lian_tanner's review against another edition
5.0
An utterly beautiful book. I was so entranced by the language and the story that I read it in a day. I particularly loved the use of both poetry and prose, and how it seemed to take me directly into Aissa's heart. Cinderella stories are always appealing, but this one is extra special.
lemon_loaf's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Bronze Age hunger games
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I loved the first part of this book with all the representation of otherness and being an outcast within a specific community can bring with it. Also the perspective of the main character is absolutely unique and holds such a unity with the natural world this story is set in, that I really, really loved to listen to the story unfold.
In the second half I found a sense of disappointment creeping into my reading, by the end I was rather disappointed.
In the second half I found a sense of disappointment creeping into my reading, by the end I was rather disappointed.
ab_archives's review against another edition
4.0
Really good! I liked the poetry at the end if each chapter. There was also a very interesting plot.
toffeeraven's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a bold masterpiece of prose, and rich with emotions. I couldn't put it down. It is told in a third person perspective, but the words are so descriptive and emotional it makes you feel as if you're reading it right from the protagonist's perspective. I definitely recommend it. The story itself is also rich and detailed and I closed the book with a warm feeling of satisfaction but also wanting more from the author.
skundrik87's review against another edition
4.0
Darn this was good. Part prose, part poetry. Great for my library.
politicsofpages's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Dragonfly Song is one of my favourite books of all time. I've read it too many times to count and it will always hold a special place in my heart. My copy has been annotated and scribbled all over and highlighted and had tea spilled on it but I love it. Parts of my soul live in this book, and I love it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
jilljemmett's review against another edition
4.0
This is a unique middle grade story.
I love Greek mythology so I loved how this story was done in the style of a traditional Greek epic. A lot of the story was told in verse, like the epic poems The Odyssey or The Illiad. This style may be unusual for many young readers, but it will expose them to a traditional style of writing. Orr does a great job of weaving verse in with the prose of the story. Many other aspects of Greek mythology also appear in the story, such as sacrifice and animal imagery.
Though Aissa’s story is happening centuries ago, she still faces issues that contemporary children have to deal with. Young readers could relate to her problems with bullies. She is bullied by Half-One and Half-Two and is eventually kicked out of the servants circle.
I really enjoyed this story. However, if I read it when I was in elementary school, I don’t think I would have liked it as much. This story would be a great introduction to the Ancient Greek style for young readers, if they also have some guidance from an adult.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
I love Greek mythology so I loved how this story was done in the style of a traditional Greek epic. A lot of the story was told in verse, like the epic poems The Odyssey or The Illiad. This style may be unusual for many young readers, but it will expose them to a traditional style of writing. Orr does a great job of weaving verse in with the prose of the story. Many other aspects of Greek mythology also appear in the story, such as sacrifice and animal imagery.
Though Aissa’s story is happening centuries ago, she still faces issues that contemporary children have to deal with. Young readers could relate to her problems with bullies. She is bullied by Half-One and Half-Two and is eventually kicked out of the servants circle.
I really enjoyed this story. However, if I read it when I was in elementary school, I don’t think I would have liked it as much. This story would be a great introduction to the Ancient Greek style for young readers, if they also have some guidance from an adult.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
kellread's review against another edition
4.0
Another beautifully written book set in the Bronze Age Aegean with a mix of verse and prose. For a middle grade book, this novel tackles heavy issues of loneliness, bullying, acceptance and identity. Aissa was born to the Lady, but she was imperfect with small extra thumbs on each hand. When her father, the chief, cut them off, he was taken by the sea the next day. With the belief that the firstborn daughter of the Lady must be perfect, Aissa is sent to be thrown off the cliff, yet she is instead given to a farming family.
After four years, raiders take Aissa's family away from her, and takes her mothers request to stay quiet until she comes back to her to heart. Aissa's life changes drastically from loving family, to being No-Name, cursed child and servant, then a banished girl. When she ends up becoming one of the next Bull-Dancers with Luki, her life changes again and again, and in the process, she finds herself and her voice.
This book was written seamlessly between the verse and prose, and truly tackles themes of identity, belonging and self acceptance that transcends time and place.
After four years, raiders take Aissa's family away from her, and takes her mothers request to stay quiet until she comes back to her to heart. Aissa's life changes drastically from loving family, to being No-Name, cursed child and servant, then a banished girl. When she ends up becoming one of the next Bull-Dancers with Luki, her life changes again and again, and in the process, she finds herself and her voice.
This book was written seamlessly between the verse and prose, and truly tackles themes of identity, belonging and self acceptance that transcends time and place.
literally_laura's review against another edition
4.0
For a middle grade novel, this was very eloquent and deep. The imagery was absolutely beautiful. Throughout the entire book, I felt like I was sitting around a fire listening to the story of my ancestors. Parts were very sad to me, but I really think that's more my kind momma heart hurting for the lost or unwanted children. For the intended audience I feel like while it might be sad, it will be fleeting. 4 stars