Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 1/2 stars. Really enjoyed this one! Comparisons to Shadow and Bone are merited, but to me Night Spinner is its own story, Enebish is her own character, and I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Honestly, I'm breathless right now. Wow, Addie Thorley. Wow, Night Spinner. Where to start? I feel like I've just gone and run miles through an enchanted forest or something and now I have to bring myself back down to earth/reality. Something that needs to be said straight off the bat is that Night Spinner is truly a breathtaking and action packed fantasy--Thorley has crafted something that is pure magic.
She breathes new life into the story that inspired Night Spinner, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and transforms it into something new. Even if you don't enjoy the story that it is re imagining, you will devour Night Spinner.
My heart is racing a bit as I look back on the ride that is Night Spinner. Like all good retellings, it has a spark of its original story but is, ultimately, something of its own. Whiplash can be expected from its varied plot-twists. Thorley's prose is awe inducing in its vividness. Each page is full of descriptive magic and a lush landscape of mythology, world-building and romance. Night Spinner is the sort of novel that gives you an electric charge that lasts for days.
Once you pick up Night Spinner, you won't want to put it down. If you love a classic and diverse fantasy, Night Spinner is a total must-read for you. From the moment you meet the darkness that is this magical system, and the bleak and mysterious past of our lead, Enebish, you'll be engrossed in this richly drawn world.
Night Spinner is fast paced and thrilling; beautifully written and energetic. For every danger, there is a romantic turn. For every swoon-worthy exchange, there is a heart aching twinge of regret. For every revelation, there is a new question. And for the ending? There's nothing but anticipation of what could possibly come next.
In short? Addie Thorley is a total pro at weaving a story that is engrossing, romantic and intriguing. It is everything a reader could want out of a fantasy and will leave readers wanting more. Night Spinner is a surefire standout of 2020 and a definite must-read. Night Spinner is not only YA at its finest, but retellings.
Unputdownable. Breathtaking. Epic. Atmospheric. Incredible.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Honestly, I'm breathless right now. Wow, Addie Thorley. Wow, Night Spinner. Where to start? I feel like I've just gone and run miles through an enchanted forest or something and now I have to bring myself back down to earth/reality. Something that needs to be said straight off the bat is that Night Spinner is truly a breathtaking and action packed fantasy--Thorley has crafted something that is pure magic.
She breathes new life into the story that inspired Night Spinner, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and transforms it into something new. Even if you don't enjoy the story that it is re imagining, you will devour Night Spinner.
My heart is racing a bit as I look back on the ride that is Night Spinner. Like all good retellings, it has a spark of its original story but is, ultimately, something of its own. Whiplash can be expected from its varied plot-twists. Thorley's prose is awe inducing in its vividness. Each page is full of descriptive magic and a lush landscape of mythology, world-building and romance. Night Spinner is the sort of novel that gives you an electric charge that lasts for days.
Once you pick up Night Spinner, you won't want to put it down. If you love a classic and diverse fantasy, Night Spinner is a total must-read for you. From the moment you meet the darkness that is this magical system, and the bleak and mysterious past of our lead, Enebish, you'll be engrossed in this richly drawn world.
Night Spinner is fast paced and thrilling; beautifully written and energetic. For every danger, there is a romantic turn. For every swoon-worthy exchange, there is a heart aching twinge of regret. For every revelation, there is a new question. And for the ending? There's nothing but anticipation of what could possibly come next.
In short? Addie Thorley is a total pro at weaving a story that is engrossing, romantic and intriguing. It is everything a reader could want out of a fantasy and will leave readers wanting more. Night Spinner is a surefire standout of 2020 and a definite must-read. Night Spinner is not only YA at its finest, but retellings.
Unputdownable. Breathtaking. Epic. Atmospheric. Incredible.
I really enjoyed this book! The twist at the end had me at the edge of my seat. The beginning just dragged a very tiny bit, but otherwise it was so great.
Official comments:
From the very first page, Enebish’s story grips tight and doesn’t let go. The stunning world, complex characterization, and heart-pounding plot will have you cheering, crying, and screaming with every revelation. Gorgeous, twisty, addicting.
From the very first page, Enebish’s story grips tight and doesn’t let go. The stunning world, complex characterization, and heart-pounding plot will have you cheering, crying, and screaming with every revelation. Gorgeous, twisty, addicting.
I never knew I needed a gender bent Hunch Back of Notre Dame retelling until Night Spinner.
