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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I couldn't put this book down! Aerin is one of my favorite characters ever; I found her heartbreakingly real -- full of flaws and fears and the courage to keep going anyway (and the whisper that creates in me to have courage as well). I loved how the differences of her world unfolded around me during the novel keeping me off balance and excited to see what was next. Since finishing, I have continued to think of Aerin, Tor, and Talat... and I'm secure enough in my nerdiness to confess that I miss them.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Awesome story, good for all ages. I re-read this often.
The first half of the book was amazing in terms of character development and world-building. The second half seems like it was almost written by a different author, because it was so rushed. Given how incredible the first half of the book was, and how awesome and relatable the protagonist is, the second half is extra-disappointing. This book should have been at least 100 pages longer-- probably 200. We don't hear much (if anything) about the Big Bad until the last half of the book, and then his plot dealt with so quickly Aerin (main character) has certain allies that just come out of NOWHERE and whose presence and motives for fighting for Aerin are never explained. I wish the author had taken more time in writing this book and had been willing to make it longer so that the plot got the justice it deserved.
Spoiler
that he comes off more like a minor annoyance rather than a threat to an entire kingdom.Spoiler
Those cats and dogs would seem almost deus ex machina-like if there wasn't already a MAJOR deus ex machina at work in the form of that sword during the big showdown between Aerin and the Big Bad. That sword seemed like it pretty much did all the work for her in winning the last battle, which is disappointing.
Overall I really enjoyed this story! I think it starts a little slow but it really gets going around Part 2 and when Aerin starts to be more independent. I found a couple of plot points to be rushed, but I ended up loving the development of Aerin and her relationship with Talat. I would definitely like to read more in this world.
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It appears I read this out of order! Nevertheless, it was a solid stand-alone story, if uneven in the writing. I loved the characterization of Talat, and cared about Aerin, but sometimes the language choices were distracting.
Loved this book as a teen and then picked it up after finishing the similarly titled bit completely different Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard. Aerin remains a great heroine, and I really enjoyed her stubbornness and pluck. She's determined to make a place for herself, and is really perceptive about things and people. Some of the passages were almost stream of consciousness, or like the dream ballet in old time musicals - artistic, but sometimes hard to connect to the story and kind of exasperating. I think the book holds up remarkably well and I'm looking forward to revisiting The Blue Sword.