Scan barcode
kcaicedo's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was one of my favorite books in middle school, and upon re-reading it I remember exactly why. Katsa and Po were such lovable characters and felt so alive. I grew very attached to them throughout the book, and was sad when it ended because it felt like I was saying goodbye to real friends. Their relationship is very chaotic but in a way that's entertaining and kind of hot - but I guess that was the point. Katsa's arc was enjoyable, and I couldn't help but imagine how awesome this book (the entire series maybe) would be if a service like HBO picked it up and gave it a big enough budget. The audiobook was particularly enjoyable because I listened to a version that had an entire cast of voice actors, which was awesome.
In terms of diversity: I think the physical descriptions are vague enough that Po could be considered a POC, instead of just a tan white guy. It's a fantasy setting, and no one's race is explicitly stated, so why not? I always pictured the Lienid as ethnically ambiguous, and he could really be played by anyone, especially if they chose to make this series into a show or movie. Also, Po is representation for disability when he loses his sight. A lot of authors would write that out, but it was incorporated into Po's grace sort of like Toph from Avatar the Last Airbender. It wasn't downplayed as easy, and it also wasn't poofed away. Raffin is confirmed to be gay in Bitterblue, which made me happy because I got that vibe from him and Bann in Graceling. I'm glad it wasn't just queer-baiting and turned out to be canon later. There are other casual mentions of LGBTQ+ characters throughout the series in a non-judgmental way, but it seems like it still isn't accepted by broader society within their world as men are expected to produce heirs.
Re-reading this made me want to go back and read the entire series again! Would definitely recommend for fans of lighthearted, adventurous, funny, magic/super-powers, and romantic fantasy.
In terms of diversity: I think the physical descriptions are vague enough that Po could be considered a POC, instead of just a tan white guy. It's a fantasy setting, and no one's race is explicitly stated, so why not? I always pictured the Lienid as ethnically ambiguous, and he could really be played by anyone, especially if they chose to make this series into a show or movie. Also,
Re-reading this made me want to go back and read the entire series again! Would definitely recommend for fans of lighthearted, adventurous, funny, magic/super-powers, and romantic fantasy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia