a_blue_box_full_of_books's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In the world Sara Codair created three factions fight to see their utopia materialized : Seren’s group who is open and understanding, accepting people’s lifestyle choices, the Scientists, who only believe in science and refuse the idea of magic, and the Altzi, controlling group who seek power under the cover of following Earth ideology. These three parties meet for the first time to try to form a government and young Seren is chosen as her town representative.
What seems at first sight to be a very black and white novel, surprises with its grey color. No party is totally right and even the purest character can have sometimes very limited vision. Sara Codair delivers a strong message of unity and understanding, as the key for the characters to survive is to be open minded and learn to work together, as Mother Earth threatens to destroy Humanity once and for all.
This novel is beautiful and poetic. Mother Earth is a sentient being that cares for her children. Humans communicate with Elementals, spiritual beings that allow Mages to use their powers. But magic comes at a price, as the spirits can also control the humans if they wish. It is by the way the strongest fear of Seren. The novel is LGBT friendly. The main characters are queer and grew up in a place where their difference is recognized and accepted. But as they travel to meet the other parties, they meet very homophobic and transphobic inhabitants.
Earth Reclaimed is a very interesting young adult novel, full of magic and adventures. I loved how the characters evolve during the story and the message of Understanding, as well as the Ecological the novel shares.
booktreks's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
a_little_off_center's review
5.0
Extremely enjoyable! The concept of the earth as a sentient being, who communicates with people, who took action to protect herself was chef’s kiss amazing! The world building? Perfection! The inclusion and representation? Mind blowing in how well done it is! Some books feel very forced or wooden in how they portray trans or non-binary people, but this felt natural and not like something just wedged into the story for the sake of it. I know this was only recently published, but I am already itching for more adventures with Seren and Erik!
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