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A review by phantomgecko
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Firstly, I appreciate stand alone novels.
Secondly, you need to accept that the main character is unrealistically mature in certain areas and childish in others. And that's okay. Elliot embodies the ideals of an unprejudiced person (not racist, not sexist, not homophobic) and treats breakups, friend zones and rejection with grace and acceptance. This is not a book about a guy struggling with his sexuality. He knows what he likes and it's fine with him.
He's not a perfect character; he just has different faults. He's actually kinda an antihero because he's an obnoxious jerk.
Also, the magic land (that doesn't actually have magic, just creatures) is fascinating. From the only slightly hyperbolic matriarchal elves to the realistically colonial and species-ist humans to the choice in creatures in general. Harpies and mermaids are not usually included as sentient races in fantasy like this. I'd expect centaurs and, like, fairies or something to come first. Love it.
This book is funny. I commend that.
Relationships are a huge part of the book. Platonic, familial, and romantic. All the romance-y bits are like high school drama mixed with college drama, neither of which I care for. A lot of the love drama drives the plot, so it is necessary...to an extent. The love bits stretched on longer than I was interested. Thus four stars instead of five.
Still, a good read. Happy pride.
Secondly, you need to accept that the main character is unrealistically mature in certain areas and childish in others. And that's okay. Elliot embodies the ideals of an unprejudiced person (not racist, not sexist, not homophobic) and treats breakups, friend zones and rejection with grace and acceptance. This is not a book about a guy struggling with his sexuality. He knows what he likes and it's fine with him.
He's not a perfect character; he just has different faults. He's actually kinda an antihero because he's an obnoxious jerk.
Also, the magic land (that doesn't actually have magic, just creatures) is fascinating. From the only slightly hyperbolic matriarchal elves to the realistically colonial and species-ist humans to the choice in creatures in general. Harpies and mermaids are not usually included as sentient races in fantasy like this. I'd expect centaurs and, like, fairies or something to come first. Love it.
This book is funny. I commend that.
Relationships are a huge part of the book. Platonic, familial, and romantic. All the romance-y bits are like high school drama mixed with college drama, neither of which I care for. A lot of the love drama drives the plot, so it is necessary...to an extent. The love bits stretched on longer than I was interested. Thus four stars instead of five.
Still, a good read. Happy pride.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Sexual harassment, War, Bullying, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Adult/minor relationship