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xvicesx's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It was cute and uncomplicated. Blanche and Rinki were very cute, and the idea of elves all living in a place called Carolburg and just waiting for something to do with their magic was endearing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Confinement, and Bullying
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
wyrmbergsabrina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Tinsel is a beautiful, magical, bonkers story that retells the story of Father Christmas because we got it wrong.
I loved the unpredictability of Tinsel, how magical things just happened but also didn't get in the way of our heroes, Blanche and Rinki, working to fulfil their dreams. Starting with a simple gift from a mysterious strange, Blanche discovers great joy and hope in her life. She is already a determined young woman, surviving the best ways she can on the streets, and she doesn't give up her dreams when offered an easier life.
While Tinsel does push the girls can do anything better than boys, it was satisfying because our heroes work hard for their dreams. It's not just handed to them, though there may have been an element of elf magic involved.
The way things happen is mad, but in a very satisfying way. Magical things happen, but in context of the tale, it makes sense. The explorers wanting to find the magic of the North Pole is very much of the time period, when science ruled and everything needed to be explained. I did enjoy the supporting characters onboard the Jolly Holly, and how they accepted that some things were better left alone but were never bitter about it.
The mixing up of the legends of Father Christmas, giving things we know and love an origin, was very cleverly done. I did like the elves very much, especially Carol!
Having Krampus as the villain of the piece is brilliant. He's suitable horrible.
And I loved the chapter headings. Just enough to tell you what to look out for, but never too much to spoil the plot.
Tinsel has a lot going on in it, fighting stereotypes, explaining myths and legends, dealing with darkness and jealously, and of course magic and the promise of hope. It's a beautiful story which deserves to become a favourite on the Christmas bookcase. I've already got a copy for our school library and I can't wait to share it with our students.
Perfectly Christmassy.
I loved the unpredictability of Tinsel, how magical things just happened but also didn't get in the way of our heroes, Blanche and Rinki, working to fulfil their dreams. Starting with a simple gift from a mysterious strange, Blanche discovers great joy and hope in her life. She is already a determined young woman, surviving the best ways she can on the streets, and she doesn't give up her dreams when offered an easier life.
While Tinsel does push the girls can do anything better than boys, it was satisfying because our heroes work hard for their dreams. It's not just handed to them, though there may have been an element of elf magic involved.
The way things happen is mad, but in a very satisfying way. Magical things happen, but in context of the tale, it makes sense. The explorers wanting to find the magic of the North Pole is very much of the time period, when science ruled and everything needed to be explained. I did enjoy the supporting characters onboard the Jolly Holly, and how they accepted that some things were better left alone but were never bitter about it.
The mixing up of the legends of Father Christmas, giving things we know and love an origin, was very cleverly done. I did like the elves very much, especially Carol!
Having Krampus as the villain of the piece is brilliant. He's suitable horrible.
And I loved the chapter headings. Just enough to tell you what to look out for, but never too much to spoil the plot.
Tinsel has a lot going on in it, fighting stereotypes, explaining myths and legends, dealing with darkness and jealously, and of course magic and the promise of hope. It's a beautiful story which deserves to become a favourite on the Christmas bookcase. I've already got a copy for our school library and I can't wait to share it with our students.
Perfectly Christmassy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Sexism
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