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reflectiverambling_nalana 's review for:
Blazewrath Games
by Amparo Ortiz
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not even being nearly taken out by an untamed dragon can deter Lana from being fascinated by the creatures her father has spent his career studying. If anything it fuels her passion for the game that they are an essential component of. Her love for the Blazewrath Games and dreams of being a part of them one day are matched only by the nostalgia she has for the place, and I suspect the times she had, as a young child with her father in his native Puerto Rico. When dragons tied to the country she holds as hers experiences a sudden emergence of their own exclusive breed of dragons it looks like she may very well have her shot to make her dream come true. That is, if she can skirt around her mother. And a rabid dragon. And avoid a menacing dragon-turned-human bent on making the world pay attention and get back at the games and those involved with dragon-kind.
"Blazewrath Games" is a coming of age story that involves identity and general belonging. It is about family, friendships, and the testing of those bonds. While there are some characters that come off as boiler plate caricatures in how they respond to the situation or Lana it is important if you are outside of this target age range, I'm realizing in retrospect, that this is the story of a teenager who is bound to precieve things more strongly and personally. The evolution of these relationships is proof of that.
This book is also absolutely a response and twist on a well known author's creation. However, I'm willing to give leeway as the inclusiveness and diversity that's represented plants this firmly as an alternative to the other who no longer can hold the same nostalgia for some but truly loved certain elements of it. It doesn't hurt that even as someone who's a one-sport type person who isn't easily invested in such things, that it was just fun.
The array of people, backgrounds, personalities, and character traits is only admired secondarily to the array of dragon breeds. I absolutely adored how Ortiz drew from the various countries these creatures represented to shape their designs either from environment or mythology. There is also a really fun integration of magical vs nonmagical elements and technology. It was an entertaining test of where I am in my own quest to learn Spanish at times. Probably best of all the writing perks is that it avoided some common narrative turns and pulled some unexpected punches along with some more predictable.
Overall it might not be the most stand out or deeply engrossing fantasy you'll read, but it will take you for a romp.
"Blazewrath Games" is a coming of age story that involves identity and general belonging. It is about family, friendships, and the testing of those bonds. While there are some characters that come off as boiler plate caricatures in how they respond to the situation or Lana it is important if you are outside of this target age range, I'm realizing in retrospect, that this is the story of a teenager who is bound to precieve things more strongly and personally. The evolution of these relationships is proof of that.
This book is also absolutely a response and twist on a well known author's creation. However, I'm willing to give leeway as the inclusiveness and diversity that's represented plants this firmly as an alternative to the other who no longer can hold the same nostalgia for some but truly loved certain elements of it. It doesn't hurt that even as someone who's a one-sport type person who isn't easily invested in such things, that it was just fun.
The array of people, backgrounds, personalities, and character traits is only admired secondarily to the array of dragon breeds. I absolutely adored how Ortiz drew from the various countries these creatures represented to shape their designs either from environment or mythology. There is also a really fun integration of magical vs nonmagical elements and technology. It was an entertaining test of where I am in my own quest to learn Spanish at times. Probably best of all the writing perks is that it avoided some common narrative turns and pulled some unexpected punches along with some more predictable.
Overall it might not be the most stand out or deeply engrossing fantasy you'll read, but it will take you for a romp.