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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Took me so long to finish this one because it's the last in the series (thus far) and wanted to savor it. I really love this series and hope there will be more books in the future.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was different to the rest of the books in the series, in that 2/3 of this book reads more like a very stressful nautical adventure, than an exploration of an alternative kingdom. It wasn't a bad book, the fact that I still finished it within a week is a testament to Cashors excellent writing, I just didn't feel that this book had as much of the beautiful world building or political manouvering that I had come to expect out of this series. I really enjoyed the last 3rd of the book, and would recommend lovers of the Graceling Realm series to continue.
That said, I was very excited to have a book from the POV of Hava, and in the end I found her to be quite a boring character, an very angsty. I appreciate that Cashore used Havas experience to tackle some heavy themes (which is one of the reasons I love her books), but Hava definitely gives me Harry Potter in book 5 vibes. I found the love story in this book to be the least compelling of all the series, as the love interest wasn't given much of a personality or story, despite there being plenty of pages to develop something.
Moth was the MVP of this story. So funny.
That said, I was very excited to have a book from the POV of Hava, and in the end I found her to be quite a boring character, an very angsty. I appreciate that Cashore used Havas experience to tackle some heavy themes (which is one of the reasons I love her books), but Hava definitely gives me Harry Potter in book 5 vibes. I found the love story in this book to be the least compelling of all the series, as the love interest wasn't given much of a personality or story, despite there being plenty of pages to develop something.
Moth was the MVP of this story. So funny.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
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
I usually don’t like books written in first person, especially when the rest of the series isn’t in first person. However, it really worked for this book. I highly recommend this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
read on my blog
rep: demisexual (?) protagonist, sapphic side characters, gay side characters
cw: PTSD, implied past child abuse, mentions of rape, vomiting
**I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley (thank you, Penguin Teen!). These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**
I’ve been a fan of the Graceling Realm series for years, and I was so excited to hear about another book! I read someone else’s review of it a few months ago and was even more intrigued by Hava’s point-of-view. Seasparrow follows a treacherous survival journey as Hava also grapples with the changes in her life.
This review contains spoilers for book four, Winterkeep.
After the events of Winterkeep, Bitterblue, Giddon, and Hava are sailing home to Monsea with their crew, including Annet and Linny. When storms throw them farther north than anticipated, their ship wrecks on a glacier and everyone has to evacuate. From there, they have to trek through uninhabited territory to get home.
I suppose I should start by saying that I was dragging my feet a bit starting this book. I’m just not one for long books, especially fantasies, right now, and I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant about Hava’s point-of-view. However, this was quickly resolved. I flew through this book in two sittings; Hava’s voice is so compelling that I couldn’t put the book down.
The book goes into detail about both living on the ship and later the survivors’ journey across the north when their ship wrecks. I thought I’d find a lull at any of these points (and admittedly, I do think a little bit of it could have been cut), but I was so invested in Hava and the other characters. I actually think the pacing was great until they reach Monsea again, which I thought wasn’t as fleshed out at some points.
The detail of this book also points to Hava’s characterization. By nature of her childhood and her present role as Bitterblue’s spy, she’s extremely perceptive and distrustful of everyone. The narrative really feels like you’re in her head, experiencing her anger and grief as she struggles with herself and her new circumstances. Cashore has always been a strong character writer, but I feel like this is particularly evident with Hava’s first-person point-of-view.
I find it a little difficult to go into other aspects of the book because I feel like it’d have to delve into spoilers. I will say that I enjoyed the new characters, mainly the crew of the ship, and revisiting some of the old cast. Linny, one of the sailors, gradually grows close with Hava throughout the book; it’s clear that they understand each other on some level. He also does not expect anything of Hava and lets her be herself with him, prickly and all. Words don’t even describe how intricate their relationship felt. I just really liked seeing Hava gradually open up to someone after years of keeping all of her emotions bottled up.
Seasparrow was a gorgeous tale of survival in a world where you’ve always felt alone. I loved Hava’s point-of-view and the characters, as well as the writing. If you’re a fan of the Graceling Realm series, I think you’ll enjoy Seasparrow as well.
original review:
oh I did not expect to fly through this so fast (and to like it so much)?? the first 2/3 was v good but I think the last third dragged a bit
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape
Very good book! I was intrigued from the first couple of pages. What I love about this series and book in general is there is always a hint of romance