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lb25136's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sdtorres's review
4.0
Though it is a slower read, George MacDonald speaks beautifully of the desired qualities of royalty. His portrayal of relationships is beautiful as he emphasizes in all instances the importance of weighing another's feelings along with your own, even during upsetting circumstances. This book is rich with moral lessons.
kilayman10's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
4.0
jvmilks's review against another edition
4.0
Such a sweet and adventurous tale! You can't help but love the spirited innocence of the princess. I think this will be a bookshelf staple in years to come.
godard's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
forestidylls's review
5.0
A cute, engaging story that deserves a place with the classic fairytales! Loved the language, the world, the characters, and simple beauty of the book.
emintobooks's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mcfoster's review against another edition
4.0
This is a children's fantasy story about a little princess, a miner boy and lots of wicked goblins. It's a pre-Tolkien classic, which means that the style is older, with plenty of "author talking" moments, but if you can overlook that, it's a fun read - and would be good to read aloud to children. The influence on C.S. Lewis and Tolkien is very obvious - the subterranean goblins are reminiscent of those in The Hobbit, Irene's ability to see and believe what others can't yet is similar to Narnia's Lucy, and the flood scene is reminiscent of the drowning of Underland in The Silver Chair.
However, the most memorable and distinctive aspect of this book which stuck in my mind the first time I read it - nearly 35 years ago - is Irene's enigmatic and mysterious grandmother. The book is worth reading simply for this beautiful description of a wise and beautiful crone. I'd read a whole book about her!
However, the most memorable and distinctive aspect of this book which stuck in my mind the first time I read it - nearly 35 years ago - is Irene's enigmatic and mysterious grandmother. The book is worth reading simply for this beautiful description of a wise and beautiful crone. I'd read a whole book about her!
ralen356's review against another edition
Didn't grab my attention. Read some other reviews mentioning the slow start, and I don't think I can handle a slow book right now.
annashiv's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely magical. Loved it. Can't wait to read more MacDonald.