What do you think?
Rate this book
The Turn of the Story
Elliot Schafer has been carried off to a magical land and called to fight… but he has no intention of doing so. He is a little disappointed by the facilities on the Border, but he gets to meet Serene-Heart-In-The-Chaos-Of-Battle, an elf warrior, and Luke Sunborn, an annoyingly brave human warrior native to the magical land he’s crossed into. There are also mermaids, unicorns, harpies and assorted battles and political issues, with Elliot alternating between diplomatic genius and saying the completely wrong thing.
Rees Brennan is an expert storyteller than can have you laughing out loud one moment and in tears the next. Her characters are tridimensional and varied and nobody is without good reason to do good and terrible things. "The Turn of the Story" was inspired in the magical worlds of Tamora Pierce, Diana Wynne Jones’s Witch Week, Harry Potter, Neil Gaiman’s The Books of Magic, Eva Ibbotson’s Which Witch? and Jill Murphy's Worst Witch but it's an original piece which awknowledges and comments in its influences, engaging with its predecessors both with the joy of a reader and the critical self awareness of a writer. Elliot is marked by SRB's distinctive voice and the reader is constantly delighted by his referencing of a world that, accross the Border, it's as fictional as the Border is for us, creating a metafictional loop in which the reader and Elliot are the only ones aware of the implications of the plot in its context in our reality.
So far magic school was total rubbish.
Elliot sat on the fence bisecting two fields and brooded tragically over his wrongs.
He had been taken away from geography class, one of his most interesting classes, to take some kind of scholarship test out in the wild. A woman in odd clothing had ‘tested’ him by asking him if he could see a wall standing in the middle of a field. When he told her “Obviously, because it’s a wall. Walls tend to be obvious” she had pointed out other people blithely walking through the wall as if it was not there, and told him that he was one of the chosen few with the sight.
“Are you telling me that I have magical powers?” Elliot had asked, extremely excited for a moment, and then he added: “… because I can’t walk through walls? That doesn’t seem right.”
Rees Brennan is an expert storyteller than can have you laughing out loud one moment and in tears the next. Her characters are tridimensional and varied and nobody is without good reason to do good and terrible things. "The Turn of the Story" was inspired in the magical worlds of Tamora Pierce, Diana Wynne Jones’s Witch Week, Harry Potter, Neil Gaiman’s The Books of Magic, Eva Ibbotson’s Which Witch? and Jill Murphy's Worst Witch but it's an original piece which awknowledges and comments in its influences, engaging with its predecessors both with the joy of a reader and the critical self awareness of a writer. Elliot is marked by SRB's distinctive voice and the reader is constantly delighted by his referencing of a world that, accross the Border, it's as fictional as the Border is for us, creating a metafictional loop in which the reader and Elliot are the only ones aware of the implications of the plot in its context in our reality.
So far magic school was total rubbish.
Elliot sat on the fence bisecting two fields and brooded tragically over his wrongs.
He had been taken away from geography class, one of his most interesting classes, to take some kind of scholarship test out in the wild. A woman in odd clothing had ‘tested’ him by asking him if he could see a wall standing in the middle of a field. When he told her “Obviously, because it’s a wall. Walls tend to be obvious” she had pointed out other people blithely walking through the wall as if it was not there, and told him that he was one of the chosen few with the sight.
“Are you telling me that I have magical powers?” Elliot had asked, extremely excited for a moment, and then he added: “… because I can’t walk through walls? That doesn’t seem right.”
32 pages, ebook
First published June 10, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rees Brennan
71 books6,021 followersSarah Rees Brennan is Irish and currently lives in Dublin. She's been writing YA books for more than ten years, which is terrifying to contemplate! She hopes you (yes you!) find at least one of them to be the kind of book you remember.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 14, 2017
this is basically my favourite thing in the world and i will never be over it.
December 2, 2014
Please read this, read this right now. http://sarahtales.livejournal.com/218...
It is one of my most favorite things in the world and I don't know if I've ever loved a MC quite like I love Elliot.
It is one of my most favorite things in the world and I don't know if I've ever loved a MC quite like I love Elliot.
November 19, 2015
A really wonderful story about a smart, prickly, lonely boy named Elliot who is invited to guard the borders between humanity and fairyland. Even at thirteen Elliot isn't entirely taken in by the invitation, but he goes nevertheless, because who would turn down a chance at fairyland? He takes an immediate shine to a fellow cadet, a warrior elf, and through her becomes fast friends with the school's golden boy: Luke Sunborn. Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle and Luke are clearly destined for greatness in battle, but Elliot sees what those inside their society do not: that the constant state of imminent warfare and unfair treatment of other races is doing more harm than good. Through guile, research, and a whole lot of fast-talking, Elliot manages to avert a few skirmishes, but changing Border culture will clearly be an insurmountable challenge. Elliot hopes to accomplish it before he finishes school.
