A review by ofpagesandink
City of Flowers by Mary Hoffman

3.0

This book started off a little better, in my opinion, than the last book (city of stars). It might've been because I was a little more familiar with some of the characters than I had been while I read the previous book, or it was simply a better squeal. However, as I continued to read, it grew more and more difficult to continue especially once it had passed, what I assume to be, the main climax of the story where the princesses marry the princes and the battle breaks out. After that, it slowed down so much I had to push myself to finish. I felt the story took more place in Talia with the characters that lived there than with the Stravaganti which bothered me a little because I felt the characters didn't grow very much. Nicholas (or Falco) tried to go back on my word which disappointed me a little considering the new life he had. I guess I understand because he missed his home, but he promised when he decided to translate that he wouldn't try to go back. Sky is the new "main" character of the book and again, I feel like he wasn't given much time to grow as a character and I didn't really figure out why he was needed in Talia. Sky's relationship with Alice was cute, but didn't seem to go anywhere in this book and although she lends a skeptical view of the world of Talia, her protests were irritating to me considering it wasn't really her place to decide for her friends whether they wanted to be there or not. The story flows well and there are likable characters, but I feel the author has just added too many characters and too many different points of view to this story that it hinders the readers' relationships with the characters their reading about, their development (like I said), and their purpose. I felt the story could've been just about the world in Talia and would be more successful. The other world (or "our" world) just doesn't seem relevant at all in the plot. Falco's want to go back doesn't even come up until towards the end of the story and I'm even more disappointed in Luciano's reaction to his plan because he actually considers it. I guess it's a bit of a spoiler and I'm sorry, but honestly? I'm not really giving away anything of importance. I do, however, like the character of Sandro. He's pure of heart and is such an adorable character. The best part about him is that he actually grows as a character! Honestly the ONLY ONE! I know not all books are about character growth, but honestly? This book is all about leading up to this big battle that lasts only a few pages. This book wasn't absolutely terrible, but it wasn't amazing either.