shannonmiz
Written on Aug 21, 2015
I think it goes without saying that I loved this book, because well, the title says so. And because of that, I am just going to briefly explain why, so you can all just go read it for yourselves or something.
- Leah is fabulous. See, Leah is the kind of heroine that doesn't come along often. She's smart, and strong, and she knows that society's views on women are flat out asinine. But she also knows that she must do what she has to to survive, so if she has to play the part of a boy, she will. She's resourceful like that. At the same time, she isn't all tough- she has feelings and emotions too, and she stands by her convictions. Basically, I love her, and I cannot wait for more of her story.
- The other characters are so complex and well done. There are quite a few minor characters in this book, since Leah's traveling the trail with a wagon party, as was customary. I thought I'd be confused and overwhelmed with all the different people, but it was actually really easy for me to keep up with! Some were more flawed than others, but they all had backstory that made me really care. There were a few side characters who I especially had the warm fuzzies for, but I think actually including some of their names could be spoilery? So I will just let you decide for yourselves who gives you the warm fuzzies.
- The romance was minimal, but it has definite potential. This is absolutely not a romance driven book. Suffice it to say there is no insta-love (win!), because Leah and Jefferson basically had more important things to deal with during most of the book. But I did enjoy him, and I am hoping to see more of him in the future.
- The most epic trip ever takes place! Look, for me, The Oregon Trail basically signifies the ultimate in "road trips" (even though, fine, it isn't an actual road). To travel from one coast to the other in the mid 1800s is such an undertaking, I don't think we can even begin to comprehend the hardships. So, the fact that Rae Carson was able to make me feel like I could somewhat understand how this must have been was really quite remarkable. I remember playing the game when I was younger and thinking "I wonder what all those people felt like, what kind of emotions they had", and Rae basically brought that to life for me.
- The hint of magic and the allure of gold are enticing and unique. I mean, it's gold. People would do just about anything for gold. And since Leah has a special power to find gold, it stands to reason that if someone finds out about that, she's in a heap of trouble. There are tons of kind people along Leah's journey, but tons of unscrupulous ones.
- This first book in the series is a journey. There is action, yes, but there are slower parts. This did not bother me in the least, but I figured I should point it out for those of you who do enjoy a faster pacing.
Bottom Line: What's left to say? Other than thanks to Rae Carson, for writing the book that I'd dreamed about since forever.
*Copy provided by publisher for review