I loved this. It immediately pulled me in, and the danger, humor, and romantic tension (because Elliot is super in love with Serene, and Luke seems super in love with Elliot) kept me enthralled. I can't wait to read the next story in this world, contained in Monstrous Affections. Other side stories can be found here.
I loved this. It immediately pulled me in, and the danger, humor, and romantic tension (because Elliot is super in love with Serene, and Luke seems super in love with Elliot) kept me enthralled. I can't wait to read the next story in this world, contained in Monstrous Affections. Other side stories can be found here.
March 23, 2024
I missed this trio so very much and this just makes me wanna reread In Other Lands.
September 21, 2016
I feel like this review makes me the grumpiest grump that ever did grump. But this book was very much not to my taste. Elliot's an asshole; the worldbuilding is very sketchy and seems to exist only for the purpose of making fun of tropes (which admittedly it does well - the elven views on gender roles made me laugh); the actual storyline veers from nonsensical to wtf. (Even in a fantasy world, I have a hard time believing a boy standing up in class in the middle of a lesson to announce that he likes boys.)
Basically, it's an extended riff on trope subversion that would have been witty and pointed were it a short story. As a novel, it just bored me, and I abandoned it about 75% of the way through.
Basically, it's an extended riff on trope subversion that would have been witty and pointed were it a short story. As a novel, it just bored me, and I abandoned it about 75% of the way through.
November 25, 2018
I would pay money for this book. Now that may seem a weird thing to say, but Sarah Rees Brennan published this short story/book on her website HERE. The first installment is complete and other companion pieces are available.
But now for the good stuff: I loved this story so much. Like, you will not understand until you read it. The thing is about Sarah Rees Brennan is that you can tell it’s the same author writing, but not obnoxiously so, but in a comforting way. I know when I pick up something of hers that it will be funny and relatable and snarky in the way that reminds me of Lorelai Gilmore. And also touching and heartbreaking at moments. But I always forget the pure awesomeness of her writing until I start it.
Our main character is Elliot, who is grouchy and sarcastic. He reminded me of a mean Kami from Unspoken (another Brennan book), which will make sense if you read both. And despite the fact I am different than Elliot, I could relate. Specifically, the want to be a better and nicer person. I find myself reminding myself to be nice and patient as Elliot often does in the latter half of his story. And I loved his version of being a pacifist. Violence is stupid. Don’t do it.
On to Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, who gets bonus points for her name alone. Also, there were very few parallels to Harry Potter (let’s be real here, I can find HP parallels in any book) but Serene is Ron. She is loyal and brave and brash and a little too honest with many opinions, who is also slightly racist and sexist. Again, will make sense when you read the story. She is a riot. She is an elf, who comes from a female dominated culture, so she’s sexist. She will be like “Well, usually women fight, but Luke if you try, I am sure you will do fine”. It was awesome. One thing I didn’t like regarding Serene is more an Elliot thing, but I didn’t like the way he saw her. He had her on a pedestal and he saw nothing bad about her. But that’s a character thing not a writing thing.
Now to Luke. I love Luke. He’s how I imagine Scorpius Malfoy kinda (sorry, more hp references). So shy and awkward I want to hug him. And his family!!!! But I really want to talk about my ships. So I am!! I REALLY ship Elliot and Luke. Like, a lot. And I loved Serene but not with Eliot. But her bromance with Luke was hysterical. Like every time he called himself her sister in arms is equally touching and funny.
I thought the plot is well developed and the setting very imaginative. I found everything vivid and heart warming.
I could drone on and on about how amazing this book is but this post would never end. So all in all 5 stars out of 5. Recommended for anyone looking for something a little different (actually, a lot different) that’s funny and sweet and asking all the right questions. Or anyone who likes Sarah Rees Brennan’s other stuff,
But now for the good stuff: I loved this story so much. Like, you will not understand until you read it. The thing is about Sarah Rees Brennan is that you can tell it’s the same author writing, but not obnoxiously so, but in a comforting way. I know when I pick up something of hers that it will be funny and relatable and snarky in the way that reminds me of Lorelai Gilmore. And also touching and heartbreaking at moments. But I always forget the pure awesomeness of her writing until I start it.
Our main character is Elliot, who is grouchy and sarcastic. He reminded me of a mean Kami from Unspoken (another Brennan book), which will make sense if you read both. And despite the fact I am different than Elliot, I could relate. Specifically, the want to be a better and nicer person. I find myself reminding myself to be nice and patient as Elliot often does in the latter half of his story. And I loved his version of being a pacifist. Violence is stupid. Don’t do it.
