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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Hard to review. The plot is so much better than the previous novels and it has a lot fewer distracting christian allegories. I rather liked the central characters, Bree and Shasta, which is a rare thing for me. And Aravis is an actually interesting and original female character once you set aside the biggest problem with her - that she is the book's only example of a "good" Calormene and that the definition of a good Calormene seems to be one that rejects being Calormene. Which brings us to the downside of this novel: wow is it racist! (Although we can't actually say that it is "more racist" than the previous two novels which have no people of color in them at all and so get off on a technicality, which really isn't a ringing endorsement...).
Other than then blatant racism (and I can't believe I have to even say that), this had a lot to like. I really liked Bree and Aravis. I thought the story of travel and the predicaments the characters get into (and get out of themselves) made for decent YA adventure. I guess the only thing I would have added would for it to be a bit longer - the episodes are each a little brief and could have been more developed. I would have liked to read more of this story.
But also less racism.
I did this as an audiobook and the reading by Alex Jennings was solid.
Other than then blatant racism (and I can't believe I have to even say that), this had a lot to like. I really liked Bree and Aravis. I thought the story of travel and the predicaments the characters get into (and get out of themselves) made for decent YA adventure. I guess the only thing I would have added would for it to be a bit longer - the episodes are each a little brief and could have been more developed. I would have liked to read more of this story.
But also less racism.
I did this as an audiobook and the reading by Alex Jennings was solid.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
this book was a lot better than I thought it would be considering you don’t often hear about it, I really enjoyed the characters of Hwin and Bree. Are this for my thesis for the chapter that focuses on how children undergo a “ civilizing” in medievalist children’s lit— This is absolutely present in this book particularly with Shasta/Cor and Bree, and the latent racism in Orientalism of the novel is a huge part of that.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
N/A
adventurous
funny
informative
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:
No
This book felt like it was out of left field - a (mostly) completely new cast of characters, new setting, and new culture. I was very intrigued by the first half, but it definitely wasn’t a favorite. I liked the role Aslan played and perhaps this book was written to illustrate the personal and intimate side of Jesus’ relationship with us. Protector, disciplinarian, confidant, and friend. Shasta was a good character - not as deep as I would have liked and also I wish more time was spent building the relationship between Shasta and Bree (given the title of the book). I had a couple good giggles and the atmosphere he created was stunning. I can see why this book wasn’t included in my C.S. Lewis class as it really isn’t important for the rest of the series as far as I can tell. Excited to get home from vacation and continue on with the series!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This one is interesting to say the least. Story is unique for Narnia but with a predictable twist. The action is actually quite good and seeing golden age Narnia is great. However it has some questionable racial stereotypes that haven’t aged too well