ark99's review
2.0
So this kind of book wasn't for me. I received this from my library book club I chose it bc the cover was pretty and it was the only fantasy book on the table lol. I haven't read anything by Tamora Pierce before and I think if I had I may have liked the book better, I may read the first book in the Tortall world just to see if I like it however I'm not sure I will with how this one is written. It wasn't badly written but it was just kind of boring. It was a very well built world, very magical and stuff but to me it was kinda hard to read because nothing really happens. It's basically Arram Draper, a boy who will be a very powerful mage. He learns how to use his power, he makes friends, he goes on some trips to learn, etc.. But even though all of that stuff happened it didn't keep me interested! I honestly didn't have the motivation to finish this, I would've been perfectly fine not finishing it, nothing was keeping me from stopping. There was no climax, no build up, nothing happens, he just learns how to wield his power!
And I didn't really like any of the characters?? I kinda liked Ozorne he was a pretty cool dude but other than that they just didn't really interest me.
So I guess I'm used to books that are more action-y and stuff lol - So, uh if you like Tamora Pierce books or Classic fantasy in general this is the book for you! It just wasn't for me.
And I didn't really like any of the characters?? I kinda liked Ozorne he was a pretty cool dude but other than that they just didn't really interest me.
So I guess I'm used to books that are more action-y and stuff lol - So, uh if you like Tamora Pierce books or Classic fantasy in general this is the book for you! It just wasn't for me.
roseybot's review
4.0
I don't love Numair -- this is just a general fact. I didn't love him in the Daine books. I wasn't a fan of him in the Circle of Magic books (oh wait that was a totally different very tall mage with dark hair who is a total master and knows all about 'different' magic). This book didn't really change it.
I think it's also a problem of prequels and feeling very constrained in the stories. Also I just reread all of the books and am like "Numair specially said he wasn't good at Healing and yet, here he is, spending all his time learning to be a healer". It feels like Tamora Pierce just let herself go and did what she liked.
That being said, this wasn't bad. I will read the next one happily (here's to hoping we get it!). It just... met expectations given I don't like the main character, and also we know that the other two primary characters are portrayed... quite poorly when they show up again.
I think it's also a problem of prequels and feeling very constrained in the stories. Also I just reread all of the books and am like "Numair specially said he wasn't good at Healing and yet, here he is, spending all his time learning to be a healer". It feels like Tamora Pierce just let herself go and did what she liked.
That being said, this wasn't bad. I will read the next one happily (here's to hoping we get it!). It just... met expectations given I don't like the main character, and also we know that the other two primary characters are portrayed... quite poorly when they show up again.
yayacake's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hstapp's review
3.0
I enjoyed the story in this book, and Arram Draper's progress. However I didn't enjoy how Varice was portrayed as a lady there for physical admiration, and caretaking. Someone who was always in the background.
I also felt that maybe it was talking down to children slightly. I can't say that I'd recommend it to anyone new to Tamora Pierce's world. I'm sure it holds many delights and insights who are familiar with it. I just wasn't thrilled with the whole feel of the book.
I also felt that maybe it was talking down to children slightly. I can't say that I'd recommend it to anyone new to Tamora Pierce's world. I'm sure it holds many delights and insights who are familiar with it. I just wasn't thrilled with the whole feel of the book.
_rhian7na's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
jayeraine's review
5.0
Tamora Pierce can always pull me back in. I'm looking forward to rereading the Wild Magic series with new perspective, and I look forward to the rest of this series.
thaliareads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was such a fun read. I really liked seeing Numeir's history. It was a bit slow at first , and that actually kept me from finishing it the first few times I started. Now that I've actually finished it, I'm curious to see how it continues in the next book when it's out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Vomit
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Grief, Murder, Slavery, and Violence
This book is pretty dark. While it is for sure still YA appropriate it doesn't hide the horrors of plagues and of the medieval sort of lifestyle. There is also a lot of discussion on slavery as it's still present in the society despite certain individual's horrors at the practice. I might have missed a couple of content warnings as I read this a month ago and am catching up on reviews.starkanthonye's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the first fiction book I have read in over ten years, and I read it in less than 12 hours.
I'm already grieving having to wait for the second book, while reaching for Wild Mage to reread.
I'm already grieving having to wait for the second book, while reaching for Wild Mage to reread.