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amills's review against another edition
2.0
I didn’t realize this was a prequel until too far into it. I can tell it’s leading up to something big and I enjoyed bits and pieces but didn’t feel like any of the plot came to a climax or resolved. Some of the writing was hard for me to follow because the phrasing didn’t make sense. I wouldn’t pick this up again and not tempted to read other books in the series
mjk1221's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
While I enjoyed looking into the young Arram, Ozorne, and Varice (not to mention Lindholm, Tristan, etc), I found the story really is a "chronicle" of Numair's early days rather than an actual plot/story. The book covers 4 years and is about their friendship and his learning more than anything. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it, but I also don't know that I learned anything new about Numair. Ozorne, though, was the interesting one and it was interesting seeing Varice become who she is too.
If you're a fan of the Tortall books, you should definitely read this just for the information, but don't expect a great plot. Think of it as more snapshots as he grows and learns. It's the important moments, the important decisions.
While I enjoyed looking into the young Arram, Ozorne, and Varice (not to mention Lindholm, Tristan, etc), I found the story really is a "chronicle" of Numair's early days rather than an actual plot/story. The book covers 4 years and is about their friendship and his learning more than anything. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it, but I also don't know that I learned anything new about Numair. Ozorne, though, was the interesting one and it was interesting seeing Varice become who she is too.
If you're a fan of the Tortall books, you should definitely read this just for the information, but don't expect a great plot. Think of it as more snapshots as he grows and learns. It's the important moments, the important decisions.
rennaissance_birdie's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really liked it, there was minimal conflict but there was awesome world-building. If you are not looking for war fantasy this is a great read.
tene143's review against another edition
4.0
I'm so happy to see into Numairs past and discover more of the Totally world. It's full of interesting characters and professors. Some parts seem ominous like his friendship :( and some parts slow despite there being quick time jumps to rush through school. I think the next into he series will be better!
bookbuyer's review against another edition
4.0
Sadly for me this book only got a 4 star. I had some difficulty with previous characters now being main characters. I'm hoping that goes away as I re-read this over and over! :)
I loved Arram. I had the least difficulty with him since he has his original name in the book.
Ozorne was the most difficult for me. But it also made me really think about how he was in Emperor Mage.
I was happy to see characters from other books appear although it did take me a while to figure out Musenda was Sarge from Wild Mage.
I really didn't like the slavery in the book. I'm really happy that will be mostly resolved later on.
It's interesting to see the Graveyard Hag's interest in Arram. I didn't think he would interest her.
I was also really happy that Preet was in the book. She was really cute and I love that she was magical!!! I hope she gets returned someday!
I loved Arram. I had the least difficulty with him since he has his original name in the book.
Ozorne was the most difficult for me. But it also made me really think about how he was in Emperor Mage.
I was happy to see characters from other books appear although it did take me a while to figure out Musenda was Sarge from Wild Mage.
I really didn't like the slavery in the book. I'm really happy that will be mostly resolved later on.
It's interesting to see the Graveyard Hag's interest in Arram. I didn't think he would interest her.
I was also really happy that Preet was in the book. She was really cute and I love that she was magical!!! I hope she gets returned someday!
mahoupunk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
spicedude68's review against another edition
4.0
Its been a while since i read other books in this world. Fast-paced, intriguing character development.
rmpiano's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as some of Pierce's previous work, (protector of the small is just SO good) I did enjoy having a reason to return to her IP and learn more about it, and the Main trio of characters here were interesting and compelling enough that I will be definitely reading the next one.
kelly97mc's review against another edition
3.0
So this was my first Tamora Pierce book (which is unacceptable, I know). From what I’ve heard, this is the backstory of a character from another one of her series. I think if I had read those books first, I might’ve enjoyed this more. I will say I enjoyed the the parts where Arram helped with healing, as well as the talk about the different gods.
upondeath's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0