On to Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, who gets bonus points for her name alone. Also, there were very few parallels to Harry Potter (let’s be real here, I can find HP parallels in any book) but Serene is Ron. She is loyal and brave and brash and a little too honest with many opinions, who is also slightly racist and sexist. Again, will make sense when you read the story. She is a riot. She is an elf, who comes from a female dominated culture, so she’s sexist. She will be like “Well, usually women fight, but Luke if you try, I am sure you will do fine”. It was awesome. One thing I didn’t like regarding Serene is more an Elliot thing, but I didn’t like the way he saw her. He had her on a pedestal and he saw nothing bad about her. But that’s a character thing not a writing thing.
Now to Luke. I love Luke. He’s how I imagine Scorpius Malfoy kinda (sorry, more hp references). So shy and awkward I want to hug him. And his family!!!! But I really want to talk about my ships. So I am!! I REALLY ship Elliot and Luke. Like, a lot. And I loved Serene but not with Eliot. But her bromance with Luke was hysterical. Like every time he called himself her sister in arms is equally touching and funny.
I thought the plot is well developed and the setting very imaginative. I found everything vivid and heart warming.
I could drone on and on about how amazing this book is but this post would never end. So all in all 5 stars out of 5. Recommended for anyone looking for something a little different (actually, a lot different) that’s funny and sweet and asking all the right questions. Or anyone who likes Sarah Rees Brennan’s other stuff,
November 21, 2015
I think this is a story for which you must be the right kind of reader. This story is less interested in what is happening than in how very much the point of view character, Elliot, is over it all. If you are not delighted immediately by Elliot's voice, you will fail out early; if you are (like all right-thinking people), you will not really care what is happening so long as Elliot continues to be a terrible brat about it all.
But the plot is: Elliot is screened into a school for people with the right skills for Fantasy Land (a very DWJ fantasyland that doesn't even care that it comes directly from her The Tough Guide to Fantasyland) where he meets and makes friends with some other children. Except that Elliot doesn't really understand how to make friends, so instead he falls desperately in love with a sexist elf girl, Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, and becomes bitter rivals with a noble warrior, Luke Sunborn, who is so noble that he of course is friends with anyone who is a worthy rival.
The story is mainly about Elliot growing up a little, figuring out how friendships, and even love, works, and saving fantasy-land a couple of times.
But the plot is: Elliot is screened into a school for people with the right skills for Fantasy Land (a very DWJ fantasyland that doesn't even care that it comes directly from her The Tough Guide to Fantasyland) where he meets and makes friends with some other children. Except that Elliot doesn't really understand how to make friends, so instead he falls desperately in love with a sexist elf girl, Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, and becomes bitter rivals with a noble warrior, Luke Sunborn, who is so noble that he of course is friends with anyone who is a worthy rival.
The story is mainly about Elliot growing up a little, figuring out how friendships, and even love, works, and saving fantasy-land a couple of times.
September 28, 2014
13 year Elliot can't walk through walls - so he's clearly magical and gets taken up to a world where teenagers are taught to be soldiers or councillors of war in a never ending battle to protect the borderlands from trolls, harpies, mermaids, etc etc etc. Because all fantasy books need trios, he hooks up with Luke, from the biggest and best soldiering family, and Serene, an Elven warrior (The Elves have a completely flipped view on genders). Elliot is all about writing treaties while his friends only want to fight, as they go from 13 to 17. I can't actually explain how thoroughly I adored this - it flipped and skewered and celebrated all fantasy tropes, while flipping and skewering gender stereotypes, always hilarious and heartbreaking in turns and sometimes together. She meant it to be a short story to promote her story in Monstrous Affections, and it kept growing and I am so glad it did. Brilliant. And delightful. I want to hug Elliot so hard. And also smack him upside the head. But in a loving manner.
April 22, 2015
I loved it very much. It was smart, funny and touching in all the right places. I want to pay money for it and have it, and read the sequels, and I can't believe I am now out of SRB to read and she doesn't publish her next novel until 2016.
April 5, 2016
JUST FINISHINED THIS AND MY POOR BOY ELLIOT. I WISH HE WOULD TALK ABOUT HIS PROBLEMS WITH HIS FRIENDS. OPEN UP TO THEM.
