farenmaddox's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book is... fine. It's fine. I didn't realize it was YA or I probably wouldn't have picked it up in the first place, I thought I was getting a slightly more mature fantasy tale than what I actually got. The characters were not exactly nuanced, and a lot of the plot was predictable. I have to admit to being sick to death of the 'princess doesn't want to be forced into marriage or do anything socially required of her station' thing. I'm desperate for more fantasies like Priory of the Orange Tree, where people in these roles are genuinely doing their best to uphold their responsibilities and carve out happiness for themselves, whether it works or not.
All that aside, it was a fairly good concept. The actual fantasy elements were fun and creative. I liked the ways the brothers were able to contribute to the story and I wish that we'd been able to see more of the dragon world-building in this book, because I am not motivated enough by the strength of Shiori as a character to actually want to read the second book and get all the dragon content.
All that aside, it was a fairly good concept. The actual fantasy elements were fun and creative. I liked the ways the brothers were able to contribute to the story and
Spoiler
the demon mountain actually being a mountain full of demons was a nice surprise. I don't know why I was expecting her to get in there and find out the demons are all just misunderstood and ought to be set free, but I did. I liked that it actually imperiled her and she needed to escape.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Violence, and Sexism
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