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percys_panda_pillow_pet's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
Not the best of the bunch so far, it reads like Baby's First Anti-Capitalist essay. However, the themes line up with the manga very well and it was intriguing to compare the conclusions Ed and Al came to in this side novel to the main story line.
ybbmel's review against another edition
3.0
"regarding wisteria, please look forward to a full report, coming soon!"
melodon's review against another edition
4.0
A great story set in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe! Honestly a ridiculously quick read.
gap_py's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
melodyseestrees's review against another edition
Library loan ran out before I could start
casey_zi's review against another edition
3.0
An entertaining little side-story that gives you a glimpse of Edward and Alphonses' adventures during the 3-year time skip in the animes and manga. At the beginning I had a vague feeling of deja vu, as the setup of this story is similiar to the Lior arc at the beginning of the first anime and the manga, and it does little to distinguish itself from that arc, even later on in the story. However, characterization is intact, as well as the series' overarching themes of morality, fairness and the principle of Equivalent Exchange.
The ending was a cop-out that bumped it down from four to three stars for me. Characters that were previously staunch in their beliefs and ideals changed at the drop of a hat, and it rushed to tie up the loose ends into a neat little bow much too quickly, colouring all the interesting grey areas it had previously created black and white.
The writing is a little awkward at times, but not nearly so much as other reviews might lead you to believe, and it's not as juvenile either. Overall a fun read, though it doesn't contain anything of substance and does not add much to the series as a whole. I would recommend it to FMA fans ages 12 and up.
The ending was a cop-out that bumped it down from four to three stars for me. Characters that were previously staunch in their beliefs and ideals changed at the drop of a hat, and it rushed to tie up the loose ends into a neat little bow much too quickly, colouring all the interesting grey areas it had previously created black and white.
The writing is a little awkward at times, but not nearly so much as other reviews might lead you to believe, and it's not as juvenile either. Overall a fun read, though it doesn't contain anything of substance and does not add much to the series as a whole. I would recommend it to FMA fans ages 12 and up.
gilljames's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Makoto Inoue crafts a convincing and exciting fantasy world. The characters are rounded and believable. The adventure keeps us guessing. Certainly some hope is achieved by the end but I would also like the brothers achieve more of their long-term goal or at least have some indication of how that may happen. This is an engaging novel based on some best-selling manga.
weebitofreak's review against another edition
5.0
Not much action but it does get you to think about equity between different classes of people and how just because people have different strengths and weaknesses doesn't mean they are any less human than you or me.
stephilica's review against another edition
3.0
(True rating: 3.5/5)
Of the FMA light novels, this one holds a special place in my heart. Like the others, the prose can be utilitarian, and antagonists rather flat, but what sets this one apart is the examination of past and future... and Alphonse's character.
The Valley of White Petals finds Ed and Al searching for the mysterious city Wisteria under orders from Mustang. What started as a favor turns into genuine interest as the brothers find out the city runs entirely on the principle of Equivalent Exchange, alchemy's basis, and the guiding principle for their own lives.
The examination of Equivalent Exchange isn't anything particularly new; those who have read the original manga, or seen Dante's speech 'debunking' it in the 2003 anime, will already be familiar with some of the grey areas the novel addresses. The arguments are presented well, but they're not completely original. However, Alphonse has an interesting character development arc as he wonders if his chasing the past is ruining his chances for happiness in the future. His tireless body could help people--is he being selfish by trying to get rid of it? Is he throwing away a chance at contentedness in the present for the dim possibility he may regain what he once had, someday in the future?
Even though Al grapples with these questions, the novel does not offer much else in the way of characters. Ed's thoughts are still rather obvious, and while Inoue writes the characters true to canon, he seems hesitant to fully explore them. Similarly, Ruby, an original character for the novel, has a unique perspective on Wisteria's situation, and even acts as a bit of a love interest for Al, but her final development is rushed in a climax more concerned with beating up the bad guy than giving a lasting resolution to the questions the story addresses, philosophical or otherwise. As a villain, Raygen's motivations are obscure, and while his actions are horrendous, his stock 'evil grins' and maniacal laughter make him hard to take seriously.
The novel shows the weaknesses of the light novel clearly: rushed character development in favor of witty dialogue, and a rushed story in favor of a little more action. Despite its flaws, however, it is still an enjoyable read. It's on the more serious side of the FMA light novels--the wry humor of The Abducted Alchemist is more understated here--and while it isn't quite as good as Arakawa's original works, it supplements them rather nicely.
(Plus... Al's mini-romance is adorable)
Of the FMA light novels, this one holds a special place in my heart. Like the others, the prose can be utilitarian, and antagonists rather flat, but what sets this one apart is the examination of past and future... and Alphonse's character.
The Valley of White Petals finds Ed and Al searching for the mysterious city Wisteria under orders from Mustang. What started as a favor turns into genuine interest as the brothers find out the city runs entirely on the principle of Equivalent Exchange, alchemy's basis, and the guiding principle for their own lives.
The examination of Equivalent Exchange isn't anything particularly new; those who have read the original manga, or seen Dante's speech 'debunking' it in the 2003 anime, will already be familiar with some of the grey areas the novel addresses. The arguments are presented well, but they're not completely original. However, Alphonse has an interesting character development arc as he wonders if his chasing the past is ruining his chances for happiness in the future. His tireless body could help people--is he being selfish by trying to get rid of it? Is he throwing away a chance at contentedness in the present for the dim possibility he may regain what he once had, someday in the future?
Even though Al grapples with these questions, the novel does not offer much else in the way of characters. Ed's thoughts are still rather obvious, and while Inoue writes the characters true to canon, he seems hesitant to fully explore them. Similarly, Ruby, an original character for the novel, has a unique perspective on Wisteria's situation, and even acts as a bit of a love interest for Al, but her final development is rushed in a climax more concerned with beating up the bad guy than giving a lasting resolution to the questions the story addresses, philosophical or otherwise. As a villain, Raygen's motivations are obscure, and while his actions are horrendous, his stock 'evil grins' and maniacal laughter make him hard to take seriously.
The novel shows the weaknesses of the light novel clearly: rushed character development in favor of witty dialogue, and a rushed story in favor of a little more action. Despite its flaws, however, it is still an enjoyable read. It's on the more serious side of the FMA light novels--the wry humor of The Abducted Alchemist is more understated here--and while it isn't quite as good as Arakawa's original works, it supplements them rather nicely.
(Plus... Al's mini-romance is adorable)