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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This fantasy world features a uniquely imagined blend of figure skating and martial arts. Right there, I was fairly certain that my youngest would love this audiobook, and I was right (he listened to the whole thing in like a day and a half). The worldbuilding in this book is surprisingly complex for a middle grade, which I actually appreciated, and I was amazed at how well I was able to picture the city of Pearl, a city designed specifically for ice skating (and constructed out of a mysterious substance, which is part of the central mystery of the book). Peasprout feels completely out of her element in Pearl, and the girls at her new school seem intent on making her miserable–and accusing her of being a spy for the city of Shin. Now, I’ll confess that Peasprout can be pretty unlikable for a lot of the book–she’s so intent on protecting her little brother that she smothers him, she’s often ridiculously conceited and she pretty much always thinks the worst of everyone. But at fourteen, you have to give her a bit of a pass–she’s just a kid, and she makes a whole lot of mistakes, but she learns some important lessons by the end of the book.
The book’s ending takes a pretty shocking turn that I didn’t see coming at all and it sent the characters in a new direction I’m very interested in seeing explored. Nancy Wu’s narration is excellent as well. I will be picking up the second audiobook in the series very soon!
The book’s ending takes a pretty shocking turn that I didn’t see coming at all and it sent the characters in a new direction I’m very interested in seeing explored. Nancy Wu’s narration is excellent as well. I will be picking up the second audiobook in the series very soon!
theshenners's review against another edition
4.0
I have a lot of conflicting feelings about thisss @__@
itabar's review against another edition
I won't rate it because I DNF'ed it.
Basically, one bad thing after another happens to the heroine, many brought on by her own stupidity and willfulness. It got old.
I also didn't like how she bullied her brother and was insensitive to what he wanted and needed. I realize she was under a lot of pressure to succeed, but it really bugged me. She was just so mean!
I did read the ending and my reaction was "meh".
Basically, one bad thing after another happens to the heroine, many brought on by her own stupidity and willfulness. It got old.
I also didn't like how she bullied her brother and was insensitive to what he wanted and needed. I realize she was under a lot of pressure to succeed, but it really bugged me. She was just so mean!
I did read the ending and my reaction was "meh".
jenjenjeng's review against another edition
4.0
It was a little slow to get into but ended up with us enjoying it
stubbornbones's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books that I read after a spurt of Fine books that makes me remember just how fantastic books can be. The world is so unique and imaginative and detailed and the characters are so strong they're frustrating. This is everything a fantasy book can and should be. I could never have approximated it before reading it and I will spend the rest of my life recommending it.
isweedan's review against another edition
3.0
Be sure to read a sample before committing to this. Yes, the /entire book/ is written like that.
Loved the concept of martial arts figure skaters, like the plot and storybeats, can barely stand the narrator's obtuseness.
Still was compelled to read it in a few hours? So 3 stars? I guess??
Loved the concept of martial arts figure skaters, like the plot and storybeats, can barely stand the narrator's obtuseness.
Still was compelled to read it in a few hours? So 3 stars? I guess??
mygeekblasphemy's review against another edition
5.0
Full disclosure: Henry is a friend, and I might be biased. Except I'm not because this book is awesome. I've never read an MG novel quite like this one before. Pearl is a fascinating, wholly original city, and I'm really impressed by how this story moves. Come for the girl power and the awesome blend of martial arts and figure skating; stay for the surprisingly nuanced politics and the set-up for what looks to be an even more fascinating Book 2.
mezzythedragon's review
3.0
I agree with a lot of the critiques here. The premise is interesting, first off. Martial arts figure-skating sounds really cool, though I think this book would be better off as a graphic novel to show off the moves clearly.
Yet, the middle did drag, and I didn’t like the ending. I understand there’s a sequel (which I probably won’t pick up), but the baddies here don’t get any comeuppances. And Doi
Yet, the middle did drag, and I didn’t like the ending. I understand there’s a sequel (which I probably won’t pick up), but the baddies here don’t get any comeuppances. And Doi
bookheroine's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first time I've read a book that I wished was a graphic novel instead. The concept of martial arts figure skating and the city of Pearl just begs to be looked at instead of just read. I liked it fine, but I felt so strongly that it needed visuals it detracted from my enjoyment.
onceandfuturelaura's review against another edition
3.0
Seems to have roots in British Boarding School fantasy, Hong Kong theater, ice skating, and just a whiff of Battle Royale. Our heroine is learning a martial art style that is done on ice skates. She is a good will ambassador of a ill willed empress. Bad parents, absent parents, cruel teachers, drunk monkeys and a utterly believable brittle heroine spin and slash their way through a city made of pearl. Fortunately, she makes a friend. Or two.
Good bus book.
Good bus book.