Scan barcode
mopherad's review against another edition
2.0
So I like a lot of this, general ideas and some of the characters, but the writing was 50/50 on clever and annoying. Magic was at times very fun. But the biggest issue is the story wasting it’s time on stuff that did not matter, then rushed into an ending that was not earned. Should have spent way more time in the school.
cwgraham's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.5
le_sillage's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lizzielgf's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
4.0
missgarceau's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
awesomeallie's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ryelees's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was an immense amount of fun. Fun to read, to envision, and to recall after the fact. Pratchett's humor shines here through Esk and Granny. I loved following Esk on her journey.
The magic system is also so refreshing, "hard" magic systems seem to be more popular currently and it can be tiring learning all the rules. Pratchett lets magic be magical.
My only criticism is that I don't understand Pratchett's seeming distaste for moving the plot through action rather than character work or dialogue. Multiple times, immediately before a big event is about to take place, something that would impact the plot, the chapter will end and the story picks up after the event. It's always fairly obvious what's happened and easy to move forward, but I'd just like to see it happen myself. I've only read two of his books but this was common in both.
The magic system is also so refreshing, "hard" magic systems seem to be more popular currently and it can be tiring learning all the rules. Pratchett lets magic be magical.
My only criticism is that I don't understand Pratchett's seeming distaste for moving the plot through action rather than character work or dialogue. Multiple times, immediately before a big event is about to take place, something that would impact the plot, the chapter will end and the story picks up after the event. It's always fairly obvious what's happened and easy to move forward, but I'd just like to see it happen myself. I've only read two of his books but this was common in both.
wholesomeaino's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
ignoring the unnecessary use of slurs for the romani, the story was genuinely funny. granny weatherwax is my saviour <3
parmy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
tomperignon's review against another edition
5.0
Probably my favourite Terry Pratchett novel so far!
I understand why avid readers say this isn't "prime" Pratchett, but man this story was so good!
It plays out less like a witty, dry, british satire and more like a traditional fantasy novel with some humor on the side.
I LOVED the concept of, "why can women only be witches, and not wizards?" I loved the main character Esk, her back story, and her hero's journey to The Unseen University (ook ook).
Plus the whole trippy, Shadows and the other realms.
I really hope we meet Esk again in other novels.
I understand why avid readers say this isn't "prime" Pratchett, but man this story was so good!
It plays out less like a witty, dry, british satire and more like a traditional fantasy novel with some humor on the side.
I LOVED the concept of, "why can women only be witches, and not wizards?" I loved the main character Esk, her back story, and her hero's journey to The Unseen University (ook ook).
Plus the whole trippy, Shadows and the other realms.
I really hope we meet Esk again in other novels.