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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
My roommates spent the whole of last semester raving about this series, so I had hoped I would enjoy this one as well, since we tend to have similar tastes that all stem from a childhood of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
I am grateful for my roommate for sending me the this book for Christmas. I'm not sure if I would have picked it up if I hadn't received a copy, and I definitely would have been missing out if I didn't.
The story follows Han, a former streetlord who does what he can to protect his family, even when that means leaving the gang life and not bringing in as much to support his family. It also follows Princess Raisa, who is kind of a run of the mill princess who hates her life and wishes things were different, blah blah blah. However, from the beginning, her story has a very Aladdin-like feel to it, and I love the role that characters play in Aladdin and retellings. I see Raisa as very similar to Jasmine in the way she looks at marriage and her role in the kingdom as a whole, even as power corrupts.
The novel alternates with both of these characters' stories and also encompasses a lot of clever world-building, but that does not sacrifice the character development, nor the other way around. I like how this is a soft-magic world, not completely powered by it, but not completely removed either. I really appreciate the writing because it manages to mesh everything together in a perfect combination.
The story is also filled with so many major plot points it's hard to keep track, and even though there is a lot of foreshadowing, it's not at all predictable, especially when it comes to Raisa's story. It takes a lot of skill to be able to do that, and it's not something many writers can do.
This goes right up there with a few of my other favorite series, all fantasy and science fiction, that build their worlds and their characters so cleverly that it's hard not to fall in love from the first pages. I'm going to try to keep myself away from the second book until later in the month, but I know it will be tricky.
I am grateful for my roommate for sending me the this book for Christmas. I'm not sure if I would have picked it up if I hadn't received a copy, and I definitely would have been missing out if I didn't.
The story follows Han, a former streetlord who does what he can to protect his family, even when that means leaving the gang life and not bringing in as much to support his family. It also follows Princess Raisa, who is kind of a run of the mill princess who hates her life and wishes things were different, blah blah blah. However, from the beginning, her story has a very Aladdin-like feel to it, and I love the role that characters play in Aladdin and retellings. I see Raisa as very similar to Jasmine in the way she looks at marriage and her role in the kingdom as a whole, even as power corrupts.
The novel alternates with both of these characters' stories and also encompasses a lot of clever world-building, but that does not sacrifice the character development, nor the other way around. I like how this is a soft-magic world, not completely powered by it, but not completely removed either. I really appreciate the writing because it manages to mesh everything together in a perfect combination.
The story is also filled with so many major plot points it's hard to keep track, and even though there is a lot of foreshadowing, it's not at all predictable, especially when it comes to Raisa's story. It takes a lot of skill to be able to do that, and it's not something many writers can do.
This goes right up there with a few of my other favorite series, all fantasy and science fiction, that build their worlds and their characters so cleverly that it's hard not to fall in love from the first pages. I'm going to try to keep myself away from the second book until later in the month, but I know it will be tricky.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
my mind is buzzing and I have no idea how to rate this or describe my feelings on it *to be considered further*
Great new fantasy series for teens. Excitement, tragedy, romance, magic, dark secrets and unpredictable twists. Yeah! I love the characters and you can see how it's set up for a great trilogy. If you don't like to wait for next books in a series, start this one next fall when the third in the trilogy comes out. Book #2 comes out the end of September.
A slow start with many characters, most who have similar names, alternating chapters from the two main characters, but eventually I got it sorted out. The plot is compelling and I may continue the series.
Reread: 1/31/20
I must say, this series has held up over time. This is one of my favorite fantasy series of all time, and I was not disappointed on my reread. If you haven't read this yet, you're doing something wrong. Yes, it's technically YA, and I definitely aged up the characters in my mind for the reread, but it's still so so good. Loved rereading this.
Original review:
Oh my gosh! I love this book! Cinda Williams Chima, you are my favorite author EVER!:)
I must say, this series has held up over time. This is one of my favorite fantasy series of all time, and I was not disappointed on my reread. If you haven't read this yet, you're doing something wrong. Yes, it's technically YA, and I definitely aged up the characters in my mind for the reread, but it's still so so good. Loved rereading this.
Original review:
Oh my gosh! I love this book! Cinda Williams Chima, you are my favorite author EVER!:)
Didn't realize how much of a slut I am for magical Street Rat x Rogue Princess stories.
This was so fun!! Nothing mind-blowingly original, but a world well built and rich. Not sure I quite like Han yet (he patted Raisa's butt when they first met??) but I adore Raisa. Excited to get deeper with these characters!
We're going to magic school next? Yes PLEASE!
This was so fun!! Nothing mind-blowingly original, but a world well built and rich. Not sure I quite like Han yet (he patted Raisa's butt when they first met??) but I adore Raisa. Excited to get deeper with these characters!
We're going to magic school next? Yes PLEASE!
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Really great start to a series! I love Hans' storyline (not surprising.. I've always had a soft spot for characters with tough exteriors but big hearts. I may have a bit of a character crush) Looking forward to picking up the next one!