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A review by elsiemookow
Updraft by Fran Wilde
3.0
3.5 stars
Updraft is an enjoyable quick fantasy novel. In my library it was not in the YA section; however, it appears that it was marketed as such, so I am not sure if it is considered YA or adult fiction. I was excited to read a novel that was nominated for the Nebula award as they are usually incredible, but I was a tad disappointed. Usually novels nominated for the Nebula are a lot more... how shall I put this... novel, groundbreaking, super awesome? The positives: The world building was incredible. Really my favorite part of fantasy novels are the new fictional worlds created by authors. I could picture the desolation of the bone spires above the clouds where everyone resides- great overall imagery. Props for great world building. The story line was predictable, but it was overall a fun read. The negatives: I am tried of the same tropes being used over and over again in novels: young female with amazing abilities struggles to be understood by everyone and ends up trying to save the world. The storyline and characters reminded me why I have stopped reading anything listed as YA fantasy novels. Much better than most novels in the genre, but I wish authors would go out more a limb and throw in some twists and turns or deeper characters. Worth reading as a light beach read or just for some fun.
Updraft is an enjoyable quick fantasy novel. In my library it was not in the YA section; however, it appears that it was marketed as such, so I am not sure if it is considered YA or adult fiction. I was excited to read a novel that was nominated for the Nebula award as they are usually incredible, but I was a tad disappointed. Usually novels nominated for the Nebula are a lot more... how shall I put this... novel, groundbreaking, super awesome? The positives: The world building was incredible. Really my favorite part of fantasy novels are the new fictional worlds created by authors. I could picture the desolation of the bone spires above the clouds where everyone resides- great overall imagery. Props for great world building. The story line was predictable, but it was overall a fun read. The negatives: I am tried of the same tropes being used over and over again in novels: young female with amazing abilities struggles to be understood by everyone and ends up trying to save the world. The storyline and characters reminded me why I have stopped reading anything listed as YA fantasy novels. Much better than most novels in the genre, but I wish authors would go out more a limb and throw in some twists and turns or deeper characters. Worth reading as a light beach read or just for some fun.