I loved the first half, and while on-the-edge-of-my-seat for the second half, didn’t really enjoy it that much.
All my favorite bits were in the first half, especially the magic, the description and workings of which I loved! I’m referring to Agnieszka’s brand of magic here by the way. I just loved, loved the way she “feels” her way to magic—and how the instructions that make sense to her seem to be vague, kind-of, sort-of pointing towards the destination, but letting the way to that destination to be one of her own making. If I were a witch, this is EXACTLY how I would go about it too! Just sayin’!
I also very much enjoyed how Agnieszka’s intuitive approach when combined with the Dragon’s more logical approach leads to more! Yes! I wish All The Birds in the Sky had done something like this right from the start rather than making a message out of it at the end!
As for the second half, I quote LizMc2 whose thoughts about this book have an eerie similarity to mine! “It’s like super hero movies: I like the origin story/discover your powers part, and then it’s all giant special effects action scenes and I get bored.” Yep, the second half was one mad rush of action, and while not bad, wasn’t as good as the first half. Plus, I found the story ended on a note of whimper for me. The whole “evil wood queen” genesis story felt weak, and unconvincing.
On the whole, I have to agree with LizMc2, The Princess Curse was just more satisfying!
Nooks & Crannies - ’cus they’re perfect for a book lover 
Super Mini Thoughts: I totes agree! 😛
I felt exactly the same way the whole time I read this. But I loved the magic-logic – it kind of felt like I was learning right along with Agnieszka, and the world-building was pretty awesome – like familiar and yet not, all at the same time…
It was still good…But there is still that B.U.T (!)
LikeLike
Haha! I think this might be the best one line description ever: “It was good, B U T,” totally agree!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is still on my TBR – the hosts of Books on the Nightstand were very complimentary of it. I like a super-mini-review!
LikeLike
Ooh, looking forward to hearing your thoughts about it, Laila! And super-mini-reviews fit the bill for wanting to think about the book a LITTLE but not a LOT. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha, I liked Uprooted a lot but I didn’t think it was quite as amazing as some people did. It reminded me of Howl’s Moving Castle a little bit, which made me feel fond of it. Can you see it? The Howl/Sophie dynamic? Yes, right?
LikeLike
oooh! I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN! AND JENNY! I THINK I NOW WANT TO RE-READ HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE AGAIN!
(thought the dynamics between Sophie & Howl were much more satisfying b/w the Dragon and Agnieszka)
LikeLike
Nice mini review. This is on my TBR. I was disappointed to learn that it is not a book about dragons (initially I thought it was). Well then, I must read it somehow
LikeLike
I KNOW! I really thought it was about dragons too till it dawned on me that it’s just a name!
I hope you weren’t too disappointed. 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person