A review by kingkiara
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

So I read this book because I love "The girl who drank the moon" by the same author. It wasn't bad, just not what I had expected to be honest. Although I loved Beatrice, marla & the librarian, some of the main characters irritated me. For starters I wish Alex had been a little more awake, she just let her opinions be formed by everyone else without actually thinking anything through herself. Even by then end when she "lets" Beatrice be who she wants, it's only because she doesn't really have a say anymore now that most of the world is already fighting against it. Also I get why her mom was the way that she was because of the time period & will admit she's a true baddie for leaving the money for them, but I wish she would have left some letters explaining some of the background chaos that alex was too afraid to find out for herself. The dad & the stepmom got what they deserved. Overall it was an interesting story but personally I think that they way it started & the concept led me to believe it was going to be way better than it was. I would have preferred more of a focus on the dragons & all the unanswered questions behind that instead of focusing so much on a character's flaws, especially when that character has very little character development. That said i would love read a prequel if it focuses on the dragons side. 
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