Following the massacre at Nariin where Enebish lost control of her night spinner abilities resulting in the slaughter of innocent people, Enebish is now an ex-Kalima warrior and convicted traitor. As if the scars that have left her deformed both mentally and physically aren’t enough, she’s now referred to as Enebish the Destroyer and hides away at a monastery where she serves time for her war crimes. Enebish is broken in more ways than one and her despair is palpable.
Enebish’s adopted sister Ghoa is the leader of the Kalima warriors, the most trusted council to the Sky King, and an ice herald (can turn a beautiful summer day into a full own winter tundra in seconds). Ghoa was able to spare Enebish a certain death following her traitorous act, but Enebish hates being a prisoner because of the isolation. When Ghoa presents Enebish with the opportunity of a lifetime, which includes Enebish’s freedom and reinstatement as a Kalima warrior, she accepts knowing that her mission is dangerous and includes infiltrating a known group of traitors as a spy.
The world building and the magic system in this story were utterly breathtaking. I was absolutely fascinating by night spinners (manipulate darkness), ice heralds (command ice/cold), and sun stokers (command fire). I absolutely loved Enebish. She’s broken yet strong, cautious yet fierce, weak yet impenetrable. I couldn’t help but fall in love with her character and root from her since the first few pages. The hardships that she endured were heartbreaking yet she refused to let them break her spirit.
The plot is a bit slow at first at the magic system is being explained and we wrap our heads around why Enebish was banished in the first place, but vigor seeps into the pages once Enebish set out on her mission. All of the characters in this story are complex and fully developed. Even if you don’t agree with their decisions, it’s difficult to not sympathize with Ghoa, Serik, and Temujin at various points.
Overall, Night Spinner is an incredible gender-bent retelling filled with magic, secret societies, and betrayal. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this duology!
Thank you to Page Street Kids for my review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Following the massacre at Nariin where Enebish lost control of her night spinner abilities resulting in the slaughter of innocent people, Enebish is now an ex-Kalima warrior and convicted traitor. As if the scars that have left her deformed both mentally and physically aren’t enough, she’s now referred to as Enebish the Destroyer and hides away at a monastery where she serves time for her war crimes. Enebish is broken in more ways than one and her despair is palpable.
Enebish’s adopted sister Ghoa is the leader of the Kalima warriors, the most trusted council to the Sky King, and an ice herald (can turn a beautiful summer day into a full own winter tundra in seconds). Ghoa was able to spare Enebish a certain death following her traitorous act, but Enebish hates being a prisoner because of the isolation. When Ghoa presents Enebish with the opportunity of a lifetime, which includes Enebish’s freedom and reinstatement as a Kalima warrior, she accepts knowing that her mission is dangerous and includes infiltrating a known group of traitors as a spy.
The world building and the magic system in this story were utterly breathtaking. I was absolutely fascinating by night spinners (manipulate darkness), ice heralds (command ice/cold), and sun stokers (command fire). I absolutely loved Enebish. She’s broken yet strong, cautious yet fierce, weak yet impenetrable. I couldn’t help but fall in love with her character and root from her since the first few pages. The hardships that she endured were heartbreaking yet she refused to let them break her spirit.
The plot is a bit slow at first at the magic system is being explained and we wrap our heads around why Enebish was banished in the first place, but vigor seeps into the pages once Enebish set out on her mission. All of the characters in this story are complex and fully developed. Even if you don’t agree with their decisions, it’s difficult to not sympathize with Ghoa, Serik, and Temujin at various points.
Overall, Night Spinner is an incredible gender-bent retelling filled with magic, secret societies, and betrayal. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this duology!
Thank you to Page Street Kids for my review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Eh. I was hoping to like this a lot more.
The characters didn't do a lot for me, although the dynamics between Enebish and Temujin, and Enebish and Ghoa, were sometimes interesting. Also I really didn't care about Serik at all. He's one of those characters that is really important for plot reasons and for the MC making certain decisions but he was such a boring and underdeveloped character.
The magic was not very well-developed or interesting (though admittedly, I didn't care about any of the night spinning scenes so maybe I wouldn't have wanted it to be more fleshed out anyway!)
And mostly, I was just bored. The story didn't grip me. Some parts of the ending did surprise me, although weirdly I think I would have hated the ending if I had enjoyed the rest of the book more?
The setting seemed to be inspired by Mongolia but that was never said anywhere in the author's note or the marketing, which I found odd.
This is one of those "it was okay" kind of books. I wouldn't dissuade people from trying it if it sounds interesting to them, but I'm not gonna be shouting about it from the rooftops either.
