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knittyreader's review
4.0
I received a free copy through Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
The original setting of this book was quite refreshing. It combines the popular magic-classes with a historical setting - the colonies on the American continent battling along the British Empire against the French and Spaniards, and rumours of rebellion - and the way groups of people can be afraid of big changes in the world.
I loved the story, and the writing was great. It was well-paced, with action and interaction, while the dialogue was natural and flowing.
There were some minor issues that made it a little harder for me to get into the story. Many people around town were named (and sorted into humans or Calatians, and when in the last group named for which animal they represented), and then given no further place in the story. Kip's mother was just Mother, while his father was Max all the time. People were named by their first name, or by their last name, to give the college a more English-public-school-feel I guess. While I really liked this book, this naming of people made it harder for me to really get into the story. It would've been even better for me when it had been a little more consistent.
The original setting of this book was quite refreshing. It combines the popular magic-classes with a historical setting - the colonies on the American continent battling along the British Empire against the French and Spaniards, and rumours of rebellion - and the way groups of people can be afraid of big changes in the world.
I loved the story, and the writing was great. It was well-paced, with action and interaction, while the dialogue was natural and flowing.
There were some minor issues that made it a little harder for me to get into the story. Many people around town were named (and sorted into humans or Calatians, and when in the last group named for which animal they represented), and then given no further place in the story. Kip's mother was just Mother, while his father was Max all the time. People were named by their first name, or by their last name, to give the college a more English-public-school-feel I guess. While I really liked this book, this naming of people made it harder for me to really get into the story. It would've been even better for me when it had been a little more consistent.
s0litarybe3's review
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
avinz's review
4.0
It's very much "Kingkiller Meets Harry Potter" cliche, but it's well written and interesting enough all the way through. I will buy the next book when it comes out for sure.
meganmilks's review
5.0
First of four-book series about the Calatians (anthropomorphic animals who have magical properties), set in revolutionary-era New England. The protagonist, Kip, a fox Calatian, is the first Calatian to train as a sorcerer. Terrific characters and plotting; the alternative history storyline is inspired and rich--tons of magic and intersectional feminism throughout!
guthr13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Basically furry version of Harry Potter.
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