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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
2.5 stars
This was just a letdown. I felt like it was missing so much detail, action, and likable characters. I grew up absolutely adoring GCL's books. I still love her other books, but this one was just not my favorite.
Not to mention, I honestly did not like the narrator of the audiobook. She was not good at creating a voice for male characters. It was just comically bad. Her voices for younger characters were cringe-y and her voices for teens were just bad.
Just a let down for me. This could have been really wonderful with the political focus and the focus on family and love. I just really didn't like much at all about this book.
This was just a letdown. I felt like it was missing so much detail, action, and likable characters. I grew up absolutely adoring GCL's books. I still love her other books, but this one was just not my favorite.
Not to mention, I honestly did not like the narrator of the audiobook. She was not good at creating a voice for male characters. It was just comically bad. Her voices for younger characters were cringe-y and her voices for teens were just bad.
Just a let down for me. This could have been really wonderful with the political focus and the focus on family and love. I just really didn't like much at all about this book.
I enjoyed this better than Ella Enchanted. Less focused on romance, more focused on social issues.
It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but it was a fun fairytale. I think part of what was difficult was Levine's writing style. I have read multiple books of hers, and her first Bamarre book (The Two Sisters of Bamarre) is a favorite of mine. However, it took some transitioning to follow her writing style in this novel. Sometimes it seemed clipped and moved to quickly from one big scene to the next. I had to pay extra attention to follow the plot at points.
That being said, she is great at writing in the fairytale genre and it's what I love her for. The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre is no different. It has all of the great qualities a fairy tale should have. I like the fact that she hinted at Rapunzel's story a bit (mostly because that's my favorite) but this was in no way a retelling of Rapunzel herself. The characters were engaging, especially Perry (our main girl) herself. I liked her a lot. Her younger brother was adorable and charming as well. It definitely took turns I did not expect and wrapped up quite nicely, despite me wondering how she was going to achieve it by the end.
I recommend to anyone who enjoys new fairytale stories.
That being said, she is great at writing in the fairytale genre and it's what I love her for. The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre is no different. It has all of the great qualities a fairy tale should have. I like the fact that she hinted at Rapunzel's story a bit (mostly because that's my favorite) but this was in no way a retelling of Rapunzel herself. The characters were engaging, especially Perry (our main girl) herself. I liked her a lot. Her younger brother was adorable and charming as well. It definitely took turns I did not expect and wrapped up quite nicely, despite me wondering how she was going to achieve it by the end.
I recommend to anyone who enjoys new fairytale stories.
From the moment I saw that this prequel had been announced, I knew that I needed to read it. Levine is one of my favorite authors, and her books hold up as some of my favorites even 11+ years after first reading them.
The Lost Kingdom was an absolute joy to read. While I made the decision to reread Two Princesses before picking this up, I have no doubts that I would have loved it just as much without the reread of the initial book. Levine crafted this prequel novel (which takes place roughly 700 years prior to Two Princesses) masterfully.
Peregrine is a proud and boisterous girl who begins as unapologetic but grows and shifts to someone more sympathetic even while she maintains her essence. Perry is Bamarre born, but raised as a Lakti child in the house of nobility. She trains beside the other children and is proud of her speed and agility but stumbles over oration and declaiming.
Over the course of the novel, Perry learns of her heritage which sparks a battle within her because of the "other and lesser" status that the Bamarre hold in Lakti society. The Bamarre are locked in servitude and treated as little more than that. They are meek and worthless....or so the Lakti tales spin them. Perry must decide whether to remain Lakti or embrace her Bamarre roots and spark a rebellion, ultimately freeing her people.
While it could stand alone as its own work, for old fans of Two Princesses there are several favorites brought back and further expanded upon which serve to enhance the story.
The Lost Kingdom was an absolute joy to read. While I made the decision to reread Two Princesses before picking this up, I have no doubts that I would have loved it just as much without the reread of the initial book. Levine crafted this prequel novel (which takes place roughly 700 years prior to Two Princesses) masterfully.
