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A review by edrickashay
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I was disappointed by this book. Mafi is an amazing writer, and her signature indulgent descriptions make this world atmospheric and add to the wonderful world, culture, and politics building, but at times I felt these descriptions got in the way of a plot; ultimately this book feels like a too-long set-up for the next.
Our main girl lacks personality, but as I’ve read the Shatter Me series, I can trust that Mafi will take us on a fuller arc later.
Our main guy, I thought, was a wonderfully written character. I enjoyed his irritability, the fact he is constantly humbled but remains mostly the same –I do enjoy that 18 years of life as prince is not changed by one or two meetings with a “servant” girl. As someone who is close with a lot of boys, I do think how he thinks of our MC realistic. I did, however, find his POV more compelling, important, and higher stakes, and wanted to stay in his head more. The main female perspective here felt repetitive, and flat. Also why do fantasy books never show the big kiss from the boy’s perspective!? Their feelings and excitement matters too!
I also thought that what was a believable, grounded magic system is completely flipped on its head by an overpowered man that comes in at the end. So, that felt disappointing as well.
Overall, I know this review sounds bad, but I do trust Mafi as a writer and will give the second book a shot.
Our main girl lacks personality, but as I’ve read the Shatter Me series, I can trust that Mafi will take us on a fuller arc later.
Our main guy, I thought, was a wonderfully written character. I enjoyed his irritability, the fact he is constantly humbled but remains mostly the same –I do enjoy that 18 years of life as prince is not changed by one or two meetings with a “servant” girl. As someone who is close with a lot of boys, I do think how he thinks of our MC realistic. I did, however, find his POV more compelling, important, and higher stakes, and wanted to stay in his head more. The main female perspective here felt repetitive, and flat. Also why do fantasy books never show the big kiss from the boy’s perspective!? Their feelings and excitement matters too!
I also thought that what was a believable, grounded magic system is completely flipped on its head by an overpowered man that comes in at the end. So, that felt disappointing as well.
Overall, I know this review sounds bad, but I do trust Mafi as a writer and will give the second book a shot.