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froydis's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars - I quite enjoyed this one, although I did have a bit of a hard time getting into the story at first. I liked the spunky nature of the cousins, and appreciated their dilemma. I did feel that the historical nature was a bit forced - like the author wasn't quite comfortable with the setting. There was a bit to much talk of clothes for me. However, overall the plot was engaging and the characters interesting. I like that it ended with the possibility of a sequel, while at the same time wrapping it up enough for it to stand on its own. I look forward to the next book!
dogearredpage's review against another edition
1.0
This story had a lot of promise but didn't deliver. As a school librarian I jump on books like this-with a setting that is unique and basically untouched in novels for kids this age. Nineteenth century Romania could lend itself to a complex historical novel laced with a bit of the fantastic but this mostly read like a clear set up for a sequel. The diary entries and letters are incongruous and give a flippant air to the seriousness of the rest of the story. Also, from an educators viewpoint the sudden use of an extremely high level vocabulary word or phrase (i.e. de rigueur) is confusing to the reader. Finally, perhaps most frustrating to me was the intriguing title being left completely unexplained, even a hint would have been appreciated!
carleneslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
4.5
jen0307's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was slow at first but once I got past 150 pages things came together. I hope there will be another book because it is left with some wondering about what happens to certain characters. I will definitely check out the author's Princess series.
kamilacajiao's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book but it's heavily flawed. Lots of things don't really make sense at times so I shamefully have to give it a 3/5.
lavendermarch's review
4.0
Found this at the bookstore on vacation. It was awesome. Loved the shape shifting elements and the romance. If Davia seems weak in the middle, read on: you won't regret it. :)
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
4.0
Dacia and Lou have been raised in New York in good families. But then, all of a sudden they are whisked away to meet their mothers' family in Romania. Things start to get ominous when warnings come from close relatives and strangers ask them questions about Wing, Claw, and Smoke. Then they meet their grandmother - and she is a terror who is threatening to overthrow a king. Just who are their relatives and are the two girls destined to become part of the family's legacy?
I love when there is a new spin on an old tale and I really enjoyed this. I loved the character development of Lou especially and how Dacia, although hesitant at first, embraced her new role. While it is too old for my students I will recommend it to older students that I know.
I love when there is a new spin on an old tale and I really enjoyed this. I loved the character development of Lou especially and how Dacia, although hesitant at first, embraced her new role. While it is too old for my students I will recommend it to older students that I know.
joie881's review against another edition
DNF at 69%. Couldn't bring myself to care enough to pick it back up again.