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tloughlin91's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
nurawa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
brilliantsilver's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful book! It was engaging and well paced with plenty of interesting plot twists. I really enjoyed learning about Russian folklore and mythology as well as Jewish celebrations. I would have loved reading this as a kid just as much as I loved reading it as an adult. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about magic, animals, mythology, and clever kids.
mackmccrane's review against another edition
4.0
7.57 on CAWPILE so a 4 star. I really liked this book. I thought the magic system and the atmospheric development was very well done. I really enjoyed seeing the main character be a female Jew that is facing anti Semitism in her village. Her story of managing that and also the message of people overcoming that hate and learning to love. I found it a beautiful thing to see. I also loved seeing the understanding of others and befriending people that are not like you for example befriending a dragon. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a whimsical adventure with a dragon and magic that has an overall message that will resonate very positively.
ezwolf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this! Having Jewish characters just exist in fantasy books (or at least, not have antisemitism be the sole focus of a book) is so rare and it was so much fun to read. I love Anya and the friendship she makes and how the power of friendship is really one of the most important weapons at your disposal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Classism, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Homophobia and War
abiart's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really fast paced interesting middle grade adventure story! I listened to this on audiobook and I would really recommend it! Anya, the main character felt like a pretty standard middle grade protagonist but I really enjoyed all the other characters and their dynamics! There was also quite a bit of Jewish mythology woven in this book which I really enjoyed and I think is really good for young readers. Also dragons are a big buzzword for me and I really liked the dragons/dragon lore in this book. I am interested in what this author continues to publish and will read the companion book!
lkstrohecker's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
biblioholicbeth's review against another edition
3.0
Anya lives in a small village where everyone except her family are Christian. Her family is Jewish. As such, they are somewhat outsiders, though no one goes out of their way to be cruel. Then one day, Anya finds out by accident that the magistrate is trying to take their home from them, AND give it to some newcomers with connections to the crown. So it seems like fate when those very same newcomers employ her to help them find a dragon rumored to live in the area. But sometimes, what seems like the "perfect plan" isn't - and Anya has to decide where she stands as more information comes to light.
This book was a fun, light read. Full of friendship, love, loyalty, and family. It is a middle-reader, but I would go for the younger side of that range, or for students who have a struggle with reading. Occasionally the verbiage falls into the more simplistic, though I felt the story outweighed that. The occasional Russian and Jewish terms are sometimes confusing, but mostly (for me) because I was attempting to pronounce them correctly. They are actually integrated into the story pretty well, making it obvious what they are meant to be.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I think it would be an EXCELLENT choice for a classroom read-aloud. Some great lessons woven in the story, and some fun characters to hang out with for a while.
This book was a fun, light read. Full of friendship, love, loyalty, and family. It is a middle-reader, but I would go for the younger side of that range, or for students who have a struggle with reading. Occasionally the verbiage falls into the more simplistic, though I felt the story outweighed that. The occasional Russian and Jewish terms are sometimes confusing, but mostly (for me) because I was attempting to pronounce them correctly. They are actually integrated into the story pretty well, making it obvious what they are meant to be.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I think it would be an EXCELLENT choice for a classroom read-aloud. Some great lessons woven in the story, and some fun characters to hang out with for a while.
rawan03's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5