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lowercase_em's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.5
kleonard's review
2.0
I had high hopes for this book, and was eagerly anticipating reading it, but it was a big disappointment. In this retelling of the story of Jeanne d'Arc, Jeanne is forced by otherworldly beings--definitely not angels--to pretend to be the mythical Maid of Lorraine and help the dauphin take the French throne. Jeanne does so, survives being interrogated as a witch, and lives happily ever after with her husband. Alas, my primary reaction was "so what?" Jeanne's basic trajectory is the same, except this Jeanne *doesn't* feel a calling to her god or her national leader, and she doesn't die. This plot-line feels more like pedestrian wish fulfillment for Jeanne rather than an imaginative re-rendering of the story; in fact, very little here is imaginative at all.
iamcat's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
blodeuedd's review
4.0
I was a bit hesitant, because come on, Joanne d'Arc, that wont end well! But, it blew me away and at the end I was happy. It was perfectly told.
The writing was light, and suddenly I was at page 100. The pages really flew away, and this is more the origin story of hers.
She is a shepherd's daughter. The English are roaming the countryside, and she gets visions early on. And it was so well done because who are those that come to her? Angels? Demons? Or the Fae? Why do they come to her? And why are they such utter bastards? They say she is destined to free France, and it can only be her, if she refuse they will hurt her. Yes,they were bastards. I liked seeing her growing up because it shaped her. I did wonder where the whole La Pucelle thing would come in, but I did not mind, I liked actually getting to know Joanne. To see a real person behind the story.
It was not what I expected, I guess I thought a war heavy historical. Instead I got a lighter growing up story, and giving up to the fate trusted upon her. I liked the side characters as her brother, and Ethan. You will see.
And I liked how it ended too. I was glad to have read it, and I did finish it in a day (it helped that I was home with a sick kid so I could read all day)
I'd say definitely read it, it is not what you expect it to be
The writing was light, and suddenly I was at page 100. The pages really flew away, and this is more the origin story of hers.
She is a shepherd's daughter. The English are roaming the countryside, and she gets visions early on. And it was so well done because who are those that come to her? Angels? Demons? Or the Fae? Why do they come to her? And why are they such utter bastards? They say she is destined to free France, and it can only be her, if she refuse they will hurt her. Yes,they were bastards. I liked seeing her growing up because it shaped her. I did wonder where the whole La Pucelle thing would come in, but I did not mind, I liked actually getting to know Joanne. To see a real person behind the story.
It was not what I expected, I guess I thought a war heavy historical. Instead I got a lighter growing up story, and giving up to the fate trusted upon her. I liked the side characters as her brother, and Ethan. You will see.
And I liked how it ended too. I was glad to have read it, and I did finish it in a day (it helped that I was home with a sick kid so I could read all day)
I'd say definitely read it, it is not what you expect it to be
paninikita's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
anxiousmouse's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ariana_smit_'s review
The story had a strong start but at about the halfway point the writing became too draining. By condensing a lot (take out about 100-150 pages) the story would’ve moved a lot faster and felt way more exciting! Even with the angels; I really enjoyed the way they were represented at first, but constantly reading about Jean seeing them shine out of the corner of her eye was exhausting.
timco12's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
tahlz's review
2.0
DNF at page 80. I love Joan of Arc so obviously I’m going to read as many books about her as I can but I feel this was just a waste of my time - my head couldnt get around all the inaccuracies (i know its fiction but yknow) and Jeanne just didnt come across as /jeanne/. She never would have doubted that the voices talking to her were angels.