NOW I GOTTA READ THE SEQUEL WHICH IS APPARENTLY FROM LUKES POV??. I WANT ELLIOT TO BE LOVED AND KNOW HES LOVED. HE DESERVES SO MUCH
IM JUST
I LOVE ELLIOT. IM HIS MOTHER NOW
NOW I GOTTA READ THE SEQUEL WHICH IS APPARENTLY FROM LUKES POV??. I WANT ELLIOT TO BE LOVED AND KNOW HES LOVED. HE DESERVES SO MUCH
IM JUST
I LOVE ELLIOT. IM HIS MOTHER NOW
July 5, 2017
Finally read this, in anticipation of the new adapted version of it being published. Now have to cope with libraries in town and my old library's e-collection not having Monstrous Affections...
January 7, 2024
Well that was a waste of my time. I don’t know how this is supposed to sell In Other Lands when elliot is insufferable, judgmental and a bit of a hypocrite, and the reverse elf sexism is so blunt it’s overshooting the mark to make any point about real world bigotry, which is at its worst when subtle.
I guess at least it spares me from wanting to read the full book now?
I guess at least it spares me from wanting to read the full book now?
July 20, 2016
WOW. I have been following this while it was a work in progress and sometimes I was a little sorry because SRB's mastery of tension is amazing and quite frustrating for a reader who cannot read further.
The world building is simply fantastic, with a lot owed to the authors that inspired her to write this adventure in the first place but much that is hers alone.
The characters are fascinatingly flawed, the dialogue witty, hilarious and heartbreaking by turns and I simply CANNOT wait to read the sequel contained in "Monstrous Affections" about Luke's adventures.
Did I mention it's free online and also complete?
Second read: 29/11/2014(Have read the sequel now, "Wings in the Morning", the most amazing pun in the story of elegant titles and also super satisfying as a conclusion for now of all the romances in "Turn of the Story".)
Third read 21/07/2016: Read the Italian translation (and how lucky am I? I've been studying Italian for the last two years and I get my favourite story translated into it!) and fell even more in love. Then re-read "Wings in the Morning", which itself left me wondering how it could be read without TTotS but whatever, yummy and sweet.
The world building is simply fantastic, with a lot owed to the authors that inspired her to write this adventure in the first place but much that is hers alone.
The characters are fascinatingly flawed, the dialogue witty, hilarious and heartbreaking by turns and I simply CANNOT wait to read the sequel contained in "Monstrous Affections" about Luke's adventures.
Did I mention it's free online and also complete?
Second read: 29/11/2014(Have read the sequel now, "Wings in the Morning", the most amazing pun in the story of elegant titles and also super satisfying as a conclusion for now of all the romances in "Turn of the Story".)
Third read 21/07/2016: Read the Italian translation (and how lucky am I? I've been studying Italian for the last two years and I get my favourite story translated into it!) and fell even more in love. Then re-read "Wings in the Morning", which itself left me wondering how it could be read without TTotS but whatever, yummy and sweet.
October 7, 2015
Probably the best thing I read in 2014.
The Turn of the Story is hilarious and heart-breaking in turns, with an utterly compelling cast of characters who you can't help but feel for. I have rarely cared as much about a character as I did about Elliot Schafer, our cranky, ginger, bisexual protagonist whose sharp-edged vulnerability hit me right in all the soft spots. Elliot is a wonderful, grouchy bundle of contradictions, combining a weary contempt for the stupidity of the world with a fierce determination to make it better and his character arc over the course of the story is a joy to read.
The world-building is great as well, poking loving fun at all the well-known fantasyland and magic school tropes while questioning many of the underlying tropes that make up the foundation of these kinds of stories. There's something quite Pratchett-esque about the writing here- it's a parody, but an incisive and piercing one that makes you laugh but also makes you think.
Really I think that everyone should read this story because not only is it delightful and entertaining and surprisingly poignant, but it's also free so really there's no excuse!
The Turn of the Story is hilarious and heart-breaking in turns, with an utterly compelling cast of characters who you can't help but feel for. I have rarely cared as much about a character as I did about Elliot Schafer, our cranky, ginger, bisexual protagonist whose sharp-edged vulnerability hit me right in all the soft spots. Elliot is a wonderful, grouchy bundle of contradictions, combining a weary contempt for the stupidity of the world with a fierce determination to make it better and his character arc over the course of the story is a joy to read.
The world-building is great as well, poking loving fun at all the well-known fantasyland and magic school tropes while questioning many of the underlying tropes that make up the foundation of these kinds of stories. There's something quite Pratchett-esque about the writing here- it's a parody, but an incisive and piercing one that makes you laugh but also makes you think.
Really I think that everyone should read this story because not only is it delightful and entertaining and surprisingly poignant, but it's also free so really there's no excuse!
