Reviews

Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner

rosh's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

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

3.75

lokidelta's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

esageser19's review

I just couldn't get into it.

cabled's review

adventurous reflective medium-paced

3.75

witzelsucht's review

emotional mysterious 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

5.0

A beautiful and wonderfully written book - my first by this author, and a complete delight. I loved the romance, melancholy, and subtlety of it. I was at first unsure of the multiple viewpoints, but quickly felt at home in each one, drawn in by the characters' warmth and flaws and Kushner's eloquent prose. It's a "small" story but I would gladly have spent much longer with it.

pizzamyheart's review

4.0

Beautifully written. I'm glad I found this and had a chance to read it. I didn't know the original tale, but this book was a gem.

I was not very interested in the POV from Gavin, but I'm glad I stuck it out to read the rest. Even though at times I hated Thomas, he and the other characters are human. I think that's what I enjoyed most along with her beautiful writing.

jmoses's review

3.0

This was interesting. I didn't love it, and I'm not *sure* I liked it, but it was well written and executed.

nmorin's review

4.0

loved this! beautiful and ending made me cry :`)

cynickat's review

emotional 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

4.0

I'm not a fan of the 1st person narrative and it reads more like a romance than fantasy. I cried my eyes out at the end. 

pattydsf's review

3.0

I read Kushner's book Swordpoint long ago, but I remember it as a wonderful book. This one was also a good read.

Thomas the Rhymer is an excellent musician. He charms many people in the courts of this world and then finds that he charms the Queen of Elfland. Pleasing her is the only way Thomas will be able to survive. But what will happen in our world while he is in Elfland.

I found this story, based on a ballad, easy to believe. Although this tale requires suspension of disbelief, it isn't hard to do. Kushner sets a wonderful stage and then follows through with an interesting love story.