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A review by hickorynut
Ladycastle by Delilah S. Dawson
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
This book had such a fun concept with a gorgeous cast of unique and diverse characters. The artwork was beautifully rendered and character design included diverse body shapes, skin tones, clothing preferences, abilities/disabilities, and ethnicities. Overall it was a really interesting concept of the women taking over control of the kingdom after their men are killed and finding new ways to approach community and conflict resolution.
Unfortunately I found the storytelling and pacing to be a bit of a struggle. A lot of actions are implied to take place out of the frame and you have to fill in the gaps on your own instead of getting to witness the artwork and visual expression of those moments. It led for many moments where I had to flip back and forth making sure I had not missed a page. The first few pages were also particularly chaotic and confusing and I had to read through them a few times before I understood who was speaking and what the relationships were. I think this could have been a really amazing longer form book with more detailed scenes that allow us to truly see the characters develop and sit with them in those important moments.
Unfortunately I found the storytelling and pacing to be a bit of a struggle. A lot of actions are implied to take place out of the frame and you have to fill in the gaps on your own instead of getting to witness the artwork and visual expression of those moments. It led for many moments where I had to flip back and forth making sure I had not missed a page. The first few pages were also particularly chaotic and confusing and I had to read through them a few times before I understood who was speaking and what the relationships were. I think this could have been a really amazing longer form book with more detailed scenes that allow us to truly see the characters develop and sit with them in those important moments.