jasmindeanda's review against another edition
4.0
A mesmerizing retelling of Arthurian legend's minor character...
You can find the full review on my blog!
You can find the full review on my blog!
kristinrose's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
scenesfrommyshelves's review against another edition
4.0
As much as I've always been intrigued by Arthurian legends, the one thing that has always bothered me is how the mythos depicts its women. Without except, they are weak in some way: morally corrupt, seductresses, adulteresses, faithless, or, in the case of Elaine of Astolat, most famous for dying of a curse in order to glimpse a man she barely knew. HALF SICK OF SHADOWS flips this on its head, and it couldn't be a more welcome change.
Here, Elaine is part of a group of young people destined to be legends. Her best friend is Morgana, half-sister to Arthur and the woman who encourages her to embrace the magic in her veins rather than hide it away to seem "normal." The complex bonds and loyalties between Arthur, Guinevere, Morgana, Lancelot, and Elaine form the heart of this story, but its spine comes from its women. Here, these women are the powerful ones, full of questions and conflicts and dilemmas. They have real agency, rather than being obstacles in the stories of "great" men.
There are parts of the story that seem oddly paced; at times too slow, at times seeming to miss something, and the often-unmarked time jumps back and forth can take some getting used to, especially at the beginning. This kind of female-centric epic, though, can overcome those structural imperfections to be the kind of story that reminds us of how powerful women can be - and all the ways the world will work to keep that power locked away.
Here, Elaine is part of a group of young people destined to be legends. Her best friend is Morgana, half-sister to Arthur and the woman who encourages her to embrace the magic in her veins rather than hide it away to seem "normal." The complex bonds and loyalties between Arthur, Guinevere, Morgana, Lancelot, and Elaine form the heart of this story, but its spine comes from its women. Here, these women are the powerful ones, full of questions and conflicts and dilemmas. They have real agency, rather than being obstacles in the stories of "great" men.
There are parts of the story that seem oddly paced; at times too slow, at times seeming to miss something, and the often-unmarked time jumps back and forth can take some getting used to, especially at the beginning. This kind of female-centric epic, though, can overcome those structural imperfections to be the kind of story that reminds us of how powerful women can be - and all the ways the world will work to keep that power locked away.
kickstand's review against another edition
5.0
Time weaves differently in this book - it's at once present, past, and future and if you're not paying attention that may seem confusing. As such it's a story about Elaine of Shalott, who weaves visions in Camelot. It's a story of friendship, and of love, and betrayal. Its a story of Avalon and Albion and what happens when trust is betrayed but hope is restored.
I loved the flowy nature of the narrative of this book. If you love a tale of Camelot, please do read this one.
I loved the flowy nature of the narrative of this book. If you love a tale of Camelot, please do read this one.
hiltonglengirl's review against another edition
The nonlinear timeline was confusing, the characters weren’t all that interesting, and I found I didn’t care what happened after reading 80 pages.
stevenott's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
kitkat0013's review against another edition
2.0
I was disappointed with the book. It felt like a lot of exposition without but payoff. There was very little action and the switching between the past, present, and visions of the future make it hard to follow at times.
radioactivebubbles's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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
3.5
marylaffey's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a sucker for Arthurian stories, and this book is no exception. The author does such a good job of filling you with fear about the future, that you don't realize how integral the present and the past have been for these characters!
The story of Arthur will always be tragic, but in this retelling, Morgana, Gwen, and Elaine of Shalott take the story into their own hands, refusing to be the evil, treacherous, and passive versions they have been; even if that choice breaks their hearts.
The story of Arthur will always be tragic, but in this retelling, Morgana, Gwen, and Elaine of Shalott take the story into their own hands, refusing to be the evil, treacherous, and passive versions they have been; even if that choice breaks their hearts.