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adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Even with this falling into YA genre I think due to the dark themes it can transition into an older reading group, as well. Very tightly plotted book with little to no filler content - quite unique. I would have definitely read this book even if it was twice as long.
Things that made me really enjoy this book:
- Mogget
- Magic system involving necromancy
- Abhorsen house
- the female lead not being insufferable or whiney. She does get scared and tired but she never complains “why me” or feels sorry for herself “poor little me.” It’s always “I will figure this out because I am the only one that can”
Everything about the magic system is detailed in such a way it feels grounded and realistic. The characters are also grounded in their personalities and how they navigate the world. Sabriel doesn’t have all the answers or the know how to fight everything she encounters but she uses her wit to figure it out. And when she needs help there are characters to step in but it never feels like it’s because she’s seen as a damsel, it’s so she comes across as relatable.
Things that made me really enjoy this book:
- Mogget
- Magic system involving necromancy
- Abhorsen house
- the female lead not being insufferable or whiney. She does get scared and tired but she never complains “why me” or feels sorry for herself “poor little me.” It’s always “I will figure this out because I am the only one that can”
Everything about the magic system is detailed in such a way it feels grounded and realistic. The characters are also grounded in their personalities and how they navigate the world. Sabriel doesn’t have all the answers or the know how to fight everything she encounters but she uses her wit to figure it out. And when she needs help there are characters to step in but it never feels like it’s because she’s seen as a damsel, it’s so she comes across as relatable.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Nice way of storytelling. There has been several fantasy books and this is a new concept. So loved it.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Hmmm….I really enjoyed the world-building, but the plot was sooo slow to gain steam and never felt fully fleshed out. The character of Sabriel felt very “man writes teenage heroine.” I was so severely annoyed by the Princess and the Frog romance B plot, but I think this is supposed to be YA, so I accept cringey teenage insta-love as part of the genre. Still…
The most interesting plot points happen in the last third of the book, but I will say they were intriguing enough for me to give the second book a chance. Also, the magic system was unclear and I couldn’t tell if that was intentional or not. Had higher hopes for this! Let’s see what the next installment brings.
The most interesting plot points happen in the last third of the book, but I will say they were intriguing enough for me to give the second book a chance. Also, the magic system was unclear and I couldn’t tell if that was intentional or not. Had higher hopes for this! Let’s see what the next installment brings.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
fast-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:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No