A very enjoyable dragon fantasy, but the real strength of this novel is the writing around the clash of cultures between the Anglish colonists and theA very enjoyable dragon fantasy, but the real strength of this novel is the writing around the clash of cultures between the Anglish colonists and the natives. The characters are well-fleshed-out and have distinct personalities. I was a little lost when the magic system was explained, but my lack of understanding did not negatively impact my enjoyment....more
I left this toward the last of my Hugo reading because I didn't expect to like it - I got bored reading Spinning Silver and put it down. I actually suI left this toward the last of my Hugo reading because I didn't expect to like it - I got bored reading Spinning Silver and put it down. I actually super liked this book, and I want to read the next one soon....more
This book has such an amazingly vivid world, and the characters are incredibly well-written. It follows Tarisai, who grows up in an invisible house anThis book has such an amazingly vivid world, and the characters are incredibly well-written. It follows Tarisai, who grows up in an invisible house and is occasionally visited by her mother, who is called the Lady. The Lady has raised her to grow up and kill the Crown Prince. Tarisai is sent to the palace to try to join the Prince's Council of 11, and she must decide on whether she will obey her mother's orders or find a way to stop herself from killing someone she has come to love.
The relationships between the Council of 11 was one of the best examples of (mostly) platonic relationships written in books. The world is very richly written, and the stakes were super high. It kept me wondering how it was going to play out the entire time. ...more
3.5 stars. I listened to the majority on audio, then finished the last 3 or 4 chapters in print. Not because there is anything wrong with the audioboo3.5 stars. I listened to the majority on audio, then finished the last 3 or 4 chapters in print. Not because there is anything wrong with the audiobook; mainly because I knew I was close to the end and have 3 days off work (no car travel time). I wanted to just get it finished real quick.
I pretty much figured out all the twists on my own, but I like how it played out. The atmosphere of this book is very engaging, and I love seeing a story for young people centering a trans protagonist and an acceptance plot....more
I have learned that when it comes to romance novels, I am a very character-driven person. The characters in this book are very flawed peopl3.5 stars.
I have learned that when it comes to romance novels, I am a very character-driven person. The characters in this book are very flawed people but I became very invested in their lives and drama. Choi made me care about these two weirdos and I loved every minute of it. Penny and Sam both had a lot of issues to work through, both separately and together, which added a depth to the story that I really appreciated. A top rate novel....more
I really enjoyed this one! The characters, the setting, the action scenes, the realness, everything was just so on point.
The way the scenes are writteI really enjoyed this one! The characters, the setting, the action scenes, the realness, everything was just so on point.
The way the scenes are written and the concept of embuing art with spirits is so visual - I can see the actions so clearly in my head. I want this made into a movie so badly....more
I DEVOURED this. I read it in 3 hours. Considering it took me almost a month to read The Interestings, that is amazing to me.
I give this one 4 out of I DEVOURED this. I read it in 3 hours. Considering it took me almost a month to read The Interestings, that is amazing to me.
I give this one 4 out of 5 because it is a very interesting concept for a novel. I love the idea that there is a sort-of alternate universe that slowly shows you that living in the past is not healthy and that facing it can be the hardest, yet most rewarding thing you can do. This is a very important message for a YA novel, and I am glad Wolitzer wrote it. I like the thought of healthy YA novels.
I can't explain why I am withholding one star. I went to rate this book, and just felt that 4 stars fits better than 5. I don't know if it is the second-hand embarrassment I felt after the big "twist" at the end or what. I kind of feel cheated somehow after that. People who've read it will get what I mean by this, I think. I spent 90% of the novel thinking one thing and then it turned out to have been completely wrong. The twist was not so much genius as really awkward and embarrassing for both Jam and me. Maybe I'll think differently after I've thought on it more.
tl;dr HEALTHY MESSAGE IN YA. Such a unique concept....more
Loading...
