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A review by solenophage
Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Zira Nauryzbai, Lilya Kalaus
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was drawn to this book because I had not read any stories that incorporate Kazakh mythology before and in that regard the book delivered. Batu's and his friends' adventures bring in many mythological figures as well as exploring some of the history of Kazakhstan under Russian control. A glossary in the back provides context for some of the vocabulary that might be unfamiliar, though pronunciations aren't given and were a struggle for me.
What I didn't like about it was the pacing and plot development. It didn't seem very cohesive to me or well paced. The characters' choices and motivations also seemed confused at times, like they've forgotten what they were thinking or planning from one scene to the next without explanation.
What I didn't like about it was the pacing and plot development. It didn't seem very cohesive to me or well paced. The characters' choices and motivations also seemed confused at times, like they've forgotten what they were thinking or planning from one scene to the next without explanation.