tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post1626127606679280617..comments2024-03-28T02:25:35.338-04:00Comments on Small Review: Book Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae CarsonSmall Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-35801915585155650272012-01-13T00:03:58.119-05:002012-01-13T00:03:58.119-05:00I'm excited to read this one!! I've seen a...I'm excited to read this one!! I've seen a lot of really positive things about it and it seems like the type of book I would really enjoy when in a fantasy mood! I am also really intrigued that romance doesn't seem to be hugely prevalent in the story. I feel like EVERY book is ALL about the romance lately, so I kind of like that this one is... maybe not. :)Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07895603279815878376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-76685442671822593172012-01-09T23:22:16.008-05:002012-01-09T23:22:16.008-05:00Alex, Usually I have a really hard time with long ...Alex, Usually I have a really hard time with long books, but this one didn’t FEEL long at all. That said though, if it doesn’t sound like your kind of story to begin with, then, yeah, it’ll probably feel looong to you. I’m hoping the love interest situation improves in the next book.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-76010258779997030982012-01-08T13:49:26.615-05:002012-01-08T13:49:26.615-05:00I don't think I could read this, since it'...I don't think I could read this, since it's so long I have a hard time to stick with stuff that long if I don't feel it from the start and I'm afraid I would be bored with this.<br /><br />And since I trust you in the love-interest department, I don't think I would enjoy that either.<br /><br />;/<br /><br />SADAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-26981138805035652332012-01-06T18:54:00.442-05:002012-01-06T18:54:00.442-05:00Rummanah, Ha! Yes! I can't help but think of t...Rummanah, Ha! Yes! I can't help but think of those trolls, too. :P I hope you like the book!<br /><br />Logan, Yes! If you see it too then there's a good chance I'm not just making it up in my head because it's what I <i>want</i> Hehe, I love puns :P The worse they are the better! I agree, the religion was a lot more subtle than a certain other book you're probably thinking of :P <br /><br />Jen, I loved "Fat Elisa" (which is how she describes herself). She isn't a super hero, but she has a strength to her nonetheless. When I say the plot could have been tighter I mean, I thought the plot meandered a little--some scenes could have been cut, the pacing of certain scenes could have been adjusted to make it flow a bit more consistently. Nothing major, but a few tweaks here and there would have been nice. <br /><br />Heather, I'm sending a longer response to you in email :) "Fat Elisa" is how she thinks of herself. <br /><br />Alyssa, Thanks! It does have a lot going on, which I loved about it. It's less a love triangle exactly because her husband is pretty much just a royal alliance. She does end up loving herself, and that is a big part of the book. I was so happy for her!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-78985954341072264212012-01-04T19:03:58.917-05:002012-01-04T19:03:58.917-05:00Amazing review. Sounds like "Girl" had a...Amazing review. Sounds like "Girl" had a lot going on and you touched on everything. While I'm not a huge fan of love triangles right away, I'm sorry to hear she didn't get any lovin' to speak of. But sounds like she ended up learning to love herself and that's the most important thing!Alyssa Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05619379952262450970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-50457647998036557912012-01-04T16:00:07.920-05:002012-01-04T16:00:07.920-05:00Wow! Great review! Really great! I never even cons...Wow! Great review! Really great! I never even considered reading this one there were so many mixed reviews.<br />But if you connected with the main character and the religion didn't bother you, I might have to try it. You really seem to like the main character. And while "Fat Elisa" offends me, I understand that's how she's portrayed and possibly even called in the book. I'm glad she doesn't just sit around and do nothing when she's in that state and complain about her looks.<br /><br />HeatherBURIED IN BOOKShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18205451716054533728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-69939754173897551112012-01-04T14:49:09.915-05:002012-01-04T14:49:09.915-05:00I've heard good things about this one, but not...I've heard good things about this one, but nothing that really makes me want to read it and I don't know why. Oddly enough, it's fat Elisa I would like to read about. I like the idea of something different and real and sometimes I don't think it's hit on enough. <br /><br />Also, I do have a question. When you say "The plot could have been a little tighter" what do you mean?? <br /><br />Excellent review, Smalls!Jen (@ Jens Book Closet)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02339586413882184139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-45344733212096369622012-01-03T13:00:04.645-05:002012-01-03T13:00:04.645-05:00Yes! Hector! I thought there were some hints that ...Yes! Hector! I thought there were some hints that there's more to come there, which I hope is the case. <br /><br />You liked that "facet" of the story - the jewel. YOU PUNNER!<br /><br />I think this is a great example of religion done well. It's present, it's important to the characters, but without much moralizing or making us try to get on board with that religion. Much more cultural, and bravo to Carson for that!Logan E. Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06468248031164464546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-69794716157480181082012-01-03T10:51:54.746-05:002012-01-03T10:51:54.746-05:00LOL, everytime I read about the stone in the belly...LOL, everytime I read about the stone in the belly my head immediately conjures up an image of those troll dolls that were all over the place in the 90s. I do like the sound of the political intrigue and I'm curious as to the weight issues. I got this one in my tbr pile already but glad to know that it was a solid read. I think it's a strong contender in the Morris (debut YA novel) Award by the ALA.Rummanah Aasihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12119402559076729383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-17731405736628320722012-01-03T10:45:17.717-05:002012-01-03T10:45:17.717-05:00Eden, Thank you! I hope you enjoy the book! I like...Eden, Thank you! I hope you enjoy the book! I liked Elisa a lot. She wasn't overtly kick ass, but she has a strength to her that I admired. The religion had a lot of fantasy world building to it that I liked. (You're welcome, and thank YOU for the follow!)<br /><br />A Canadian Girl, The only death that did make me sad was the first one (first? I can't even remember. The one with the leg). Yes! we need good kissing action with Hector!<br /><br />Stephanie, Ah, good I'm not alone! I wasn't feeling him AT ALL. I was ok with the event for the same reason as you :) Bring on Hector!<br /><br />Julie, I'm so glad you do! :) I liked Elisa very much. She's not overtly strong, but I liked her and admire her. <br /><br />Asher, haha, that's true, we do! He was just too young for me I think. My face totally scrunches up when I say that :P I agree, I think Elisa got a bad rap.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-91281890835731937582012-01-03T06:17:25.955-05:002012-01-03T06:17:25.955-05:00I'm actually surprised you didn't like the...I'm actually surprised you <i>didn't</i> like the love interest. We usually like the same guys! <br /><br />My favorite line: "I don't like things in belly buttons..." *ROFL* I chuckled so hard, because I imagined how your face would scrunch up as you said it.<br /><br />Like you, I wasn't BLOWN AWAY by this book, but I did like it a lot. And I agree, a lot of people seemed to hate Elisa for all the wrong reasons. She was probably my favorite aspect of the book! <br /><br />- Asher (from <i><a href="http://paranormalindulgence.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Paranormal Indulgence</a></i>)Marathonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12998824096375362353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-2635974244072429492012-01-03T01:24:25.800-05:002012-01-03T01:24:25.800-05:00Again, you're reviews always crack me up and I...Again, you're reviews always crack me up and I love reading them. I have this book on my tbr shelf. I've been holding off because of the high fantasy factor, but it sounds really interesting, especially Elisa. Great review!Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10426182171849519693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-44641250106470688522012-01-02T22:00:57.759-05:002012-01-02T22:00:57.759-05:00This is one of my favorites from 2011 so I'm h...This is one of my favorites from 2011 so I'm happy to see all of its highlights here again in your review. I completely agree with you about Humberto. I was NOT feeling that romantic storyline at all so I was, uh, somewhat pleased by certain turns of events. I'm crossing my fingers for Hector, too!Steph (Poetry to Prose)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14747170006709274911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-7157580867132887792012-01-02T19:40:22.949-05:002012-01-02T19:40:22.949-05:00You pretty much nailed my thoughts in my review. I...You pretty much nailed my thoughts in my review. I loved the worldbuilding but wasn't sad by any of the deaths. They happened and I moved on. <br /><br />I so hope we get some kissing action with Hector. When Elisa's husband (whose name I can no longer remember) turned out to be a douche, I hoped she'd get together with Hector.A Canadian Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07127164685941412250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-32874953208266937392012-01-02T19:11:39.251-05:002012-01-02T19:11:39.251-05:00This is a fantastic review! This book has been on ...This is a fantastic review! This book has been on my wishlist for a while now and after reading this review I really, really want to buy it now. I'm a sucker for leading ladies who are smart, kick as, and are not freakishly thin. <br /><br />I'm glad you mentioned the religion part. Usually that would turn me off, but you make it sound like suck a great journey for the MC and I love a good fantasy. I think, with regards to religion in fantasy, I usually just pretend that it's all part of the made up world-building and roll with it. I try not to think too hard about the real world parallels, unless it gets way too preachy. In which case I'd probably put it down.<br /><br />(Thank you for the follow, btw)Eden (The Prickly Reader)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07912344516444629679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-28173823552276142692012-01-02T15:31:56.576-05:002012-01-02T15:31:56.576-05:00Bookish Hobbit, I can see you liking it! (though i...Bookish Hobbit, I can see you liking it! (though it's no Tolkien :P)<br /><br />La Toya, Me too! I dread cliffhangers. :)<br /><br />Katie, hehe I'm glad you liked them :DSmall Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-75105669636748194572012-01-02T13:50:53.634-05:002012-01-02T13:50:53.634-05:00Ha! I don't know that I necessarily want to re...Ha! I don't know that I necessarily want to read this one, but the sub-titles throughout your review cracked me up. "Wait - Is this a praying book?" and "I don't like things in belly buttons." Thanks for keeping things interesting :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10236275337479478234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-69677891081599498742012-01-02T11:56:54.629-05:002012-01-02T11:56:54.629-05:00AH! That's good to know, cliffhangers make me ...AH! That's good to know, cliffhangers make me so anxious lol!La Toyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04837173119599366968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-83271735660968708472012-01-02T11:23:05.772-05:002012-01-02T11:23:05.772-05:00I think I'll have to be on the lookout for thi...I think I'll have to be on the lookout for this book!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-6023702623572797692012-01-02T09:36:47.922-05:002012-01-02T09:36:47.922-05:00La Toya, It would be a good fantasy to start with!...La Toya, It would be a good fantasy to start with! And even though it's part of a series, the end doesn't leave you with a million cliffhangers :P<br /><br />Danny, Thank you! If you didn't like the religion in the beginning, then I don't think you'll like part 2 much either. The religious stuff carries throughout the whole book and with a similar tone. But you never know! Happy New Year! :)<br /><br />Bookworm1858, I am a sucker for girls who love learning, too. I love their inquisitiveness because they always find out what *I* want to know :P<br /><br />Natalie, I hope you enjoy it! There are a lot of things going on, but I thought they came together nicely. <br /><br />Sarah, Thank you! I'm the same way about religion aspects. As long as I know what I'm getting, I'm more ok with it. I hope you enjoy TGoFaT!<br /><br />Guen, Thank you! You're right, most YA heroines are perfectly thin. Elisa never is (even when she does lose some weight). Her personality is what mattered the most to me though, and the only thing that really changed there was her self-confidence. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is similar to Witchlanders in that they both have developed worlds that center around religion and secrets about those religions, and they're fantasies. I think there are enough differences that even if you don't like one you can still like the other. I hope you enjoy it!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-12550739060134918342012-01-02T07:04:04.187-05:002012-01-02T07:04:04.187-05:00Awesome review! I still have this one sitting on m...Awesome review! I still have this one sitting on my TBR pile and I've heard it was really good. It did seem really interesting, which is why I added it to my TBR pile. <br />I was struck by the fact that Elisa was fat because, let's face it, how many girls in YA books are fat? But I don't really mind that and just Elisa being fat alone, kinda makes me admire her. And those traits of hers you mentioned seemed like she makes for a great character.<br /><br />I've read Witchlanders, but I wasn't very into that so I gave it four stars. I hope The Girl of Fire and Thorns is better than it or at least in the same level of good entertainment.<br /><br />Again, great review! :)Guenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10940413238899737595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-28107592577070241232012-01-02T02:34:58.142-05:002012-01-02T02:34:58.142-05:00Very insightful review, thanks for sharing! I'...Very insightful review, thanks for sharing! I've got this in my TBR pile and I'm really looking forward to starting with it. I'm glad you cleared up the religion aspect, because as long as I know up front it doesn't bother me as much :0)Sarah (The Book Life)https://www.blogger.com/profile/09337232061798651120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-2207817485082290922012-01-02T01:37:38.870-05:002012-01-02T01:37:38.870-05:00I just added this one to my wishlist a few hours a...I just added this one to my wishlist a few hours ago, so when I saw your review, I had to read it! For some reason, I guess I didn't really grasp what this book was about. I knew it was fantasy and that a lot of bloggers were recommending it, but I completely missed everything else (like the "fat" issue that you mentioned). Anyways, I'm glad you liked it!Natalie https://www.blogger.com/profile/15879112865868418812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-11973311748916203642012-01-02T01:08:52.082-05:002012-01-02T01:08:52.082-05:00I definitely preferred Part II when Elisa started ...I definitely preferred Part II when Elisa started really liking herself and doing stuff but there were good parts in Part I-I am a sucker for a girl who loves learning.The Insouciant Sophisticatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03934853089105345052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-15688675351377712292012-01-02T01:02:00.646-05:002012-01-02T01:02:00.646-05:00That is a wonderful Review! Even though I admit, I...That is a wonderful Review! Even though I admit, I didn't like this book at all. I didn't even finished this one. Maybe I should have since all people keep saying the last part is good. <br />But. I had a big problem with the religion aspect in the story, it was so heavy and I felt patronized by it. Anyways, I loved your review :) Happy New Year btw!Dannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05998128531860725536noreply@blogger.com