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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
This book was very well written, and captured my attention very quickly. While I tend to enjoy a writing style that employs a more skillful use of language and prose, the plainer language in this book wasn't something that I would complain about. Not every moment was filled with action, but was nevertheless captivating and a pleasure to read.
I was most impressed with the plot.The characters themselves were also very well developed. I was impressed with the fact that the author didn't fall into the trap of good-and-evil dichotomies, but instead always kept me guessing. Even the antagonist had his moments of sympathy.
My one complaint about this book has to do with the female characters. There exists only two named female characters, and both exist simply as love interests. They are well-developed and I don't feel that I am reading two female stereotypes, but their storylines are extremely disappointing as they seem to have no personal autonomy within the context of the story. I understand that the setting is a medieval fantasy land, but that is no excuse for the upsetting lack of representation. This is, after all, a work of fiction set in an alternate universe. If we can't have adequate female representation in our imaginations, then what hope do we have of having it in our own world in the future?
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. It was, despite it's shortcomings, a captivating read.
I was most impressed with the plot.
Spoiler
I loved that the transition in which Sage is revealed to truly be Prince Jaron was absolutely unexpected. About 200 pages into the book, when this is revealed, I was so glued to the book, and so surprised and delighted at every similarity between Sage's backstory and Jaron's, that I was practically imagining an exciting movie-reveal soundtrack playing in the background. The pages that bridge the transition between Sage and Jaron were my favourite part of the book. Every word felt like a new revelation.My one complaint about this book has to do with the female characters. There exists only two named female characters, and both exist simply as love interests. They are well-developed and I don't feel that I am reading two female stereotypes, but their storylines are extremely disappointing as they seem to have no personal autonomy within the context of the story. I understand that the setting is a medieval fantasy land, but that is no excuse for the upsetting lack of representation. This is, after all, a work of fiction set in an alternate universe. If we can't have adequate female representation in our imaginations, then what hope do we have of having it in our own world in the future?
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. It was, despite it's shortcomings, a captivating read.
I very much enjoyed reading through this one - it is a quicker read that keeps you entertained throughout. I liked how the story progressed and we learned little bits at the time of the major plot points within the story. I could picture the characters and the settings they were in easily! Highly recommend for middle-high school readers. I am looking forward to picking up the next in the series!
I'd actually rate this a little higher than a 3, but only because the second half really picked up. The first half felt like a first draft. And, as is becoming more common, the twist is pretty easy to see coming.
OH.
Reads a little like a heist book with all the scheming going on - love that aspect.
I enjoyed all the main boys. I thought they were written really well and I came to enjoy each one of them and the additions they brought to the book.
The biggest
Reads a little like a heist book with all the scheming going on - love that aspect.
I enjoyed all the main boys. I thought they were written really well and I came to enjoy each one of them and the additions they brought to the book.
The biggest
Somewhat predictable (side-effect of aiming for middle grade?), but considering the fact that Nielsen has pretty much left herself wide open to obvious comparisons with Megan Whalen Turner's Queen's Thief, she still acquits herself very well.
4.5 stars. I'm not the target audience, so a lot of my (tiny) critiques have to do with that (predictable, etc). Despite that, I read it in less than 2 hours, so clearly it is an enjoyable book. The last book I remember reading like that was The Hunger Games, and like THG, this would make a fantastic movie (or miniseries). Worth the read.
What a fantastic book. I wouldn't be surprised if the Newbery committee would bring this one up. Great characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. There is a plot twist that one can probably guess, but the way she does it is just brilliant. I absolutely cannot wait until the next book is out!
Menyenangkan. Mengingatkan akan kisah kerajaan zaman dahulu ketika sang pangeran berpura-pura.
Penasaran dengan kisah lanjutannya.
Btw, typo buku ini lumayan banyak. Beberapa kalimat malah menjadi tidak pas karena penggunaan kata yang tidak pas dan juga typo yang merubah arti kata.
Penasaran dengan kisah lanjutannya.
Btw, typo buku ini lumayan banyak. Beberapa kalimat malah menjadi tidak pas karena penggunaan kata yang tidak pas dan juga typo yang merubah arti kata.
4.5 stars. Bruh. This was so good. Wow. Best beginning to a fantasy series I've read in a LONG time.
This book is decent but just WAY TOO PREDICTABLE. Good premise overall but I can't feel much chemistry between characters. Everything is just all too coincidental.