Book Reviews
Title: FireGold
Author: Dia Calhoun
Pages: 285 pages
Year and Publisher: 1999, Sunburst Books
Plot:
A 12 year old, Jonathan, has rare blue eyes that may link him to shunned barbarians of the mountains. Either he risks taboo questions of his heritage, or suffering the insanity his blue eyes must bring.
Age Appeal: 12-15 years old
Ratings
Cover: 7/10
I've seen the old cover, and this is an improvement. Informative, and attractive.
Characters: 6/10
Jonathon is a bit whiny, and moody. Other than that, doesn't go too deep into characters. Even though most of the characters are only 14, they act as if they were 20+ at times. Could have been much more in depth for the supporting characters, especially the Parents and Queen Athira
Story: 7 /10
Pretty original. Has some over used Native Indian cliches, and stereotypical Native Indian actions. Only the appearance of the "Dalriada" change from the Natives of the past we knew.
Ending: 8/10
Ends pretty well, happy ending and all that. Leaves some unfinished questions, and is a bit rushed on his epiphany.
Overall: 8/10
Could have been much longer, much more in depth. I liked it as a kid however, and the descriptions of the Dalriada made me want red and gold hair.
Author: Dia Calhoun
Pages: 285 pages
Year and Publisher: 1999, Sunburst Books
Plot:
A 12 year old, Jonathan, has rare blue eyes that may link him to shunned barbarians of the mountains. Either he risks taboo questions of his heritage, or suffering the insanity his blue eyes must bring.
Age Appeal: 12-15 years old
Ratings
Cover: 7/10
I've seen the old cover, and this is an improvement. Informative, and attractive.
Characters: 6/10
Jonathon is a bit whiny, and moody. Other than that, doesn't go too deep into characters. Even though most of the characters are only 14, they act as if they were 20+ at times. Could have been much more in depth for the supporting characters, especially the Parents and Queen Athira
Story: 7 /10
Pretty original. Has some over used Native Indian cliches, and stereotypical Native Indian actions. Only the appearance of the "Dalriada" change from the Natives of the past we knew.
Ending: 8/10
Ends pretty well, happy ending and all that. Leaves some unfinished questions, and is a bit rushed on his epiphany.
Overall: 8/10
Could have been much longer, much more in depth. I liked it as a kid however, and the descriptions of the Dalriada made me want red and gold hair.