Owls Be Reading discussion

Do you have a book blog, or booktube, or somewhere else where you post reviews? Feel free to share the link!

Alina is an orphan in a mystical world that separates people based on gifts and powers and after a young life lived as a mapmaker who doesn't really stand out from the crowd, it's a shock to her and to all of those around her when a hidden power locked away within her is suddenly the answer to saving the world--or destroying it.
This book symbolically illustrates the battle between light and darkness within ourselves and others, the struggle to do what is right even in the face of fear, and the potential we have within ourselves to make a difference if we only stop and decide to use it.
The only fantasy books I've ever been a fan of are the Harry Potter books. So I was very pleasantly surprised when I picked up this book and got hooked. No, it's not perfect literature and there were times I thought it could have been written better but it still captured my imagination all the same and was a fun read. We need reads like that from time to time.

Kayla wrote: "Alina is an orphan in a mystical world that separates people based on gifts and powers and after a young life lived as a mapmaker who doesn't really stand out from the crowd, it's a shock to her an..."

I completely agree, Kayla; the story isn't without some minor quibbles. Overall, I love this world and it's magical system, the complex characters, and the engaging storyline. Indeed, we need reads like that from time to time, if only to explore other fantasy worlds. :) Thank you for your review!

I'm re-reading Shadow and Bone with the group. Curiously, I wonder how I feel about it as a re-read. So far, I still enjoy it very much. You can find my original impression on my blog. :)

Original review on FLYLēF Book Reviews.

Maggie wrote: "My review on my blog, The Novel Orange!

http://thenovelorange.com/shadow-and-..."

Great review Maggie! Love how you have the bottom corner of the book turned up. :) I'm a HUGE fan of little details like that on blogs. It's what sets you apart.

Hey, I have finished this and here is my review of this on GR:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Kayla wrote: "Alina is an orphan in a mystical world that separates people based on gifts and powers and after a young life lived as a mapmaker who doesn't really stand out from the crowd, it's a shock to her an..."

Well said Kayla!

Maggie wrote: "My review on my blog, The Novel Orange!

http://thenovelorange.com/shadow-and-..."

I really like the way you have summarized their relations :)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Jeff wrote: "https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Hi Jeff, It's always great to understand a book from another's perspective, even if it differs from my own. Interesting that you should mention The Princess Bride in your review. I sat down to watch it with my sons over the weekend, and I still think it's so charming. "As you wish...." :)

I always thought the true romance of the film was Miracle Max and his wife. . . There was a true depiction of love through thick and thin while making it work till the bitter end : D

Jeff wrote: "I always thought the true romance of the film was Miracle Max and his wife. . . There was a true depiction of love through thick and thin while making it work till the bitter end : D"

Oh his scenes are hilarious. "Mutton, lettuce and tomatoes?" >_< I can't help it...every time I see Miracle Max, I see Billy Crystal--a terrific comedian.