Chapter 1: Initial Thoughts (writing style, pacing, etc.)

[A Bear and a Bee Books, Sam at a Bear and a Bee Books]

Here is the place to mark down all your first impressions. Please only include information from chapter 1 here.

[A Bear and a Bee Books, Sam at a Bear and a Bee Books]

So...I'm just getting into this but I had a thought...Anyone else here read the Hunger Games? It made me think of the Districts that wanted to be selected. The narrator mentions that the girls come out of it ruined but with means and that most of them do well in the world. However, I get the feeling that no one wants to be selected. Does anyone else think that there might be some girls that might want to be chosen due to individual situations?

[Jody]

Just finished chapter one. I did enjoy it although it was quite long. I've gone into this book without any prior knowledge of plot or characters which is something I rarely do. I did get a Hunger Games vibe in fact especially with the "tribute" references.

[A Bear and a Bee Books, Sam at a Bear and a Bee Books]

I agree. The chapters are quite long. I prefer shorter ones, I think it helps with the pacing. I am enjoying the story so far though.

[Lilly]

I love it so much until now. I was a little afraid because I am not reading it in English, but my native language. I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy it that much but I do! it makes me feel I am really in a fairytale. I see what you mean with Hunger Games, but it doesn't bother me. I haven't read Hunger Games, nor seen all the movie adaptations (heard too much about the series and I got ...fed up?)

I loved the atmosphere in chapter one and I like how Agnieszka described the Dragon in the begining - a bit antisocial, but otherwise good guy. I like it :) I'm happy :)

[Lilly]

The translator has used multiple times the word "stupid" . is it used so often in the English version?

[A Bear and a Bee Books, Sam at a Bear and a Bee Books]

I don’t remember it being used too frequently. The main character is definitely hard on herself though. Others also seem to be overly critical of her.

[A Bear and a Bee Books, Sam at a Bear and a Bee Books]

I hope that everyone is enjoying themselves so far. For me, this was a great pick as of now. I hope it holds true!