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sashapasha's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
Earlyish feminist fantasy that has clearly inspired many other authors and series (Sarah J Maas’ Throne of Glass series borrows heavily from this book, for example). I liked it, but found the last quarter a bit of a slog and thought there were a few too many deus ex machina moments. Aerin also developed a Disney Princess-like ability to charm all wild creatures into wanting to follow her around and serve her, an ability that was never rationalized or explained so I assume was supposed to be attributed to her overall “specialness”. I wish her character had been a little more grounded in reality, but I guess she couldn’t have accomplished everything otherwise.
I think perhaps I would’ve been more forgiving and liked this book a lot more if I’d read it as a preteen when I was obsessed with Tamora Pierce and female knights.
Earlyish feminist fantasy that has clearly inspired many other authors and series (Sarah J Maas’ Throne of Glass series borrows heavily from this book, for example). I liked it, but found the last quarter a bit of a slog and thought there were a few too many deus ex machina moments. Aerin also developed a Disney Princess-like ability to charm all wild creatures into wanting to follow her around and serve her, an ability that was never rationalized or explained so I assume was supposed to be attributed to her overall “specialness”. I wish her character had been a little more grounded in reality, but I guess she couldn’t have accomplished everything otherwise.
I think perhaps I would’ve been more forgiving and liked this book a lot more if I’d read it as a preteen when I was obsessed with Tamora Pierce and female knights.
tregina's review against another edition
5.0
I've read this book so many times I'm pretty sure I know entire sections word for word. It's the only book I had taken with me on vacation when our house burnt down over twenty years ago, and thus is the oldest and maybe dearest book I own. I'm not going to say it's perfect, but it's so special to me (and, don't get me wrong, very good) that I can't give it anything but a five.
bewitchedandbewildered's review against another edition
3.0
I had to read this for school but Overall it's really enjoyable and I want to read the rest of the series.
sillyman2453's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
emberise's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Really strong character-driven plot in the first half, then descends into plot-driven characters in the second half. Disappointing ending.
rrobinson2025's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this story. It had so many comforting and familiar elements in it and I don't know why this sat on my tbr for so long! I loved the Aerin in this with her brains and her love for her father's old war horse. Her growth from a wallflower princess to a savior queen is something I will never tire of. I would have liked to see more from her and Luthe. Looking forward to reading The Blue Sword!