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A review by hobbithopeful
The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Magic, fantasy, badass ladies, and oh so queer, The Name-Bearer has been on my tbr forever, and I am so happy I finally got to read it.
A LATINX FANTASY! Take all my money! I feel like I am so incredibly biased because I was so excited to read a book with such inclusion of culture and diversity. Reading a book that includes your own culture always just feels so special and comforting. The rich food descriptions and detailed clothing made it feel like I was stepping into the world and experiencing everything that the name-bearer did. My favorite part of the book is when she is training with her friends and finally having that family she's always wanted. I like how everyone has their own strengths, and she isn't just immediately the best at everything.
I think the biggest issue for me is the writing. There is so much telling going on rather than showing, it made it hard at times to stay engaged with the plot and the writing. It is a big bookish peeve of mine that I have to read summaries of events instead of actually reading the event itself. There are also so many times in every chapter where a character will do something and then it will explain itself further. For example:
"The wizard brought a long,tapered finger to his lips to indicate that she should be silent". The reader can easily deduce the fact he wants her to be silent because of him just putting his finger to his mouth, explaining it further is just redundant and unnecessary. However I know this is an indie book, and I always take into consideration the resources available to indie authors when they self publish.
The viewpoint that Hernandez writes from primarily focuses on the name-bearer, but at certain moments when she interacts with other characters it will focus on their inner monologue, or further explain their actions. The ending is very unexpected, it kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
I enjoyed this book, it has a rich environment, and incredible lore. I am excited to read the next one!
I would recommend this book!
The book cover is absolutely gorgeous and I am so obsessed with it.
A LATINX FANTASY! Take all my money! I feel like I am so incredibly biased because I was so excited to read a book with such inclusion of culture and diversity. Reading a book that includes your own culture always just feels so special and comforting. The rich food descriptions and detailed clothing made it feel like I was stepping into the world and experiencing everything that the name-bearer did. My favorite part of the book is when she is training with her friends and finally having that family she's always wanted. I like how everyone has their own strengths, and she isn't just immediately the best at everything.
I think the biggest issue for me is the writing. There is so much telling going on rather than showing, it made it hard at times to stay engaged with the plot and the writing. It is a big bookish peeve of mine that I have to read summaries of events instead of actually reading the event itself. There are also so many times in every chapter where a character will do something and then it will explain itself further. For example:
"The wizard brought a long,tapered finger to his lips to indicate that she should be silent". The reader can easily deduce the fact he wants her to be silent because of him just putting his finger to his mouth, explaining it further is just redundant and unnecessary. However I know this is an indie book, and I always take into consideration the resources available to indie authors when they self publish.
The viewpoint that Hernandez writes from primarily focuses on the name-bearer, but at certain moments when she interacts with other characters it will focus on their inner monologue, or further explain their actions. The ending is very unexpected, it kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
I enjoyed this book, it has a rich environment, and incredible lore. I am excited to read the next one!
I would recommend this book!
The book cover is absolutely gorgeous and I am so obsessed with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Blood
Minor: War and Sexual harassment