Reviews

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

kfior02's review against another edition

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

2.5

maddychance's review

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

2.75

lovelyliv's review against another edition

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3.0

this story had so much potential! it did became repetitive at parts and i wanted further explanation on the knots

stephiej94's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lil_jo__'s review against another edition

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inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

mdevlin923's review against another edition

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3.0

Alex is growing up in Wisconsin in the 50s when the Mass Dragoning occurs: hundreds of thousands of women turn into dragons, including her aunt. But no one talks about this traumatic event because it is synonymous to menstruation (therefore: taboo). In addition to losing her aunt, Alex lives in an abusive household with an absent father, a mother who is dying from cancer, and her cousin (turned sister). Eventually, Alex takes over guardianship of her cousin when her father remarries. As she grows older, Alex begins learning more about dragoning and her aunt, which helps her reconnect with family, become more open-minded, and face her childhood trauma.

A very interesting premise: in fits of rage (or joy) women turn into dragons. I was a little disappointed with the lack of closure on certain plotlines (everything about the knots, dragoning, etc.) Based on the main characters age, this could be a good young adult recommendation.

ali_bali_bee's review against another edition

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

4.5

blueinkandpaperstars's review against another edition

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emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

haileypassmoree's review against another edition

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4.0

this did it for me <3

char_ennen's review against another edition

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4.0

i wish i could give it 4.5 stars!!!
there were times when i wish the plot would’ve moved a little faster but the details, the fictional history, and the personality behind the narrator are all so epic. i love how feminism is shaped in this book!!! so freaking interesting