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The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
A fantasy about a kingdom beset by monsters, a mysterious school, and a girl caught in between them.
If no one notices Marya Lupu, it is likely because of her brother, Luka. And that's because of what everyone knows: that Luka is destined to become a sorcerer.
The Lupus might be from a small village far from the capital city of Illyria, but that doesn't matter. Every young boy born in in the kingdom holds the potential for the rare ability to wield magic, to protect the country from the terrifying force known only as the Dread.
For all the hopes the family has for Luka, no one has any for Marya, who can never seem to do anything right. But even so, no one is prepared for the day that the sorcerers finally arrive to test Luka for magical ability, and Marya makes a terrible mistake. Nor the day after, when the Lupus receive a letter from a place called Dragomir Academy--a mysterious school for wayward young girls. Girls like Marya.
Soon she is a hundred miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, surrounded by girls she's never met. Dragomir Academy promises Marya and her classmates a chance to make something of themselves in service to one of the country's powerful sorcerers. But as they learn how to fit into a world with no place for them, they begin to discover things about the magic the men of their country wield, as well as the Dread itself--things that threaten the precarious balance upon which Illyria is built.
If no one notices Marya Lupu, it is likely because of her brother, Luka. And that's because of what everyone knows: that Luka is destined to become a sorcerer.
The Lupus might be from a small village far from the capital city of Illyria, but that doesn't matter. Every young boy born in in the kingdom holds the potential for the rare ability to wield magic, to protect the country from the terrifying force known only as the Dread.
For all the hopes the family has for Luka, no one has any for Marya, who can never seem to do anything right. But even so, no one is prepared for the day that the sorcerers finally arrive to test Luka for magical ability, and Marya makes a terrible mistake. Nor the day after, when the Lupus receive a letter from a place called Dragomir Academy--a mysterious school for wayward young girls. Girls like Marya.
Soon she is a hundred miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, surrounded by girls she's never met. Dragomir Academy promises Marya and her classmates a chance to make something of themselves in service to one of the country's powerful sorcerers. But as they learn how to fit into a world with no place for them, they begin to discover things about the magic the men of their country wield, as well as the Dread itself--things that threaten the precarious balance upon which Illyria is built.
423 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
135 people are currently reading
9449 people want to read
About the author
Anne Ursu
19 books849 followersAnne Ursu is the author of several fantasies for young readers, including THE REAL BOY, which was longlisted for the National Book Award, and BREADCRUMBS, which was named as one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly, Amazon, and School Library Journal. She is also the recipient of a McKnight Fellowship. She teaches at the Hamline University's Masters of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and lives in Minneapolis. Her next book, THE LOST GIRL, will be out in February 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
October 31, 2021
A powerful book about girls, and women, who have been told for too long that they are powerless, that they need to calm down, to be proper, to be quiet. This is a book about finding strength, about finding family, and about friendship. About recognizing the power within yourself, and choosing to be strong.
September 27, 2024
Don't touch me, I'm gonna cry. I'd recommend this to little girls but I don't know any. Might walk around a park and throw the book at them later. Just a thought...
August 24, 2024
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss
If you're thinking of getting this for a sensitive child, maybe read more reviews. This is not for sensitive girls. I was one and I'm telling you.
It's hard for me to rate this book - because while the aim is very good (to tell girls that they should trust themselves and educate them about the patriarchy and male privilege, and always think about whom the story serves), it's also laid on SO thick that nothing good ever happens in the story. And I mean it literally. It just keeps piling on top, and when you think it can't get worse, it just... Gets worse. It's like 1984, but for children and with more magic. And maybe some Handmaid's Tale in the mix. It's not a book about magic. It's basically a cautionary horror story.
It's so dark that by the time "the happy ending" arrives (literally at 95%), everything feels forced and unnatural. For a long time I thought this was book 1 in a series because even by 70% things just kept getting worse and I felt like the story was only setting up (but the story does wrap up, so it's not like that). By the time the ending arrived, I thought, alright - so you just spent the entire book telling me that the world is horrible, everyone is conspiring against the female population, and now suddenly poof! Everything works out and everyone believes their end of the story? Right.
