were roughly my age when I read the books (YA)
-it gave you an idea of what life may have been like back then
-they did have an afterword with historic information that gave you more context on their real lives and often photos or paintings
It really liked it when I read it but i'm sure if I reread it now it'd be a bit problematic.
I remember thinking it was cool to see a different princess aka non European one but I didn't know how to express that.
I have to reread this series and give my adult post graduate degree perspective but what I remember liking was:
-the characters in this series were roughly my age when I read the books (YA)
-it gave you an idea of what life may have been like back then
-they did have an afterword with historic information that gave you more context on their real lives and often photos or paintings
bookishbel's review
5.0
This book made me want to learn about Southern China and more about Princess Redbird.
ashwise360's review
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75