There are SPOILERS here. You have been warned. DO NOT READ if you don't want to know.
The first half of this book might move at a slow pace, but its rich descriptions make up for it. I very much enjoyed the journey of Kat and little Rosie back to the village, and the story of Rosie growing up. McKinley's descriptions of magic causing dust to pile up were lovely.
I also enjoyed that Rosie essentially rescues herself, and the method of fooling the witch. I loved Rosie's conversations with the animals. McKinley must know horses, those were really poignant.
However (SPOILERS START HERE) it seemed cruel to me to fool the queen into thinking Peony is her real daughter. Yes, yes, everyone's happy...but it's still a lie. Looked at from one POV, you're also lying to the populace who (presumably) believe that these royals have a right to rule them by bloodline. Of course if you're not a monarchist, you're laughing.
And Rosie marrying Narl...eew! He's at least 20 years older than she is, and he knew her as a baby and the entire time she grew up. It would be like marrying your own daughter, or a sister, wouldn't it? I can't get my head around that one, it really seems wrong.
So...beautifully told until the very end, which I didn't like at all.
The first half of this book might move at a slow pace, but its rich descriptions make up for it. I very much enjoyed the journey of Kat and little Rosie back to the village, and the story of Rosie growing up. McKinley's descriptions of magic causing dust to pile up were lovely.
I also enjoyed that Rosie essentially rescues herself, and the method of fooling the witch. I loved Rosie's conversations with the animals. McKinley must know horses, those were really poignant.
However (SPOILERS START HERE) it seemed cruel to me to fool the queen into thinking Peony is her real daughter. Yes, yes, everyone's happy...but it's still a lie. Looked at from one POV, you're also lying to the populace who (presumably) believe that these royals have a right to rule them by bloodline. Of course if you're not a monarchist, you're laughing.
And Rosie marrying Narl...eew! He's at least 20 years older than she is, and he knew her as a baby and the entire time she grew up. It would be like marrying your own daughter, or a sister, wouldn't it? I can't get my head around that one, it really seems wrong.
So...beautifully told until the very end, which I didn't like at all.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
