Reviews

Sondok: Princess of the Moon and Stars, Korea, A.D. 595 by Sheri Holman

beammey's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the book! I thought it was good, but not amazing. I did like the astrological aspect of it though and I did stay interested. For a person in the right age group I can see how this would be a big hit. Very good. 3.75 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it.

augustgreatsword's review against another edition

reflective slow-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

4.0

khaleesimod93's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I've been needing to read something uplifting yet something that reminded me of my childhood. Luckily, I had the entire royal diaries series. And this is the first one. I only remember reading one or two of the royal diaries series and so glad I'm able to start at the beginning. I loved the simplicity, the research, and the way the story of Sondok was told. Her voice is clear and pure. She's intelligent, kind, and observant. It hurt reading as Lin Fang tried to diminish her and how her father started treating her. Small men have no use for strong women. Even though she made herself small, in the end, she grew and became her true self. It's a beautiful story done with simplicity, but done well. 

eirenophile's review against another edition

3.0

An improvement on the Nzingha book but not as captivating writing as the Indian Princess of Princesses, which is too bad as her life was obviously fascinating. Still, a solid 3 stars (not a rounding up as in the case of Nzinga).

wishwash06's review against another edition

3.0

Being that it was written for the middle school ages, I can over look the style and some of the blatant bow tied plot devices. Having a epilogue history and background explanations were a definite plus.

missmeddler's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-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

3.5

katiedavis's review

hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

dandelionfluff's review against another edition

3.0

Was slow at first, but definitely picked up towards the middle. I can see why younger me was enchanted with these books-- older me is wondering yet again at how many white authors were writing characters of color for this series. Sheri Holman did do a fine job telling Sondok's story, but hopefully in the future Scholastic will seek out authors from the cultures they want to write about/market.

Sondok is an interesting figure, though the first half of her story is basically "I want to study the stars. Why can't I study the stars. Everyone is yelling at me for studying the stars because I am a woman." I also felt that the choice the author made in having Sondok address her deceased grandmother didn't quite work when certain terminology or customs have to be explained. If your grandmother was part of your culture, she would know all this, right? It's very obviously more for the benefit of the reader, and becomes a bit awkward. The middle is where interesting events pick up, and we see just how complicated Sondok's life will become simply because her father needs a son. I really did enjoy the second half.

I'm going to keep on with the nostalgic reading here! Always interesting to see how things have changed.

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 against another edition

Graded By: Maria
Cover Story: Starry, Starry Night
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
Talky Talk: As You Know, Grandmother
Bonus Factors: Astronomy, STEM Girls, Spiritualism
Anti-Bonus Factor: Terrible Teacher
Relationship Status: Zodiac-Approved Soulmates

Read the full book report here.