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lizzieormian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
riva, tbh, I'd have pushed her off a cliff as well
huberis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
This had everything I love in historical fiction/fantasy and more. I loved the interplay of history and fantasy, the exploration of gender identity, and the magic that was so deeply rooted in the place and its people. On top of everything this book also had some really beautiful prose. One scene in particular really blew me away. This is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of the year.
bookscholarrae's review against another edition
3.5
Did not like the ending but what was I expecting
viridializard's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-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
3.5
joepyeweed's review against another edition
1.0
Everything about this book feels like a cliche. None of the characters have any personality beyond their archetype, and the “Christianity vs the old ways” story is not well written. Why would all the people just follow this priest and religion who just turned up a few months ago, when the priest is not convincing at all (nor even successfully manipulative)? Why would they already be calling their traditions “the old ways” when it’s only been a few months since Christianity turned up?
If you’re interested in this theme, read “The Bear and the Nightingale” instead.
If you’re interested in this theme, read “The Bear and the Nightingale” instead.
timinbc's review against another edition
3.0
I was going to go 4* but as I cool down so does my rating.
First, I'm amazed at the number of people dissing this book because it isn't focused on what THEY think is The Only Important Thing. Sheesh.
Can a book be "older YA"? If so, this one is. Perhaps better for the less experienced reader. And gosh, I almost DNF'ed when I learned that the impossibly-handsome stud has .... ok, class, what color are his eyes? ... yes, that's right, they are grey. Just like 3% of the population, and 90% of Important Men In Fantasy. Sigh.
Keyne is a good thread, but would that era really have been so tolerant? And wasn't Gwen convenient?
Miro/Myhrdin were well done, but it's not a new concept.
Riva? Gag me with a spoon. Even halfway through I hoped she'd ride away. By the end I was hoping a meteorite or a stray arrow ... she had a tough life but gosh, so focused on Mr. Hunky.
Gildas would have been killed after two weeks in any kind of a believable village. He lacked only the occasional bwah-hah-hah and some pulling wings off flies. At least his story arc got more interesting at the end.
How did such a society of dullards produce THREE sparkly sisters?
Why and how did the king lose faith? If he had been less powerful before it might have been credible. All we got for explanation is "Duh, I dunno, it just sorta, you know ..."
Wasn't it lucky that Sinne's big moment Just Happened to fall on Samhain? Talk about forcing a plot point into the story.
Excellent buildup to the last Saxon attack, but then ... pbblllffft. But to be fair, how DO you write out of the corner the plot has ended up in.
Overall - a good read, but it won't make my list of recommended fantasy.
I'll look for another by this author.
First, I'm amazed at the number of people dissing this book because it isn't focused on what THEY think is The Only Important Thing. Sheesh.
Can a book be "older YA"? If so, this one is. Perhaps better for the less experienced reader. And gosh, I almost DNF'ed when I learned that the impossibly-handsome stud has .... ok, class, what color are his eyes? ... yes, that's right, they are grey. Just like 3% of the population, and 90% of Important Men In Fantasy. Sigh.
Keyne is a good thread, but would that era really have been so tolerant? And wasn't Gwen convenient?
Miro/Myhrdin were well done, but it's not a new concept.
Riva? Gag me with a spoon. Even halfway through I hoped she'd ride away. By the end I was hoping a meteorite or a stray arrow ... she had a tough life but gosh, so focused on Mr. Hunky.
Gildas would have been killed after two weeks in any kind of a believable village. He lacked only the occasional bwah-hah-hah and some pulling wings off flies. At least his story arc got more interesting at the end.
How did such a society of dullards produce THREE sparkly sisters?
Why and how did the king lose faith? If he had been less powerful before it might have been credible. All we got for explanation is "Duh, I dunno, it just sorta, you know ..."
Wasn't it lucky that Sinne's big moment Just Happened to fall on Samhain? Talk about forcing a plot point into the story.
Excellent buildup to the last Saxon attack, but then ... pbblllffft. But to be fair, how DO you write out of the corner the plot has ended up in.
Overall - a good read, but it won't make my list of recommended fantasy.
I'll look for another by this author.
tinafrederikke's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5