Reviews

Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

spootilious's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.0

 

 

Read: March 22,2024
 Title: Talking to Dragons
 Author: Patricia C. Wrede 

Series : The Enchanted Forest Chronicles #4 

Genre:  Middle Grade Fantasy 

Rating: 2/5
 Review: 

As a child I loved the entirety of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. As an adult, I feel as if more than anything I enjoy these books for nostalgia’s sake. 
 
 Recap of thoughts on each book: 

I will say Wrede has a unique world and fun characters, and she can definitely put together a one of a kind plot. However, there were a lot of downfalls to this book. Wrede doesn’t seem to have any rhythm, making the writing monotonous and telling, rather than showing experience which I have mention in each of these reviews. It is good for children learning to read but not for those who already enjoy it. 
 
 Thoughts on This book: 

There is very little detail in the book. It reads more like a list of what happens to the main character more than anything. I also don’t care for first person unless its done really well or adds something to the story. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here. The story being told in first person adds nothing especially considering there is no emotion or reaction from him. It makes the entirety of the story a bit cold and impersonal. 

The novel is also a product of its time and could be taken offense to by individuals that have non-traditional pronouns; considering that the young dragon who has not chosen a sex or gender in the novel is referred to as an ‘it’ repeatedly. 

Other than that this has the same things I do like about the other books: Fun themes, fun characters and a unique plot and setting. 

Overall, I loved this book as a child and still recommend it to early readers but for learning purposes not entertainment. 

 

QUOTES: N/A 

 

 

inkfire's review against another edition

4.0

This is the only book out of the series narrated entirely in first-person. It's also probably my favorite, next to the first book, because Shiara doesn't just decide to be polite and like it, but rather she struggles with not wanting to be polite, but doing it anyway - and meaning it! :)
I like to imagine that, given enough time, the development would become permanent. With some people, at least.

innocuus's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted slow-paced

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

2.0

Definitely the weakest of the series, but after finding out this one was actually written first and the others are technically prequels that makes sense. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: War and Death

callmecat's review against another edition

4.0

I just have to say how refreshing it was to read a story about a teenage boy that is NOT an idiot. I frankly cannot remember the last time I did. He has no idea what's going on but he obeys his mother and he reasons in ways that had me nodding my head in agreement.

This ended up being a very fun book and I liked it a lot.

emmeme's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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

kivt's review against another edition

5.0

I only become more impressed with this book as I reread it. Phenomenal craft.

bookkhub's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

The perfect read with the perfect ending ✨️

A perfect light read after a series of Dostoevsky's books. iykyk

adaline_lions's review against another edition

2.0

Not as good as the others. I found Daystar to be completely uninteresting. The first book in the series is the best.

tinynavajo's review against another edition

4.0

While first person is not my favourite view for reading, I do like the ending for this series. I do miss Cimerone, Mendabar, and Kazul but I like that we went to the next generation as well. Just as good as I remember at least and it was good to visit an old book series after a long time of not reading them.

mistressviolet's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

 

Another fun, lighthearted book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series. Filled with adventure, magic, dragons, and self-discovery. There is also Wrede's trademark moments of female empowerment. And this book even has a nod towards the power of good manners. 

Fast-paced and entertaining.