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a_strix_named_strix's review against another edition
3.0
I dislike Tracy Barrett's prose enough to find myself not enjoying the book. Something here feels clunky.
Anna did feel like a realistic sort of antihero/nontraditional protagonist, though.
Anna did feel like a realistic sort of antihero/nontraditional protagonist, though.
maia_papaya's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
marisamoo's review against another edition
3.0
-for school-
For what it was, I liked it. It had a cool feel and everything, and the writing was nice even with the annoying pet peeves n stuff. I didn't really like Anna at all but I think that was the idea. So. Meh? But for a school book I did like it, seeing how fast I flew through it
For what it was, I liked it. It had a cool feel and everything, and the writing was nice even with the annoying pet peeves n stuff. I didn't really like Anna at all but I think that was the idea. So. Meh? But for a school book I did like it, seeing how fast I flew through it
justiceofkalr's review against another edition
2.0
Okay book. I spent the majority of the time loathing Anna and rooting for her brother. She's just so spoiled and blind, and while the book presents the possibility that Anna has changed as a person by the end, there's something about it that still seems forced. It's probably better for kids who may be able to relate more to Anna's character, and it provides a book about a neglected period of history: The Byzantine Empire. So, I'd probably recommend this book to younger audiences as an interesting historical fiction, albeit significantly changed.
aemkea's review against another edition
4.0
I read this years ago, and I still remember the entire (or nearly) story. This book led to my being interested in the Byzantine Empire in history. I'd love to come across another copy of this book, to reread it.
diamontique's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. If it were ever greelit for a movie, I would so see it.
f18's review
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Slavery, Rape, War, Animal death, Racism, Mental illness, Medical content, Islamophobia, Death, Classism, and Alcohol
nesskempton's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my all time favorite books. Written for ages 8-12, I still find I enjoy it today. Based loosely on history, the character of Anna is so complex and intriguing. The betrayal, the love, the crusades! Frankly, how has this NOT been made into an award winning movie yet?
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
This story succeeds in bringing to life the court of the Byzantine emperor in the 11th century - a setting that I don't think I've encountered before, particularly in a children's book. You get the sense that Barrett knows her history well, and she's chosen a character and period that seem rich and fascinating. Instead of playing Anna as a sympathetic every-girl, Barrett shows her as someone truly born to the purple, taught to rule from an early and keenly aware of what is her due. While this was refreshing and rang of historical accuracy, I never quite connected to the story in any way - I would've liked something a bit more in-depth, maybe. Still, I would recommend it to anyone interested in the period, or anyone looking for historical fiction taking place outside of western Europe.
I forgot to note that the book has a pleasantly in-depth author's note in terms of what she fictionalized and what is true. Also, I think the cover is pretty fab and has held up well in the 10 years since it was published. I couldn't help but wish, though, as the book highlighted differences between succession and rule in the East versus the West, that it had also played up some of the religious differences. Apart from a few mentions of hymns (in that wonderfully familiar style), the religious characters and the convent where Anna is sent could have just as easily been (disappointingly) Western. Bah.
I forgot to note that the book has a pleasantly in-depth author's note in terms of what she fictionalized and what is true. Also, I think the cover is pretty fab and has held up well in the 10 years since it was published. I couldn't help but wish, though, as the book highlighted differences between succession and rule in the East versus the West, that it had also played up some of the religious differences. Apart from a few mentions of hymns (in that wonderfully familiar style), the religious characters and the convent where Anna is sent could have just as easily been (disappointingly) Western. Bah.
manda_allstars999's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book (several times) when I was about 10. 11 years later in a Canadian bookstore in Paris, I came across it again. I'm not one for books or movies that stretch the historical truth much, but there's just something about this book. The characters are compelling, Anna-captivating. Love it.