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maiiau's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
The language in this book is gorgeous, though it is slow to start. Props to the translator as well as the author for that. I enjoyed the book but the story does not suit wholly well with me. I will be thinking about it for awhile.
gabalodon's review against another edition
4.0
As has been said in other reviews, this story very much has Ghibli vibes, both thematically (exploring interactions between humans and animals and focusing on an MC who seeks to transcend societal expectations and political machinations) and in form (the third-person omniscient reader and the switching between POVs as necessary, as well as the slow, roiling build of characters and events).
I enjoyed the unique world building and some of the author's exploration of human/animal interactions. There are some conclusions the MC draws re animal captivity and handling that seemed very reminiscent of real world animal politics that I don't necessarily agree with overall, but within the context of the world and plot she constructed it worked. It was also an unusual background theme for a fantasy epic, so in that sense it was very interesting.
Some of the narrative choices take some getting used to (e.g. the choice of third-person omniscience tends to create an emotional distance for me that can make it hard to engage) and the slow pace could be frustrating for some readers. On the other hand, those same choices really help you go through the same growth and decisions as the MC as she learns and explores, and also help the reader navigate and keep tabs on the complex background political web to which MC is not always privy, but helps explain the choices of the characters around her.
Overall, definitely worth a read if that appeals to you, or if you're just looking for a fantasy that's a little different and enjoy stories about people forming bonds with animals. I mean, there are basically dragons and winged wolves, so how wrong can you really go?
Fair warning that the ending is somewhat open-ended, but there is a sequel that picks up ten years later which I will definitely be reading next...
I enjoyed the unique world building and some of the author's exploration of human/animal interactions. There are some conclusions the MC draws re animal captivity and handling that seemed very reminiscent of real world animal politics that I don't necessarily agree with overall, but within the context of the world and plot she constructed it worked. It was also an unusual background theme for a fantasy epic, so in that sense it was very interesting.
Some of the narrative choices take some getting used to (e.g. the choice of third-person omniscience tends to create an emotional distance for me that can make it hard to engage) and the slow pace could be frustrating for some readers. On the other hand, those same choices really help you go through the same growth and decisions as the MC as she learns and explores, and also help the reader navigate and keep tabs on the complex background political web to which MC is not always privy, but helps explain the choices of the characters around her.
Overall, definitely worth a read if that appeals to you, or if you're just looking for a fantasy that's a little different and enjoy stories about people forming bonds with animals. I mean, there are basically dragons and winged wolves, so how wrong can you really go?
Fair warning that the ending is somewhat open-ended, but there is a sequel that picks up ten years later which I will definitely be reading next...
jaymoonneyyy's review against another edition
4.0
The beast player is a captivating story of a girl's tragic upbringing that also inspires her to go where nobody else goes. I loved the storyline and I'm looking forward to reading part 2 of the series!
beasleysbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mixtercharlie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
fionac326's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
hoadjie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bought this book in Japan last year and really wanted to read it before I go back to Japan in a couple of months.
I really enjoy this books. great charter development and a really enjoyable plot.
looking forward to the next book
I really enjoy this books. great charter development and a really enjoyable plot.
looking forward to the next book
literarilyadjacent's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
ra22ouille's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this book. The themes of animal/human relationships and ownership were explored with such interesting nuance and Uehashi asked questions of the reader that prompted me to think deeply about the way we interact with the world in these thematic contexts. Elin too asks so many questions and is a thoughtful and inquisitive character, which supports Uehashi in asking the reader to question the ways of the world.
I worried while reading that some of the mysteries were being obscured to the detriment of the plot, but when things were finally revealed it supported the momentum of the story so so well! And the ending was such a surprise that made me rethink so much about the characters and their world. It was really well done and I'm very impressed.
At times Elin did seem overly successful and knowledgeable but I can't decide whether that's really a bad thing or not. I'm not sure how else it would have been done—and she is also allowed to be smart! So idk, mixed feelings
I worried while reading that some of the mysteries were being obscured to the detriment of the plot, but when things were finally revealed it supported the momentum of the story so so well! And the ending was such a surprise that made me rethink so much about the characters and their world. It was really well done and I'm very impressed.
At times Elin did seem overly successful and knowledgeable but I can't decide whether that's really a bad thing or not. I'm not sure how else it would have been done—and she is also allowed to be smart! So idk, mixed feelings
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Death of parent