The book is essentially about how uncomfortable women were accused of hysteria back in the day, and put in asylums, except with magic. That's a very good story to tell. The problem I had was not with the story or end goal - but rather, the way it was told.
I do understand criticism of the patriarchy, and I'm all for it, but this book just doesn't give ANY hope. It's all deeper and deeper gloom. The message to me felt like "you're a girl, so all the bad things will happen to you, and it's totally unfair, and it's not your fault, but literally nothing good can happen to you, and there's nothing you can do about it. Oh, and nobody will listen to you and they absolutely WILL tell you it's your fault." Huh. Inspiring.
I really hope I misread the message, cause the book deeply affected me. It simply depressed me. If I was a child, I would have felt like everyone's my enemy because I'm a girl. Maybe it's just me. I'm an adult, and after just finishing this book, I still feel like nobody's on my side. I'm pretty sure this wasn't the aim of the book.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
If you're thinking of getting this for a sensitive child, maybe read more reviews. This is not for sensitive girls. I was one and I'm telling you.
It's hard for me to rate this book - because while the aim is very good (to tell girls that they should trust themselves and educate them about the patriarchy and male privilege, and always think about whom the story serves), it's also laid on SO thick that nothing good ever happens in the story. And I mean it literally. It just keeps piling on top, and when you think it can't get worse, it just... Gets worse. It's like 1984, but for children and with more magic. And maybe some Handmaid's Tale in the mix. It's not a book about magic. It's basically a cautionary horror story.
It's so dark that by the time "the happy ending" arrives (literally at 95%), everything feels forced and unnatural. For a long time I thought this was book 1 in a series because even by 70% things just kept getting worse and I felt like the story was only setting up (but the story does wrap up, so it's not like that). By the time the ending arrived, I thought, alright - so you just spent the entire book telling me that the world is horrible, everyone is conspiring against the female population, and now suddenly poof! Everything works out and everyone believes their end of the story? Right.
The book is essentially about how uncomfortable women were accused of hysteria back in the day, and put in asylums, except with magic. That's a very good story to tell. The problem I had was not with the story or end goal - but rather, the way it was told.
I do understand criticism of the patriarchy, and I'm all for it, but this book just doesn't give ANY hope. It's all deeper and deeper gloom. The message to me felt like "you're a girl, so all the bad things will happen to you, and it's totally unfair, and it's not your fault, but literally nothing good can happen to you, and there's nothing you can do about it. Oh, and nobody will listen to you and they absolutely WILL tell you it's your fault." Huh. Inspiring.
I really hope I misread the message, cause the book deeply affected me. It simply depressed me. If I was a child, I would have felt like everyone's my enemy because I'm a girl. Maybe it's just me. I'm an adult, and after just finishing this book, I still feel like nobody's on my side. I'm pretty sure this wasn't the aim of the book.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
October 8, 2021
Review to comeThe Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy is a unique middle-grade novel with dynamically developed characters and strong messages. Marya’s brother wants to be a sorcerer, but when Marya messes up his evaluation, she is sent to a school for troubled girls called Dragomir Academy. As Marya and the other girls learn about being proper, conforming young women, they also find out more about the patriarchal society in which they live, as well as the Dread, which attacks whole villages.
Marya has always felt like she was living in her brother’s shadow. She longs to be accepted and treated as an equal to her brother but is often met with disapproval and disdain. However, Marya never stops questioning the inequities she faces. I love this! She is a fantastic protagonist, and I love her curiosity, resilience, and strength. There are some really interesting messages about equality, the patriarchy, and breaking the constraints that oppress you.
In this world, boys are treated differently from girls, and girls are judged based on how beneficial they will be to the country’s sorcerers. The girls at the academy are literally being educated and trained to benefit their countrymen. Women are considered less than if they are considered at all. However, Marya rejects these notions, and the more she learns about the magic, the men who run the country, and the Dread, the more Marya (and her friends) fights for the truth.
