Scan barcode
xandra_lyn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my favorite book when I was a teen, and so I decided to re-read it as an adult.
I really liked it! I loved the wimsy and magic of the book, the mysteriousness of the other kingdom, and the myths/folklore of eastern Europe.
However, books made before the #meetoo movement often have problematic material. This one is relatively benign - Jena thinks she has mismanaged everything and heaps shame on herself, and Tati wastes away from true love. As an adult, I know that Jena didn't mismanage it - she was up against the rigid patriarchal structure of her time. But a kid wouldn't know that - and I wish someone in authority in the book had told Jena she'd done all she could and had done a good job.
Unfortunately nothing salvages the ridiculous Tati story line. Which is a shame, because I really love tati and feel the author did an injustice to portray her like that.
I really liked it! I loved the wimsy and magic of the book, the mysteriousness of the other kingdom, and the myths/folklore of eastern Europe.
However, books made before the #meetoo movement often have problematic material. This one is relatively benign - Jena thinks she has mismanaged everything and heaps shame on herself, and Tati wastes away from true love. As an adult, I know that Jena didn't mismanage it - she was up against the rigid patriarchal structure of her time. But a kid wouldn't know that - and I wish someone in authority in the book had told Jena she'd done all she could and had done a good job.
Unfortunately nothing salvages the ridiculous Tati story line. Which is a shame, because I really love tati and feel the author did an injustice to portray her like that.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Torture
Sexual assault: Cezar gropes Jena, and it's clearly unwanted. I'm not sure it's "assault" but it could be hard for younger readers Torture: they imply they torture a dwarf because he's from the other kingdombadgerden's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Sexual assault and Torture
bekah445's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Torture
More...