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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The audiobook is really what had me finishing it.
A great book. I absolutely could not put it down, much to the chagrin of my husband who probably wanted more of a hand in potty-training our daughter. Oops!
This one is definitely a keeper, especially for those of us who loved our YA sci-fi/fantasy as kids and young adults, but have a hard time relating to 14-year-old protagonists these days...
This one is definitely a keeper, especially for those of us who loved our YA sci-fi/fantasy as kids and young adults, but have a hard time relating to 14-year-old protagonists these days...
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
This was a slow burn, so much so I didn't know what to make of it for the first third. I kept reading, but if someone had asked me how I was liking it I wouldn't have had an answer. It wasn't a struggle to read, but I wasn't hooked until probably half way through and then I couldn't put it down. I would not say this was action-packed, far from it, but it was such an enjoyable read once I got into it. I loved it by the end - the world, the writing, the characters. And then a bit of 'magic' was thrown in and it was so well done it did nothing but enhance a story I already loved. I plan on reading it again, but I would probably hesitate to recommend it because I don't know that this is everyone's jam.
Жили люди, не тужили, и вдруг на них свалилось проклятье, поразившее род правителей Шалиона. Снять проклятие может только человек, отдавший жизнь за Шалион трижды (!). Тема с пятью богами довольно мутная, со снятием проклятия довольно странная. Очень много накручено-наверчено проблем, чтобы гг их разгребал. Есть интересные детали, например: смертельная магия или призраки, показывающие, где их тела. Но всё окончательно испортила любовная линия для двенадцатилетних. А птичка из зверинца, что стало с птичкой? Короче, это 2,5.
It has been a while since I have read with such enthusiasm. I loved this book. It is not as complex and diversely plotted as most high fantasy books are wont to, but it is everything I want from one. Given the lack of a map in my kindle edition, I looked up one online to understand how Ibra, Chalion, Roknari were located to better understand the characters' journeys. I recommend the same to those who are contemplating picking this up. Also, I assure you, this book will not disappoint. Here are the things that I adored:
1) The characters - almost each of them. I have a crush on Cazaril - if only half the men in our world were as composed as he. And, after reading legions of YA books, I declare Iselle is my favourite YA lead. Responsible, mature, brimming with a feminine power that is unequalled, she surpasses so many more popular leads of this genre. I cannot thank Bujold enough for Iselle. Almost all women in this story are strong and distinguished in their own way, despite such a patriarchal setting; a fact I thoroughly enjoyed and admired.
2) The lore of the gods, the touch of magic, the curse itself and the politics of Chalion fascinated me. It wasn't too complex and was very well explained by Bujold. I love a bit of Godliness in my fantasy stories, and this was brimming with it. Religion being a major pillar to the plot, the gods themselves were so intriguing.
3) The language - I loved it.
4) Castillar dy Cazaril
I am glad to have finally decided to take this off my TBR list. I hope all fantasy nuts do the same.
1) The characters - almost each of them. I have a crush on Cazaril - if only half the men in our world were as composed as he. And, after reading legions of YA books, I declare Iselle is my favourite YA lead. Responsible, mature, brimming with a feminine power that is unequalled, she surpasses so many more popular leads of this genre. I cannot thank Bujold enough for Iselle. Almost all women in this story are strong and distinguished in their own way, despite such a patriarchal setting; a fact I thoroughly enjoyed and admired.
2) The lore of the gods, the touch of magic, the curse itself and the politics of Chalion fascinated me. It wasn't too complex and was very well explained by Bujold. I love a bit of Godliness in my fantasy stories, and this was brimming with it. Religion being a major pillar to the plot, the gods themselves were so intriguing.
3) The language - I loved it.
4) Castillar dy Cazaril
I am glad to have finally decided to take this off my TBR list. I hope all fantasy nuts do the same.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Maybe it's just my age, but this book is so boring. Maybe I'll try again later.
5 stars tells the review that I cannot find words for.
I would like to mention what happened to me today. For those of you who have read the book may get a chuckle out of this. I had just finished reading the most crucial and beautiful part of the book. I had 2 more chapters to read till the end of the book. I had just arrived home, reminiscing over what I just read. Walking up to my porch I saw on my lawn a big crow feather. Talk about getting chills up your spine!