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erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.75
As. Book for young and young adult readers, it has a feel that that is similar to other adventure tales written in the 1970s, but it's notable for a few things. There are characters of various ages and they are each lovingly crafted with their own values, feelings, secrets and goals (even the family horse). Adults and children alike, make their own mistakes, and character growth feels organic and honest. As this is an imagined world the author is free to describe her characters' differing cultures, ethnic diversity and social class, and tell a coming of age story where these influences help to build the character of children brought up in a nomadic lifestyle.
-edit to add- Huw Parmenter does a marvellous job of narrating this audiobook, with some very moving scenes, and he has a fair go at singing the songs in it too.
As a musician, I value the whole idea of creating things and influencing the world with music. I picked up on the very early hints about a character being musically gifted, as it felt very familiar to me. This the story is told through the eyes of children, the political machinations are simplistic and easy to get a gist of. Characters do die, but it's not so dire (or convoluted) as Game of Thrones. I see a similarity to stories like Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda, though I think this tale has a little more meat on its bones.
All in all, I give it an extra half star for good pace and feel, and likeable characters.
-edit to add- Huw Parmenter does a marvellous job of narrating this audiobook, with some very moving scenes, and he has a fair go at singing the songs in it too.
As a musician, I value the whole idea of creating things and influencing the world with music. I picked up on the very early hints about a character being musically gifted, as it felt very familiar to me. This the story is told through the eyes of children, the political machinations are simplistic and easy to get a gist of. Characters do die, but it's not so dire (or convoluted) as Game of Thrones. I see a similarity to stories like Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda, though I think this tale has a little more meat on its bones.
All in all, I give it an extra half star for good pace and feel, and likeable characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, War, and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty