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roseleebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really liked this book. Nhika is my favorite type of MC, someone doing what they have to to survive, but still holding to certain ideals. Her POV was really great to read.
The plot is part mystery/thriller, part medical drama in a fantasy setting and I am impressed by how well it all worked in this book. Kochin also was a great counter to Nhika. Their relationship does seem to develop and change very quickly, I was wishing there were more interactions between the two of them.
I would love to read another book in this world. The ending was phenomenal and the characters well developed. A great read!
The plot is part mystery/thriller, part medical drama in a fantasy setting and I am impressed by how well it all worked in this book. Kochin also was a great counter to Nhika. Their relationship does seem to develop and change very quickly, I was wishing there were more interactions between the two of them.
I would love to read another book in this world. The ending was phenomenal and the characters well developed. A great read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, Murder, Gore, Medical content, Medical trauma, Xenophobia, Animal death, Blood, Child death, Classism, Death of parent, Genocide, and Gun violence
ddnreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
First, what drew me to this book is it's cover. I'm weak when it comes to gorgeous cover 🥺👌❤️ Then, I fall in love with the story. I enjoy the first 50% of the book so much!!!! The premise is very intriguing. It told a story about a heartsooth, people who is able to heal or soothe the pain through the touch. What makes it interesting, the magic was combined with medical condition. We're talking about anatomy, nerve system, and tissues in our body. I found it uncanny and unique. I LOVE THE STORYTELLING SO MUCH🥺 Nikha, our main character, is believed that she's the last one of her kind. A lonewolf fighting grief and doing whatever she can to survive. The stakes went high when she was caught and someone offered her astronomical money to revive a comatose victim believed to be the last witness of the death of one of the most important public figure in the continent. She unfurled more than what she has ever expected.
As a debut, this book is well researched and neatly written. The character is strong and I can feel her, emphtize with her. However, none of the other characters elicit the same excitement. It's not that they're not solid, I just happened to not be able really connect with anyone aside from Nikha. The fact that this book is told from her pov might influence how I saw other characters.
Now, what happened with the rest 50%? It's still enjoyable. However, it rellied heavily on the romance which I'm not a fan of in this story. It's not insalove but it sure felt like one. The way Nikha suddenly a lovey dovey girl is so out of character. As she said it to herself "Rationality be damned". I can't feel the chemistry of the people falling in love here. Idk. I think it could be told in a better smoother way.
The ending left me speechless like really 🥺🥺🥺 now you're playing with my heart (figuratively). Before the end END, I think it could be better written at how they deal with the culprit.
It was less atmospheric from my liking. But it's a me problem. It can probably work for you 🫶🏽
Maps is always a + 😻
Overall, give this book a go. I finished it in only 2 days. It's page turning ❤️❤️❤️
If science fiction fantasy with the combination of traditionald and modern world building (a Bloodcarver practice in a automaton and robotic world), magic system dealing with medical condition is your time, pick up this book now.
Thank you so much for the arc netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing group for the unproofed advance reader copy. I had so much fun reading!!! 🧚
As a debut, this book is well researched and neatly written. The character is strong and I can feel her, emphtize with her. However, none of the other characters elicit the same excitement. It's not that they're not solid, I just happened to not be able really connect with anyone aside from Nikha. The fact that this book is told from her pov might influence how I saw other characters.
Now, what happened with the rest 50%? It's still enjoyable. However, it rellied heavily on the romance which I'm not a fan of in this story. It's not insalove but it sure felt like one. The way Nikha suddenly a lovey dovey girl is so out of character. As she said it to herself "Rationality be damned". I can't feel the chemistry of the people falling in love here. Idk. I think it could be told in a better smoother way.
The ending left me speechless like really 🥺🥺🥺 now you're playing with my heart (figuratively). Before the end END, I think it could be better written at how they deal with the culprit.
It was less atmospheric from my liking. But it's a me problem. It can probably work for you 🫶🏽
Maps is always a + 😻
Overall, give this book a go. I finished it in only 2 days. It's page turning ❤️❤️❤️
If science fiction fantasy with the combination of traditionald and modern world building (a Bloodcarver practice in a automaton and robotic world), magic system dealing with medical condition is your time, pick up this book now.
Thank you so much for the arc netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing group for the unproofed advance reader copy. I had so much fun reading!!! 🧚
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Death of parent, Drug use, Gun violence, and Chronic illness
shimmeringice's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
One of the coolest depictions of blood magic I've ever read, set in vaguely 1920s steampunk-y SE Asia. I wish I loved the characters and their relationships more, but this was an incredibly solid debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Trafficking
Moderate: Colonisation, Death of parent, Child death, Chronic illness, and Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty, Cannibalism, and Animal death
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