The story also highlights the importance of reading and education and the power of knowledge. Filled with wonderful moments of girl power, the story encourages trusting your instincts, standing up for yourself, and questioning authority when things don’t seem right. It also examines the toxicity of blindly following the societal norms when they conflicts with your morals and sense of self. I like how these poignant and important messages are woven throughout the story and found them empowering without overshadowing the plot.
A well-layered story with great characters and strong feminist messages, this is an immersive and unique read that will appeal to readers of middle-grade fantasy. There are parts that were slow, and it took me a bit to get into the story, but overall it is an entertaining read. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Walden Pond Press, and Anne Ursu for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Marya has always felt like she was living in her brother’s shadow. She longs to be accepted and treated as an equal to her brother but is often met with disapproval and disdain. However, Marya never stops questioning the inequities she faces. I love this! She is a fantastic protagonist, and I love her curiosity, resilience, and strength. There are some really interesting messages about equality, the patriarchy, and breaking the constraints that oppress you.
In this world, boys are treated differently from girls, and girls are judged based on how beneficial they will be to the country’s sorcerers. The girls at the academy are literally being educated and trained to benefit their countrymen. Women are considered less than if they are considered at all. However, Marya rejects these notions, and the more she learns about the magic, the men who run the country, and the Dread, the more Marya (and her friends) fights for the truth.
The story also highlights the importance of reading and education and the power of knowledge. Filled with wonderful moments of girl power, the story encourages trusting your instincts, standing up for yourself, and questioning authority when things don’t seem right. It also examines the toxicity of blindly following the societal norms when they conflicts with your morals and sense of self. I like how these poignant and important messages are woven throughout the story and found them empowering without overshadowing the plot.
A well-layered story with great characters and strong feminist messages, this is an immersive and unique read that will appeal to readers of middle-grade fantasy. There are parts that were slow, and it took me a bit to get into the story, but overall it is an entertaining read. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Walden Pond Press, and Anne Ursu for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2021
I mean. It’s Anne Ursu. All her books are good. Including this one.
January 23, 2022
"Who does the story serve?"
The second half of this really gets going with drive and mystery and is so so so good.
The second half of this really gets going with drive and mystery and is so so so good.
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 8, 2022
Really enjoyable!
And teaches the basics of misinformation, propagandistic history, misogyny and power differentials in a very fun way.
"Who does the story serve" is something all kids (and fuck, adults too!) need to learn.
And teaches the basics of misinformation, propagandistic history, misogyny and power differentials in a very fun way.
"Who does the story serve" is something all kids (and fuck, adults too!) need to learn.
January 7, 2024
Marya Lupu is a young girl growing up in her brother's shadow. In her society, girls and women have limited prospects because they are considered susceptible to being tainted by magic. While boys can grow up to be sorcerers who protect their country, girls have to have their magic suppressed. Her brother has been nurtured by her family because he has the potential to become a great sorcerer, which will make their fortune as a family. In contrast, Marya can't seem to do anything right, deemed a failure by her mother and ignored by her father. Marya and Luka don't get along at all due to the way their family has set up this competition by default.
Things come to a head, and when Luka's big day fails due to a variety of circumstances, Marya is blamed and shipped off to a boarding school for "troubled girls." At the school, Marya forms a bond with the girls in her incoming class, and uncovers a conspiracy that has wide-reaching circumstances.
I appreciate Anne Ursu as a writer and I have enjoyed all the books I've read by her. Each book is different and something very important to say about the childhood experience, with important themes and lessons. Out of the ones I've read, I had the hardest time getting into this book. I just couldn't figure out where Ursu was going with this book. Having said that, it was worth sticking it out. Ultimately, I think this story is more about the themes and the message than the actual plot. Basically it's about sexism, misogyny, and how the toxicity inherent in patriarchal systems does a lot of damage to societies. It's a deeper kind of concept, and I feel like maybe there needed to be a little more magic to go along with it, considering this is about a world/place where magic is a real thing. I say that because I kept questioning if magic was in fact real, and the threat was real or if it was political theater. And if this was just political theater, I felt like the target audience was probably too young for that kind of story. Also I felt like there was a bit more telling than showing, and showing really makes the difference in how a story that is higher concept balances the plotline with the underlying ideas.
