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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
While the premise of the story was interesting and wanting to know what happened to the characters kept me reading, the pace was so mind numbingly slow that I struggled to finish it. I also got incredibly sick of being told how unprepared Izzy felt for everything. Yes she was. We get it. It is fine to have some doubts but then MOVE THE STORY ALONG so stuff happens and she can grow into her position. While this kind of happens it was only in the last 10%, making the first 90% feel like a waste of time. Whilst I am mildly interested in what happens to Izzy & Gabriel next (and in finding out more about the mystery of Gabriel's past) I wont be reading on in this series as the slow, slow pace and lack of anything major in the way of action is just not a style of story that I favor.
Magic in the Wild West is one of my favorite scenarios, and it doesn't come around all that often. I've been a longtime Gilman fan, and I love what she's done here -- excellent setting and story, with main characters full of fire and mystery. Super excited to continue the series, only wish I'd found it sooner.
This book was strange to read mainly because it defied my expectations. Given the initial premise and structure of the book, it could quite easily have become a conventional coming of age story about a young woman venturing out of her home in the company of a mentor to find herself. And in a way it is that story. But in many other ways, it isn't.
On one hand this book is a very practical look at life on the road, while also dwelling on the romantic beauty of the unspoiled American prairie. At the same time, it is also a meditation on what it means to have power and to act with that power - what is a responsible and proper use, and what isn't? Because actions have consequences.
I liked this book when I was halfway through it, but I loved it by the time I was done with it, especially the ending, which was fiercely loyal to the theme of the book.
On one hand this book is a very practical look at life on the road, while also dwelling on the romantic beauty of the unspoiled American prairie. At the same time, it is also a meditation on what it means to have power and to act with that power - what is a responsible and proper use, and what isn't? Because actions have consequences.
I liked this book when I was halfway through it, but I loved it by the time I was done with it, especially the ending, which was fiercely loyal to the theme of the book.
adventurous
mysterious
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
I adored this book. It was not the western adventure I was expecting, it was better. This is not a plot file book, though it implies some twists and turns to come, but it is a story that draws you in. The world is presented slowly, you discover more as the novel progresses. Magic is a intrinsic part of life in the territory, not flash but subtle and ingrained within those who live there. This first book is exploring who Isobel and Gabriel are and who they may become because of the roles they play in the territory. Laura Anne Gilman has written an enchanting novel about becoming a different version of yourself; and about choosing your path. I highly recommend it.
I feel like I spent forever reading this book and nothing happened... is that a spoiler? I adore westerns, and thought that this would be thematically great, but I really ended up being quite bored reading it. There was more introspection than action... the characters were all meh. Maybe it will pick up some in the next book in the series, but I won't be reading it... life is too short.
I'm pretty skeptical when it comes to new fantasy series. This seemed interesting enough to try and I am glad that I did.
The world building is familiar enough that it doesn't take away from plot, but different enough to be clear that it isn't exactly the world we know. The characters were relatable - I liked the protagonist, Isobel. As a sixteen year old, she is on the precipice of being an adult, but still learning and still determining her path. Her deal with the Boss was interesting and gave a very different spin to the 'deal with the devil' typically seen.
I'll definitely keep reading this series and this would be a good addition to my classroom library, though I rarely get kids who like exactly what I like.
The world building is familiar enough that it doesn't take away from plot, but different enough to be clear that it isn't exactly the world we know. The characters were relatable - I liked the protagonist, Isobel. As a sixteen year old, she is on the precipice of being an adult, but still learning and still determining her path. Her deal with the Boss was interesting and gave a very different spin to the 'deal with the devil' typically seen.
I'll definitely keep reading this series and this would be a good addition to my classroom library, though I rarely get kids who like exactly what I like.
Started off great, but then got muddy and muddled and not terribly good. An interesting idea that didn't do much for me.