Reviews

Naamioiden kaupunki by Mary Hoffman

annebeth's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This might be my favourite series from when I was younger. It must have been the start of my love for historical time travel fantasy and rereading it was really really great. 

aloelee's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

anna_scht7's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

vivianleemit's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I'm doing a reread of Mary Hoffman's Stravaganza series, and it still holds the same charm for me as it did the first time I read them back in 2005. Hoffman's world building is lovely and incorporates historical motifs in a way that makes the series a blend of fantasy/scifi/historical fiction. At its heart, this is a Western isekai series that takes normal teenagers living in the modern-day UK and transports them back to Talia, a parallel world version of Renaissance Italy. I appreciate that the novels are young adult in a way that is (excuse my grandmotherly language) appropriate. There is murder, romance, and intrigue, but none of that is painted in a way that is overly adult or dramatic. It tackles heavy topics - very heavy ones, in fact (cancer, bullying, disabilities, kidnappings, political espionage and assassinations) - but does so in a way that enhances but does not overtake the central plot, not unlike Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl, two of this series's contemporaries. Characters are flawed but lovable, and very consistent. Ultimately, a fun nostalgic romp through a teenage fantasy world that does not feel forced nor overly dramatic.

fai_aka's review against another edition

3.0

2.75 stars

The first half of the story:
I had expected it to be a darker YA story, but it felt more like middle grade(not that there’s anything wrong with reading middle grade books but I just wasn’t in the mood for it), so I’m a bit disappointed.

The story is quite fast-paced, and sometimes the change of scenes was a little too abrupt, which left me confused sometimes.
I don’t really like the writing style either. Nor did I’m interested in the world and the characters.

The second half of the story:
The story took an unexpected turn that made me keep on reading.
But alas, I don’t think I’m going to continue with the series.

lbwritesdrivel's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

renuked's review against another edition

5.0

Reread: July 19th, 2015

Originally read: April 26 to 28, 2012

c8_'s review against another edition

5.0

I have read this series over and over for years. I have read the whole series at least 7 times. I love this world and I love to reread and escape to it!

hnbb's review against another edition

4.0

I had heard of this book. The cover nearly turned me off, but it was a good read. I enjoyed the imagery and the relationships in it. I want to see the masks and city in person now. Stravagation is a fascinating concept, I am glad she didn't try to over explain it. I would definitely recommend the book.

jtwolf33's review against another edition

5.0

Where’s my violet-eyed girl?