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sauvegypsy's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
piripiri232's review
adventurous
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
4.25
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I can't remember if I realized this was a Fairytale retelling when I added it to the wishlist. I at least looked forward to the book. So when it was in the Book Box Club I was even more happy. And even though I didn't remember that it was a retelling, I noticed it quite soon, especially since the Goose Girl is one of my favorite fairytales.
And from the very first page this story really sucked me in. That's firstly because of the writing style. The writing style really fits this world, these characters and the fairytale retelling genre in general. It set the atmosphere and it was really part of the world building. I even noticed that I was reading a little slower than usually because I wanted to drink in all the sentences and all the words. I wanted to make sure I really enjoyed it.
I also really enjoyed the world building. I'm pretty sure that this world is much larger than what we've seen of it now, but the taste we've gotten was really well done. I really felt the difference between the two courts and the two kingdoms. I really understood the political conflict, the difference between the commoners and the lords and ladies and also the issues and everything that needed to change to make this world a better place.
Which also played a huge role in the development and growth of our main character. Her conflict and the clashes between her own wishes and longings and what the world needs were so incredibly well done and well written. And although a lot of sad things happened, I also understand how each tragic event eventually leads to the decision the main character is putting off for such a long time. The journey is beautifully paced and beautifully written and the ending is therefore even more beautiful.
I'm very happy that the last short story revealed that the author will return to this world in her next book. I will surely pick it up!
And from the very first page this story really sucked me in. That's firstly because of the writing style. The writing style really fits this world, these characters and the fairytale retelling genre in general. It set the atmosphere and it was really part of the world building. I even noticed that I was reading a little slower than usually because I wanted to drink in all the sentences and all the words. I wanted to make sure I really enjoyed it.
I also really enjoyed the world building. I'm pretty sure that this world is much larger than what we've seen of it now, but the taste we've gotten was really well done. I really felt the difference between the two courts and the two kingdoms. I really understood the political conflict, the difference between the commoners and the lords and ladies and also the issues and everything that needed to change to make this world a better place.
Which also played a huge role in the development and growth of our main character. Her conflict and the clashes between her own wishes and longings and what the world needs were so incredibly well done and well written. And although a lot of sad things happened, I also understand how each tragic event eventually leads to the decision the main character is putting off for such a long time. The journey is beautifully paced and beautifully written and the ending is therefore even more beautiful.
I'm very happy that the last short story revealed that the author will return to this world in her next book. I will surely pick it up!
olivecatlady's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
rebeccazh's review against another edition
4.0
Mar 2021: reread in preparation of [b:The Theft of Sunlight|17317376|The Theft of Sunlight (Dauntless Path, #2)|Intisar Khanani|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1592799670l/17317376._SY75_.jpg|23985987]. i really liked this unique retelling of the goose girl fairytale and the themes of silence, strength and courage, and the dangers of being a woman in a patriarchal/misogynistic world. i'm always so sad when falada dies in these retellings
yuzujam's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Shannon Hale's retelling of the Goose Girl, but this was excellent as well. I didn't know the tale very well, so I simply thought that the two novels were too similar. Well, now that I know the details such as that the horse's head is hung and there is a "magical" wind are actually from the original tale, I understand the similarities.
It was still strange at some points.
[SPOILER]
...that because of what one person said, she decides to confess in front of the fire. I could see it happen, but it's rather strange. Also, I love the main character but I'm rather confused as to her personality. Is it realistic? (You might ask does it matter?) She started out so scared... but became brave relatively quickly. Meaning she was brave to begin with, but it was hiding?
Anyway, still an enjoyable read. There were some sweet and cute moments that made me go aw.
It was still strange at some points.
[SPOILER]
...that because of what one person said, she decides to confess in front of the fire. I could see it happen, but it's rather strange. Also, I love the main character but I'm rather confused as to her personality. Is it realistic? (You might ask does it matter?) She started out so scared... but became brave relatively quickly. Meaning she was brave to begin with, but it was hiding?
Anyway, still an enjoyable read. There were some sweet and cute moments that made me go aw.
edeneldred's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
1.0
1/5
I don't know what I was thinking going into this book. I was excited to read it, but I soon found out that it was just a drag. I know the lesson behind the story but I was expecting something more in a way from this retelling. It also seemed like it took me forever to finish.
I don't know what I was thinking going into this book. I was excited to read it, but I soon found out that it was just a drag. I know the lesson behind the story but I was expecting something more in a way from this retelling. It also seemed like it took me forever to finish.
alexandreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It has been so long since a book gives me this feeling of yearning to continue flipping through the pages. I should be studying but I stayed up until 2:36 am to finish this book. That is how much I love Thorn.
Such wonderful protagonist, characters. The villain resolution is a bit weak, admittedly. But Thorn/Alyrra and Kestrin slowburn simmering romance/courting are 💕💕💕💕
Not to mention her found family with Violet, Sage, Oak, Ash 🥹🥹🥹
This book makes me happy. So much.
Kudos to Intisar Khanani for such a beautifully written novel ♥️
Such wonderful protagonist, characters. The villain resolution is a bit weak, admittedly. But Thorn/Alyrra and Kestrin slowburn simmering romance/courting are 💕💕💕💕
Not to mention her found family with Violet, Sage, Oak, Ash 🥹🥹🥹
This book makes me happy. So much.
Kudos to Intisar Khanani for such a beautifully written novel ♥️