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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I had sky high hopes for this. I hadn't heard a single thing about this book that wasn't absolutely glowing. All the reviews I'd read had made it seem like it was going to be THE book of the year. Unfortunately, for me, it just didn't live up to that.
That's not to say I didn't like it. I just didn't love it. There were good things and bad things, so I have a very mixed opinion about The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
I'll start at the beginning. It was really slow for me, and more than once I considered putting it down because I was getting bored. I try very hard not to put things down, but there were times when I was SO close. There was so much world-building and times when not much really happened - for example when the whole Godstone thing was explained - I just got bored. I had no interest. Then, luckily, about a third of the way through, the plot began to pick up and I finally became interested in the story.
I quite liked Elisa, though at times I just wanted to give her a slap and tell her to stop being so pathetic. She was annoying and whiny - always going on about how fat she was, but in ways I liked her a little bit. She seemed to care about the people around her even if they were spying or kidnapping her, and for that I admire her...
I liked the elements of romance in this book - they weren't overpowering but in a way they were essential to the plot. I liked how when Elisa was married off to the extremely handsome king, she didn't just fall head over heels in love with him because of how he looked, but she decided to wait and get to know him before making any decisions about how she would feel about him. It was nice then that the actual romance between Elisa and a different character was built up slowly and even though she was already married, there was no feeling of cheating or betrayal between the characters.
Overall though, The Girl of Fire and Thorns fell a little flat for me. While it did pick up towards the end, and I enjoyed the end rather a lot, I'm not sure how I got through the first half. However, don't let that put you off because almost everyone else I've spoken to who's read this absolutely ADORED it, so if it sounds like your kind of thing, go for it! You'll probably enjoy it :)
*Thanks to netGalley and HarperTeen for giving me access to this galley in exchange for an honest review! In no way has this affected my opinion of the book :)
Originally posted at www.cheezyfeetbooks.blogspot.com
That's not to say I didn't like it. I just didn't love it. There were good things and bad things, so I have a very mixed opinion about The Girl of Fire and Thorns.
I'll start at the beginning. It was really slow for me, and more than once I considered putting it down because I was getting bored. I try very hard not to put things down, but there were times when I was SO close. There was so much world-building and times when not much really happened - for example when the whole Godstone thing was explained - I just got bored. I had no interest. Then, luckily, about a third of the way through, the plot began to pick up and I finally became interested in the story.
I quite liked Elisa, though at times I just wanted to give her a slap and tell her to stop being so pathetic. She was annoying and whiny - always going on about how fat she was, but in ways I liked her a little bit. She seemed to care about the people around her even if they were spying or kidnapping her, and for that I admire her...
I liked the elements of romance in this book - they weren't overpowering but in a way they were essential to the plot. I liked how when Elisa was married off to the extremely handsome king, she didn't just fall head over heels in love with him because of how he looked, but she decided to wait and get to know him before making any decisions about how she would feel about him. It was nice then that the actual romance between Elisa and a different character was built up slowly and even though she was already married, there was no feeling of cheating or betrayal between the characters.
Overall though, The Girl of Fire and Thorns fell a little flat for me. While it did pick up towards the end, and I enjoyed the end rather a lot, I'm not sure how I got through the first half. However, don't let that put you off because almost everyone else I've spoken to who's read this absolutely ADORED it, so if it sounds like your kind of thing, go for it! You'll probably enjoy it :)
*Thanks to netGalley and HarperTeen for giving me access to this galley in exchange for an honest review! In no way has this affected my opinion of the book :)
Originally posted at www.cheezyfeetbooks.blogspot.com
I've been PINING for this book for a year before reading this. And guess what: TOTALLY AMAZING! Seriously, I LOVED this book. I would have read it in one sitting if something trivial like sleep and my internship hadn't gotten in the way.
So now that I've gotten my gushing out the way, let me tell you all the ways this book blew my mind.
First, OMG the whole godstone lore! It was so amazing! I'm not a religious person, but I was intrigued by this whole thing. Especially when this system of a chosen one getting a godstone is being turned on its head! I'm so excited to see where the author will take this in the next book!
And Elisa, seriously, if you like strong female characters in your fantasy, this is the girl for you! She has a real backbone, isn't afraid to laugh at herself and is just a NICE person. It was refreshing that she starts out being very much overweight and actually has a personality instead of just being pretty. She shows such character growth throughout the book, it was wonderful.
