Reviews

Solimar : the Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

jennyd83's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

bibliobrandie's review

3.0

The first 50 pages of this are amazing. It's a lush setting, a magical story, with a wonderful Mexican heroine. I love the element of the monarch butterflies and how they give Solimar's rebozo (shawl) magical powers, even though that magic comes with a price (paired it with this book). I liked the family dynamic and the characters were great. For me it took a turn when Solimar had to go on the river quest to save her kingdom when the neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. I do think that think it's a good fantasy for younger students.

sierracreads's review

4.0

I would have been obsessed with this book when I was younger. Still as an adult, I found it difficult to put down most of the time. It felt like multiple adventures in one--a magic mystery, a siege, a quest, a rescue--which were very gripping and I loved. It was a good choice to pick up as I get myself back into reading more

There were a few plot points I really wish had been expanded on more--

Spoiler

specifically their original plan to retake the kingdom, meeting the captain of La Quinta and actually seeing Campeón rescue their father

--but as I'm not the target audience, I think it was exactly what it needed to be

msurber1225's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

eelmore7's review

4.0

Such a sweet story. I Love a Middle Grade book and in my opinion the best ones make you forget you're reading middle grade fiction because of the story. This one didn't do that as much as I usually prefer but I enjoyed the world that she built and characters.

aburciaga11's review

adventurous hopeful lighthearted 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? No

4.5

mjs1212's review

challenging hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-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

4.75

mrshillreadsalot2023's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

aielinnae's review

4.0

As always Pam Munoz Ryan delivers a heart-felt, warm hero’s journey. Satisfying from the beginning to the end, her latest, Solimar, follows the titular heroine on a magical path of discovering her truest self as she completes her Quinceanera’s preparations.

celtfem's review

hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced

3.0