October 17, 2014
(4.5)
If for some reason you feel like having your heart ripped right out of your chest and stomped on a few times, check out Sarah Rees Brennan's magical gift to her fans. If you have never read any of Brennan's witty, playful, hilarious and heart-breaking books before, this is a good place to start because it is free, and also because it is an excellent example of her work. Me, I have a thing (maybe even a Thing) for aggressively unlovable, broken characters who are all brittle jerkitude on the surface concealing a glowing, golden romantic heart. I love love love that. I could gush for pages about how unputdownably wonderful this story is, or how generous is Brennan for sharing it with her fans, but I'll just say ... argh! Go read it!
If for some reason you feel like having your heart ripped right out of your chest and stomped on a few times, check out Sarah Rees Brennan's magical gift to her fans. If you have never read any of Brennan's witty, playful, hilarious and heart-breaking books before, this is a good place to start because it is free, and also because it is an excellent example of her work. Me, I have a thing (maybe even a Thing) for aggressively unlovable, broken characters who are all brittle jerkitude on the surface concealing a glowing, golden romantic heart. I love love love that. I could gush for pages about how unputdownably wonderful this story is, or how generous is Brennan for sharing it with her fans, but I'll just say ... argh! Go read it!
January 25, 2015
Words cannot express how much I love this books. It's so witty, dynamic, heartfelt, and HILARIOUS that disliking it is an impossible feast. It deals with serious issues in a way that is definitely thought-provoking, without being in the least bit dull or tedious. As usual, SRB's characters are simply brilliant. From swoon-worthy looks to incredible personalities, they have it all.
Undoubtedly my favourite not-so-short-story out there. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that SRB gave us this beauty for free. She's a wonderful human, that's what she is.
Undoubtedly my favourite not-so-short-story out there. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that SRB gave us this beauty for free. She's a wonderful human, that's what she is.
January 4, 2015
I am convinced that Luke and Elliot are deeply in love and need to be together forever but they won't actually realise it until they're much older and then they'll be too confused to do anything about it because they're so used to their friendship also I need to track down the related short stories.
January 29, 2016
As always, Sarah outdid herself. This story is quite amazing!
February 20, 2016
I wasn't sure how to score it in the end. Enjoyable, but not crazy in love with it, idk.
Want to read
December 16, 2016I am Sarah Rees Brennan's slave now. I need all her books in my life
May 31, 2023
Just really really enjoyable. Super angsty but Elliot is a hilarious narrator. If you don't like the first chapter you probably won't like the rest of the book. It has a lot of comedy and parody of various fantasy tropes but still manages to also make the characters' conflicts and emotional toil feel real. I ended up feeling so bad for poor Elliot and Luke but also love the ending where everyone gets to be happy! I read the author's alternate viewpoint short story in the anthology Monstrous Affections first which tells the ending of this book from Luke's perspective, but this book was written later, and I think does a much more skilled job at it all.
Elliot dates various people throughout the story and goes through a lot of angst because of it but no one ends up seeming truly villainous, just like they were teens still figuring things out and didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. Highly recommend this if you're looking for an LGBTQ+ friendly YA coming-of-age/romance book full of comedy and drama.
Elliot dates various people throughout the story and goes through a lot of angst because of it but no one ends up seeming truly villainous, just like they were teens still figuring things out and didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. Highly recommend this if you're looking for an LGBTQ+ friendly YA coming-of-age/romance book full of comedy and drama.
June 7, 2025
This is basically the original story of In Other Lands when it was serially published online. Still, it was nice to return to the world and the characters.
I also read “Love from Both Sides,” which is a short story from Adara’s perspective of the events from the novel.
As always, such a blast, and I wish there was even more!
I also read “Love from Both Sides,” which is a short story from Adara’s perspective of the events from the novel.
As always, such a blast, and I wish there was even more!
Read
May 23, 2021I feel like I would really love this book but I need to try it again once I’m in the mood for it
March 27, 2022
My new favourite book. To anyone looking to read it in paperback or on a kindle, you can find it under the name of In Other Lands!!
March 1, 2016
Spoiler Free Review
(with hidden inside joke "spoiler")
I think this has been my favourite thing of 2016 so far. Of my existence. Fantasy + satire + diversity = one ecstatic bibliophile. How had I not known that Sarah Rees Brennan had written this - for free - as gift for her readers? There is NOTHING not to like about this (apart from the lack of more… and it’s 10,000 words with a novella sequel).
Information I should probably get into before my review proper: you can read this online, for free here. This is in serial style, not novel format. I hesitate to call it fan fiction, because it’s not, but it is similar in many aspects. As a satire, it takes many familiar elements and gives them a twist . I totally agree with the description the author gives:
Elliot, the main character, is my spirit animal. He is usually found in the library, sarcastic, introverted, socially caustic, but willing to risk his life to save the life of an enemy on the battlefield. When I fangirled to my friends about the story, they asked for a description beyond “basically me in fictional form”. My description ended up: a redheaded, bisexual, spitfire of a bluestocking.