*I received a free ARC from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Ableism (some internalized), abuse, starvation, religious intolerance
The characters didn't do a lot for me, although the dynamics between Enebish and Temujin, and Enebish and Ghoa, were sometimes interesting. Also I really didn't care about Serik at all. He's one of those characters that is really important for plot reasons and for the MC making certain decisions but he was such a boring and underdeveloped character.
The magic was not very well-developed or interesting (though admittedly, I didn't care about any of the night spinning scenes so maybe I wouldn't have wanted it to be more fleshed out anyway!)
And mostly, I was just bored. The story didn't grip me. Some parts of the ending did surprise me, although weirdly I think I would have hated the ending if I had enjoyed the rest of the book more?
The setting seemed to be inspired by Mongolia but that was never said anywhere in the author's note or the marketing, which I found odd.
This is one of those "it was okay" kind of books. I wouldn't dissuade people from trying it if it sounds interesting to them, but I'm not gonna be shouting about it from the rooftops either.
*I received a free ARC from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Ableism (some internalized), abuse, starvation, religious intolerance
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 Stars
Night Spinner gives us an interesting fantasy world set in a harsh kingdom, Ashkar, where some fighters are gifted with magical powers, like wielding ice, spinning darkness, or harnessing starfire. Our protagonist, Enebish the Destroyer, is one such magical fighter but a loss of control that resulted in the death of an entire caravan has resulted in her banishment to a monastery. At least her adoptive brother Serik is a monk there. But she is regularly abused at the monastery as she struggles to heal, not just physically from her punishment and disfigurement but emotionally, from the knowledge that she apparently killed innocent civilians. As the novel opens, Ashkar is at war with neighboring Zemya, in a longstanding and from Enebish's view, pointless feud. Enebish's adoptive sister, Ghoa, wants to call Enebish back to serve because unthinkably, Ashkar appears to be losing the war. Ghoa blames a charismatic deserter named Temujin who continues to lure able bodied soldiers away from fighting for Ashkar. Ghoa sends Enebish off to capture Temujin with a promise that she will secure her pardon and restoration of rank if she accomplishes the mission. Only when Enebish locates Temujin she finds his soldiers are sharing food with the impoverished of Ashkar, who are being used as fodder by the Ashkari king in Ashkar's border regions with Zemya. Serik doesn't believe everything is as it seems, and Ghoa denies the abuse of people that Enebish can see with her own eyes are being abused. Will Enebish serve Ashkar's King, her sister Ghoa, or the Ashkari people? Whose side is just? How much can she ignore to regain her standing and name?
The novel opens with a quote from Victor Hugo's [b:The Hunchback of Notre Dame|30597|The Hunchback of Notre-Dame|Victor Hugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388342667l/30597._SY75_.jpg|3043569]:
"... within me there is winter, ice, despair; I have night in my soul."
and has been blurbed as "transforming The Hunchback of Notre Dame into a tundra-inspired epic." While one can look at both Night Spinner and THND as explorations of the label "monster" (since Enebish is considered a monster by many in Ashkar), the majority of similarities end there. There is no real Esmerelda, and Enebish's disfigurement is not congenital but rather the result of torture and being marked an imperial traitor by the king himself. Though taken in (in more ways than one) by Ghoa as Quasimodo was by Frollo, again, there are few connections to the Hugo novel. I cannot fathom why the novel was marketed this way. Isn't it enough for Thorley to say she took her inspiration from the beautiful line in Hugo's novel?
Ultimately, though I would probably pick up the next book in the series, I was also troubled by the trope in which evidently, Enebish needs affirmation from a male character (be it Temujin or Serik) in order to feel her inner core of strength and morality. Filtered through the lens of potential romance with these two men, I felt it really diminished her character arc in struggling to understand how she could have killed an entire caravan of people and whether she would ever feel whole again. Romance should not be the key to her solving her self-esteem issues and recognizing truth from lies. I was also bothered that she cannot clearly put the abuse she suffers from Ghoa in perspective and call it that. The word "abuse" does not appear a single time in the novel (I checked the Kindle edition) and the relationship with Ghoa is clearly an abusive one. Enebish is very broken through much of the book, seeking praise from Ghoa, Temujin, Serik, and pretty much whoever can provide her with some transitory sense of self-worth. This PTSD-type of scenario requires a deftness of touch, especially if you are going to mix in romance. The psychological aspects of the novel felt muddled here. Serik at least feels steadfast in his love for Enebish but I felt he was often childishly oppositional and therefore rather unappealing. In fact, in the beginning of the novel, his childish poor judgment almost cost Enebish her life. Temujin's character initially seemed skillfully drawn, but given all the twists and turns of the plot, I felt deflated by the endpoint of Temujin's character arc in the novel, which felt paper-thin after a build-up that suggested more complexity.
