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mandykh's review against another edition
I loved this book. It was a little slow at first. But it got better later and even better the second time I read it.
buzzzybooks's review against another edition
I can't believe I finally found this book on here! I remember reading it in middle school and really enjoying it. The Selection by Keira Cass reminded me a little of this book. I kept thinking about Princess Academy while reading it. They have some similarities I believe.
aradne's review against another edition
4.0
Two times I have read this book, and two times I have been charmed by its wholesome story. And just because it's wholesome, don't assume that's it's extremely light. I don't feel that Hale dances around sensitive issues in this middle-grade novel.
This is the sort of book that is safe to recommend to any child, although a girl would likely enjoy it more.
In general I find Shannon Hale's books to be high-quality story telling and full of character.
This is the sort of book that is safe to recommend to any child, although a girl would likely enjoy it more.
In general I find Shannon Hale's books to be high-quality story telling and full of character.
natskremer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
wardo2700's review against another edition
3.0
The Fantasy genre is not one of my favorites but I stuck with this story because it was engaging. There is good intrigue built into the later part of the book and there was a surprising twist so that helped me finish what was a slow start. Lovers of Fantasy will enjoy it more than I did.
princessanaze's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
noellegrace8's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I read this a long time ago in middle school, and I remember thinking even then that it deserved its Newberry Honor Award. Perhaps I'm biased, though, because this is basically a cold-weather & mild-fantasy version of Appalachian folklore/culture. I think that's why I love it - I'm from West Virginia and don't often see books that portray love for small-scale, simple life borne of tradition. This book is great at doing just that. It gives me nostalgia and a sense of home even though the setting and people are different enough from my own home.
Character-wise, I love me a lost, oblivious ENTP finding their strength and healing, and that's just what Miri is. She's a loveable character with plenty to offer her little side of the world (and maybe even beyond those borders). She's inspiring and works toward bettering herself always.
Plot-wise, how could a person not love this little story? It's one of those ones that seems to pull on traditional "princess"/monarchy rules but manages to make it completely fresh. It is a bit juvenile in some areas, but I can't dock anything off of its star rating for that, because it is clearly middle-grade fiction. It's *supposed* to have some silly dialogue, lack of proper interpersonal communication in relationships, cut-and-dry motivations and developments, and a 14-year-old kid who is somehow more intelligent than her village elders. Lol. Altogether, such a worthwhile read.
I don't factor audiobook performance into the overall star rating of a book, but I give this cast a general 3/5 ⭐ for their narration. Honestly, this sounded a lot like free LibriVox recordings. The performers were void of emotion, except when they were swinging the opposite way and had too much, cheesy emotion in their tones. And these supposedly teenage characters sounded like 8- to 12-year-olds. It was just... not good. Additionally, why did they keep saying pay-der instead of pete-er?? I never imagined that, just because it was spelled with a D instead of a T, it would be pronounced any differently...
Character-wise, I love me a lost, oblivious ENTP finding their strength and healing, and that's just what Miri is. She's a loveable character with plenty to offer her little side of the world (and maybe even beyond those borders). She's inspiring and works toward bettering herself always.
Plot-wise, how could a person not love this little story? It's one of those ones that seems to pull on traditional "princess"/monarchy rules but manages to make it completely fresh. It is a bit juvenile in some areas, but I can't dock anything off of its star rating for that, because it is clearly middle-grade fiction. It's *supposed* to have some silly dialogue, lack of proper interpersonal communication in relationships, cut-and-dry motivations and developments, and a 14-year-old kid who is somehow more intelligent than her village elders. Lol. Altogether, such a worthwhile read.
I don't factor audiobook performance into the overall star rating of a book, but I give this cast a general 3/5 ⭐ for their narration. Honestly, this sounded a lot like free LibriVox recordings. The performers were void of emotion, except when they were swinging the opposite way and had too much, cheesy emotion in their tones. And these supposedly teenage characters sounded like 8- to 12-year-olds. It was just... not good. Additionally, why did they keep saying pay-der instead of pete-er?? I never imagined that, just because it was spelled with a D instead of a T, it would be pronounced any differently...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Torture, Xenophobia, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Colonisation
racoraffi's review against another edition
4.0
This book is pretty dark for a middle grades book but is also sweet and a story about belonging.
wisteriamoon's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness! This book made my heart feel happy! It was such great writing, and it was an amazing story about being true to yourself and never being afraid to do hard things, even when other people don't think you can. Mount Eskel will always hold a place in my heart.