Reviews

The Sunbird by Elizabeth Wein

emma_lynn_95's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

sherwoodreads's review

Intense, spare and vivid, this story builds, with subtle characterizations, and some sharply dramatic and painful moments.

I've recommended it to readers who like Megan Whalen Turner's work, and heard back that this was a successful pairing.

kerrycat's review

5.0

spectacular trilogy - I know this author is famous for her more current work, but this series is absolutely incredible. I see that some readers who left reviews here on GR 'just don't get it,' and that's fine. I love this story enough to make up for their lack of understanding. everything about this, from the characters (when I thought my favorite was dead for half a book, honestly) to the writing (glorious) is fantastic.

kellbells's review

5.0

Amazing. This series keeps getting better and better.

agh's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Slavery, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Animal cruelty, Torture, and Medical content

brandypainter's review

5.0

My review of the whole series can be found here.

luisasm's review against another edition

4.0

Telemakos is the most impressive hero I have probably read ever. I spent the entire book marveling at the heroics he displays, only to discover at the end that he is only eleven. It's shocking and a bit terrifying to think about everything he goes through. It also provides a glimpse into the morals of political espionage. They send in a child to their work, they save the country, but Telemakos is irrevocably changed, and there's a great deal of guilt that the many adults around him feel. The added threat of the plague and what must be sacrificed strengthens that theme. The plot fell a bit short in this book, sometimes overly confusing or just stuffed in at the end, but Telemakos makes up for it himself. It almost doesn't matter, for Telemakos is such a great protagonist. He is both a child just wanting to connect with his father, but also extremely intelligent and aware of those around him. He contains simple desires to spend time with his family, but is burdened with the complex adult concerns of the country. He's fragile and strong, and he seems so much older than he is. I just want to read more about him. Be warned that these books are pretty dense, so you need to focus.

menshevixen's review

5.0

This trilogy was just astounding. Gorgeous writing and original plot.

saragatland's review

5.0

Great book... Used to be my favourite of her books until I read The Lion Hunter.

I thought it was gross at the end when Sofya explains to him what would have happened if he had rubbed his eyes.

lisalark's review

4.0

1) This book is excellent and might make you cry. Read the other books in the series first.
2) Wein is really, really good at different voice, and nails kids/teens, which is so hard to get right.
3) You know how some authors have a thing they have to repeat? Some theme, story, character? Like how a certain (different) currently popular YA author has daddy issues, like bad ones, and ALL her female characters have daddy issues? Well - I think Wein might have a torture thing. No psychoanalysis on why, but yeah. She handles it well, it fits the plot, it's not over done, it's sad, but - yeah. Wein? You ok? You're scaring me a little. Also now I will read all her books waiting for the torture bit. I mean I get that's it's all Greek tragedy sins of the fathers thing with Medraut - but still. I sense I recurring thing she'll keep writing into her work.