Author: Robin McKinley
Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Genre: YA Fantasy
Copy provided by: Publisher
Summary (via Goodreads):
A gorgeously written fantasy about the friendship between a princess and her Pegasus.Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pagasi, Princess Sylviianel is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own Pegasus, on her twelfth birthday. The two species coexist peacefully, despite the language barriers separating them. Humans and pegasi both rely on specially-trained Speaker magicians as the only means of real communication.
But its different for Sylvi and Ebon. They can understand each other. They quickly grow close-so close that their bond becomes a threat to the status quo-and possibly to the future safety of their two nations.
New York Times bestselling Robin McKinley weaves an unforgettable tale of unbreakable friendship, mythical creatures and courtly drama destined to become a classic.
Why I read this: Whenever I see a new book about a fantastical creature not written about much before, I jump at the opportunity to read it. Always nice to have something a bit different.
Plot: After reading this novel fully, I have to say that the plot was generally slow. The novel was packed with background information and history but there was little to no action until the last 25 pages of the book. Although it was a slower read for me, I felt captivated by the world and history McKinley built up between the Pegasi and humans.
The ending of this first book nearly killed me. There's quite a cliffhanger that may make you want to throw the book against something, especially when the second book has no publication date yet. I will most likely have to reread this one before continuing on in what seems to be a promising series.
Characters: Sylvi is an interesting princess and I felt that McKinley created her so well that you really knew her as a real life person and friend. Her pegasi counterpart Ebon was very humorous and I loved seeing the pair interact.
Relatability: Fans of high fantasy will love this novel, as long as they can bear with the lack of action for most of the novel.
Cover Commentary: Gorgeous cover and it definitely depicts the beauty of the world in the novel.
Rating: 4/5 Roses
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Great review Kristen! I've had my eye on this book for a while. Robin McKinley seems to have a knack for drawing the reader into her world :).
ReplyDeleteThank you letting me know about the ending! It is going on my TBR list, just not a purchase yet.
ReplyDeleteGina @ BookDragon's Lair
Nice review. I've been wanting to read this for a while, but I keep forgetting. :P
ReplyDeleteThis book looks amazing! Great review!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear this book is good. I just bought but now I need to read it. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know this is a series. I had no idea. I've only read one McKinley book and I feel like even when she has action it's slow. I'll wait closer to publication of the next book before I read this one. I'm not a patient person when it comes to that! Good review.
ReplyDeleteI read this one recently, and I was shocked by the ending at first--I hadn't known it was part of a series until I looked it up.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books, but definitely want to soon.
ReplyDelete