This book had me thinking about how gendered the term witch was. Maybe that's why I don't like it. I think I prefer for there to be a gender neutral term for people who can use magic.
Another issue I had was the characterization of Marya. Was she socially awkward? Was she high functioning autistic? I wasn't quite sure. A repeating concept was that she had words stuck inside of her that she couldn't get out, and also she was emotionally traumatized at how her mother treated her. I feel like that needed to be dealt with more.
I always have to consider the fact that I am a grown woman reading middle grade fiction, and what I perceive about the story is different from what a younger read would. Having said that, I think that a younger reader might be a little bored with this story. I feel like if it's a story about magic, give us magic. If it's not about magic, but the way that people in power manipulate their citizens with theater, then that should be well conveyed as well.
I did like the resolution of Marya's relationship with Luka. They realized that the bond of siblings was being harmed by the toxic sexism in their society and were able to move forward by acknowledging that they didn't have to be enemies. That's probably my favorite part of this book. Although I also enjoyed Marya's turn as an amateur sleuth. Yeah I'd read more stories with her sleuthing. But please develop the magic more.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars
Things come to a head, and when Luka's big day fails due to a variety of circumstances, Marya is blamed and shipped off to a boarding school for "troubled girls." At the school, Marya forms a bond with the girls in her incoming class, and uncovers a conspiracy that has wide-reaching circumstances.
I appreciate Anne Ursu as a writer and I have enjoyed all the books I've read by her. Each book is different and something very important to say about the childhood experience, with important themes and lessons. Out of the ones I've read, I had the hardest time getting into this book. I just couldn't figure out where Ursu was going with this book. Having said that, it was worth sticking it out. Ultimately, I think this story is more about the themes and the message than the actual plot. Basically it's about sexism, misogyny, and how the toxicity inherent in patriarchal systems does a lot of damage to societies. It's a deeper kind of concept, and I feel like maybe there needed to be a little more magic to go along with it, considering this is about a world/place where magic is a real thing. I say that because I kept questioning if magic was in fact real, and the threat was real or if it was political theater. And if this was just political theater, I felt like the target audience was probably too young for that kind of story. Also I felt like there was a bit more telling than showing, and showing really makes the difference in how a story that is higher concept balances the plotline with the underlying ideas.
This book had me thinking about how gendered the term witch was. Maybe that's why I don't like it. I think I prefer for there to be a gender neutral term for people who can use magic.
Another issue I had was the characterization of Marya. Was she socially awkward? Was she high functioning autistic? I wasn't quite sure. A repeating concept was that she had words stuck inside of her that she couldn't get out, and also she was emotionally traumatized at how her mother treated her. I feel like that needed to be dealt with more.
I always have to consider the fact that I am a grown woman reading middle grade fiction, and what I perceive about the story is different from what a younger read would. Having said that, I think that a younger reader might be a little bored with this story. I feel like if it's a story about magic, give us magic. If it's not about magic, but the way that people in power manipulate their citizens with theater, then that should be well conveyed as well.
I did like the resolution of Marya's relationship with Luka. They realized that the bond of siblings was being harmed by the toxic sexism in their society and were able to move forward by acknowledging that they didn't have to be enemies. That's probably my favorite part of this book. Although I also enjoyed Marya's turn as an amateur sleuth. Yeah I'd read more stories with her sleuthing. But please develop the magic more.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars
March 11, 2022
1st book completed from my MG March TBR! This was also my 50th read of the year. This was AMAZING! Anne Ursu is definitely becoming a favorite author. A simple line, but one of the best ever put in a story: “Who does the story serve?”
Such an important question, & will make you see things through a whole new lens. I loved everything about this world, including its backstory, & magic. PHENOMENAL world building in here.