Peregrine is a proud and boisterous girl who begins as unapologetic but grows and shifts to someone more sympathetic even while she maintains her essence. Perry is Bamarre born, but raised as a Lakti child in the house of nobility. She trains beside the other children and is proud of her speed and agility but stumbles over oration and declaiming.
Over the course of the novel, Perry learns of her heritage which sparks a battle within her because of the "other and lesser" status that the Bamarre hold in Lakti society. The Bamarre are locked in servitude and treated as little more than that. They are meek and worthless....or so the Lakti tales spin them. Perry must decide whether to remain Lakti or embrace her Bamarre roots and spark a rebellion, ultimately freeing her people.
While it could stand alone as its own work, for old fans of Two Princesses there are several favorites brought back and further expanded upon which serve to enhance the story.
A fun GCL. I don't remember much about the other Bamarre book. Super light reading.
From Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine comes a new fantasy novel that asks its characters to reexamine their prejudices. Born to Bamarre parents, Peregrine is snatched away as a baby and raised as a princess in the royal court of the Latki people. Growing up, her castle parents reinforce that the Bamarre people are lowly and lesser than the Latki. Totally unaware of her origins, Peregrine accepts the prejudiced stance that the Latki should rule over and own the land of the Bamarre people. But just as she plans to join her father on the frontlines against the Bamarre, she is visited by a fairy who reveals the truth that has been hidden in plain sight: Peregrine is a Bamarre. Can Peregrine save her own people and repair the kingdom? From the much beloved author of Ella Enchanted, children will delight in Levine’s adventure of this strong-spirited heroine who must evaluate the true meaning of right and wrong.
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Perry is the adopted daughter of Lakti noble parents, but her real parents are Bamarre servants. Her true bloodline is kept a secret, because the Bamarre people are considered inferior and cowardly. The fairy Halina visits Perry and urges her to embrace her true heritage and free the Bamarre people from Lakti tyranny. With the help of a magic tablecloth, seven-league boots, and a perfect disguise, Perry plunges into espionage and rebellion. But can she ever escape her Lakti upbringing and be accepted by the Bamarre?
I liked Perry's character. She is headstrong and awkward, but always willing to learn. I love how she interacts with the different characters in her life. There are so many social dynamics that have to be understood and navigated through as she tries to build a new life for herself. I love how she gradually learns more about her birth family and about the Bamarre culture.
The world-building is excellent! There are so many layers to the different cultures and history. Their different manners, their attitudes, and their customs are all explored as we learn the difference between Lakti and Bamarre people. They have different values and priorities, and that affects their behavior. Lakti people value strength and plain straight-forward language. The Bamarre value courtesy and selflessness, so their speech is much more quiet and apologetic.
The plot is good, with plenty of intrigue and action. I loved the magical elements in the story. There are some serious scenes, but also some humor to balance things out. The writing style is excellent, pulling the reader into the scene and tugging on your emotions.
However, I did not like the way the ending was rushed. It was all a little too convenient and quick. After all that build-up, it was disappointing. If the ending had been better, it would have been a 4-star book for me. Not that the ending is terrible. It's fine. I just felt like it could have been more drawn-out and complex. It was a little too simple and easy.
I liked Perry's character. She is headstrong and awkward, but always willing to learn. I love how she interacts with the different characters in her life. There are so many social dynamics that have to be understood and navigated through as she tries to build a new life for herself. I love how she gradually learns more about her birth family and about the Bamarre culture.
The world-building is excellent! There are so many layers to the different cultures and history. Their different manners, their attitudes, and their customs are all explored as we learn the difference between Lakti and Bamarre people. They have different values and priorities, and that affects their behavior. Lakti people value strength and plain straight-forward language. The Bamarre value courtesy and selflessness, so their speech is much more quiet and apologetic.
The plot is good, with plenty of intrigue and action. I loved the magical elements in the story. There are some serious scenes, but also some humor to balance things out. The writing style is excellent, pulling the reader into the scene and tugging on your emotions.
However, I did not like the way the ending was rushed. It was all a little too convenient and quick. After all that build-up, it was disappointing. If the ending had been better, it would have been a 4-star book for me. Not that the ending is terrible. It's fine. I just felt like it could have been more drawn-out and complex. It was a little too simple and easy.