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readbyjaimes's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I read this a few weeks ago and remember like two things that happened lol
But in all honesty, this book felt really lackluster for me. The romance was really lacking, especially since this was a Romeo and Juliet retelling. I also didn't care that much about any of the characters. I honestly found the other sisters wayyyy more interesting than Masha or Sasha. It was also soooo slow. I was sitting there waiting for something to actually happen. It was so disappointing though because once something did happen I felt like I had waited so long for it that I didn't care anymore. I don't know if I was just in a slump or what but I was so excited for this and I was so done with it about halfway through. I appreciated the aesthetic of the book though and that was fun.
I read MoD by Olivie first and then tried to read TAS, dnf'd it and then read this. I think Olivie might be a one-hit-wonder author for me.
Graphic: Death and Gun violence
Moderate: Sexual content
nataliebootlah's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A modern day Romeo and Juliet retelling complete with family drama and forbidden relationships, plus quite a few twists thrown into the mix. The story revolves around two powerful witch clans who have been rivals for over a decade: the Antonovas and the Fedorovs.
The characters felt realistic, multi-faceted, and thankfully, developed without being entirely predictable. Which was great, especially since I’m not a huge play-lover so the characters are ultimately what kept me tuned in. But I did enjoy being surprised multiple times for a retelling!
This is my third book by Blake and each time I’m reminded that I love how she writes—always so poetic.
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, Violence, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content and Emotional abuse
mrs_bastos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Death, Drug use, and Sexual content
meeklovestoread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I love the romance in this book!
This is my first Olvie Blake, but and I here her writing changes depending on the book, but I just have to say I really enjoyed the writing in this book. It's been a hot minute since I've read a book with flowery and lyrical writing and reading her book made me realize just how much I missed reading writing like that. Here are some quotes that I like:
- "No. No. Masha, I am my own man."..........."Why didn't you let me choose you?"........."I would have gone to you, Masha, if you'd asked. You would've only had to ask, and I would have chosen you over everything." - Dima (pg 102)
- "I love you,"........."I will always love you, I will love you until the day I die—and if you're the one to kill me, then by all means, you should know without a trace of doubt that you will not have turned me away. I will have spent the final beat of my heart loving you, just as I always have. Only you, Masha,".........."Only you, forever, I promise." - Dima (pg 102)😭💔(how do you not fall in love with them after this?!)
- "I want you," he murmured, twinning her fingers with his, "and you have me so easily, without lifting a finger. But don't use me." - Lev (pg 147)😟
- "Sashenka," Marya said, "you are not incomplete because a piece of your heart is gone. You are you, an entire whole, all on your own. If you have loved and been loved, then you can only be richer for it —you don't become a smaller version of yourself simply because what you once had is gone. " (pg 252)
- Hate and love were really not so different, Ivan thought. He wondered if Koschei and Baba Yaga knew it just as well—that hate and love were so very similar. Both were intestinal, visceral. Both left scars, vestiges of pain. Hate could not be born from a place of difference. Hate was only born from the opposite sides of the same coin.
- And the conversation that Bryn and his mother have about love (on page 400 is freaking hilarious😂
Now, the criticisms of this book are valid. I understand why someone wouldn't like this book. The magic system was not explained like at all. The political system isn't explained. The deaths
Spice Rating: 🌶️/5
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Violence
Minor: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Torture
dani_reis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Graphic: Death, Murder, Suicide, Drug use, and Grief
Minor: War and Sexual content
Sexual content is closed door. Griefaysha_blake's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Murder, Grief, Suicide, Blood, Drug abuse, Death, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Cursing
bookboxbabe's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Suicide, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Grief and Drug use
Minor: Sexual content
ramunepocky's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Death, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
lilly_reads98's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Blood, Murder, Suicide, Sexual content, Grief, Drug use, and Death
carla20's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Drug use, Death, Murder, Suicide, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Sexual content, and Grief