Reviews

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card

garnetofeden's review against another edition

3.0

Due to heinous actions on the part of the author, I am unable to recommend their work. Original review below.

I first read this book several years ago and liked it, but when I reread it recently I discovered it had more layers and depth to it than I ever got the first time. What initially attracted me was that it involves a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. However, Orson Scott Card goes far beyond a simple retelling by throwing in elements of fantasy (magic) and science fiction (time travel). It is an anthropological and religious commentary on ethnocentrism and culture shock.

Last finished 1/15/2011. Rating reviewed 7/6/2023.

mjwerts's review against another edition

4.0

For a majority of this book, I alternated between giggles — the characters' sarcasm and wit is quite well portrayed — and thoughts of "oh no, you didn't!" It was like reading a well-written, fantasy-based soap opera, a quite enjoyable one at that. The novel's slight downfalls are that the plot gets a little tedious at times — it's quite shocking that the amount of plot in the book could be spread to 400 pages — and the characters could be quite frustrating at times. I've seen other reviewers refer to them as unlikable, which might be a bit true, as often their pride got in the way of their sense. Having never read an Orson Scott Card novel before, I had no expectations going into this book, and it quite delighted me for two weeks on my commute to work.

xanthippesnow's review against another edition

5.0

AMAZING! Must read!

Magic. Folklore & gods. Time travel. Unexpected love. GREAT CHARACTERS!

Writing was exciting, witty, & gripping. I couldn't put the book down! My family will be happy to have me back! Lol. Sad this wasn't a series. Wrapped up nicely, but with the feel the story could go on...

bliss_books's review against another edition

3.0

Enchantment was very meh for me. It took a long time to get into and then every time I started to get excited about the story it would change dramatically. All in all not bad, but there were enough little things along the way (side notes about religion, annoyance with the main characters, etc.) to keep me from being fully immersed.

rachelleee's review against another edition

5.0

Love this beautifully textured dip into fairy tales by Orson Scott Card. This story takes you into a world within a world and adds a dollop of magic. The beautiful season and setting only adds to its allure.

kylie_how's review against another edition

4.0

So far, really good!! It's the commonly known sleeping beauty with a twist.


I liked the over all story, but it had some sugestive parts, that i did not like.....

sarahspencerknits's review

adventurous reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

jennchandler's review against another edition

4.0

Really slow start, but worth it in the end.

bekmorr's review against another edition

4.0

Really liked it, though I did feel like it was somewhat long-winded with a bit of an over-complicated plot. It was very interesting to learn about medieval Ukraine and to think about how certain fairy tales and folk tales may have begun. I enjoyed the perspective of a character in our time going back to 890 and vice-versa. I'd recommend this if you're a historical fiction AND sci-fi/fantasy fan.

destinyrayburn's review against another edition

4.0

I liked the witchcraft, history, romance, and the characters. I got a little bored at parts but only because i was anxious for the story to progress.