saraotoole's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
venti's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
cute… i love jon 😌
kmacgahan's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lana_denise's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cicadaknight's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Moderate: Dysphoria, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Transphobia
Final scenes include the most unnecessary use of magical clothing removal to out a child.guineapiggirl's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
library_kb's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this surprisingly a lot for a book from this era--which often feel kind of boring because I have seen the concepts they originated in more varied and fast paced books published more recently. However, even this may not feel as groundbreaking as it did when it was published, I highly enjoyed the story. For one, it was much shorter than most fantasy published today, though the book does not feel finished, but rather like an episode of the whole story. I liked the main character Alanna and her spunk, and how she navigated the challenges in the book. The side characters were not super developed, but I'm hopeful for more development in future books!
mckellstar's review against another edition
3.0
3/5
When this book was good, it was gooood. But then there were times when I had trouble staying engaged. I don’t think the long chapters helped me, even though the book is just over 200 pages long. One chapter was over 50 pages and I felt like it could have been 2 or 3 separate chapters with the way the plot was developing.
The plot was slow for me. It wasn’t until the last half of the book that I got a handle on what exactly the conflict was (other than Alanna hiding the fact that she’s a girl, that is). But like I said at the beginning of this review, when the book was good, it was GOOD! I was so invested in the last section of the book, but it took me awhile to feel that excited.
Overall, I can see how this book would have shaped a lot of readers when it was first published! There were some great girl power moments and exciting action scenes- although I would have liked more info about the magic system.
I’m on the fence about whether or not I’ll finish this series. I think I’ll read her other book, Wild Magic, first and then see how I feel.
When this book was good, it was gooood. But then there were times when I had trouble staying engaged. I don’t think the long chapters helped me, even though the book is just over 200 pages long. One chapter was over 50 pages and I felt like it could have been 2 or 3 separate chapters with the way the plot was developing.
The plot was slow for me. It wasn’t until the last half of the book that I got a handle on what exactly the conflict was (other than Alanna hiding the fact that she’s a girl, that is). But like I said at the beginning of this review, when the book was good, it was GOOD! I was so invested in the last section of the book, but it took me awhile to feel that excited.
Overall, I can see how this book would have shaped a lot of readers when it was first published! There were some great girl power moments and exciting action scenes- although I would have liked more info about the magic system.
I’m on the fence about whether or not I’ll finish this series. I think I’ll read her other book, Wild Magic, first and then see how I feel.
lucrezi's review against another edition
5.0
I think I was in the 4th grade when I first read this book, and reread it several times until I went to college. It’s been years since I last picked it up so this latest read is just one big nostalgia trip.
It’s extremely easy to read since it’s a children’s book, but it doesn’t feel patronizing. It brings up interesting ideas and points here and there, and respects the maturity of its audience.
Would recommend to anyone regardless of age.
It’s extremely easy to read since it’s a children’s book, but it doesn’t feel patronizing. It brings up interesting ideas and points here and there, and respects the maturity of its audience.
Would recommend to anyone regardless of age.