Reviews

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

monarchbooks's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-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

4.0

A bit too tense for my taste

morgob's review against another edition

5.0

This was one of those books that made me feel so happy and light at the end that I wanted to scream. Alas, I could not, because my boyfriend was asleep in the other room. Even though this book was meant primarily for people younger than me, it was still a really good, fulfilling story. It was like a mixture of The Alchemist and Once Upon a Marigold. I love both of those books dearly, so it only seems right that I love this book as well. My friend Maya told me to read this our freshman year of college, actually, and I'm only just getting around to it now. Although I wish I had read it when we were still together and talked often, I'm very glad I got to it eventually. I can definitely see why she likes it so much. The story and the characters were charming. It's set up like a typical fairytale, and you can definitely see the Grimmness, and it is a whirlwind the whole way through. Plus, it's got a happy ending! Overall, a very pleasing read.

nenolove's review against another edition

5.0

An amazing modern fairy tale entwined with a little bit of magic and of course love. The story was magnificently written and had an ending that made you want to read more. Can't wait to read the second book! ^^

mildlemons's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

edshara's review against another edition

4.0

This was an easy and pleasant read. The characters were easy to like and the conflict was tense without being brutal. I had some issues with Ani throughout, but in the end she was who I expected her to be. The romance felt like instalove but it wasn’t annoying.

If you are an animal lover, please note, you’re going to want to tread carefully. I felt like that part of the story was, a bit much, but I think it could have been worse. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.

anjobanjo1221's review against another edition

5.0

This book changed my life I think???? I’ve never been on such a journey during a novel, and it’s a children novel!!! The development as Ani as a strong young female role model is phenomenal and the development between the relationships with other characters, and the meaning of those relationships was really important and really displayed to me how friendship can be found even at the lowest points of life. I also majorly enjoyed how the love interest was a plot line in the novel, but took a backseat and allowed Ani to be her own person. We really saw that in the end Ani was her own strong character, with or without her love interest. In addition to that, I would highly recommend listening to this book on audio, especially if going on a long trip! The full cast, music, and full on experience of listening to this book on audio changed the whole feel of the novel for me, and I got really emotional as the book came to a close.

lilcatlovingactress's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I ADORE this book. I read it as a child years and years ago and it’s even better than I remember. I loved finding new metaphors and allegories within it—the new interpretations I’ve gained from rereading this story 10+ years later bring me such joy. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence

Moderate: War, Death, and Violence

robbynjreeve's review against another edition

4.0

Genre(s): YA, middle-grade, fantasy

Theme(s): fairytale retelling, romance

Award(s): Utah Book Award for Children/Young Adults, Josette Frank Award

Recommended for ages: 10+

Summary: Crown Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee has a special gift, a secret gift, the gift of bird-speaking. She is sent off to marry the prince of a neighboring kingdom in order to prevent war from breaking out between her kingdom and theirs. On the way, her life is turned upside-down as she is forced into hiding and instead of entering Bayern as the princess, she shows up and asks for a job tending the king's geese.

Review: I forgot how good this series was until I re-read it. I enjoy the whole series and love that this book is based on a not well known Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. I find the characters are relatable and the relationships are developed nicely. I think this series continues to get more interesting and complex as it goes on.

Recommended for fans of: Ella Enchanted

If you loved this book then you should try.... Princess Academy, Book of a Thousand Days

shorty_320's review against another edition

5.0

Loved, loved, loved this book! Hale has an uncanny ability of taking fairy tales and totally endearing you to the characters.

I was unfamiliar with The Goose Girl fairy tale, which I'm sure added to my enjoyment of the tale! Really want to pick up a collection of Grimm fairy tales to see what other tales I'm unfamiliar with.

clockworkbook's review against another edition

4.0

4.25 - I have received several recommendations for The Goose Girl and it has been on my TBR for quite some time. Thankfully, it fit a task for a challenge and I am glad that it did, as I really enjoyed it.