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rwalker101's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Shannon Hale, well known for being a writer of Good Books For Young Girls™, has always been vocal about her opinion that gender should not preclude children, boys and girls alike, from picking up a book or series that doesn't initially seem like it's for "them". River Secrets is her own foray into this, introducing a book with a male lead in a series which had, previously, been known for being empowering fairytale-alikes "for girls".
River Secrets is simple and bold in its themes, much like the bold colors that frame our new setting: the Tiran port city of Ingraden. Razo is a beloved character from the first two books, known for being a trickster, though nevertheless earnest and loyal. His character unfolds in a familiar way, as we see that much of his humor is bravado, and that he feels lacking when he compares himself to the other men in his life. He isn't tall, isn't strong, isn't particularly brave - but he is observant, tricky, resourceful, and so easily affable that he's able to talk his way out of most situations. The story is one that's been told again and again, but is one that teenage boys need to hear again and again: Razo's talents are unique to him. He has earned his place in Bayern's Own even if the others doubt it, and even if Razo himself doubts it. By sticking true to his instincts and trying less to fit in with the other men, he does great and amazing things, including stopping an international crisis.
This book is potentially the most action-packed entry in the series, and Hale really outdid herself by making the most action-heavy book also the only one that's not from the perspective of someone with one of the "nature-speaking" gifts. For the first time we are extant to the supernatural action, and must follow Razo as he weaves in and out of the magic with his own clever mundanity. Razo's aforementioned cleverness and resourcefulness really put Hale's ability to block and choreograph a fight scene on display, and the result is breathtaking. (If you're a big fan of Sokka from Avatar: The Last Airbender, many of these fights and themes will feel familiar to you.)
This books comes at just the right time in the series, shaking the status quo while also dealing with the repercussions of the previous books, masterfully weaving old and new threads to add another chapter to the story. If you liked the first two books, you certainly won't want to miss this.
River Secrets is simple and bold in its themes, much like the bold colors that frame our new setting: the Tiran port city of Ingraden. Razo is a beloved character from the first two books, known for being a trickster, though nevertheless earnest and loyal. His character unfolds in a familiar way, as we see that much of his humor is bravado, and that he feels lacking when he compares himself to the other men in his life. He isn't tall, isn't strong, isn't particularly brave - but he is observant, tricky, resourceful, and so easily affable that he's able to talk his way out of most situations. The story is one that's been told again and again, but is one that teenage boys need to hear again and again: Razo's talents are unique to him. He has earned his place in Bayern's Own even if the others doubt it, and even if Razo himself doubts it. By sticking true to his instincts and trying less to fit in with the other men, he does great and amazing things, including stopping an international crisis.
This book is potentially the most action-packed entry in the series, and Hale really outdid herself by making the most action-heavy book also the only one that's not from the perspective of someone with one of the "nature-speaking" gifts. For the first time we are extant to the supernatural action, and must follow Razo as he weaves in and out of the magic with his own clever mundanity. Razo's aforementioned cleverness and resourcefulness really put Hale's ability to block and choreograph a fight scene on display, and the result is breathtaking. (If you're a big fan of Sokka from Avatar: The Last Airbender, many of these fights and themes will feel familiar to you.)
This books comes at just the right time in the series, shaking the status quo while also dealing with the repercussions of the previous books, masterfully weaving old and new threads to add another chapter to the story. If you liked the first two books, you certainly won't want to miss this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Xenophobia, Suicide, Murder, and Kidnapping
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