14.8k reviews for:

Ontworteld

Naomi Novik

4.01 AVERAGE

tarahann's review against another edition

3.0

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This book spun totally out of control and got tangled in a mess of subplots, complications, and diversions. It often took twice as long to get to something as it needed to. By 2/3 in I just thought "you're doing too much." The book could have been pared down an entire 100 pages, which would have marked an improvement and tighter narrative. Also, unnecessary romantic subplot is unnecessary. But I did really enjoy this book and story, and the final reveal of the nature/motivation of the omnipresent villain was really compelling.

ashleynmars's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous dark reflective medium-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: No

zazzledazzle's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

ari_sin_hilo's review against another edition

3.25

adventurous dark medium-paced

bonchan's review against another edition

3.75

dark sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

mginn01's review against another edition

3.75

mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

tondia's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

scifimagpie's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-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

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I absolutely raced through reading this because it was so addictive and compelling. The pacing was particularly good. I could have used a bit more in the romance, and maybe a bit more character growth for the Dragon, but it's a very satisfying tale. 
Particular notes of excellence: the magic feels genuinely magical, yet also logical enough. With the current "hard/soft magic system" thing that Brandon Sanderson's been so keen to push, a certain arbitrariness and caprice has gone out of magic systems, and this brings it back delightfully. The setting also has that semi-secondary world feel that I'm partial to; almost but not quite like our own. 
It's an excellent read-alike for Deathless by Catherynne Valente, and both feature a romantic fantasy trope I particularly love - an impudent, strong-willed young person paired up with an ageless/immortal horror/scary person. The mythic/fabulist/folkloric type of fiction this belongs to is a subgenre for which I have endless love. 
All in all, a strong recommendation. I'm already reading Spinning Silver, and I only wish there were more in the "series".

asmart27's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous fast-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: No

gotopieces's review against another edition

5.0

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Okay I loved this so much - did not know what to expect. It felt like reading the book equivalent of an mash up of 80s/90s fantasy movies (think princess bride meets labyrinth meets the black cauldron with some neverending story type vibes)