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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Really great start to a series excited to start the next book. listening to the audio version was pretty good as well. There were lots of strange names so I'm glad I could hear how they actually are pronounced.
I think I should mention right away that I am generally not a reader of high fantasy. Not because I don't like it or anything. I just...don't read a lot of it. So when I read the summary of this book I was very skeptical. It sounded interesting, but I had no idea if I would actually like it. I mean, princesses and kingdoms and dark magic aren't really my thing, you know?
All of that changed after reading this book.
I'll admit, the beginning was a bit rough. For someone who reads a lot of contemporaries and paranormal and supernatural books, the world was kind of weird to adjust to. Like, the main character is a sixteen year old girl and she doesn't even have a CELL PHONE. Because cell phones don't exist! WHAT IS HAPPENING? I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
*clears throat* So naturally, being a teenager in today's world, it's definitely strange to read about a world that is Just. So. Different. So, yes. The first few chapters were a bit bumpy.
But soon enough, I found myself getting lost in this world. There's something so unique and beautiful about the setting of this book. Everything about my real life fell away when I was reading this, and it was hard to imagine a life that didn't include arranged marriages and journeys through the desert and bright blue stones with powers you can hardly imagine. Whenever I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about it, wondering what would happen next. This book kind of took over my brain for awhile, and it was hard to focus on mundane things like school and homework while I was reading it.
The main character, Elisa, is definitely one of my favorite protagonists I've read recently. In the beginning of the novel, Elisa feels useless, a feeling a lot of readers can relate to. Throughout the course of the book, Elisa undergoes a huge transformation. She turns into this tough, badass girl who is brave and smart and useful. She becomes a hero.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a combination of fantasy and adventure and romance and heartbreak. And I loved every minute of it.
Even if you've never read a word of high fantasy, I think you should definitely check this book out. It's unique and fascinating, and I am very glad I gave it a chance.
All of that changed after reading this book.
I'll admit, the beginning was a bit rough. For someone who reads a lot of contemporaries and paranormal and supernatural books, the world was kind of weird to adjust to. Like, the main character is a sixteen year old girl and she doesn't even have a CELL PHONE. Because cell phones don't exist! WHAT IS HAPPENING? I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
*clears throat* So naturally, being a teenager in today's world, it's definitely strange to read about a world that is Just. So. Different. So, yes. The first few chapters were a bit bumpy.
But soon enough, I found myself getting lost in this world. There's something so unique and beautiful about the setting of this book. Everything about my real life fell away when I was reading this, and it was hard to imagine a life that didn't include arranged marriages and journeys through the desert and bright blue stones with powers you can hardly imagine. Whenever I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about it, wondering what would happen next. This book kind of took over my brain for awhile, and it was hard to focus on mundane things like school and homework while I was reading it.
The main character, Elisa, is definitely one of my favorite protagonists I've read recently. In the beginning of the novel, Elisa feels useless, a feeling a lot of readers can relate to. Throughout the course of the book, Elisa undergoes a huge transformation. She turns into this tough, badass girl who is brave and smart and useful. She becomes a hero.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a combination of fantasy and adventure and romance and heartbreak. And I loved every minute of it.
Even if you've never read a word of high fantasy, I think you should definitely check this book out. It's unique and fascinating, and I am very glad I gave it a chance.
This book was very unique. I was prepared for this book to be mediocre. Thankfully, this book was far from mediocre! I loved Elisa. I found her to be such an amazing character. I wish that less emphasis was placed on Elisa’s weight. Especially when her weight loss comes through harrowing circumstances, I can see how it might come across as harrowing circumstances = the perfect diet. I absolutely don’t think that is what Carson intended, but I can see how it might come across that way to some readers.
Elisa was really strong, which I loved. She was faced with really difficult situations and a heritage that was a heavy burden to bare. Elisa could have easily buckled under the pressure of her legacy, but she handled all of the wonderful and torturous situations that come her way.
