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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
fast-paced
This is a childhood favorite and super fun to revisit in audio form.
I like how Alnna is making her way and doesn't become a boy but found that the magic was hard to understand and a bit much
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was recommended to me by a friend for a '12 recommendations by 12 friends' challenge. It's extremely out of my typical genres but I was keen to give it a try because she was so excited for me to read it. Sadly, aside from Alanna giving me Merida (Brave) vibes, I was disinterested in the story as a whole. I did enjoy a couple of moments, particularly between Alanna and George (I think?), but otherwise, I struggled with the magic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexism, Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Alcohol
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
****another audiobook re-read****
That's weird. I've read this a bazillion times but I have no review??? Anyway, this reread is an audiobook version and it was excellent! If you haven't read these books before OR if you have and you want a new feel to it, I highly recommend the audiobooks. They are really good!
That's weird. I've read this a bazillion times but I have no review??? Anyway, this reread is an audiobook version and it was excellent! If you haven't read these books before OR if you have and you want a new feel to it, I highly recommend the audiobooks. They are really good!
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
adventurous
hopeful
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:
Yes
Ugh it's so good. Reading it feels like childhood and I'm so glad I had this awesome feminist hero as a kid. I try to recommend this series to any little girl I run into.
Still holds up on reread as an adult. Has some tender moments dealing with gender identity and self confidence. Also really like the no-nonsense frank scene involving periods.
The only place where it doesn't quite age is where George's mom has a discussion with Alanna about how she needs to accept the body (sex) the gods have given her and that it is futile to change. In that way, it isn't trans friendly, but for the time it was written, I can accept that.
The ending scene with the large magic climax is kinda wishy washy since no real magic rules have been defined. It's literally a deuce ex machina.
But overall, it's great pacing, compelling characters and conflicts. And mostly ages well.
The only place where it doesn't quite age is where George's mom has a discussion with Alanna about how she needs to accept the body (sex) the gods have given her and that it is futile to change. In that way, it isn't trans friendly, but for the time it was written, I can accept that.
The ending scene with the large magic climax is kinda wishy washy since no real magic rules have been defined. It's literally a deuce ex machina.
But overall, it's great pacing, compelling characters and conflicts. And mostly ages well.