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katemarie99's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Murder, Self harm, and Sexism
Minor: Suicide, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Slavery, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, Torture, and Sexual violence
_alyssar_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Homophobia, Racism, Terminal illness, Violence, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Murder, Religious bigotry, Blood, Sexism, Sexual assault, Classism, Grief, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and War
tinyjude's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
In addition, never had I imagined that I would enjoy again a straight main couple, but they were very cute and I loved how devoted he was to her. She deserves to be happy and not suffer any longer.
Also, Ixa's sole existence adds points to the book. I LOVE TINY, AFORABLE AND FEROCIOUS CREATURES THAT ACCOMPANY THE PROTAGONIST AHHHHHHH
Graphic: Blood, Misogyny, Death, War, Violence, Stalking, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Murder, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Pedophilia, and Rape
Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
zluke's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It was a lot more explicit in sexism/misogyny and violance than I expected going in. There is graphic torture quite early on and this continues through the book. I felt it was important to the story though and the book explores the emotional impacts of this on the characters well.
Graphic: Torture, Blood, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, and Vomit
Minor: Lesbophobia, Body shaming, Confinement, Homophobia, and Pregnancy
corabookworm's review against another edition
- 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? N/A
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Racism, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, War, Torture, Murder, Misogyny, and Confinement
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, and Rape
Minor: Homophobia, Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, and Pregnancy
*a lot of this book talks about or contains descriptions of blood, so be careful!*plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is one of the most unique, immersive stories I’ve read in some time. Forna created a brilliantly intricate world that, despite a few basic similarities to other fictional worlds, is overall unlike any I’ve read about before. The mythology is so vivid it nearly seems real, the creatures and setting so impressively creative, yet none of it is confusing or difficult to understand.
Forna outdid herself writing a complex, diverse and lovable cast of characters. Deka is a protagonist I rooted for as soon as I met her, and it took very little time for me to be equally charmed by her friends, Britta, Belcalis, and Adwapa. These girls have endured so many hardships and gotten stronger because of them, without losing their vulnerability or the best parts of their personalities. Not only were they all great on their own, but their friendship was phenomenal and so heartwarming. One of the best girl squads I’ve ever read about, undeniably.
I would say the romance was one of the best parts, but honestly, every part of this book could be described the same way. The romance is subtle until the final third of the book, when it becomes clear that Deka and Keita have feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. Their slow-burn romance is memorable because it’s written differently than those in so many other books. It’s focused not on passion and lust but a deep connection between two people, a tender, unwavering affection. I love them so much, more than I can express.
Although the ending was emotional in numerous ways, it wasn’t a cliffhanger, and I appreciate that very much. Even without one, I’m extremely eager for the second book. I’ll be eagerly awaiting any scrap of news I can find.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s spectacular in every aspect, and the fact that it’s Forna’s debut novel is mind-blowing. I can definitely see the Deathless trilogy becoming an all-time favorite, since the first book is already there. Highly, highly recommended for those who can handle the content.
Representation
- Black protagonist
- side characters of color (includes Black rep)
- sapphic side characters
- minor sapphic side romance (f/f)
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Gore, Death, Blood, Body horror, Torture, Misogyny, Sexism, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Racism, Racial slurs, Self harm, Xenophobia, Body shaming, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Genocide, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia, Pregnancy, Trafficking, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
It can be very grotesque at times, so be careful if you’re squeamish.justabookworm's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Sexism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Pedophilia, and Homophobia