The secondary characters were just an awesome as Elisa. I enjoyed the young rebels, Elisa’s husband, and particularly Elisa’s step-son. Carson definitely knows how to craft a character.
The plot was spectacular. I was completely engrossed by the story and plot. The idea of the Godstone was fabulous. I was so intrigued by what it was and how it played a major role in the plot of the novel. This novel and the historic feel of the plot reminded me of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart, but appropriate for a YA audience.
I definitely recommend this novel. I am anxiously awaiting its sequel!
Elisa was really strong, which I loved. She was faced with really difficult situations and a heritage that was a heavy burden to bare. Elisa could have easily buckled under the pressure of her legacy, but she handled all of the wonderful and torturous situations that come her way.
The secondary characters were just an awesome as Elisa. I enjoyed the young rebels, Elisa’s husband, and particularly Elisa’s step-son. Carson definitely knows how to craft a character.
The plot was spectacular. I was completely engrossed by the story and plot. The idea of the Godstone was fabulous. I was so intrigued by what it was and how it played a major role in the plot of the novel. This novel and the historic feel of the plot reminded me of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart, but appropriate for a YA audience.
I definitely recommend this novel. I am anxiously awaiting its sequel!
DNF. I was okay with the book until halfway through. Being fat isn’t a personality. That shouldn’t make up everything about who she was but the author made it seem like that’s it. Sure they showed us how she is pretty courageous and smart but she is also very naive. And therefore has to change literally everything about herself to become a heroine including losing a lot of weight. The book drags on with very little plot in sight and I just give up. Very disappointing because the book had a lot of promise in the beginning.
[3 Stars]
Honestly an average YA fantasy read. The main character, Elisa, bears the Godstone; she's God's chosen one. Elisa must complete an act of service to the world, but she can't see how she'll ever do it. When she becomes the king's wife, she realizes just how many people are seeking her, from the king, to the revolutionaries, and to her enemies that are determined to hunt her down.
The first half of the book was so boring, I really thought about dnf'ing it. I'm glad I didn't because I ended up liking the rest of the book a lot more. I wasn't a huge fan of the plot, (I thought I liked the "chosen one" trope but now I'm not so sure...) but the characters made up for it. I loved Elisa's character development as she became more confident and sure of herself. I also loved Cosme, Humberto, and Rosario.
While this book was very enjoyable, the writing did not strike me as anything new or interesting. Instead, it was the characters I enjoyed. The main character, Elisa, grew so much throughout this book, and it was amazing to see her transformation. Her point of view was also very interesting to read from, as she is very thoughtful and precise in her strategies.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I hope I'll enjoy the books that follow as much.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I hope I'll enjoy the books that follow as much.
I think maybe 3.5 stars rounding to 4 - Review to come
I finished this one earlier in the week and I’ve already started the second book in the series. A good friend of mine recommended this series to me awhile ago and I finally started it. Rae Carson sets up a beautiful series.
Elisa is the Chosen One — chosen by God with the godstone. But what is her purpose? She does not feel remarkable. As the second child, overshadowed by her sister, the heir to the throne, she tends to hang out in the kitchen munching on treats or studying ancient texts in the library. When she is married to the King of a neighboring country, she assumes it is to benefit her sister’s reign. But Elisa is much more formidable than she knows.
I really liked how the author focused on Elisa believing in herself, overcoming her doubts and working through her obstacles. And read the author’s note at the end. Seriously, this was probably my favorite part of the book — Her why. And it made me appreciate the story so much more.
Elisa is the Chosen One — chosen by God with the godstone. But what is her purpose? She does not feel remarkable. As the second child, overshadowed by her sister, the heir to the throne, she tends to hang out in the kitchen munching on treats or studying ancient texts in the library. When she is married to the King of a neighboring country, she assumes it is to benefit her sister’s reign. But Elisa is much more formidable than she knows.
I really liked how the author focused on Elisa believing in herself, overcoming her doubts and working through her obstacles. And read the author’s note at the end. Seriously, this was probably my favorite part of the book — Her why. And it made me appreciate the story so much more.
