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A review by pagesofpins
The Kestrel by Lloyd Alexander
4.0
Heavy stuff, this. Theo tries to help end a war in which everyone is committing atrocities for noble causes, or at least they think that they are. First one thing doesn't seem wrong, then another, then another, until the war is over and Theo has to fight for who he is rather than to stay alive. There are some semi-realistic allusions here to the horrors of war, PTSD, innocent people caught in the crossfire, and soldiers driven insane by what they see on the battlefield. No wonder so many of the scenes in this book made a strong impression on me as a kid! Alexander gracefully makes some points about the cost of war and the nature of human beings, offset with humor to make them palatable. A loooot of politics and strategy and vocab that will be unfamiliar to modern kids, but I think some 10-13 year olds would still be interested in this read, and it definitely encourages some serious critical thinking.
I found the distance between Theo and Mickle believable, but I'll be disappointed if they don't fight a bit for their relationship in the next book. If they're going to be together, they need a book where they aren't separated for almost the entire time.
Mickle is a badass.
It doesn't quite make sense that Justin is appointed a head of government by Mickle at the end when he is clearly borderline insane, and the "compromise" between democracy and monarchy is a bit too convenient.
(Also, is this whole kingdom like fifty miles wide?)
Again, so much quality and originality here, but lots of little implausibilities that need polishing. Hoping for a more satisfying conclusion to the kingdom's struggles in the next book.
I found the distance between Theo and Mickle believable, but I'll be disappointed if they don't fight a bit for their relationship in the next book. If they're going to be together, they need a book where they aren't separated for almost the entire time.
Mickle is a badass.
It doesn't quite make sense that Justin is appointed a head of government by Mickle at the end when he is clearly borderline insane, and the "compromise" between democracy and monarchy is a bit too convenient.
(Also, is this whole kingdom like fifty miles wide?)
Again, so much quality and originality here, but lots of little implausibilities that need polishing. Hoping for a more satisfying conclusion to the kingdom's struggles in the next book.