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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
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
I read this for the winter reading program at Bookshop Santa Cruz and might not have chosen it otherwise, but really enjoyed it. It has the feel of a Russian fairy tale and a strong female protagonist. I'm looking forward to Book 2.
I couldn't get past the absurdly long beginning which feel like slogging through a dry prolouge. I usually like in depth descriptions that lean on the side of atmospheric, but if I'm 3 or 4 chapters in and almost nothing of plot is introduced... not my cup of tea.
I understand that describing the characters and setting is important, but this was excessive.
If I gave it more time, I'd probably find what other people love so much, but as it is, I can't justify the time sink.
The writing style was very distinct, though, and I did like that. When something feels like a unique voice, I get excited. That's no easy feat. I just wished this story had picked up a bit quicker.
I understand that describing the characters and setting is important, but this was excessive.
If I gave it more time, I'd probably find what other people love so much, but as it is, I can't justify the time sink.
The writing style was very distinct, though, and I did like that. When something feels like a unique voice, I get excited. That's no easy feat. I just wished this story had picked up a bit quicker.
So boring. Uninspired. I am beginning to think I read a different book.
I loved this book! I haven't instantly known I was going to love a book from the first pages in a while, but this did it. I haven't read a Russian inspired book since Shadow and Bone (which was a long time ago and I didn't like it) and wow, I loved it. The setting was beautiful, it takes place in an actual time period and not just a Russian-based fantasy land, and I feel like I learned about Russian naming. I think my full on love for this is the remainders of my PJO love coming back from its slumber. This is the kind of story I wanted Gods of Jade and Shadow to be, a whimsical story with folklore weaved in. Both of them were written in a way that evoked fairytales, and I don't know what distinguishes them, but this one did it right and the other missed the mark. I have a specific friend who is very into everything Russian that I can't wait to recommend this to. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel!
+atmosphere
+fairy tale prose
+amazing, strong MC
+intriguing magical world
+structure perfectly fit the story
+atmosphere
+fairy tale prose
+amazing, strong MC
+intriguing magical world
+structure perfectly fit the story
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Review for the trilogy - an epic fairy tale that reads like an ancient classic told around a fire. Comforting and perfect for a winter read, the story of how a young girl grows up and follows her own path to defend those she loves in a stifling time when all she is expected to do is stay quiet and walk into her cage is beautiful and captivating