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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
A magnificent and sophisticated bildungsroman that chronicles the development of our troubled, self-destructive protagonist into a maturing and thoughtful--if still stubborn and impulsive--character we can admire. And all this during an exciting, dual-species quest for a World Serpent, a great creature from myth credited with helping to create the Earth as we know it. The deft interweaving of flashbacks that add depth and nuance to Tess and her situation (as well as that of her friend Pathka) are brilliantly done.
I'm astonished that people have disliked this book, which is not only entertaining, full of fascinating characters and exciting episodes, but is also a powerful examination of how we are all products of our culture and upbringing. We see first-hand, in a vivid and personal way, how sexism and xenophobia can completely undermine people's lives--unless they're able to start questioning what they've been told to believe. But this is no dry text--it's funny and piercingly sad and joyous and wildly imaginative.
I'm astonished that people have disliked this book, which is not only entertaining, full of fascinating characters and exciting episodes, but is also a powerful examination of how we are all products of our culture and upbringing. We see first-hand, in a vivid and personal way, how sexism and xenophobia can completely undermine people's lives--unless they're able to start questioning what they've been told to believe. But this is no dry text--it's funny and piercingly sad and joyous and wildly imaginative.
Very well done. Tough content, even for YA fantasy which tends to be full of tough content, but it's really good. Not very much like Seraphina, but still terrific.
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have been reading this for 4 MONTHS. it is so slow and dry. The second book I have not even been able to force myself to finish. Would not recommend.
4.5 Stars
I borrowed the kindle version from my library, and promptly forgot what it was about (and didn't have a jacket to read to figure it out).
The beginning was very slow. Slow enough to make me wonder why I had borrowed the book in the first place. But it got better. It got a lot better. It was interesting and funny and full of relatable but also complex multidimensional characters. I do think it might make more sense to read the accompanied series that came before, as despite it being the first in its series, there are a lot of facts and events that are referenced as if the reader should know what they are, and I had absolutely no clue, as this was my first read.
I borrowed the kindle version from my library, and promptly forgot what it was about (and didn't have a jacket to read to figure it out).
The beginning was very slow. Slow enough to make me wonder why I had borrowed the book in the first place. But it got better. It got a lot better. It was interesting and funny and full of relatable but also complex multidimensional characters. I do think it might make more sense to read the accompanied series that came before, as despite it being the first in its series, there are a lot of facts and events that are referenced as if the reader should know what they are, and I had absolutely no clue, as this was my first read.
*happy flails* This book is so beautiful. It’s got loads of adventure, all my favorite tropes, religious commentary, and oh-so-many quiet, painful moments that also brought healing to the main character. It’s the book I’ve been wanting to read—about putting your life back together after everything falls apart. I’m so happy I found it. <3
*I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review*
WOWZA! I really loved Tess, I had completely forgotten she was Seraphina's sister but this book just amazed me. Tess is wildly different from the normal heroine. She is complicated, unruly, and unhappy with her life. I loved that she decided to make her own path, and that at some point she had to stop caring what other people wanted her to do with her life. I get why people didn't like it, but I freaking loved it. Just like I loved Seraphina and Shadow Scale. Do you want beautiful world building? Do you want deep and complex characters? Do you want a dissection on a host of various social issues from rape culture to the victimization of the 'non-virginal' women of the world? If yes, please pick this book up because I cannot right a review to encapsulate this book.
WOWZA! I really loved Tess, I had completely forgotten she was Seraphina's sister but this book just amazed me. Tess is wildly different from the normal heroine. She is complicated, unruly, and unhappy with her life. I loved that she decided to make her own path, and that at some point she had to stop caring what other people wanted her to do with her life. I get why people didn't like it, but I freaking loved it. Just like I loved Seraphina and Shadow Scale. Do you want beautiful world building? Do you want deep and complex characters? Do you want a dissection on a host of various social issues from rape culture to the victimization of the 'non-virginal' women of the world? If yes, please pick this book up because I cannot right a review to encapsulate this book.
The right book at the right time.
Seraphina & Shadowscale were excellent stories, but Tess’ journey spoke to me in a different way. The lessons stay with me...
Seraphina & Shadowscale were excellent stories, but Tess’ journey spoke to me in a different way. The lessons stay with me...
I said Seraphina was a revelation, but this was something else entirely. Tess of the Road is glorious. I have seen other reviews describe it as 'slow' which I have to take to mean 'not action packed'. While this is somewhat true, the book is mature, contemplative and absorbing - at no point did I ever feel it was dragging, or want to stop reading. I could have stayed with Tess on her journey forever.
Rachel Hartman's skill at unfolding a story and backstory simultaneously and naturally before your eyes seems unparalleled, and is an even greater strength in Tess of the Road than in Seraphina. spoiler:
Tess of the Road is a mature novel, a feminist tome, and the thoughtful story of a journey to insight and self.
Rachel Hartman's skill at unfolding a story and backstory simultaneously and naturally before your eyes seems unparalleled, and is an even greater strength in Tess of the Road than in Seraphina. spoiler:
Spoiler
where in Seraphina I at times got a little frustrated at not knowing the character's whole history, in Tess of the Road it felt much more natural, and I felt empathy with Tess's reluctance to think on it.Tess of the Road is a mature novel, a feminist tome, and the thoughtful story of a journey to insight and self.
I thought this book had a lot of good points and themes that were brought up throughout it. It took me a while to finish it but, overall it was a very well written book. It was slightly slow at times but a good read.