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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Three-and-a-half stars. While I think that most people who enjoy the Books of Bayern series will enjoy this, it was very predictable. Razo is a friend of Enna and Isi (from the two previous novels), and everyone assumes this is why he is part of the elite guard which is selected to escort an ambassador to Tira, the country that has just lost the war to Bayern. Razo isn't good with a sword, has had his heart broken by his forest girl, and is smaller than all the other soldiers. So, is it any surprise that by the end, Razo finds out what he is good with, finds a new girl and even grows a few inches? It's hard to begrudge Hale this feel-good story, but while the first two installments had the same kind of message, the stories had more twists and turns than this straight run.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is because it seemed to drag at times, and there wasn't enough suspense to pull me toward the end. But I absolutely love everything else about Shannon Hale's stories. My absolute favorite thing about this series so far is the way the books just layer on top of each other. I have never read another author this good at layering and maintaining relationships throughout the series. She gives plenty of time and purpose to the other characters so that you don't just forget about them and say, "Oh, that girl from book one;" but not so much time that any of the attention is drawn away from the main character. Really, really well done.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Found this one a little slower to get in to, but then got fully hooked. Another excellent read.
The world continues to expand and Hale does an excellent job showing post-war relationships between nations. In addition, she expands the magical abilities. This book has a male protagonist who is as deeply real as the previous protagonists, but is still rife with strong women.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Still love this novel as much as I did as a pre-teen. I've re-read this book too many times to count. The theme of growing into your talents and overcoming the overwhelming feeling of not being good enough in the presence of enormously talented friends, family and co-workers still hits home. The ending isn't as tight as I remember but I still loved the journey!
I loved this book possibly the most out of the three although they were all great! Razo is unquestionably a fun and interesting character.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
This is the third and final book in the "Goose Girl" series. While I enjoyed the first two novels, this one left something to be desired. The language was not consistent, and switched between princely prose and modern jargon. While I could hardly put down the first two book sin the series, I had a difficult time finishing the third. Despite characters that were difficult to relate to and a dry story line, questions and scenarios from the first two tales were answered and readers should feel fulfilled by the story's conclusion.