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thistlechaser's review against another edition
4.0
A new fantasy series for YA or older readers, The Walking Lands had quite the unique and interesting magic system! I'd love to learn more about that, and I'm looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy. (But worry not, this one didn't end on a cliffhanger. I hate it when books do that.)
While I did enjoy the story, for some people the first person POV might be an issue. I do wish the author had shown more and told less.
Recommended for people who enjoy fantasy stories and don't mind a subplot of romance.
While I did enjoy the story, for some people the first person POV might be an issue. I do wish the author had shown more and told less.
Recommended for people who enjoy fantasy stories and don't mind a subplot of romance.
dr_tree's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, fast read that left me wanting to explore the rest of the series. Can see the influences of Tolkien and Celtic fantasy. Strong female protagonists.
shelbyhannahh's review against another edition
3.0
3.5ish????
I'm really torn on this book. Parts were really really great and well-written but then were parts that just weren't. I was really confused for much of this just because there was so much going on all at the same time, which is fine but this was nearly excessive. The magic was shaky as well and some things could have been much more easily and better explained. Also the insta hate to love we had?? lmao what? I'm just gonna sleep on this for a while
I'm really torn on this book. Parts were really really great and well-written but then were parts that just weren't. I was really confused for much of this just because there was so much going on all at the same time, which is fine but this was nearly excessive. The magic was shaky as well and some things could have been much more easily and better explained. Also the insta hate to love we had?? lmao what? I'm just gonna sleep on this for a while
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
4.0
I received this as an ARC for an honest review:
I enjoyed reading a character who isn't perfect right from the start. She believes what she's been told and doesn't question it until she has to. It's certainly a familiar situation to those of us who are raised with a set of values, but find their own voice once they leave home.
The author did a great job of introducing characters in a way where they DON'T all blend together. That tends to be a common problem in the fantasy genre where there's a big info-dump in the beginning. I didn't feel like that with this book at all. I had no real character confusion at all.
I didn't really feel the love with Elanna and Jahan. I felt like I missed a pivotal scene where she fell in love with him, because it felt like it came out of nowhere. I felt like her whole change of view was a bit too quick also. Maybe "quick" isn't the right word... It felt like she was do adamant in her stance and then she just...changed her mind. There wasn't anything really big to cause that change. We didn't even really get much of an inner monologue struggle. It just felt a bit off.
But overall, I liked this one a lot and I'd definitely recommend it.
I enjoyed reading a character who isn't perfect right from the start. She believes what she's been told and doesn't question it until she has to. It's certainly a familiar situation to those of us who are raised with a set of values, but find their own voice once they leave home.
The author did a great job of introducing characters in a way where they DON'T all blend together. That tends to be a common problem in the fantasy genre where there's a big info-dump in the beginning. I didn't feel like that with this book at all. I had no real character confusion at all.
I didn't really feel the love with Elanna and Jahan. I felt like I missed a pivotal scene where she fell in love with him, because it felt like it came out of nowhere. I felt like her whole change of view was a bit too quick also. Maybe "quick" isn't the right word... It felt like she was do adamant in her stance and then she just...changed her mind. There wasn't anything really big to cause that change. We didn't even really get much of an inner monologue struggle. It just felt a bit off.
But overall, I liked this one a lot and I'd definitely recommend it.
retrogirl20's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
I really wanted to like this, but it just left me feeling like something was missing. Don’t think I will be continuing the series.
seyfert's review against another edition
5.0
Updated Review:
After some thought, I decided to upgrade the rating to five stars. The reason is, unlike many novels now, this is not a series. While it felt long, and the middle felt like I was trudging through it, it is no different than it would be for the bridge in any series. I cannot grade that spot specifically, like I could a series, and so I would say overall, five stars for this novel.
Original Review:
I wanted so much to give this five stars. The only reason I feel I cannot is that it drags in the middle and it was a bit hard to get through, BUT that said, I stayed up late and read half the book in a single sitting. For once, there is a protagonist I can almost relate completely to, from her love and connection to nature to her independence and lacking need of the stereotypical ties of a relationship to bring her down or define her. The romance felt rushed, as with any YA, but the outcome and relationship itself was far more acceptable, realistic, and REFRESHING in comparison to the current cliches and expectations. If you can trudge through the middle when the book does feel a bit too long, it is one I would certainly recommend reading.
After some thought, I decided to upgrade the rating to five stars. The reason is, unlike many novels now, this is not a series. While it felt long, and the middle felt like I was trudging through it, it is no different than it would be for the bridge in any series. I cannot grade that spot specifically, like I could a series, and so I would say overall, five stars for this novel.
Original Review:
I wanted so much to give this five stars. The only reason I feel I cannot is that it drags in the middle and it was a bit hard to get through, BUT that said, I stayed up late and read half the book in a single sitting. For once, there is a protagonist I can almost relate completely to, from her love and connection to nature to her independence and lacking need of the stereotypical ties of a relationship to bring her down or define her. The romance felt rushed, as with any YA, but the outcome and relationship itself was far more acceptable, realistic, and REFRESHING in comparison to the current cliches and expectations. If you can trudge through the middle when the book does feel a bit too long, it is one I would certainly recommend reading.
thaydra's review against another edition
3.0
I actually liked this book. It has it's issues for sure. I felt the main character was annoying. I wish some things were explained better - but I'm aware this is the first book of a series so maybe this is addressed later on. I did really love the idea of being one with the land, and the old ways being held onto despite the witch hunters, etc.. I'm interested in the second book. Not enough to run out and get it right away, but someday I'm sure I'll pick it up.
lecrockett's review against another edition
JULY 2017, 30% finished: Not really DNF as I DO want to keep reading this at some point...I like the Scottish Jacobite Rebellion parallel it seems to have, and the magic of nature and "steward of the land." But El's Stockholm Syndrome is really getting to me, and it's hard for me to sink into a fantasy that's already politically complicated when the narrator is unreliable and also brainwashed. Setting aside for when I have more time...