I listened to the audiobook, sonorously narrated by the award-winning Natalie Naudus. The audiobook added to my enjoyment but ultimately did not carry me past some of my frustrations with the novel.
CW: This novel's protagonist has been disfigured after being branded a traitor. She is also flogged in a torturous manner.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Night Spinner gives us an interesting fantasy world set in a harsh kingdom, Ashkar, where some fighters are gifted with magical powers, like wielding ice, spinning darkness, or harnessing starfire. Our protagonist, Enebish the Destroyer, is one such magical fighter but a loss of control that resulted in the death of an entire caravan has resulted in her banishment to a monastery. At least her adoptive brother Serik is a monk there. But she is regularly abused at the monastery as she struggles to heal, not just physically from her punishment and disfigurement but emotionally, from the knowledge that she apparently killed innocent civilians. As the novel opens, Ashkar is at war with neighboring Zemya, in a longstanding and from Enebish's view, pointless feud. Enebish's adoptive sister, Ghoa, wants to call Enebish back to serve because unthinkably, Ashkar appears to be losing the war. Ghoa blames a charismatic deserter named Temujin who continues to lure able bodied soldiers away from fighting for Ashkar. Ghoa sends Enebish off to capture Temujin with a promise that she will secure her pardon and restoration of rank if she accomplishes the mission. Only when Enebish locates Temujin she finds his soldiers are sharing food with the impoverished of Ashkar, who are being used as fodder by the Ashkari king in Ashkar's border regions with Zemya. Serik doesn't believe everything is as it seems, and Ghoa denies the abuse of people that Enebish can see with her own eyes are being abused. Will Enebish serve Ashkar's King, her sister Ghoa, or the Ashkari people? Whose side is just? How much can she ignore to regain her standing and name?
The novel opens with a quote from Victor Hugo's [b:The Hunchback of Notre Dame|30597|The Hunchback of Notre-Dame|Victor Hugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388342667l/30597._SY75_.jpg|3043569]:
"... within me there is winter, ice, despair; I have night in my soul."
and has been blurbed as "transforming The Hunchback of Notre Dame into a tundra-inspired epic." While one can look at both Night Spinner and THND as explorations of the label "monster" (since Enebish is considered a monster by many in Ashkar), the majority of similarities end there. There is no real Esmerelda, and Enebish's disfigurement is not congenital but rather the result of torture and being marked an imperial traitor by the king himself. Though taken in (in more ways than one) by Ghoa as Quasimodo was by Frollo, again, there are few connections to the Hugo novel. I cannot fathom why the novel was marketed this way. Isn't it enough for Thorley to say she took her inspiration from the beautiful line in Hugo's novel?
Ultimately, though I would probably pick up the next book in the series, I was also troubled by the trope in which evidently, Enebish needs affirmation from a male character (be it Temujin or Serik) in order to feel her inner core of strength and morality. Filtered through the lens of potential romance with these two men, I felt it really diminished her character arc in struggling to understand how she could have killed an entire caravan of people and whether she would ever feel whole again. Romance should not be the key to her solving her self-esteem issues and recognizing truth from lies. I was also bothered that she cannot clearly put the abuse she suffers from Ghoa in perspective and call it that. The word "abuse" does not appear a single time in the novel (I checked the Kindle edition) and the relationship with Ghoa is clearly an abusive one. Enebish is very broken through much of the book, seeking praise from Ghoa, Temujin, Serik, and pretty much whoever can provide her with some transitory sense of self-worth. This PTSD-type of scenario requires a deftness of touch, especially if you are going to mix in romance. The psychological aspects of the novel felt muddled here. Serik at least feels steadfast in his love for Enebish but I felt he was often childishly oppositional and therefore rather unappealing. In fact, in the beginning of the novel, his childish poor judgment almost cost Enebish her life. Temujin's character initially seemed skillfully drawn, but given all the twists and turns of the plot, I felt deflated by the endpoint of Temujin's character arc in the novel, which felt paper-thin after a build-up that suggested more complexity.
I listened to the audiobook, sonorously narrated by the award-winning Natalie Naudus. The audiobook added to my enjoyment but ultimately did not carry me past some of my frustrations with the novel.
CW: This novel's protagonist has been disfigured after being branded a traitor. She is also flogged in a torturous manner.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.