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evenstar04's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
katiegilley's review
4.0
This was an audible deal of the day recently and I bought it because I loved The Ninth House so much. It’s a part of Bardugo’s “Grishaverse” series, which I haven’t read and that didn’t seem to matter. This was a lovely collection of fairy tales that transported me to a new world – Bardugo is a haunting writer. It was exactly what I needed Right Now!
carlyxdeexx's review
5.0
I’m particularly apprehensive about fairytales in fictional worlds, just inclined to expect the worst. But I didn’t rate this high because of my mid-to-low expectations (I couldn’t have truly low expectations when it comes to Leigh Bardugo)—every star is much deserved, and I genuinely enjoyed this sampling of Grishaverse fables.
They are all excellent—I can’t pick a favorite—and their best qualities are their delightful twists on the tropes of “standard” tales, which never come off heavy-handed. At the same time, there are clear connections to familiar stories from our world (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Nutcracker,” “Hansel and Gretel”) that foster a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Also, it’s definitely fun to think of Grishaverse characters hearing these stories in their youth, seeing bits of them in these characters they likely heard about when they were very young.
And I can’t speak highly enough of the gorgeous illustrations, which artfully grow along the edges of the pages until they blossom into full two-page images at each story’s end! It’s worth taking some extra time to spot each new element of the image as you turn each page—there is subtle thematic interplay there. My one itsy qualm was the lack of variation in terms of body types? I expected more there from Bardugo, but this could have solely been Sara Kipin’s choice/interpretation with not much alteration, or an editorial push. Regardless, this is a book I want to own and share, great for fans of the Grishaverse and complete strangers alike.
They are all excellent—I can’t pick a favorite—and their best qualities are their delightful twists on the tropes of “standard” tales, which never come off heavy-handed. At the same time, there are clear connections to familiar stories from our world (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Nutcracker,” “Hansel and Gretel”) that foster a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Also, it’s definitely fun to think of Grishaverse characters hearing these stories in their youth, seeing bits of them in these characters they likely heard about when they were very young.
And I can’t speak highly enough of the gorgeous illustrations, which artfully grow along the edges of the pages until they blossom into full two-page images at each story’s end! It’s worth taking some extra time to spot each new element of the image as you turn each page—there is subtle thematic interplay there. My one itsy qualm was the lack of variation in terms of body types? I expected more there from Bardugo, but this could have solely been Sara Kipin’s choice/interpretation with not much alteration, or an editorial push. Regardless, this is a book I want to own and share, great for fans of the Grishaverse and complete strangers alike.
hanugh's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
shes_book_obsessed's review
3.0
The Language Of Thorns
⭐️⭐️⭐️
These stories were beautiful. I did enjoy them and I think they were very creative, the writing was good too.
I just got bored half way through, I could have switched between two books while reading this. It started being a goal for me to just finish this read and then start something new, which made it even more boring. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the rest bc of that, but I think the book was good anyway.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
These stories were beautiful. I did enjoy them and I think they were very creative, the writing was good too.
I just got bored half way through, I could have switched between two books while reading this. It started being a goal for me to just finish this read and then start something new, which made it even more boring. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the rest bc of that, but I think the book was good anyway.
batkat31's review
5.0
I was given this book as a gift and I'm so glad because I was about to make the mistake of buying it on kindle. It is so beautiful and the artwork in the margins manages to set the mood and grow as you read which I loved. I stalled reading the last story because I didn't want to be done. I'm not a huge fan of the Grisha verse novels but I love Leigh Bardugo's other works and she did a great job writing in a fairy tale style. I am glad to have this on my shelf for what I'm sure will be many re-reads.
franwyyazg's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75