A review by mikaylay
The Hidden Kingdom by Tui T. Sutherland

adventurous funny mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 The book's characters were all well-developed, but additional information and time spent with each of them would have allowed the reader to connect with the characters more effectively. I appreciated reading from Glory's perspective and getting to know her beyond the lazy rainwing cliché imposed by the Talons of Peace. Glory is a terrific character, and I thought this book did an excellent job of letting readers to discover more about her beyond the lazy stereotype and truly identify with her in her feelings about the dragonet prophecy, her kidnapping as a baby dragon, and her tribe. The landscape was descriptive, inventive, and realistic in that it had precise and distinct vegetation, fruits, and animals. The writing was immersive, thorough, and overall interesting and expressive, despite a few cringe-worthy word choices. The plot was exciting, with the added mystery of who was killing the mudwings and rainwings, and it gave more development for the dragonets of destiny and their new pals. It also allowed Glory to step outdoors and even break the image of a lazy dragon. The most important and engaging aspect of this book and plotline was Glory and her rainwing tribe from her first encounter with them, almost believing that the stereotype about them is true, discovering more about her tribe than she imagined, and finally learning about herself in her abilities, family, and love for both her fellow dragonets and her tribe as a whole. The narrative surprise twist was somewhat obvious, but it brought a good amount of mystery, tension, and excitement to the story. I was immediately intrigued from the beginning of this book, and I believe it has a lot to do with the connections I have with the characters, who are all approachable and realistic in their own ways. This book contains valuable lessons such as thinking before acting, caring for others, accepting your abilities and qualities, and acknowledging the differences but also the connections one can have with both blood and adopted families. Overall, the book was a good addition to the Wings of Fire series, allowing readers to connect with and learn alongside Glory in an immersive world replete with conflicts, dragons, secrets, and even a prophecy, despite a few cringe-worthy word choices and a semi-predictable plot twist. I enjoyed this one less than the first two, but I am looking forward to continuing with the series and experiencing the many points of view from each of the Dragonets of Destiny. The next book is told from Starflight's point of view, and I can't wait to read it, learn more about the nightwings, and discover where this small dragonet family goes next. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings