Reviews

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

unhinged_female_protagonist's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this book. It was a girl-powered feminist read, and it was a fun fantasy-perspective on channeling female rage into female joy. When the women dragon, they are following their true selves, without even the sky to limit them! The dragoning was also an obvious allegory to the acceptance of women regardless of assigned gender or sexual preference. The sub plot around Beatrice especially makes this point. I loved the role libraries/the librarian played. Mrs. Gyzinka was a minor character, but she was an interesting one. I would read a prequel to this book based on her story!!

nikxh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

3.75

rcrowe's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

caleb_makes's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

mshahan's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

tinywitcher's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Others who read this may feel the book is repetitive. I love the fantasy with the realism. Elements were unique and the story really came around full circle. Loved the writing style

wyabook234's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad 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? Yes

3.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

caitrunswild's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

tabsagal's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.25

crilleacreereads's review against another edition

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4.0

This book. Where do I even start? It was a pull at my heart and soul and came at the perfect time. I wished several times that I held a physical copy in my hands so that I could mark pages and passages that spoke to me. We need more Dragons in this world.