The plot was gripping, & I read the last 1/2 in 1 sitting. The mystery of this school, the words/truth hidden beneath what people were saying, the Dread, sorcerers, witches, the words spoken through symbols & needlework & tapestries, & so much more were so intriguing. The way they treated girls/women made me so angry. The way Marya’s own family, & then the people at this school make her feel about herself. Total manipulation, control, & just plain evil. Like a toxic relationship x10. Making her, & all these girls, think that something is wrong with them..
I had no idea what was going to happen or how it would end. When everything came to light I was blown away, it was done soooo well! All the puzzle pieces locked into place beautifully. I really loved the very end too, & what was decided. Stories are so important. Stories written down, or told through song. Everyone’s story is important, & should be told. All are worth saving. This makes you think about all the lost stories, that we’ve never heard. Each has an impact, so how would those unsaved stories(or even stories that have been altered for someone else’s benefit & aren’t true)change the world? Guess we’ll never know, & that’s sad.
So if you’re a girl/woman that’s been told you’re powerless, should be seen not heard, to just relax(I hate that word lol), etc. Don’t believe them! We are so powerful, & have so much strength. Marya had been beat down mentally/emotionally for so long, she constantly hears the voices over & over in her heard telling her what is wrong with her & what she should be like-mostly her mothers voice. Then constantly thinking EVERYTHING is her fault-because she has LITERALLY been blamed for everything her whole life. She’s never had a friend besides a goat(love that goat), & it was so beautiful to see her try to form a friendship, & the vulnerability & strength she showed.
This is about finding yourself, finding your inner strength, finding friends & family, & standing up for what’s right. Marya is an amazing MC, & I loved her so much. Her character development throughout the book was so good. You root for her & these girls & urge them on the whole way. Elana has my heart though. What a fierce young lady. If you’re looking for a girl power story, look no further. Anne Ursu is an incredible storyteller, & this book just blew me away. I felt so powerful & important after reading this, & so proud to be a woman. Now THATS a good book. Highly recommend! STUNNING cover by James Firnhaber as well!💜
Such an important question, & will make you see things through a whole new lens. I loved everything about this world, including its backstory, & magic. PHENOMENAL world building in here.
The plot was gripping, & I read the last 1/2 in 1 sitting. The mystery of this school, the words/truth hidden beneath what people were saying, the Dread, sorcerers, witches, the words spoken through symbols & needlework & tapestries, & so much more were so intriguing. The way they treated girls/women made me so angry. The way Marya’s own family, & then the people at this school make her feel about herself. Total manipulation, control, & just plain evil. Like a toxic relationship x10. Making her, & all these girls, think that something is wrong with them..
I had no idea what was going to happen or how it would end. When everything came to light I was blown away, it was done soooo well! All the puzzle pieces locked into place beautifully. I really loved the very end too, & what was decided. Stories are so important. Stories written down, or told through song. Everyone’s story is important, & should be told. All are worth saving. This makes you think about all the lost stories, that we’ve never heard. Each has an impact, so how would those unsaved stories(or even stories that have been altered for someone else’s benefit & aren’t true)change the world? Guess we’ll never know, & that’s sad.
So if you’re a girl/woman that’s been told you’re powerless, should be seen not heard, to just relax(I hate that word lol), etc. Don’t believe them! We are so powerful, & have so much strength. Marya had been beat down mentally/emotionally for so long, she constantly hears the voices over & over in her heard telling her what is wrong with her & what she should be like-mostly her mothers voice. Then constantly thinking EVERYTHING is her fault-because she has LITERALLY been blamed for everything her whole life. She’s never had a friend besides a goat(love that goat), & it was so beautiful to see her try to form a friendship, & the vulnerability & strength she showed.
