Enna Burning (Books of Bayern) by Shannon Hale Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Enna Burning (Books of Bayern)
Book Review: Much darker than Goose Girl
Summary: 3 Stars
I can't fault Shannon Hale's marvelous writing. Once again, her characterization is amazing. It was the story itself that makes me give it three stars. This book is decidedly darker, as there is an attempted rape scene, mass-murder, and Enna deals with emotions that echo strongly of lust (which fire, her gift, has always been associated with). Also, I felt the end was wrapped up too quickly, almost like the author was eager to finish this book and start on another one. "Princess Academy" is still her best work.Book Review: Not as good as "The Goose Girl"
Summary: 3 Stars
Having loved "The Goose Girl," my sister was eager to read the sequels. However, she found she was disappointed in this one. While there were some exciting parts, she felt that there were more boring parts than exciting. The plot---Enna discovering fire-speech and using it to save Bayern from the invading Tira army--did not have strong plot-points/events to tie it all together, like knots spaced along a thread. This may, however, result mainly from being an original story and not a retelling of a fairytale like the first one was, the latter being easier to use because your plot-points are already waiting for you to get to. However, Enna's internal struggle against the corrupting temptation to use fire was good and could be a metaphor for other temptations. The end was good, but as someone else pointed out, seemed (a little bit) to be tacked on. She recommends you read it, though, if only to understand the much better third book, "River Secrets." Try to check this one out from a library unless you simply must own all of them like my sister.Book Review: Not for children...but to discuss with your teens
Summary: 4 Stars
Having read and enjoyed "The Goose Girl" and "Princess Academy" with my daughters, it was only natural that we follow the citizens of Bayern in the next companion novel, "Enna Burning". It was well written and worth reading, BUT I wouldn't have wanted my children to read it without being able to discuss addiction and frankly, skip over the gruesomeness and extent of the main character's cruelty. Burning is such a horrible way to suffer and die. Yet the author accurately illuminates the problem of addiction. In the book, Enna's addiction costs her nearly everything. We used this book to talk about the process and impact of addiction on the lives of people, but without that discussion, I am afraid that it just might desensitize young people to the suffering of others and be read as a rather morbid fairy tale.Book Review: One of the best books ever read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had found Shannon Hale's book 'The Princess Academy" at a thrift store, and wow! Talk about one of the best purchases made! I was completely enthralled by the author's voice, and have since read all of her books. I LOVED Enna Burning, for various reasons. But, I highly recommend you read the previous 'Goose Girl' which is also excellent, to get a full picture of what Enna Burning involves. The book, Enna Burning, itself, was so engrossing, and highlights the struggles we all have, ie., temptation, what's right, balancing gifts and talents we all have with the values we share. Plus, for me, the icing on the cake is it's clean reading!! How refreshing to read a page-turner that doesn't mess you up. Thank you Shannon Hale for finding that fine line of good, clean story and giving us a good ride!Book Review: Shannon Hale does it again!
Summary: 4 Stars
Shannon Hale's Enna Burning is the companion novel to The Goose Girl. Each book stands alone, but it is suggested, for greater reading pleasure, that you read The Goose Girl first. And then, pick up Princess Academy, a Newbery Honor book, for a wonderful reading journey. Hale has become my favorite Young Adult/Middle Reader author.
Enna, age 16, appears in The Goose Girl as a minor character. In Enna Burning, she takes the center stage.
Enna's life is not easy or simple. Her brother Leifer brings home some vellum which allows him to learn how to set fires without the use of flint. It's a gift that causes Enna increasing problems. She's not sure if it's knowledge to be embraced, feared or discarded. The power of the flame will test her will and determination beyond anything she has experienced.
When Enna's country goes to war, she must make choices she never imagined she'd have to make. She experiences the loss of Leifer who fights a battle, but loses his own life, as well as destruction and fear of the powerful flame. It is up to Enna to help her country of Bayern achieve victory.
Enna Burning is a darker tale than The Goose Girl, but that merely gives it more layers. The story of war and friendship is one we never tire of, and Hale's deft hand delivers a satisfying conclusion. Her characters are rich, her plot intriguing and her voice brings everything together. They all beg to be reread.
The next outing is River Secrets, and we can't wait.
Armchair Interviews says: For powerful storytelling, read all of Shannon Hale's novels.