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A review by aomernik
The Kestrel by Lloyd Alexander
3.0
This book is the one book by Lloyd Alexander that I can honestly say I didn't like.
At first, the plot was pretty interesting, but I felt that the book dragged on and on and ON! It was quite hard to read after a while.
The ending, as well, disappointed me. A lot. And Theo's attitude changed a whole lot during the book. I understand that he's maturing with age and experience, but really? I liked the inquisitive, trouble-making printer's devil that he was in the first book better than the sultry, silent "warrior" he is now. And again with the ending, why can't he follow his love and his dreams? Must he be so much the stiff statesman? If he continues to do that, I shall disown him. Indefinitely. Until he gets his act together.
And I despised Justin--which is not a good thing. Usually, unless they're the antagonist-in-disguise or one of the antagonist's cronies or something, supporting characters are SUPPOSED TO BE LIKABLE. Or likable enough. But I really, really felt an urge to punch Justin, especially at the end. He was on the vergy of hypocrisy: Theo couldn't desert him to find Mickle (who he loved), but he could desert his army (and make rash decisions) because of the death of Rina (who he loved). That is by my book double standards. Which I frown upon.
However, at least Mickle stayed true to herself. Thank heaven for good characters.
At first, the plot was pretty interesting, but I felt that the book dragged on and on and ON! It was quite hard to read after a while.
The ending, as well, disappointed me. A lot. And Theo's attitude changed a whole lot during the book. I understand that he's maturing with age and experience, but really? I liked the inquisitive, trouble-making printer's devil that he was in the first book better than the sultry, silent "warrior" he is now. And again with the ending, why can't he follow his love and his dreams? Must he be so much the stiff statesman? If he continues to do that, I shall disown him. Indefinitely. Until he gets his act together.
And I despised Justin--which is not a good thing. Usually, unless they're the antagonist-in-disguise or one of the antagonist's cronies or something, supporting characters are SUPPOSED TO BE LIKABLE. Or likable enough. But I really, really felt an urge to punch Justin, especially at the end. He was on the vergy of hypocrisy: Theo couldn't desert him to find Mickle (who he loved), but he could desert his army (and make rash decisions) because of the death of Rina (who he loved). That is by my book double standards. Which I frown upon.
However, at least Mickle stayed true to herself. Thank heaven for good characters.