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shelbymarie516's review against another edition
4.0
"Who does the story serve?" Sort of predictable but a juvenile fantasy so that makes sense. Overall pretty cute.
kivt's review against another edition
4.0
Cute! The ending was wildly optimistic, but appropriate for the reading level.
vanessaedwards1882's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent middle grade fantasy that asks "Who does this story serve?" In Illyria the sorcerers are male and boys are brought up to sorcerers and girls are brought up to serve them. Ursu builds an intriguing world where "troubled girls" are sent away to be refined. She weaves a layered tapestry that is somewhat heavy-handed in criticism of gender inequality, but I was totally there for it.
"How many other girls were waiting outside the door, waiting to be let into a room with books and friends and keys to opportunity? Waiting to be told they had potential?
This story is full of magical trappings and interwoven intrigue. The characters are wonderful and you can't help but route for Marya, who has been told her whole life to make herself small and quiet.
"How many other girls were waiting outside the door, waiting to be let into a room with books and friends and keys to opportunity? Waiting to be told they had potential?
This story is full of magical trappings and interwoven intrigue. The characters are wonderful and you can't help but route for Marya, who has been told her whole life to make herself small and quiet.
pipn_t's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
À good story, well told, but not particularly original and I could tell what the end was going to be pretty early on. A good read for an actual middle grade reader, probably not meant for me who has read this type of story a bunch already.
lizzie_777's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
eggbeater's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book is kind of like a light Handmaid's Tale for middle graders. I dig it. It is more of a feminist fable than a magical fantasy.
cluelesswonder's review
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? It's complicated
3.0
alli_oopsie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.25