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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Interesting, but not quite what I was looking for. Too much adolescent angst and not enough actual theological commentary as I wanted - which is no real fault of the author, but still made the book feel too shallow for me.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 almost 4 stars. I enjoyed the magic system and story. Some of it felt a bit rushed but overall I liked it a lot. The narrators were a bit strange but I’m keen to see where the story goes.
I read the whole thing, but can't think of anyone I would recommend it to. The story is ok
adventurous
funny
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:
Complicated
So disappointed in what should have been an awesome book! I love the basic storyline and the worlds and characters Card creates are amazing. But I agree with those horrified by the YA classification. My problem is that the sexual tension and experiences are not just inappropriate for this age group, they're also just WEIRD. First there is bizarre sexual behavior between cousins. Then a sexual encounter, almost an attack, from a woman whom Danny has only just met. Then there is an extra marital affair. It's just a LOT of grown up themes, more than I'm comfortable explaining to my 12 year olds!!!! If that aspect had been toned down or presented in a more age appropriate manner, the story would be 5 stars. But, as it is, we won't be reading the rest of this series!!!
Why do all the female characters have a Madonna/Whore complex? What the fuck is happening here?
Adding this to my DNF graveyard
Adding this to my DNF graveyard
This is a story about a boy who lives with a family who completely despises him and treats him with cruelty and contempt. However, one day he realizes that he is actually an extremely powerful kind of mage, and has the power to do amazing things!!!
Sound familiar?
Anyway, as distracting that was a few times, this is actually a great book. I really disliked Danny North in the beginning, but as he began to grow my feelings about him changed. The story is compelling, and other than the above-mentioned similarities to Harry Potter, it is unique. I look forward to future installments.
Sound familiar?
Anyway, as distracting that was a few times, this is actually a great book. I really disliked Danny North in the beginning, but as he began to grow my feelings about him changed. The story is compelling, and other than the above-mentioned similarities to Harry Potter, it is unique. I look forward to future installments.
Card brings his broad knowledge of archetypes and human behavior into this surprising coming of age story that takes a new look at the history of civilization. Set in modern times within ancient families, a boy on the edge of growing up discovers a surprising secret about who he is and what he could become. Somewhere between Percy Jackson and American Gods, Card explores some of the difficult issues that face teens today as they work to navigate a healthy path into adulthood.
This book sets up a worldview that overlays myth and magic with history and religion and the movement of power. The ways that Card works reality into his story are believable and fun. I look forward to more books in the series, which I hope keep coming out until I my son is old enough to enjoy them too. I would recommend this book to all lovers of mythopoetic writing, but I would definitely advise parents to read it for themselves before giving to their children to read. Card's characters act with characteristic integrity and strength of will, but situations arise in the book that might bear further discussion.
Update 2013: I first read & reviewed this book in the summer of 2011. I just finished listening to the audiobook with my 13yo. He enjoyed it as much as I anticipated.
This book sets up a worldview that overlays myth and magic with history and religion and the movement of power. The ways that Card works reality into his story are believable and fun. I look forward to more books in the series, which I hope keep coming out until I my son is old enough to enjoy them too. I would recommend this book to all lovers of mythopoetic writing, but I would definitely advise parents to read it for themselves before giving to their children to read. Card's characters act with characteristic integrity and strength of will, but situations arise in the book that might bear further discussion.
Update 2013: I first read & reviewed this book in the summer of 2011. I just finished listening to the audiobook with my 13yo. He enjoyed it as much as I anticipated.
