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bookishvice's review against another edition
1.0
Like the title the story left me feeling as if I was wandering in a mist filled forest, trying to grasps at something and being unable to. I think it was that lack of answers and lack of immediate purpose that that made me give up.
I understand that the Shifter has no memories whatsoever, but it seems unreal how she takes it all in stride without questioning much or looking for clear answers. All she knows is that she is supposed to protect the new king at all costs. Also, her powers are weird, almost too much. She is called Shifter because she has the power to change shape (something she can’t remember how to do), but she has other powers that seem to me more mage/sorcerer related. Like being able to sense things, see people hidden by invisibility spells, etc. Also I didn’t get why her hair constantly change color without her meaning to.
That being said, the prose is nicely woven. I could have read this if only the story had pulled me in instead of leaving me stumbling blind. Very sad about leaving this unfinished, but I’ve got too many other books I want to check out!
I understand that the Shifter has no memories whatsoever, but it seems unreal how she takes it all in stride without questioning much or looking for clear answers. All she knows is that she is supposed to protect the new king at all costs. Also, her powers are weird, almost too much. She is called Shifter because she has the power to change shape (something she can’t remember how to do), but she has other powers that seem to me more mage/sorcerer related. Like being able to sense things, see people hidden by invisibility spells, etc. Also I didn’t get why her hair constantly change color without her meaning to.
That being said, the prose is nicely woven. I could have read this if only the story had pulled me in instead of leaving me stumbling blind. Very sad about leaving this unfinished, but I’ve got too many other books I want to check out!
readwithpassion's review
3.0
Isabel wakes up to find her prince. She is the Shifter and is bound to protect him. The writing was beautiful, and the book reads like a mystery, as plot twists are continually revealed. I found a few sections toward the end to be a bit confusing, as there were two female characters and both were referred to as "she." That was a minor issue though, and I sorted it out. All in all, it was an enjoyable fantasy.
kristid's review
2.0
Mistwood was such a beautifully written novel. If there was one thing that really blew me away it was the writing. It was exquisite, it really was. That alone will keep me seeking out more novels by Cypress.
However, I found the other elements of the story lacking. The plot was one big mystery. Both the reader and Isabel are in the dark for almost all of the novel. If I had to describe the plot in one word, I'd say confusing. I found that when you start a novel that takes place in a different world, you have to get in a few chapters before you really 'know' what's going on. Does that make sense? Well, that is what I was expecting to happen this time around, but I just found myself waiting for that moment of understanding or at least a smidgen of clarity.... I did finally get it, but it didn't come until the last few pages of the novel. I think that made the plot seem a little slow for me as well, because I had a hard time becoming invested in the story.
The characters were all a little to flat and two dimensional for my tastes. The one character that I did start to enjoy, was killed off! So much for that..... Isabel, despite her flaws, was a very perplexing character, but by the time I really understood her, I didn't care anymore. I wasn't particularly impressed with any of the characters even though I wanted to be.
Somehow I knew that two of the characters were going to fall for each other, but I didn't really see it happening, I just had this hankering. Um, yes, I did just say hankering. But once the proclamation of love is made.... it just seemed so insincere! Something was missing. Perhaps that was just me though. I do love reading a good love story and maybe that's what I was wanting to see from those two characters and it's completely possible that I just missed some of the foreshadowing on that...? Am I alone in that revelation?
The ending, while it was the one thing I think I enjoyed the most about the novel, just sort of ended. This huge bombshell is dropped on the reader and you don't even have a chance to digest it, and neither do the characters. It's just kind of put out there and then... the END.
I'm hoping possibly that this is part of a series...? I would be interested in reading more about this story and know that it could be something magnificent.
Overall, Miswood was beautifully written, but just lacked some of the qualities that I like to see in a great novel.
However, I found the other elements of the story lacking. The plot was one big mystery. Both the reader and Isabel are in the dark for almost all of the novel. If I had to describe the plot in one word, I'd say confusing. I found that when you start a novel that takes place in a different world, you have to get in a few chapters before you really 'know' what's going on. Does that make sense? Well, that is what I was expecting to happen this time around, but I just found myself waiting for that moment of understanding or at least a smidgen of clarity.... I did finally get it, but it didn't come until the last few pages of the novel. I think that made the plot seem a little slow for me as well, because I had a hard time becoming invested in the story.