The world is just as delightful; a satire on fantasy from the start. We get to travel with Elliot to mermaid lakes, harpy forests and all the libraries he can find. We do so at the side of his two best friends Luke and Serene-In-The-Chaos-Of-Battle (AKA “the murderous man-hating elf girl and the intense gay kid” that make up the “weirdo table” with him).
Since I’ve not read anything but the sequel, Wings in the Morning, in the anthology it’s in, I’ll mini review it here. This sequel was actually written before hand, and that means foreshadowing and character (hint: relationship) development have brought us to this perfect sequel. The feels almost killed me. When it ended, it almost killed me. If someone would tell Sarah Rees Brennan that another sequel would revive me, I’d be much indebted.
(with hidden inside joke "spoiler")
I think this has been my favourite thing of 2016 so far. Of my existence. Fantasy + satire + diversity = one ecstatic bibliophile. How had I not known that Sarah Rees Brennan had written this - for free - as gift for her readers? There is NOTHING not to like about this (apart from the lack of more… and it’s 10,000 words with a novella sequel).
Information I should probably get into before my review proper: you can read this online, for free here. This is in serial style, not novel format. I hesitate to call it fan fiction, because it’s not, but it is similar in many aspects. As a satire, it takes many familiar elements and gives them a twist . I totally agree with the description the author gives:
“I have also often called it the story of the grouchiest kid in fantasyland. It follows Elliot from thirteen to seventeen, and it is a story about fantasy lands and the horrors we don’t talk about in them, and the horrors we carry about inside ourselves, and also the hilarious things possible in a magic land and the beauty of friendship, I hope.”
Elliot, the main character, is my spirit animal. He is usually found in the library, sarcastic, introverted, socially caustic, but willing to risk his life to save the life of an enemy on the battlefield. When I fangirled to my friends about the story, they asked for a description beyond “basically me in fictional form”. My description ended up: a redheaded, bisexual, spitfire of a bluestocking.
‘ “Are you telling me that I have magical powers?” Elliot had asked, extremely excited for a moment, and then he added: “… because I can’t walk through walls? That doesn’t seem right.” ’
The world is just as delightful; a satire on fantasy from the start. We get to travel with Elliot to mermaid lakes, harpy forests and all the libraries he can find. We do so at the side of his two best friends Luke and Serene-In-The-Chaos-Of-Battle (AKA “the murderous man-hating elf girl and the intense gay kid” that make up the “weirdo table” with him).
Since I’ve not read anything but the sequel, Wings in the Morning, in the anthology it’s in, I’ll mini review it here. This sequel was actually written before hand, and that means foreshadowing and character (hint: relationship) development have brought us to this perfect sequel. The feels almost killed me. When it ended, it almost killed me. If someone would tell Sarah Rees Brennan that another sequel would revive me, I’d be much indebted.
LBGTQ representation: Finally a LBGTQ main character in fantasy - and a fantasy land that accommodates for a diverse wider cast.
POC representation: The only downside is that there are no overtly POC characters - which was a slight let down, because usually Sarah Rees Brennan is strong in this point (the main character of her amazing Lynburn Legacy series is part Japanese). Race is touched on in the fantasy way, which irked me - I just hope that racism wasn’t addressed simply because humans are too busy with interspecies prejudice to be involved with this particular brand of inter-human type.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2016
A confession first: I’m not a big fan of Sarah Rees Brennan’s style. It’s mostly a matter of personal preference that’s changed a lot over the years, as I recently discovered. I used to adore SRB back in Her Early Days, but then The Demon’s Lexicon happened – a disappointing book that left me with no inclination to ever read anything from SRB again. I still held fond memories of her earlier writings, though. It was not meant to last either: a few months ago I attempted to re-read some of the earlier stories and found myself unable to do it. Even 10+ years ago, SRB had a very distinct voice – of the “love it or hate is, there’s no middle ground” kind – and it eclipsed every other aspects of her writing.
You might ask yourself why on earth did I start a review of a book I apparently liked well enough to give it 4 stars with a passage about how much I hate the author’s style. The thing is, I didn’t pick up The Turn of the Story by my own choice; a friend pointed me towards it when a few days ago I found myself existing in a miserable vacuum of having no more Temeraire books to read. One gets desperate on occasions like that – so I decided maybe it was time I gave SRB another chance. I’m glad I did.
