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brendalovesbooks's review
4.0
I'm not generally a fan of short stories, but the writing in this was good, and I really like this series.
stephxsu's review
3.0
This is a short read, but in my opinion didn't actually add much to the story world. It's discussed as supposedly giving insight into the potential that Alodia sees in Elisa before The Girl of Fire and Thorns takes place, but the most insightful aspect of that for me was reading the summary of this supposedly occurring insight: in other words, I didn't really feel that insight taking place in this short story.
ameserole's review
5.0
This novella was so good! I've been dying to read this series and I'm beyond happy that I started with the novellas. I think this whole world that this book is set in is pretty freaking interesting. I loved all of the characters so much. I kind of feel like Alodia has a crush on Zito but that could just be me?!? I feel like my review for this book will be way different from anyone elses because I don't know anything about these characters. I haven't read The Girl of Fire and Thorns yet so my opinions can always change - but right now I love everyone so far. I can't wait to read the next two novellas!
eusteph's review
5.0
This was quite interesting. I would overall rate it a 4.5/5 simply because I never felt attached enough to Alodia to completely enjoy a story told from her point of view. It was refreshing to see how she came about deciding that Elisa should be married to a king, and that her little sister showed potential after all.
guylou's review
4.0
Very short, but another awesome story by Rae Carson. I was quite pleased to read about Alodia and quite impressed by her bravery and loyalty to her future kingdom. I enjoyed this short story.
millennialbookreview's review
1.0
This novella is described as being the prequel to the first book in the Fire and Thorns series. It doesn't work effectively as a prequel, because the reader needs to have the context of other books in order to get anything of value out of the story. The characters are barely developed, the world-building is nearly non-existent and the story is very short as well. Without the context of the series, it reads like a story that goes nowhere and doesn't seem to have a purpose.
chocolatequeen's review
5.0
Part of the story of The Girl of Fire and Thorns is Elisa realizing her own potential. In this prequel, her older sister is the one to see it first.
As an older sibling, I remember the moment I first looked at my brother and saw him as something more than a pest. (My pest that no one but me could make fun of, of course.) That realization is one of those mile markers of maturity that happens just as naturally in Carson's fantasy world as it does in our real world.
Or perhaps not just as naturally, because Alodia sees Elisa's worth when her sister attempts to save her life. Carson's skill is making this extraordinary event relatable.
Several pieces of background information become clear in this short story--why Alodia wanted Elisa to marry the king, why she thought her sister might be in danger, and the truth of her own regard for Elisa that Elisa can't see until much later. If you've read Girl of Fire and Thorns, read this to satisfy your curiosity!
As an older sibling, I remember the moment I first looked at my brother and saw him as something more than a pest. (My pest that no one but me could make fun of, of course.) That realization is one of those mile markers of maturity that happens just as naturally in Carson's fantasy world as it does in our real world.
Or perhaps not just as naturally, because Alodia sees Elisa's worth when her sister attempts to save her life. Carson's skill is making this extraordinary event relatable.
Several pieces of background information become clear in this short story--why Alodia wanted Elisa to marry the king, why she thought her sister might be in danger, and the truth of her own regard for Elisa that Elisa can't see until much later. If you've read Girl of Fire and Thorns, read this to satisfy your curiosity!