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denises_reading_rainbow's review against another edition
It felt too YA for the read I wanted at the moment and I wasn’t into the story
rr_author's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars, rounded up!
“Rylla paused to look at her hands. Hands that drew lines on her father’s maps, hands that turned the pages of storybooks, hands that were weak and trembling when battling fear. These hands were nothing great.”
I really enjoyed this book by Alissa J. Zalvanios. It was my first time reading anything by her, and I loved her writing style! Despite having a truly chill inducing villain, this story was fun and the other characters were sweet.
Rylla’s positive attitude and kindness was one of my favourite parts. Moo was so adorable, and I petition for more stories with cat sidekicks.
I'm not into magical fantasy, and there was a bit too magic for my taste, however that is my personal opinion.
Overall, this was a very fun story about finding courage and gaining confidence, with talking animals joining along on the adventure!
“Rylla paused to look at her hands. Hands that drew lines on her father’s maps, hands that turned the pages of storybooks, hands that were weak and trembling when battling fear. These hands were nothing great.”
I really enjoyed this book by Alissa J. Zalvanios. It was my first time reading anything by her, and I loved her writing style! Despite having a truly chill inducing villain, this story was fun and the other characters were sweet.
Rylla’s positive attitude and kindness was one of my favourite parts. Moo was so adorable, and I petition for more stories with cat sidekicks.
I'm not into magical fantasy, and there was a bit too magic for my taste, however that is my personal opinion.
Overall, this was a very fun story about finding courage and gaining confidence, with talking animals joining along on the adventure!
cassandraspocket's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
r_woz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
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
morgangiesbrecht's review
5.0
2023 Reread
I stand by my first review—this book is magical & I love it! And I’m updating it to 5⭐️ because again, I love it. ☺️
MOO! He is a true hero & simply the best. He deserves all the love, catnip, and cuddles.
Also, now I’m dreaming about owning a fancy cloak...
___________
Original Review — 2022
4 ⭐️
What a beautiful story!!
I loved the Hobbit-y quest/chosen one/under-qualified hero vibes. There was something reminiscent of Middle Earth and Narnia that was just lovely!
Sometimes fantasy world-building throws me for a loop, but I’m happy to say this one didn’t, and I greatly enjoyed how amazing it was.
I have to say I loved the characters best though. ☺️ Rylla, our chosen hero, is real and relatable. She has her moments of doubt and struggle but also overcomes obstacles. Elowen, Caz, and Jovian are “the team,” and despite their differences, mistakes, and misunderstandings, they stick together with Rylla. Lord Brennigan is positively villainous…and makes a good villain. Fang (Moo’s grandfather) is hilarious and reminds me a little of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. And lastly, Rylla’s cat sidekick, Moo. I’m no avid animal lover, but Moo is the sweetest thing, and I think he was my favourite character in this story. If allergies weren’t an issue (and he wasn’t opposed to being touched), I would want to give him a pat and a squeeze.
I stand by my first review—this book is magical & I love it! And I’m updating it to 5⭐️ because again, I love it. ☺️
MOO! He is a true hero & simply the best. He deserves all the love, catnip, and cuddles.
Also, now I’m dreaming about owning a fancy cloak...
___________
Original Review — 2022
4 ⭐️
What a beautiful story!!
I loved the Hobbit-y quest/chosen one/under-qualified hero vibes. There was something reminiscent of Middle Earth and Narnia that was just lovely!
Sometimes fantasy world-building throws me for a loop, but I’m happy to say this one didn’t, and I greatly enjoyed how amazing it was.
