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I loved this book the first time, and just as much the second time (a year later). It starts with the fantasy trope of a girl chosen from the village as a sacrifice to the dragon, but in this case the Dragon is the name of the local mage. Several other fairy tale tropes are flirted with, and I don't know my eastern European tales enough to tell where they fit in; but the main opponent is the encroaching mystical Wood which wants to destroy all the humans. The tension keeps building as various at
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Unfortunately I was strangely unimpressed by this book. I'd approached it with very high expectations, and it just couldn't deliver.
I think my main issue with it was that I thought it was too long - or rather, tried too hard to put in too many details. It was nice and tightly written, but by the time they travel towards the Capitol, I was ready for it to be done. The bloodshed that followed seemed unnecessary and actually somewhat out of character for the rest of the book. And the ending managed ...more
I think my main issue with it was that I thought it was too long - or rather, tried too hard to put in too many details. It was nice and tightly written, but by the time they travel towards the Capitol, I was ready for it to be done. The bloodshed that followed seemed unnecessary and actually somewhat out of character for the rest of the book. And the ending managed ...more
I enjoyed the obvious influence of Eastern European folklore, and the fact that Agnieszka, the main protagonist, was so intuitive, brave, and kind. Although there is a romance that develops, which I wasn't all that excited about, it's a minor subplot that doesn't dominate the story but rather provides for emotional motivation for the characters. The wood is spooky and well described. My main issue with the book was that the ending and explanation/resolution of the Wood didn't quite pack a punch
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So conflicted about this book. On the one hand, the heroine is resourceful, strong, etc.. On the other... This really reminded me of one of the old Harlequin romances I read when I was in high school (I think they've changed the formula since then), with the plucky female being put under the care/supervision of the remote, disdainful plantation owner/banker/guardian, trying to prove she's not a ditz/worthy of his notice and then, after some incident that proves it, sexytimes. Except he can't adm
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A perfectly delicious fantasy novel with a forest darker and more full of malice than the Fangorn. Perfect escape reading!
A fresh take on fantasy/magic
With the feeling of fairy tales. I continue to love that she has more than one female character and that they typically pass the Bechdel test. That their relationship is complex and beyond simply romance or shallow friendship. The portrayal of this philos and agape on par with Eros, with Philos ac to actually possibly being stronger, left me with hope for future fantasy books being more than swords and sex.
Would recommend. May need to acquire a physical copy too, to ...more
With the feeling of fairy tales. I continue to love that she has more than one female character and that they typically pass the Bechdel test. That their relationship is complex and beyond simply romance or shallow friendship. The portrayal of this philos and agape on par with Eros, with Philos ac to actually possibly being stronger, left me with hope for future fantasy books being more than swords and sex.
Would recommend. May need to acquire a physical copy too, to ...more
The Woods are an evil presence in the valley Agnieszka calls home. The "Dragon", or wizard, keeps them safe in return for a new girl every ten years. Agnieszka is sure that he will choose her best friend, Kasia, and is shocked when he takes her instead. She has magic and he is required to teach her. But he doesn't have to like it, or her, and neither does she.
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This had phenomenal world building; excellent pacing; interesting characters and evil Ents.
Some of the interpersonal relationships were weird (they were supposed to be weird) and I didn't like that. ...more
Some of the interpersonal relationships were weird (they were supposed to be weird) and I didn't like that. ...more
May 13, 2015
Kerry (The Roaming Librarian) O'Donnell
marked it as to-read
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review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy
Jun 09, 2015
Erin
marked it as to-read
Jun 12, 2015
Michelle
marked it as to-read
Sep 06, 2015
CLM
marked it as to-read
Nov 17, 2015
Kelly
is currently reading it
Jul 20, 2016
Meg
marked it as to-read
Jan 29, 2017
Wiltshire Hermit
marked it as wishlist
Nov 28, 2022
Kate
marked it as to-read
