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Liked It “Theo's good deed from the previous book has blown up spectacularly: now Westmark is embroiled in a war with the neighboring country of Regian. And Theo's tour of the countryside is interrupted by the first shot in this war. The war brings many changes to the countryside, but perhaps the greatest...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“A bit violent for my taste, even if it's a means to an end.”
Collette A wrote this review Friday, June 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Theo's good deed from the previous book has blown up spectacularly: now Westmark is embroiled in a war with the neighboring country of Regian. And Theo's tour of the countryside is interrupted by the first shot in this war. The war brings many changes to the countryside, but perhaps the greatest change happens within Theo himself.
Aelvana wrote this review Sunday, December 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This book highlights some interesting role reversals from Westmark, particularly with Torrens and Theo. Torrens, now holding the same position as Cabbarus, finds himself in the uncomfortable irony of making some of the same decisions. How far is too far for the good of the kingdom? Interestingly, Torrens doesn't seem to see a limit; Keller debates him again and again and cannot change his mind. Does Torren's personal disgust at his own actions, or even the necessity of war, justify the measures he takes?
Theo's change is most interesting when set against his position from the previous book. His beliefs about himself are largely based on assumptions, and when war challenges those assumptions, he finds the kind of man he really is underneath. And the most stark realization of his transformation is the moment when Las Bambas confronts him: "You kill uniforms!"
The book tends to focus more on the shape of the war than individual battles. It would've been nice to see a bit more of specific battles, but the story works without. Also, Torrens almost drops out of the picture once Keller leaves, and most of what he has done doesn't show up until right before the end.
This is a stronger book than Westmark, and a good sequel. It builds on the questions about life presented in Westmark, throws several nice curveballs, and ends with most things resolved, though problems are bound to come. I rate this book Recommended.”“The middle (and best) book in the Westmark series. Before reading this I'd always thought of Lloyd Alexander as a bit of a lightweight, with one story to tell that he set in various settings. The Westmark trilogy got rid of that misconception. The Kestrel is the best, and in many ways encapsulates the value of the entire trilogy. It's a brutally honest war (some would say anti-war story), a tale of incredibly vicious slaughter in which the protagonist for a time seems to loose his soul, a contemplation on the nature of patriotism and sacrifice....and yet still a recognizable (and thoroughly engaging) YA adventure yarn. It has to be read to be believed, but with the brevity of each book in this trilogy (none, I think, much over 200 pages) it really just has to be read.”
Chestertonian_Rambler wrote this review Thursday, May 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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