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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Fairly standard medieval fantasy affair with a power fantasy protagonist, who shrugs off childhood trauma, where, from childhood, she executed prisoners, in the same manner cellophane would shrug off that shed blood. There are some nice themes of control and self-determination, which are more lightly touched on than properly explored. This is a pity, because I think there is great potential for some thematic exploration. The patriarchy of the world could have been a nice backdrop for the exploration of control of women, and how, regardless of how powerful you are, there are great systems in place which still stifle you. Unfortunately, it is not so, and the patriarchy serves mostly as further reinforcement of how absolutely special and competent the protagonist is. Same for the monarchy, which the book is compassionate toward and argues for the grace of benevolent rulers and no deeper systemic flaws in need of overthrow or how it could reinforce deeper themes. The book does shoehorn a semi-democratic council, which could have been easily removed from the book with word erasure and no further editing, and feels to serve as a signal for the protagonist's competence, which feels like a plot hole, as she never demonstrates that sort of cleverness in any of her actions
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars. I'm mad at myself for not reading this sooner. This is soo good
I was hoping for more action and less camping but even still I thought the story was unique and the relationship between Katsa and Po much more real then in other YA's I have read.
I liked the tone and clarity of writing in this story. The names and places felt made up but fun to explore, the plot was a classic fantasy adventure set in warring kingdoms, etc. The main character was very strong but also had enough vulnerabilities and room for growth to keep her interesting.
The writing style, as well as the characters, and the plot were all very matter-of-fact. There were small spikes in tension but they were generally quickly resolved, and characters more or less always said what they meant to each other very clearly. This is marked as YA but felt a little bit closer to middle grade, so maybe it just better for a younger audience.
The writing style, as well as the characters, and the plot were all very matter-of-fact. There were small spikes in tension but they were generally quickly resolved, and characters more or less always said what they meant to each other very clearly. This is marked as YA but felt a little bit closer to middle grade, so maybe it just better for a younger audience.
Great book. Thought ending sucked when he ended up blind and then she ended up leaving. However action wise amazing.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Library was doing a blind date with a book thing and I ended up getting this one! There weren't a lot of chances to connect with the side characters, either, so there wasn't really anything to care about in the first ~100 pages. Things picked up around the middle of the book, but it still was a little more dull than some of the other stories I've read.
Katsa herself was a super typical fantasy heroine. I didn't mind this because I like that type of personality in a FMC but it does make for a predictable story and romance. I thought Po was sweet but unfortunately named. There were a few great moments but all in all nothing special, don't think I'll be continuing the series
Katsa herself was a super typical fantasy heroine. I didn't mind this because I like that type of personality in a FMC but it does make for a predictable story and romance. I thought Po was sweet but unfortunately named. There were a few great moments but all in all nothing special, don't think I'll be continuing the series
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A childhood favorite and damn it holds up perfectly. I adore this series and this book as well. I'm so glad I went back and reread them in their original language.
Katsa, Po and everyone else in this book were my closest friends growing up the amount of times I reread this book. I'll never forget this story it's engraved into my soul.
Katsa, Po and everyone else in this book were my closest friends growing up the amount of times I reread this book. I'll never forget this story it's engraved into my soul.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes