A review by amiharvey82
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

challenging slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I had high hopes going into this book, especially as a fantasy fan, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully click for me. While I appreciate that this book is considered a classic in the genre, I found it hard to get into—and when I did, it was so sporadic that I struggled to stay engaged.

The way the book started didn’t capture my attention, and throughout, the writing felt flat. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, which made it hard to connect with the characters or the world. The jumble of names, timelines, and events left me more confused than immersed, and I found myself having to backtrack at times just to piece it all together.

I was recommended this book for its fantasy elements, but I don’t think this is the kind of fantasy that resonates with me. I’m more of a Hogwarts fantasy kind of reader—I love magical worlds that are rich in detail and charm, which I didn’t feel here.

That said, I can see how this book might appeal to readers who enjoy more abstract, poetic storytelling. It just wasn’t the right fit for me. If you’re a fan of classic fantasy and don’t mind a more disjointed narrative, it might be worth a try, but it’s not one I’d revisit.