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ritzee13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This feels very much like an Indian Lord of the Rings book. There are frequent mentions of kings of old, the fall of kingdoms, and so many poems throughout, that give the world a vast feeling.
I started off not liking Vandiyathevan much but just like the characters, I couldn't help but like his quick wit and funny answers.
My favourite part of the book is the extensive description of the natural beauty of Choza Nadu. I googled every flower mentioned and it really added to the vivid picture already painted by the author.
The only reason I can't give this 5 stars is because the author gives us predictions for the characters futures, this causes the narrative tension to dissipate somewhat. If I know someone will live and prosper, why should I be afraid for his trouble now, I want to feel afraid for the characters peril as I am reading.
The other reason is the underwhelming ending to the book. I understand that this is one book split into 5 but the ending felt like the end of a chapter and not a book which doesn't hook me enough. But, I will definitely continue this series, as it sheds light into the politics and wonder of ancient indian society, quiet unlike anything I've ever read.
I started off not liking Vandiyathevan much but just like the characters, I couldn't help but like his quick wit and funny answers.
My favourite part of the book is the extensive description of the natural beauty of Choza Nadu. I googled every flower mentioned and it really added to the vivid picture already painted by the author.
The only reason I can't give this 5 stars is because the author gives us predictions for the characters futures, this causes the narrative tension to dissipate somewhat. If I know someone will live and prosper, why should I be afraid for his trouble now, I want to feel afraid for the characters peril as I am reading.
The other reason is the underwhelming ending to the book. I understand that this is one book split into 5 but the ending felt like the end of a chapter and not a book which doesn't hook me enough. But, I will definitely continue this series, as it sheds light into the politics and wonder of ancient indian society, quiet unlike anything I've ever read.
nainatai's review against another edition
5.0
I'd always heard from my Tamil friends that this is one of their favorites books, but had never gotten around to reading it. I'm SO glad an English version exists! it's a little hard to read when you start on account of the tongue twisting names; and the fact that everyone has multiple titles doesn't help either. But once you start to get a hang of it, it's really nice. I think it's right up there with GoT or Mahabharat for me. can't wait to get started on the next part.
jellybird25's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of gaps in my knowledge which made it hard to catch the drift sometimes. The translation was a little stilling. Classic story, different cultural context
inscribedinklings's review against another edition
5.0
Ponniyin Selvan Book 1 : Fresh Floods by Kalki, Translated by Pavithra Srinivasan
dhineebeanie's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
turquoisetyto's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
itsy_bitsy_nitsy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
akassh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
soundarya's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-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
3.0
Maybe it's the fact that it was a translation but could not fully get into it. Still reasonably interested in the plot and really enjoyed particular parts