I have to say I loved the characters best though. ☺️ Rylla, our chosen hero, is real and relatable. She has her moments of doubt and struggle but also overcomes obstacles. Elowen, Caz, and Jovian are “the team,” and despite their differences, mistakes, and misunderstandings, they stick together with Rylla. Lord Brennigan is positively villainous…and makes a good villain. Fang (Moo’s grandfather) is hilarious and reminds me a little of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. And lastly, Rylla’s cat sidekick, Moo. I’m no avid animal lover, but Moo is the sweetest thing, and I think he was my favourite character in this story. If allergies weren’t an issue (and he wasn’t opposed to being touched), I would want to give him a pat and a squeeze.
kekea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
sierrawr's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this book, however I feel like it was too fast pace for my taste. I think the plot and character development could’ve easily stretched into at least one more book and it would’ve seemed more natural and not rushed.
lindsey_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot wait till my girls are old enough for me to read this book to them! I absolutely loved it. It's a perfect book for a reader of any age.
erinphillipsauthor's review against another edition
5.0
Right off the bat, I get some juicy Hobbit vibes - you know, that classic epic fantasy feeling that says “adventure awaits”. The writing style was a fun mix of fresh and modern with an old-fashioned flair. The illustrations at each part added to the ambiance of the story in a delightful way! In whole it reminded me of leather-bound books, which added to the aesthetic of the story.
I appreciated so much how the story and writing felt ageless; enjoyable for adults but also a great introduction to fantasy for young teens. It was really fun to see our protagonist, Rylla, has two parents! It is such a rarity in the YA genre, but Zavalianos achieved the feat of having both a healthy home and sending our hero off on an adventure very believably.
The story was very enjoyable to read, and I loved how it was a mix of mini adventures within a larger epic quest with many colorful characters and fun surprises along the way. There were great descriptions of the world and each location visited that really brought the setting to life, not to mention that tree portals sound amazing!
I loved the names of the characters all around; they felt like they belonged to the same world, but were still unique and fitting. Moo was one of my favorites! He gave me some really amazing Barbie movie vibes, and was such a sweet friend to Rylla. Caz was also a very fun character to follow, with his own journey and growth to be had in the story apart from being the "love interest", which I really enjoyed.
All of the friendships felt so genuine, starting as strangers and growing in a very realistic and heartwarming way, working through conflict and trials together. The romance was also really well handled, feeling authentic and appropriate for the characters and the story.
The throughline theme of the story was also very well explored: The stones are neither good or bad on their own, but their goodness is determined by the purity of the heart that holds them. We are all blessed with gifts, and they all have a potential for good or for evil, depending on our own heart's motiviations. It was great to see each of the characters be confronted with this decision, and how they all worked through it in different ways.
In the end 5/5 and I will definitely be recommending this book to others!
I appreciated so much how the story and writing felt ageless; enjoyable for adults but also a great introduction to fantasy for young teens. It was really fun to see our protagonist, Rylla, has two parents! It is such a rarity in the YA genre, but Zavalianos achieved the feat of having both a healthy home and sending our hero off on an adventure very believably.
The story was very enjoyable to read, and I loved how it was a mix of mini adventures within a larger epic quest with many colorful characters and fun surprises along the way. There were great descriptions of the world and each location visited that really brought the setting to life, not to mention that tree portals sound amazing!
I loved the names of the characters all around; they felt like they belonged to the same world, but were still unique and fitting. Moo was one of my favorites! He gave me some really amazing Barbie movie vibes, and was such a sweet friend to Rylla. Caz was also a very fun character to follow, with his own journey and growth to be had in the story apart from being the "love interest", which I really enjoyed.
All of the friendships felt so genuine, starting as strangers and growing in a very realistic and heartwarming way, working through conflict and trials together. The romance was also really well handled, feeling authentic and appropriate for the characters and the story.
The throughline theme of the story was also very well explored: The stones are neither good or bad on their own, but their goodness is determined by the purity of the heart that holds them. We are all blessed with gifts, and they all have a potential for good or for evil, depending on our own heart's motiviations. It was great to see each of the characters be confronted with this decision, and how they all worked through it in different ways.
In the end 5/5 and I will definitely be recommending this book to others!
_inkyserendipity_'s review against another edition
5.0
It is high time that I write a review for this book. When I first read the Earth Treader, I was struck with such a clear thought: “This is such a breath of fresh air.” Reading the Earth Treader just overwhelmed me with the purity and goodness of the story. I love the relationships between all of the characters--this is such a strength in Alissa’s writing! The world is so captivating and I was drawn right in. Plus, who doesn’t love talking animals? This story is definitely one of my favorites and is worth a read, and a re-read!