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ergoignis's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
archivist_augie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mastersal's review against another edition
4.0
June 2022
I must have read this a dozen times before so some of this rating is the nostalgic. This is one of my favourite worlds and this is a fine tale of a young girl becoming a Harper. Yes Menolly is perfect but that’s ok given all she has been through.
The book actually is a pretty quick read and Menolly wins everyone in a few months. It’s all pretty sweet and uncomplicated. I think the wish fulfillment of her character - being so good at everything she does and in a short amount of time- works as a second book in the trilogy where you got to see how bad her childhood was.
On the reread I can agree that this is a middle grade or children’s book and as that it works well. It’s uncomplicated and kids will like the wish fulfillment nature of the book.
Lots of fun !
I must have read this a dozen times before so some of this rating is the nostalgic. This is one of my favourite worlds and this is a fine tale of a young girl becoming a Harper. Yes Menolly is perfect but that’s ok given all she has been through.
The book actually is a pretty quick read and Menolly wins everyone in a few months. It’s all pretty sweet and uncomplicated. I think the wish fulfillment of her character - being so good at everything she does and in a short amount of time- works as a second book in the trilogy where you got to see how bad her childhood was.
On the reread I can agree that this is a middle grade or children’s book and as that it works well. It’s uncomplicated and kids will like the wish fulfillment nature of the book.
Lots of fun !
defiantfalcon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
malikasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
After 15+ years and about as many re-reads, this is still my #1 all-time favorite book.
pjrusen's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
saunteringvaguelydownward's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
mdpenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was good, if it relied a bit too heavily on art-school tropes and had a lot of repetition. Menolly is also unrealistically slow on the uptake regarding her status in the Hall: the number of times people have to remind her that she's supposed to be there, to write and play music, and generally be taken seriously wasn't quite tedious, but it was a weakness. Overall, though, it was a delight to read and the characters were very lovable and fun. It was interesting getting a new perspective on Hold and Hall life, as well as the development of the fire lizards' role and potential in society.
erine's review against another edition
5.0
Continuing listening to these old favorites, Menolly's hard core that lies underneath her quiet, self-effacing manner is even more apparent. This book only lasts a week (a fact that always surprises me when it's emphasized at the end), but in that week's span, Menolly is continually torn between people telling and showing her that she has a right to exist and to be herself, and her internalized doubt from her parents' utter dismissal of her talents and her joy. When she finally speaks of her past to her new friends it's such a relief as a reader. It's incredibly satisfying.
And not a whiff of romance in sight. So for those readers looking for a strong teen main character without romance, this is a good one.
Spoiler
And in the end, Menolly gets everything -- a rank within the Harper Hall, a pretty wide network of friends, and a place that appreciates her for her earnest hard work as well as her musical talents.And not a whiff of romance in sight. So for those readers looking for a strong teen main character without romance, this is a good one.