ilovereading4683's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
camillam's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
theodoraihs's review
inspiring
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I cannot think of a novel more charming than A Dream of Sadlers Wells.
The rolling hills and moors provide a romantic and peaceful yet lively backdrop for establishing the heroes of the series and their friendships.
For a character with only one motivation, Veronica has a striking personality. Her commentary is so expressive and really captures the beauty and lure of Bracken Hall along with its charismatic inhabitants. Sebastian is completely enchanting; Hill expresses his humorous, whimsical side with brief glimpses of the serious, astute musician to capture a dependable young man who we all root for just as much as veronica. The witty repartee between Sebastian and Fiona is just brilliant. She is ruthlessly cruel but in the most pitiful way so that when Sebastian puts her in her place, and rightfully so, one feels the slightest twinge of sympathy. And of course, Caroline is the sweetest; the friend we all strive to have.
Veronica's story is so touching that one cannot help but feel inspired by her unrelenting tenacity to succeed. I remember as a child reading the trilogy and feeling that same fire in my heart, a yearning to pursue my dreams. Rereading them as an adult felt nostalgic and somewhat melancholic. While I don't have the same bright white future I did when I was thirteen, I like to think she would be proud of what I've accomplished.
The rolling hills and moors provide a romantic and peaceful yet lively backdrop for establishing the heroes of the series and their friendships.
For a character with only one motivation, Veronica has a striking personality. Her commentary is so expressive and really captures the beauty and lure of Bracken Hall along with its charismatic inhabitants. Sebastian is completely enchanting; Hill expresses his humorous, whimsical side with brief glimpses of the serious, astute musician to capture a dependable young man who we all root for just as much as veronica. The witty repartee between Sebastian and Fiona is just brilliant. She is ruthlessly cruel but in the most pitiful way so that when Sebastian puts her in her place, and rightfully so, one feels the slightest twinge of sympathy. And of course, Caroline is the sweetest; the friend we all strive to have.
Veronica's story is so touching that one cannot help but feel inspired by her unrelenting tenacity to succeed. I remember as a child reading the trilogy and feeling that same fire in my heart, a yearning to pursue my dreams. Rereading them as an adult felt nostalgic and somewhat melancholic. While I don't have the same bright white future I did when I was thirteen, I like to think she would be proud of what I've accomplished.
briarfairchild's review
5.0
Veronica is a kind, generous, naive, spontaneous, intelligent, emotional girl with incredible passion. She lives to dance and anything that might stop her is a genuine tragedy. She is constantly up in the heights or down in the depths and her narrative convinces you that these things really are of the utmost importance.
As for the other characters - Caroline is lovely, Fiona is beautifully nasty - I don't think she ever says a positive word! As for Sebastian... arrogant, masterful and intolerant of people he dislikes, he is also intelligent, quick-thinking, unstintingly generous to those he likes. He may behave badly, but he also matures and grows out of some of his worst characteristics (in the next book, mostly). Oh, and did I mention he's totally gorgeous.....
As for the other characters - Caroline is lovely, Fiona is beautifully nasty - I don't think she ever says a positive word! As for Sebastian... arrogant, masterful and intolerant of people he dislikes, he is also intelligent, quick-thinking, unstintingly generous to those he likes. He may behave badly, but he also matures and grows out of some of his worst characteristics (in the next book, mostly). Oh, and did I mention he's totally gorgeous.....
catherine_au1d's review
5.0
I wish there were more books about ballet like this! Absolutely a young dancers dream to be this character.
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