The beginning did not bode well. Yet again, the writing style I was not crazy about threatened to overshadow everything else – if I hadn’t been determined to read the whole thing so that I could express an informed opinion, I wouldn’t have bothered continuing.
Suddenly, after maybe a quarter of the book, I realized, somewhere along the way, I really got into it. SRB did a great job of subverting the expectations one would have at the beginning. The characters would develop in unexpected directions that somehow still felt true. The plot was engaging and surprisingly moving. The tired old trope of a magical/fantasy school was handled with enough fresh ideas to be an interesting read. (The only thing I’m not fully sold on is the fantasy world itself. I guess I have that in common with Elliot?)
Anyway. I loved it. Still surprised. Good one, SRB. Now I’m willing to try and read your other books again. Good one.
You might ask yourself why on earth did I start a review of a book I apparently liked well enough to give it 4 stars with a passage about how much I hate the author’s style. The thing is, I didn’t pick up The Turn of the Story by my own choice; a friend pointed me towards it when a few days ago I found myself existing in a miserable vacuum of having no more Temeraire books to read. One gets desperate on occasions like that – so I decided maybe it was time I gave SRB another chance. I’m glad I did.
The beginning did not bode well. Yet again, the writing style I was not crazy about threatened to overshadow everything else – if I hadn’t been determined to read the whole thing so that I could express an informed opinion, I wouldn’t have bothered continuing.
Suddenly, after maybe a quarter of the book, I realized, somewhere along the way, I really got into it. SRB did a great job of subverting the expectations one would have at the beginning. The characters would develop in unexpected directions that somehow still felt true. The plot was engaging and surprisingly moving. The tired old trope of a magical/fantasy school was handled with enough fresh ideas to be an interesting read. (The only thing I’m not fully sold on is the fantasy world itself. I guess I have that in common with Elliot?)
Anyway. I loved it. Still surprised. Good one, SRB. Now I’m willing to try and read your other books again. Good one.
November 17, 2014
I laughed and I cried at this. I mean I snickered so hard I’m surprised I still have a job as I was sneakily reading this at work.
This book takes fantasy tropes and turns them on their head. Let’s go to fantasy land and um, we solve all of our problems by killing people, and then you have this surely kid who questions the status quo. I loved Eliot’s snark so much. I loved his brains as well. I was heartbroken for him, and I understand him so well. However, there are places where I was like hey king of words, let’s try this communication thing a little better. Except where it ends, and the story that follow sin the anthology, I think certain things had to be miscommunicated for the anthology story to work.
To be fair I haven’t yet read the anthology story as I have requested my library to get it. But from the bit I know about it, and the way my writer brain works to extrapolate from the hints and clues we have been given, I have my suspicions regarding Luke and Elliot’s fate. And if I am right, which I really hope I am, I think Elliot has been set up to be exactly what is needed.
If you ever wondered about fantasy books, even though you love them to pieces, this book takes those tropes and turns them topsy-turvy. I especially love what they did with the elves and gender roles. That by far was one of my favorite parts of this.
Anyways, the only, only downside, is that you would need to purchase the anthology or borrow it from the library to feel that sense of closure to the cliffhanger at the end. I mean sure Elliot has reached a point emotionally where we know who he is, but there are definitely loose strings that you will be clambering about wanting more.
Really this is gold, and everyone should give it a whirl. It nods its heads at so many different fantasy elements, without being fan fiction. It is clever and hilarious and touching. I already enjoyed Sarah Rees Brenna but this cemented my love of her work and her cleverness.
This book takes fantasy tropes and turns them on their head. Let’s go to fantasy land and um, we solve all of our problems by killing people, and then you have this surely kid who questions the status quo. I loved Eliot’s snark so much. I loved his brains as well. I was heartbroken for him, and I understand him so well. However, there are places where I was like hey king of words, let’s try this communication thing a little better. Except where it ends, and the story that follow sin the anthology, I think certain things had to be miscommunicated for the anthology story to work.
To be fair I haven’t yet read the anthology story as I have requested my library to get it. But from the bit I know about it, and the way my writer brain works to extrapolate from the hints and clues we have been given, I have my suspicions regarding Luke and Elliot’s fate. And if I am right, which I really hope I am, I think Elliot has been set up to be exactly what is needed.
If you ever wondered about fantasy books, even though you love them to pieces, this book takes those tropes and turns them topsy-turvy. I especially love what they did with the elves and gender roles. That by far was one of my favorite parts of this.
Anyways, the only, only downside, is that you would need to purchase the anthology or borrow it from the library to feel that sense of closure to the cliffhanger at the end. I mean sure Elliot has reached a point emotionally where we know who he is, but there are definitely loose strings that you will be clambering about wanting more.