This is about finding yourself, finding your inner strength, finding friends & family, & standing up for what’s right. Marya is an amazing MC, & I loved her so much. Her character development throughout the book was so good. You root for her & these girls & urge them on the whole way. Elana has my heart though. What a fierce young lady. If you’re looking for a girl power story, look no further. Anne Ursu is an incredible storyteller, & this book just blew me away. I felt so powerful & important after reading this, & so proud to be a woman. Now THATS a good book. Highly recommend! STUNNING cover by James Firnhaber as well!💜
April 19, 2021
This book was so so so amazing!! The beginning started off a little bit rocky / confusing, but I loved the storyline once Marya came into the school. There were many friendships, plotwists, and betrayals:) I really hope there’s a next book!!!!!
I definitely reccomend this book if you enjoy
magic
friendships
sibling rivalry
mean parents :/
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me this book
I definitely reccomend this book if you enjoy
magic
friendships
sibling rivalry
mean parents :/
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me this book
April 20, 2021
Not at all what I expected, based on the summary provided by the publisher. While magic does play a significant role in the plot, very few fantasy elements actually occur in the narrative itself for the majority of the novel. This, combined with the tendency towards a slow plot pace, an often brooding narrator, and the setting of an isolated castle populated by shadows and psychologically broken girls, made the work feel much more like a YA gothic novel than a YA fantasy work. The writing is solid and hums along nicely, but I was genuinely expecting something very different (certainly something more rebellious and playful) than what was offered. Possible trigger warnings for emotional abuse via Mayra's frankly horrendous parents, although they exit the novel as active characters about a quarter of the way through.
July 7, 2022
In a kingdom where men are the protectors who have all of the power, more so if they have magical potential, Marya has little to hope for other than for her brother to be recognized as a potential sorcerer. When Marya's actions ruin the official visit and her brother's chances to become sorcerer, she is sent off to an academy for wayward girls in the hopes the school can reform her. Will Marya step into line and become what the kingdom expects of its women, or will she question the status quo and forge her own path? An intriguing juvenile fantasy story filled with mystery and girls reclaiming their power in a male centered world. Great for anyone who has questioned their own place in the world or the rules by which it operates.
- Reviewed by Chelsea G.
- Reviewed by Chelsea G.
April 17, 2021
The fantasy world, and girl power story, Anne Ursu has created with Dragomir is one that I want to revisit over and over. Marya & Elana and this story are beautifully, inspiringly, feministically, light-it-all-up and smash the patriarchy amazing!!!!! SO MANY gorgeous lines & turns of phrase, as expected with Ursu's signature writing style, many of which don't pull punches on why & when & how men try to keep girls down. Though it is long (in page count) with larger font and lots of white space, it can still fit the niche for the younger end of middle grade for those looking for fantasy stories with an empowering message.
January 26, 2022
Well, my New Year's resolution is clearly NOT to review books in a timely manner. This was fine, but a little on the news, you know?
But I am not the target audience, so that is fine!
But I am not the target audience, so that is fine!
April 18, 2022
I've had this book on my list for a while, so I was excited to get my copy and jump in. This is a story about a world where boys and men can have magic and become sorcerers, while girls and women are treated as lesser and not valued. The whole book is definitely a smash the patriarchy vibe, which I loved, but the message kind of overwhelmed the story and I felt like the world building was almost non-existent. I'm all for strong girls rising up and demanding a seat at the table, I just wanted more backstory and a well written ending.
Marya's family would prefer to forget about their daughter, so she tries her best to stay out of trouble. When an accident happens in front of council members and she's summoned to a school for troubled girls, her family is eager for her to leave. Marya isn't sure about the academy and realizes that maybe there are darker things happening to her schoolmates.
I liked Marya and her friends at school and the mystery of what was happening behind the scenes was interesting. I did feel like we barely learned about the witches, the magic, and the ruling patriarchy. The story was so isolated to the girls at the academy and everything else felt secondary. I wish the author had put more time into world building for this one.
Marya's family would prefer to forget about their daughter, so she tries her best to stay out of trouble. When an accident happens in front of council members and she's summoned to a school for troubled girls, her family is eager for her to leave. Marya isn't sure about the academy and realizes that maybe there are darker things happening to her schoolmates.
