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actual_hobbit's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy!
This book was not what I expected but in a very good way! Though this is classified as YA, I would recommend this to adults and fantasy-lovers looking for something completely original. I especially would recommend this to fans of Six of Crows.
The Last Bloodcarver has a unique concept, a compelling storyline, amazing world building - and a snarky, unrelenting MC you can't help but love. I was on Nhika's side from page one and loved watching her grow and learn to trust.
The author does not hold back on showing violence or how insidious people can become, even when they believe their motives are justified. To me, this unsettling portrayal is what elevates the story beyond a survival or love story.
I really enjoyed the side characters of the Congmi family and would have even loved more of their relationships and dynamic. Unfortunately Kochin fell short for me as a romantic interest. I didn't really buy his character both before and after we learn about his past. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, unable to trust him. If we had more exposure to him early on, or alternatively, if he hadn't shown kindness in the very beginning, it would have felt less disjointed.
That being said... The ending made my jaw drop!
This book was not what I expected but in a very good way! Though this is classified as YA, I would recommend this to adults and fantasy-lovers looking for something completely original. I especially would recommend this to fans of Six of Crows.
The Last Bloodcarver has a unique concept, a compelling storyline, amazing world building - and a snarky, unrelenting MC you can't help but love. I was on Nhika's side from page one and loved watching her grow and learn to trust.
The author does not hold back on showing violence or how insidious people can become, even when they believe their motives are justified. To me, this unsettling portrayal is what elevates the story beyond a survival or love story.
I really enjoyed the side characters of the Congmi family and would have even loved more of their relationships and dynamic. Unfortunately Kochin fell short for me as a romantic interest. I didn't really buy his character both before and after we learn about his past. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, unable to trust him. If we had more exposure to him early on, or alternatively, if he hadn't shown kindness in the very beginning, it would have felt less disjointed.
That being said... The ending made my jaw drop!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Medical content, Hate crime, and Torture
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Death, Child death, and Racism
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