And then there was THE BOY. Oh Humberto, how you made my romantic little heart flutter with your amazing boyness you!
**MAJOR SPOILER**
So, seriously, who else was gaping openmouthed when he died??? OMG! I cannot believe that happened! I wanted to go back and unread that so Humberto would still be alive! I am so incredibly sad it happened and I'm not sure it was necessary. Humberto...
And the storyline, it was amazing. And I had kind of guessed something that would be important at the end of the book, but I had NO IDEA it would turn out like this. This whole world blew my mind and I'm dying to find out what will happen to Elisa in the next book. Which needs to be here now instead of October 2012! How will I survive in the meantime?? Seriously?
Oh, and can I just say that while I'm not loving this cover so much, after reading the book it makes perfect sense. I'll give you a hint: that blue thing is the godstone. I realised this about halfway through. Yes, I am a genius...
If you couldn't tell already, I loved this book so much I'm not really coherent about it. Which means you should all go read it. If you like fantasy and good books in general, you will enjoy this.
My rating: 5+ stars
So now that I've gotten my gushing out the way, let me tell you all the ways this book blew my mind.
First, OMG the whole godstone lore! It was so amazing! I'm not a religious person, but I was intrigued by this whole thing. Especially when this system of a chosen one getting a godstone is being turned on its head! I'm so excited to see where the author will take this in the next book!
And Elisa, seriously, if you like strong female characters in your fantasy, this is the girl for you! She has a real backbone, isn't afraid to laugh at herself and is just a NICE person. It was refreshing that she starts out being very much overweight and actually has a personality instead of just being pretty. She shows such character growth throughout the book, it was wonderful.
And then there was THE BOY. Oh Humberto, how you made my romantic little heart flutter with your amazing boyness you!
**MAJOR SPOILER**
And the storyline, it was amazing. And I had kind of guessed something that would be important at the end of the book, but I had NO IDEA it would turn out like this. This whole world blew my mind and I'm dying to find out what will happen to Elisa in the next book. Which needs to be here now instead of October 2012! How will I survive in the meantime?? Seriously?
Oh, and can I just say that while I'm not loving this cover so much, after reading the book it makes perfect sense. I'll give you a hint: that blue thing is the godstone. I realised this about halfway through. Yes, I am a genius...
If you couldn't tell already, I loved this book so much I'm not really coherent about it. Which means you should all go read it. If you like fantasy and good books in general, you will enjoy this.
My rating: 5+ stars
I did not feel much about the characters in this story. They felt bland and not really developed. The main character starts the series as an overweight princess and as the book goes on she loses the weight. Her personality development was amazing and I liked it but it was directly related to her wight loss which I did not see as necessary. Also whenever there was a pause in action the main character would just like about food and when she last ate and how much she wants to eat. I did not need a play by play of her eating habits. I did like how there was a main character that was not a perfect skinny princess who is willingly sacrifice herself for the greater good but as she lost the weight the character become more and more like every other YA main character written at this time period.
I did enjoy this, much more than I did Grave Mercy. One thing throughout the middle of the book kept throwing me- the main character gets kidnapped, and within a couple chapters has sided with her kidnappers? Now, granted, that was pretty essential to the story, but really, shouldn't she have resisted at least a little bit? Yes, she was unconscious for two days, and travelling through a desert, but it seemed she acquiesced way too fast...
Wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book. But I was very pleasantly surprised. Loved it. Heartbreaking in parts but still worth it. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
For the number of books I've had to put down lately, I'm starting to think I need a could-not-finish shelf, which is something that upsets me to no end. I absolutely hate not finishing books.
I got farther with this one than most of the others (which is the only reason I feel somewhat qualified to review it), just because there have been SO many others. I told myself, "I will not give up on this book." It became a mantra. Unfortunately, after about 250 pages of walking and eating and talking about food and running from people for no definitive reason (really, the book NEVER SAYS why the enemy is the enemy-- at least not in the first 250 pages-- and this is crucial information if you want me to be interested at all), I started reading ahead. This is an awful way to decide if you want to finish a book, but it really did the trick for me. I learned that the only character with a sense of humor dies, and Elisa still fawns over her arranged-marriage husband who hardly even looks at her UNTIL SHE LOSES WEIGHT (are you kidding me?!).