I liked Marya and her friends at school and the mystery of what was happening behind the scenes was interesting. I did feel like we barely learned about the witches, the magic, and the ruling patriarchy. The story was so isolated to the girls at the academy and everything else felt secondary. I wish the author had put more time into world building for this one.
December 25, 2022
I liked the writing style. But the story was stressful and at these times with happenings in my region, a bit sad and depressing. A story that is still happening and real for lots of women at this time and age.
May 11, 2022
3.5
This was definitely the kind of book I would have loved as a tween, but I was hoping for more magic.
This was definitely the kind of book I would have loved as a tween, but I was hoping for more magic.
March 4, 2023
This was a really nice and powerful story for a middle-grade audience. I listened to it pretty much in one day and enjoyed it a lot. Would definitely recommend if the premise intrigues you. It is a bit predictable at times for an adult reader, but that doesn't take away from the message.
Will definitely check out more of the author's work.
Will definitely check out more of the author's work.
April 18, 2022
I enjoyed this! I really liked Marya as a protagonist and the premise was interesting. I will say that the conclusion felt rather abrupt to me, but overall it was a good read.
March 25, 2022
When I picked up this book, I was not thinking it would touch on patriarchy, power, critical thinking, and the astonishing responsibility that comes when documenting life, history, and experiences. I loved that the language of embroidery and weaving was a central part of the story. I grew up around tapestries created by women that told the stories of their people - the struggles, the beauty, and the lessons that they want to pass on. Though the story was loose at times, the messages rang true. And there were lots of them.
I would've loved the plot as a child. I love the messages, relationships, and values even more as an adult.
I would've loved the plot as a child. I love the messages, relationships, and values even more as an adult.
February 13, 2022
"This story had almost been lost. How many other stories had been lost, because no one thought they were worth saving?"
Dang if Anne Ursu hasn't done it again. How she manages to weave these stories about struggling against patriarchy and the core fears of being female in a male dominated society into fantasy for middle graders is nothing short of astounding. It's definitely because these are themes that speak to the soul I think, but how she is able to make them both comprehensible and empathetic to her target audience is truly a feat.
This is a book about girls who are being denied thought, voice, and belief, and the men telling them it is for their own good. (It even has a line about gaslighting in it that is a pun that had me snorting. Well done, Anne.) I love Marya as a character and narrator. I felt all of her confusion and pain and fear wholeheartedly. I also really love that the girls in Rose Hall became a solid team, despite the system created to turn them against each other. So. Deep.
Dang if Anne Ursu hasn't done it again. How she manages to weave these stories about struggling against patriarchy and the core fears of being female in a male dominated society into fantasy for middle graders is nothing short of astounding. It's definitely because these are themes that speak to the soul I think, but how she is able to make them both comprehensible and empathetic to her target audience is truly a feat.
This is a book about girls who are being denied thought, voice, and belief, and the men telling them it is for their own good. (It even has a line about gaslighting in it that is a pun that had me snorting. Well done, Anne.) I love Marya as a character and narrator. I felt all of her confusion and pain and fear wholeheartedly. I also really love that the girls in Rose Hall became a solid team, despite the system created to turn them against each other. So. Deep.
October 26, 2025
Marya’s inner dialogue near the beginning of this story about “being too much” combined with the tapestry element hooked me! I love the girl power :) The rest was a bit predictable for me. I was hoping for more development with the tapestries and magic. I would still suggest to middle grade readers.
December 26, 2021
They were the troubled girls of Dragomir Academy—breaking, but never broken—and they had stories to tell.
*4.5 stars
It's been so long since I've been able to devour a story in 2 days that I'd almost forgotten how fun it is. It helps that, as always, Anne Ursu's writing is beautifully easy to devour. I'll admit I was nervous to pick this up - I adore "Breadcrumbs", I liked "The Real Boy", but I didn't really enjoy "The Lost Girl". I'm happy to report, this one was a win.
