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chrisistrangerthanu 's review for:
The Ugly Princess: The Legend of the Winnowwood
by Henderson Smith
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an utterly delightful read that reminded me of first discovering fantasy novels as a young teen. By far it is the best book I've received as a free read and I would have gladly paid for it. I devoured it in one sitting and couldn't put it down! The sad thing is that I nearly didn't read this book, because it sounded a bit weird and boring from the blurb. But it is an amazing book and reminded me quite a lot of Tamora Pierce's writing style, although the content was different.
Olive is such an interesting and complex character. She is tempted by the opportunity of beauty, and horrified to find herself jealous of her sister and desperate for her father's affection, but she holds true to what she knows is important. Rosaline was a terrifying character, demonstrating the shallowness of physical beauty, but at times it was clear that she had some love and affection for Olive. Bart was earnest and a great love interest in the tale, never taking center stage and being saved by Olive as often as he saved her. I loved their interaction too as it was hilarious and innocently sweet.
Primarily, this is a coming of age story, focusing on the magic of childhood and what we choose to sacrifice for as we become adults. Olive's discussions with her mother on what is valued about women was so sad, but a true commentary on modern society in many ways. I was enchanted by the sweetness and genuine feel of the book, I will be delighted to read the next one. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings, but this one didn't feel too forced and I still felt like I got a suitable conclusion.
This was an utterly delightful read that reminded me of first discovering fantasy novels as a young teen. By far it is the best book I've received as a free read and I would have gladly paid for it. I devoured it in one sitting and couldn't put it down! The sad thing is that I nearly didn't read this book, because it sounded a bit weird and boring from the blurb. But it is an amazing book and reminded me quite a lot of Tamora Pierce's writing style, although the content was different.
Olive is such an interesting and complex character. She is tempted by the opportunity of beauty, and horrified to find herself jealous of her sister and desperate for her father's affection, but she holds true to what she knows is important. Rosaline was a terrifying character, demonstrating the shallowness of physical beauty, but at times it was clear that she had some love and affection for Olive. Bart was earnest and a great love interest in the tale, never taking center stage and being saved by Olive as often as he saved her. I loved their interaction too as it was hilarious and innocently sweet.
Primarily, this is a coming of age story, focusing on the magic of childhood and what we choose to sacrifice for as we become adults. Olive's discussions with her mother on what is valued about women was so sad, but a true commentary on modern society in many ways. I was enchanted by the sweetness and genuine feel of the book, I will be delighted to read the next one. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings, but this one didn't feel too forced and I still felt like I got a suitable conclusion.