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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book grew on me, especially in the last 120 pages. At first, as enchanted as I was about another realm that the girls escape to, I was not keen on Cezar; he seemed so creepy and dark. But, wow. That last section. It just all came together in such a fantastic way that I couldn't put the book down. It's a story about the choices we make and their cost/repercussions, but also about determination, courage, and the power of forgiveness (and love - not necessarily romantic, but familial and friendship).
I actually played with the idea that Sorrow could have been Costi. And I had a feeling that Gogu the frog was under a spell (you can't have a magical, fantastical realm without a "frog prince"). But when Ileana grants Gogu the man's voice... I was SO stunned and caught off guard that I actually put the book down and laughed, and then cried (happy tears) - I blame pregnancy hormones haha. I literally laughed and cried through a majority of the remaining scenes, as bittersweet they were (even the stuttering had me weeping). It was all revealed and wrapped up in such unexpected, yet sweet way, that I almost wanted a continued epilogue.
As Marillier mentions in the author's note, her in-depth research of Romanian folklore that goes beyond "vampires" and Count Dracula adds volumes to the overall story through the finer details; the reader is sucked in because it feels tangible, a touch of magic in daily life. The character pronunciation guide and glossary add to this effect too. Highly recommended.
I actually played with the idea that Sorrow could have been Costi. And I had a feeling that Gogu the frog was under a spell (you can't have a magical, fantastical realm without a "frog prince"). But when Ileana grants Gogu the man's voice... I was SO stunned and caught off guard that I actually put the book down and laughed, and then cried (happy tears) - I blame pregnancy hormones haha. I literally laughed and cried through a majority of the remaining scenes, as bittersweet they were (even the stuttering had me weeping). It was all revealed and wrapped up in such unexpected, yet sweet way, that I almost wanted a continued epilogue.
As Marillier mentions in the author's note, her in-depth research of Romanian folklore that goes beyond "vampires" and Count Dracula adds volumes to the overall story through the finer details; the reader is sucked in because it feels tangible, a touch of magic in daily life. The character pronunciation guide and glossary add to this effect too. Highly recommended.
This was really good! While I figured out who the frog was quite early on in the book I really enjoyed listening to this while on the way to school on the bus and on the way to work and home on the bus. I think I am going to buy this in book form for my grandmother because I think she would enjoy it
Um volume de Juliet Marillier diferente, mas numa perspectiva fantasiosa como sempre. Para saberem mais vejam o link:
http://viagens-por-1001-mundos.blogspot.com/2011/02/dancas-na-floresta-juliet-marillier.html
http://viagens-por-1001-mundos.blogspot.com/2011/02/dancas-na-floresta-juliet-marillier.html
I did enjoy this book, really, I did. But it was rather dark especially at the end, and it's not the best book for younger readers. Like I said, it's dark and rather depressing at times, and I wished I could have known in advance that while there is no horribly bad content, it was still for more mature readers (such as teens.) What a bummer, I wish this could have been better.
Another brilliant book by Juliet Marillier. It's tamer than the Sevenwaters series but with just as much depth and a completely magical read. Jena is a great protagonist, strong, flawed and entirely likeable. Her friendship with the frog is a thing of beauty, and my hate for Cezar knows no bounds. Seriously, never has a guy riled me as much as him. the mysogynistic patronising bile that comes out of his mouth at every turn makes my blood boil and my toes curl just thinking about it. Which is as it should be. The sisters' situation escalates for the worse really quickly but you never feel it is rushed, and the resolution is very satisfying.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
I love Marillier's writting. It was wonderful the way she took this fairy tale and built out this story about grief and loss and love and finding yourself and growing up.
I did have a few issues with the story because I don't appreciate people who give up on life simply because of another person. I like stronger characters and I don't sympathize or empathize with anyone who just let themselves go to waste. That detracted a little bit from this cause I did some eye rolling.
Overall I really really enjoyed this book and I want to pick up the next one in the series soon because it shows a lot of promise.
I did have a few issues with the story because I don't appreciate people who give up on life simply because of another person. I like stronger characters and I don't sympathize or empathize with anyone who just let themselves go to waste. That detracted a little bit from this cause I did some eye rolling.
Overall I really really enjoyed this book and I want to pick up the next one in the series soon because it shows a lot of promise.