A story of friendship with a thrilling mystery and an important message, this was just such a fun reading experience. I didn't want to put it down, if only to figure out what was going on in this super sus school, lol! I loved the characters, I loved how the sibling relationship grew, I found the mystery fascinating and the magic super cool. I feel like the message is layed on a little thick for my taste, but it's a powerful one, so I don't mind it too much.
Overall, it gets 4.5 stars from me! I had a great time, and I'm so happy I did.
*4.5 stars
It's been so long since I've been able to devour a story in 2 days that I'd almost forgotten how fun it is. It helps that, as always, Anne Ursu's writing is beautifully easy to devour. I'll admit I was nervous to pick this up - I adore "Breadcrumbs", I liked "The Real Boy", but I didn't really enjoy "The Lost Girl". I'm happy to report, this one was a win.
A story of friendship with a thrilling mystery and an important message, this was just such a fun reading experience. I didn't want to put it down, if only to figure out what was going on in this super sus school, lol! I loved the characters, I loved how the sibling relationship grew, I found the mystery fascinating and the magic super cool. I feel like the message is layed on a little thick for my taste, but it's a powerful one, so I don't mind it too much.
Overall, it gets 4.5 stars from me! I had a great time, and I'm so happy I did.
February 22, 2024
The book was charming and honestly one of the best middle grade fantasies I've read in a while! Marya Lupu has been ordered to Dragomir Academy for troubled young ladies. She is sure it's because she inadvertently messed up her brother's chances of becoming a sorcerer (really though, it was the goats fault!) so she resignedly goes. Her parents are glad to be rid of her but she will miss her brother and Madame Bandu down the street. Bandu taught her to read and write and told her the secrets that can be weaved in the tapestries. At Dragomir Academy she finds lots of other "troubled" girls like her, but she can't help but make a few friends and stumble upon a mystery or two. A fantastic feminist fantasy filled with girl power, friendships, and adventure. So much fun. I wish this were a series!
August 27, 2022
Very disappointed with this book. Took over a month and a half to finish because it was hard to stay invested. The reader is left to witness the story second hand with little involvement in the revelations of the plot. Paragraphs of “and then this happened” or “what if this is the truth” interspersed with zero tension or discovery.
There are better books in the junior fiction age group that explore the themes of rewriting history and female empowerment as well as age and gender related manipulation and gaslighting.
All in all, this felt like reading the gothic Lisa Frank version of #girlboss.
There are better books in the junior fiction age group that explore the themes of rewriting history and female empowerment as well as age and gender related manipulation and gaslighting.
All in all, this felt like reading the gothic Lisa Frank version of #girlboss.
October 27, 2021
The scene with the goat is hilarious. I thought the plot with the school was slow and the ending exciting. The Dread question isn’t resolved so perhaps a sequel is in order?
November 4, 2021
3.5 eight year old me would have ate this up
December 4, 2024
If you’re going to make a fantasy world sexist, at least give it a story plot like this one. A main character accused of being just a troubled girl who explores the circumstances that led to her being sent away to a boarding school. While examining the history of her world, she learns to question “who does the story serve” and often finds the answers unsatisfactory. A superb allegory if you want your middle grader to look at the history of our own world through a similar view.
August 19, 2024
IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS BOOK FOR LITERAL YEARS AND I FINALLY FOUND IT!!!!
January 3, 2022
I could see this being a wonderful book to have available in classrooms for folks who have been made to feel like there's something wrong with them. Our main character Marya, "can't do anything right" and is treated so horribly by her mother who is deeeeeep in shame. Thank goodness for her neighbor, a renown weaver who teachers her how to read in secret... And about the secret symbols weavers use when they think the story they are being forced to document may be false. I really loved the first 75% of the story! I really appreciate the way Anne Ursu used this fantastic setting to discuss themes of family trauma, shame, misogyny, and violence against women. The story also beautifully shows how women are burdened with expectations or being the keepers of history, and the ways we secretly rebel. The ending was rushed and left me feeling a bit unsatisfied, but there are so many amazing elements to the story! Grateful for all of the embroidery and tapestries 💕
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