The characters were all a little to flat and two dimensional for my tastes. The one character that I did start to enjoy, was killed off! So much for that..... Isabel, despite her flaws, was a very perplexing character, but by the time I really understood her, I didn't care anymore. I wasn't particularly impressed with any of the characters even though I wanted to be.
Somehow I knew that two of the characters were going to fall for each other, but I didn't really see it happening, I just had this hankering. Um, yes, I did just say hankering. But once the proclamation of love is made.... it just seemed so insincere! Something was missing. Perhaps that was just me though. I do love reading a good love story and maybe that's what I was wanting to see from those two characters and it's completely possible that I just missed some of the foreshadowing on that...? Am I alone in that revelation?
The ending, while it was the one thing I think I enjoyed the most about the novel, just sort of ended. This huge bombshell is dropped on the reader and you don't even have a chance to digest it, and neither do the characters. It's just kind of put out there and then... the END.
I'm hoping possibly that this is part of a series...? I would be interested in reading more about this story and know that it could be something magnificent.
Overall, Miswood was beautifully written, but just lacked some of the qualities that I like to see in a great novel.
stinsleys's review
4.0
I can't even remember what made me pick this book up. Possibly it was the faintly purple cover art. I am glad that I did though, because Isabel (the shifter) was such an interesting character. It reminded me a bit of Cashore's books, in a good way. I love when monsters turn out to be people! Over the past year I have been enjoying fantasy fiction so much more, and books like Mistwood are one of the reasons. I would definitely recommend this if a reader is looking for a little adventure, a kick*** female protag, and a bit of weird sci-fi mixed in.
joyousreads132's review
1.0
This book bored me and confused me. I feel like there should've been a book before this to explain everything else. The author bombards you with events from the past that failed to explain what was happening in the present. There's about a hundred pages left to this book and I can't summon to urge to find out what happens to the Shifter and Rokan.
Flounced.
Flounced.
cjyu's review
3.0
Confusing..... But props to you Leah Cypress for amazing writing. But the plot line was everywhere.
pagasor's review
3.0
Not a very good plot in all. Very predictable and not debeloped enough. I admire the world the author created and the Shifter idea but I feel like it could've been developed further. I also believe the story was kind of choppy and didn't always follow through.
jacquelinec's review
4.0
After hearing the comparisons between Mistwood and the likes of Graceling (which I absolutely loved!), I had to check it out for myself. Along with being young adult fantasy novels, the two books share that rare compelling quality. You know, the one that urges you to keep reading and forget everything else until it's finished.
The tale begins quickly and keeps up with the intrigue and action all the way through. There's never a dull moment with this bunch of scheming and mysterious characters that Cypess has created. Isabel is a strong heroine, both mentally and physically. She's incredibly adept at outwitting and/or out-fighting her enemies and she has to be, with the maneuvering that her foes are capable of. The secondary characters that Cypess has created are just as intriguing. One of the best things about the story is that Isabel's opponents are numerous and often mysterious. Even the most seemingly genuine characters at times appear as if they have something to hide. Loyalties seem to shift endlessly, including Isabel's. Her legendary powers and history make her formidable but, we find, she is not infallible. Her struggle to stay ahead of the game is fascinating...
To continue reading this review, visit my blog The Eclectic Book Lover.
The tale begins quickly and keeps up with the intrigue and action all the way through. There's never a dull moment with this bunch of scheming and mysterious characters that Cypess has created. Isabel is a strong heroine, both mentally and physically. She's incredibly adept at outwitting and/or out-fighting her enemies and she has to be, with the maneuvering that her foes are capable of. The secondary characters that Cypess has created are just as intriguing. One of the best things about the story is that Isabel's opponents are numerous and often mysterious. Even the most seemingly genuine characters at times appear as if they have something to hide. Loyalties seem to shift endlessly, including Isabel's. Her legendary powers and history make her formidable but, we find, she is not infallible. Her struggle to stay ahead of the game is fascinating...
To continue reading this review, visit my blog The Eclectic Book Lover.