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There are things to like here. Mostly, it's an entirely unique take on a fantasy novel. I loved seeing a Spanish/Arab based fantasy with attention to the details of their life and where it wasn't about white people who lived in a pseudo-Spanish culture. It also dealt with the idea of white people more gracefully than "Silver Phoenix". Instead of being idealized, they were the big bad. The universe itself is well realized - countries have depth, the religion in the novel is about several different sects that worship the same gospel. The descriptions were great.
I think my main problem (and this seems a common theme among reviews) is that Elise's weight was not simply an issue, but a sign of her laziness - both mental and physical. I say this because while it is not explicit in the text, there are a range of different subtextual cues throughout the book that not only is Elise's weight her fault, but also a character flaw. Her older sister, seen by Elise as strong, competent and queen-like is slender. Her romantic rival, also seen as competent, knowledgeable and attractive, is thin. Her kidnapper is seen as stronger, more skilled and much fiercer (both in the Tyra Banks sense and in the Jason Borne sense) than Elisa. When Elise becomes slender (due to starvation and a brutal trek through the desert) she also becomes a strong leader that people begin to look up to.
On the one hand, a theme throughout the book was to stop relying on "fate" and make fate for yourself. On the other hand, it's really gross to me that so much text was devoted to how unattractive people find her when she's overweight and how attractive, competent, and strong she becomes once she loses that pesky waistline.
Religion is a major theme in the book. It was very, very true to the idea of setting a book in fantasy-Spain (as opposed to fantasy-England or fantasy-Scandanavia). On the other hand, prayer and worship of a clear Christian-cognate is constant in this book. Do not underestimate the weird Catholic-mass-flashbacks you will get. A major point is made of Elise questioning her own destiny. The "why me" question is interesting, but also really, really weird for someone with knowledge that not only is God real (she feels his response to her prayers) but that Godstones indicate that the wearer will do something amazing.
I kept wishing that instead, the book had been about a Joan of Arc like character. Someone who was chosen by God, but instead of being worshiped and feeling unworthy, was questioned and doubted and came to their own religious doubts not out of a deep sense of inadequacy but out of being persecuted by the very people she saved.
Doubt is also another thing I wish had been given the same attention that was given to the scenery. Elise never for one second appears to waver, although the text tells us that she does (there are a few show-not-tell things here). It's surreal. For someone who feels as unworthy as she does, it's bizarre that that never translates into a moment of questioning whether she was chosen, whether there is a God.
Overall I loved this book. It's a totally unique thing when it comes to settings. It has an interesting premise and despite a few flaws, was a quick read.
I think my main problem (and this seems a common theme among reviews) is that Elise's weight was not simply an issue, but a sign of her laziness - both mental and physical. I say this because while it is not explicit in the text, there are a range of different subtextual cues throughout the book that not only is Elise's weight her fault, but also a character flaw. Her older sister, seen by Elise as strong, competent and queen-like is slender. Her romantic rival, also seen as competent, knowledgeable and attractive, is thin. Her kidnapper is seen as stronger, more skilled and much fiercer (both in the Tyra Banks sense and in the Jason Borne sense) than Elisa. When Elise becomes slender (due to starvation and a brutal trek through the desert) she also becomes a strong leader that people begin to look up to.
On the one hand, a theme throughout the book was to stop relying on "fate" and make fate for yourself. On the other hand, it's really gross to me that so much text was devoted to how unattractive people find her when she's overweight and how attractive, competent, and strong she becomes once she loses that pesky waistline.
Religion is a major theme in the book. It was very, very true to the idea of setting a book in fantasy-Spain (as opposed to fantasy-England or fantasy-Scandanavia). On the other hand, prayer and worship of a clear Christian-cognate is constant in this book. Do not underestimate the weird Catholic-mass-flashbacks you will get. A major point is made of Elise questioning her own destiny. The "why me" question is interesting, but also really, really weird for someone with knowledge that not only is God real (she feels his response to her prayers) but that Godstones indicate that the wearer will do something amazing.
I kept wishing that instead, the book had been about a Joan of Arc like character. Someone who was chosen by God, but instead of being worshiped and feeling unworthy, was questioned and doubted and came to their own religious doubts not out of a deep sense of inadequacy but out of being persecuted by the very people she saved.
Doubt is also another thing I wish had been given the same attention that was given to the scenery. Elise never for one second appears to waver, although the text tells us that she does (there are a few show-not-tell things here). It's surreal. For someone who feels as unworthy as she does, it's bizarre that that never translates into a moment of questioning whether she was chosen, whether there is a God.
Overall I loved this book. It's a totally unique thing when it comes to settings. It has an interesting premise and despite a few flaws, was a quick read.
