Not my favorite in this series (I hate sneaky faeries and there is reckless use of glitter) but still fun—especially because there are primordial shifNot my favorite in this series (I hate sneaky faeries and there is reckless use of glitter) but still fun—especially because there are primordial shifters! (view spoiler)[Plus she may or may not be a dragon. (hide spoiler)]...more
3.5 stars An atmospheric, compelling book that kept the pages turning. Which part is a dream? Which part is reality? While I don't need every question3.5 stars An atmospheric, compelling book that kept the pages turning. Which part is a dream? Which part is reality? While I don't need every question answered, I'm not sure everything entirely worked or held together, and I would like to have gotten to know the characters better, and to feel more for them. But still, a strong debut with a style that keeps you suitably off-balance. Would definitely check out a future book by this author.
If you like Sarah McGarry's writing, you'll probably enjoy this.
Maybe a bit more of a review at some point. ...more
Creepy, complex, genuinely frightening, thrilling, sad, and unbelievably tender and hushed and beautiful all at once. This is a dark, violent fairy taCreepy, complex, genuinely frightening, thrilling, sad, and unbelievably tender and hushed and beautiful all at once. This is a dark, violent fairy tale, it's a mystery, it's a fantasy, it's horror, it's historical, it's gothic, and it's also the story of a girl trying to find a place for herself among a grieving family torn apart by war. The family dynamics and sister relationship are so well done, as are the way the book handles loss and longing. And on top of that? Feminism and jazz and tea shops and plates and plates of cake! (view spoiler)[Not to mention shrieking dolls, shudder-inducing but poignant consumption of various things, and a fantastic play on the fears of parents re: changelings. (hide spoiler)]
I haven't read a middle grade book with this much nuance and wild imagination and feeling since The Golden Compass--and I'm betting those who liked Coraline or the original Grimm's fairy tales will like this. I was thrilled by the intense creepiness and dread of the mystery behind Triss' illness, I was outraged by what she has to endure, and I teared up over what was to become of her. Best read knowing as little about the plot as possible--just enjoy the wonderfully descriptive writing, the perfectly paced plot, and the experience of not knowing where the story will go next.
Love love love love love. And now I have to read everything else Frances Hardinge has ever written.
I've always been intrigued by changeling stories...but this one is pretty disappointing, as it has unmemorable characters and a fairly predictable, ruI've always been intrigued by changeling stories...but this one is pretty disappointing, as it has unmemorable characters and a fairly predictable, run of the mill plot....more
Wendy Darling
>
Books:
changelings
(8)
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