Reviews

L'Échappée belle by Faith Erin Hicks

sam_writes_stuff's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

While I myself was never a Horse Girl, I can certainly relate to Victoria's story. Part of growing up (yes, even as an adult: the wisdom never stops flowing) is embracing who you are and pursuing the things that fill your cup with joy. Sometimes, our friends' journeys align with our own and we stay friends. But other times, our paths branch apart and we realize that some friends are only in our lives for certain times. And that's more than okay: it's how we grow and appreciate the friends we meet later who love us for all we are. 

These are important lessons for someone to learn at any age and I'm so happy Vic had the self awareness to know what she wanted out of riding so that she could open her heart to others who loved the same nerdy things as her. And in an era where social media fosters such a competitive comparison landscape, I was so happy to see a healthy mindset that hobbies can be just that: hobbies. You can still enjoy something without it being your only thing and done at the highest level. 

All in all, this is my favorite FEH book since the Nameless City series and I'm so glad picked this one up for my collection. :)

sashathewild's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

justgraceanne's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

hrmason's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

nisanre's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

This is a book for horse girls who have grown up, or who are still horse girls, or wished they could be here girls. And it was a cute look at friendship if you are bigger of those things.

hobbitfreddie's review against another edition

3.0

I’ve read a few of the authors other comics and usually I find a lot of flaws with the stories but usually still enjoy them depsite it. Here is the same. For the first half I was considering dropping it. Norrie was super annoying, and the focus on drama rather than horse content was bothering me. From the first few pages I was like ugh not this. However once the drama was resolved immeaditly my enjoyment came back. Norrie actually became likable thank goodness. I guess I like that the characters are dynamic and you know they’re kids and kids can be pretty cruddy Soemtimes. I know I was at that age. After finishing the book I realized yeah I’d probably get pissy over then kinda stuff as a kid too. Hah.
I also think the story needed to be more developed. Problems are brought up dragged out and then solved too quickly.
I still enjoyed it but I think Victoria the main character’s story was lacking. She seemed to not feel like the MC at times and fade into the background. And her final confrontation with her ex friend is very like oh okay that’s it.
Also NOT ENOUGH HORSEGIRL CONTENT. And all the horses look kinda samey smh. Okay anwyays they are with horses alor but it seems more like a background! Disappointed. I used to be a horseboy for a year or so so I guess I kinda wanted to live through that again.

Okay also the side plot about the sci fi show they all watch was really cute. I liked that.

All in all there seems to be too much going on and it’s not balanced well. Too much on the story plate and AGAIN NOT ENOUGH HORSES.

But still pretty good? Nothing too special but a charming little read.

appaloosa05's review against another edition

I loved this realistic portrayal of horseback riding, and all the different types of riders you can find at a barn, from those who are serious about showing, to those who just want to spend time with the horses. I tend to be fairly picky when it comes to books about horses, and can generally tell when they are not very well-researched, but I didn't notice any glaring inaccuracies here.

libraryalissa's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.0

Frankly, I don’t care about horses, so I thought I wouldn’t care about this but Faith Erin Hicks is the GOAT and she sucked me in. Brava. 

mehsi's review against another edition

5.0

Horses, friendship, fandoms, and more! A really fun graphic novel~


First up, a big big thank you to my hubby for buying this one for my birthday (Feb 5th). I have been eyeing this graphic novel for ages, I just love books about horses and so this one was HIGH on the list.

Before I start with all the good, and yes, normally I start with the good, I want to get my frustrations out of the way for one thing that almost had me stop reading the book and that annoyed me for most of the book.

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

4.0

Great graphic novel about friendship and horses from much loved author, Hicks!