Elisa could have been an inspiring heroine for girls who can't always identify with the usual skinny, beautiful (or at least average) heroines of YA today. She's slightly below average in the looks department, from what I gather, and completely aware that she is fat. The thing is, her weight is such a defining factor of who she is that I felt like she got lost in herself. Her behavior sometimes struck me as that of a person with an eating disorder. You almost feel like a heroine can't be fat unless her fatness is her defining characteristic, which irks me so badly I wanted to yell at her YOU ARE NOT YOUR WEIGHT, ELISA.
Plot-wise, there's not much. Like I said, lots of walking. Occasional fighting. And the parts that are plot-juicy are also slightly confusing (who are these people? Are they attacking because they're the king's enemies or because they want the Godstone? Am I supposed to know the answers to these questions?) Mostly if you're looking for plot, I'd recommend just about anything but this.
Oh, and a personal peeve: I didn't realize this book was going to rely so heavily on religion. I'm not sure how the religious people feel about it (probably mixed feelings), but it kept me from being able to really enjoy the magical aspect.
2.5 stars because there is great writing and a valiant effort, but it just wasn't quite enough for me. Interested in reading more from this author though (after this series).
I got farther with this one than most of the others (which is the only reason I feel somewhat qualified to review it), just because there have been SO many others. I told myself, "I will not give up on this book." It became a mantra. Unfortunately, after about 250 pages of walking and eating and talking about food and running from people for no definitive reason (really, the book NEVER SAYS why the enemy is the enemy-- at least not in the first 250 pages-- and this is crucial information if you want me to be interested at all), I started reading ahead. This is an awful way to decide if you want to finish a book, but it really did the trick for me. I learned that the only character with a sense of humor dies, and Elisa still fawns over her arranged-marriage husband who hardly even looks at her UNTIL SHE LOSES WEIGHT (are you kidding me?!).
Elisa could have been an inspiring heroine for girls who can't always identify with the usual skinny, beautiful (or at least average) heroines of YA today. She's slightly below average in the looks department, from what I gather, and completely aware that she is fat. The thing is, her weight is such a defining factor of who she is that I felt like she got lost in herself. Her behavior sometimes struck me as that of a person with an eating disorder. You almost feel like a heroine can't be fat unless her fatness is her defining characteristic, which irks me so badly I wanted to yell at her YOU ARE NOT YOUR WEIGHT, ELISA.
Plot-wise, there's not much. Like I said, lots of walking. Occasional fighting. And the parts that are plot-juicy are also slightly confusing (who are these people? Are they attacking because they're the king's enemies or because they want the Godstone? Am I supposed to know the answers to these questions?) Mostly if you're looking for plot, I'd recommend just about anything but this.
Oh, and a personal peeve: I didn't realize this book was going to rely so heavily on religion. I'm not sure how the religious people feel about it (probably mixed feelings), but it kept me from being able to really enjoy the magical aspect.
2.5 stars because there is great writing and a valiant effort, but it just wasn't quite enough for me. Interested in reading more from this author though (after this series).
5/5 - While I agree with reviews that say this book is a bit slow at first and some other criticisms, I had to give this book five stars for the main character. I feel like never related to a character in a fantasy world like this before, and she grows so incredibly throughout the novel.
I absolutely adored this book and can not wait to finish this series!!!
I absolutely adored this book and can not wait to finish this series!!!
REREAD THOUGHTS: It's still as compelling and epic as the first time I read it! Even though I knew what was happening, it still felt like I was reading it for the first time.
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I’ve always loved fantasy novels, and The Girl of Fire and Thorns was certainly no exception! It’s been recommended to me repeatedly ever since it was first released; I feel like a major idiot right now for ignoring those recommendations because it blew me away. This novel is exactly how I want all my fantasy novels to be - chock full of strongly drawn characters, interesting and varied settings, and a subtle plot that surprises me with every twist and turn. It’s simply an addicting, fantastic novel, and has climbed straight into my must-read fantasy series list.
Most of the fantasy novels that make a lasting impression on me are the ones with kick-ass heroines. Elisa is certainly kick-ass, even though the way she’s described at the beginning of this novel wouldn’t actually showcase that. Underneath all that doubt, insecurity and well, her appearance, lies a steel core of strength, intelligence, courage and wisdom that I strongly admired. Elisa has to deal with more than one enemy in this novel, but she does so each time with the grace befitting her gift and rank. I was very proud of how she handled herself, and enjoyed witnessing how she ends up becoming comfortable in her own skin. This novel is truly her story above all else, and I enjoyed that.
This story has religious undertones and a unique political climate, which make the plot very interesting. I was going to share more specific thoughts in this review, but Rachel and I agree that it’s best to go into this one not knowing much more than what the summary has to say. There’s an element of surprise with every twist, and that truly enhances the reader’s experience. I do think it’s cleverly woven into the story, first of all, and not in such a way that it felt too political or too religious. I also think that it’s easy to keep track of what’s going on, even though there are quite a few plot threads that the reader must catch. These two things lent to the unique backdrop against which Elisa’s story is set, and I applaud Carson for doing so in an effective way.
Story-wise, this book is addicting and filled with equal moments of action and contemplation. Elisa’s story is rife with mysteries being solved, revelations about her Godstone and lots of thrilling action. I enjoyed the whirlwind of the story, and how it took us from one part to the next in a way that just flowed right. There’s no weird gap between events or randomly shoved in scenes; it felt like Carson had carefully contemplated where and what would happen to Elisa, which was great.
I can’t believe I waited so long to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns! It’s just as great as everyone said it would be, and I love that I have a new fantasy series to love. It was easy to adore Elisa (and a few other characters too), and also easy to really get invested in this story. The first book ends on a satisfying note, but I can sense there’s more to come for Elisa and her friends – and that’s why I can’t wait to pick up The Crown of Embers soon!
(Review is also on the blog)
-----
I’ve always loved fantasy novels, and The Girl of Fire and Thorns was certainly no exception! It’s been recommended to me repeatedly ever since it was first released; I feel like a major idiot right now for ignoring those recommendations because it blew me away. This novel is exactly how I want all my fantasy novels to be - chock full of strongly drawn characters, interesting and varied settings, and a subtle plot that surprises me with every twist and turn. It’s simply an addicting, fantastic novel, and has climbed straight into my must-read fantasy series list.
Most of the fantasy novels that make a lasting impression on me are the ones with kick-ass heroines. Elisa is certainly kick-ass, even though the way she’s described at the beginning of this novel wouldn’t actually showcase that. Underneath all that doubt, insecurity and well, her appearance, lies a steel core of strength, intelligence, courage and wisdom that I strongly admired. Elisa has to deal with more than one enemy in this novel, but she does so each time with the grace befitting her gift and rank. I was very proud of how she handled herself, and enjoyed witnessing how she ends up becoming comfortable in her own skin. This novel is truly her story above all else, and I enjoyed that.
This story has religious undertones and a unique political climate, which make the plot very interesting. I was going to share more specific thoughts in this review, but Rachel and I agree that it’s best to go into this one not knowing much more than what the summary has to say. There’s an element of surprise with every twist, and that truly enhances the reader’s experience. I do think it’s cleverly woven into the story, first of all, and not in such a way that it felt too political or too religious. I also think that it’s easy to keep track of what’s going on, even though there are quite a few plot threads that the reader must catch. These two things lent to the unique backdrop against which Elisa’s story is set, and I applaud Carson for doing so in an effective way.
Story-wise, this book is addicting and filled with equal moments of action and contemplation. Elisa’s story is rife with mysteries being solved, revelations about her Godstone and lots of thrilling action. I enjoyed the whirlwind of the story, and how it took us from one part to the next in a way that just flowed right. There’s no weird gap between events or randomly shoved in scenes; it felt like Carson had carefully contemplated where and what would happen to Elisa, which was great.
I can’t believe I waited so long to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns! It’s just as great as everyone said it would be, and I love that I have a new fantasy series to love. It was easy to adore Elisa (and a few other characters too), and also easy to really get invested in this story. The first book ends on a satisfying note, but I can sense there’s more to come for Elisa and her friends – and that’s why I can’t wait to pick up The Crown of Embers soon!
(Review is also on the blog)
The ONLY issue I had with this book is that I find military/war/strategy based stories kind of dull. (I'm not even using the right words there, but.)
EVERYTHING ELSE WAS GRAND.
Non-white protagonist! Overweight protagonist! Character evolution! The complexities of religious fanaticism! The complexities of cultural clashes! Characters with faults, who get through trials with the help of others! AND ALL THE TALK OF FOOD!
The love, it hath no end.Except for the spinning amulet that clipped onto her navel. That was just a little ridiculous.
EVERYTHING ELSE WAS GRAND.
Non-white protagonist! Overweight protagonist! Character evolution! The complexities of religious fanaticism! The complexities of cultural clashes! Characters with faults, who get through trials with the help of others! AND ALL THE TALK OF FOOD!
The love, it hath no end.