Really this is gold, and everyone should give it a whirl. It nods its heads at so many different fantasy elements, without being fan fiction. It is clever and hilarious and touching. I already enjoyed Sarah Rees Brenna but this cemented my love of her work and her cleverness.
February 29, 2016
Did this novel just give a canonically bisexual main character who is, quite frankly, one of the most complex and interesting people I've read about in a very long time? Yes. Yes it did. For a free serial available on the web, The Turn of the Story was far more than I expected and the best possible ways. I loved everything about Elliot, Serene (in-the-Chaos-of-Battle), and Luke the perfect chosen one hero of every fantasy tale. I loved watching them grow as Elliot grew up and learned about himself and dealt with his life and choices. I loved how unreliable our narrator was, especially in those earliest chapters. It was so perfect a voice for that age.
This story is exactly what I wished I'd had when I was in my teens and I love it even now.
I'm not going to lie. The ending of this novel was incredibly satisfying to me but I had to know the next step in their story. I'm not ashamed to say I immediately went out and purchased the anthology "Monstrous Affections" to read the last story "Wings of the Morning." And now? I need everything else in this universe. I need more of Serene's explanation of elf culture. I need more scowling Elliot and his complicated relationship with himself. And I definitely need more of Luke Sunborn and his familial expectations. I only hope there will be more in this universe to come.
This story is exactly what I wished I'd had when I was in my teens and I love it even now.
I'm not going to lie. The ending of this novel was incredibly satisfying to me but I had to know the next step in their story. I'm not ashamed to say I immediately went out and purchased the anthology "Monstrous Affections" to read the last story "Wings of the Morning." And now? I need everything else in this universe. I need more of Serene's explanation of elf culture. I need more scowling Elliot and his complicated relationship with himself. And I definitely need more of Luke Sunborn and his familial expectations. I only hope there will be more in this universe to come.
January 11, 2017
This was a really fun read. Originally published serially on Brennan's blog, I read the whole thing in one go over two-ish days. I don't know if I would have liked it as much if it were a book I paid money for. It was fun specifically because of it's irreverence. It's a take on the magic school genre that was a little absurdist and didn't take itself seriously and was really successful because of it.
I can't help but compare this to Carry On when thinking about it, because both try to do the same thing in terms of providing meta-commentary on Harry Potter and the Harry Potter phenomenon. And I think The Turn of the Story did it better. I felt more love for the underlying tropes of the genre from The Turn of the Story (and heck, The Magicians and Fangirl both did better than Carry On). Where Carry On tried to be really serious about challenging the genre, The Turn of the Story did it with satire. So while Carry On gave several characters unnecessarily negative, depressing ("gritty") endings, The Turn of the Story was bitingly funny and a joy to read.
I can't help but compare this to Carry On when thinking about it, because both try to do the same thing in terms of providing meta-commentary on Harry Potter and the Harry Potter phenomenon. And I think The Turn of the Story did it better. I felt more love for the underlying tropes of the genre from The Turn of the Story (and heck, The Magicians and Fangirl both did better than Carry On). Where Carry On tried to be really serious about challenging the genre, The Turn of the Story did it with satire. So while Carry On gave several characters unnecessarily negative, depressing ("gritty") endings, The Turn of the Story was bitingly funny and a joy to read.
May 22, 2015
This story is just FUN! I enjoyed the hell out of it. The dialogue is witty and hilarious, the characters remarkably admirable, flawed, and deep. It made me laugh often but is interspersed with plenty of darkness to keep it interesting. I just absolutely love so many of the characters, I wanted to go back and reread it as soon as I was done.
I loved Elliot and thought he was a breath of fresh air. But I can see how people might dislike such a sarcastic, bitter, misanthropic character's point of view. The key to liking him is to look at what he does rather than what he says or even thinks.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I recognize it does have flaws but I absolutely enjoyed it 5 stars worth.
It is left on an incredible cliffhanger so if you do read it be prepared to buy the anthology Monstrous Affections so you can read the follow up "Wings of the Morning" from Luke's point of view.
Lovely, lovely gift from Sarah Rees Brennan to her fans.
I loved Elliot and thought he was a breath of fresh air. But I can see how people might dislike such a sarcastic, bitter, misanthropic character's point of view. The key to liking him is to look at what he does rather than what he says or even thinks.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I recognize it does have flaws but I absolutely enjoyed it 5 stars worth.
It is left on an incredible cliffhanger so if you do read it be prepared to buy the anthology Monstrous Affections so you can read the follow up "Wings of the Morning" from Luke's point of view.
Lovely, lovely gift from Sarah Rees Brennan to her fans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews