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macykey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
nursemeghanreads's review against another edition
2.0
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Toxic relationship
emohan's review
- 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? No
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, and Cursing
kotahlotah'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
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Addiction, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Confinement, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Torture
Minor: Vomit, Trafficking, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and War
indra_s's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
sam019's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
michellemaas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Second Read: 5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen a few other people say it as well, but I'll reiterate in case you missed it: best book in the series BY FAR! So many plot points finally came to rise in this installment, including but not limited too, Malina's rule, Rip and Auren's relationship, and Midas's relationship with Auren. There were also another few plot twists that were masterfully done, so that's something to look forward to.
Going on to some specifics, we'll start with AuRip. Kennedy has been teasing us with their undeniable sexual tension and chemistry since book one, so having that be resolved in Gleam was so satisfying. I enjoyed that their relationship wasn't immediately perfect and that Auren's feelings for Midas weren't immediately resolved as soon as Rip came into her life. Also, we get arguably one of the most iconic "Who did this to you?" scenes ever, so immediate props for that.
Next, I want to discuss the multiple point-of-views. Kennedy has been including multiple perspectives in this series since book 1, but this is the first book where I felt that truly added something to the stories. We got chapters from Auren, Midas, Rip, and Malina's perspectives and Kennedy did a masterful job of conveying each character's essence in their chapter. At the end of the book, we also get the climax told from both Auren and Rip's point-of-view which was especially cool as we always wonder what's going on in the other main charter' head when something big happens.
Then there was the inclusion of "the wrath". We got to see quite a bit more on them in Gleam and it was very refreshing. They are without a doubt some of the best charters in the series so having them be featured more was a definite highlight. I am crossing my fingers that some of them (I am totally talking about Lu) get their own chapters told from their perspectives in the next book.
I also can't do this review without mentioned Auren's meltdown. LEGENDARY I say. It was so well written and such a perfect end to her arc with Midas. Everything about the scene was brilliant and I want to give a shoutout to that.
Lastly, I just want to commend Kennedy for the way she resolved her plotlines. She brought an end to several storylines that started in book 1, without leeching the plot for future books. The way she resolved the plotlines she chose to end gave rise to new ones in a way that was fresh and makes me excited for the 4th installment.
Great book and great writing. In case it wasn't clear, I am sitting on the edge of my seat until the next book gets released.
P.S. I am pretty sure I have mentioned this on every entry I've done on this series, but there are some major From Blood and Ash vibes to this series, so if you liked this series and are looking for something to read until Glow comes out, you should definitely give it a try.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Abandonment, Sexism, Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Body shaming and Mental illness
maziodynes'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
5.0
Aurip's relationship really encompassed everything I want in a romance. The fierce loyalty, respect, and passion they share was spot on. His encouragement and support for her when she was feeling the lingering effects of trauma was lovely. Juxtaposed with Midas getting worse and worse, and Auren finally realizing the full extent of how badly he treated her - masterfully done!
My ONLY critique is that the author often uses "male" instead of "man", which made the writing feel jilted at times (and wasn't something I noticed as much in the previous books). But like, it's fine.
CWs:
Graphic: Drug use, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Torture, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Addiction, Confinement, Drug abuse, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Rape, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
geoblockreads's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
I didn't hate it. I like the development of the world, the characters (bar the main character) are interesting. I really like the love interest too, the author did a good job of establishing him as a menacing, powerful dude with a weakness for the main character.
But the prose is a real weakness, and has been across all the books so far. The author is trying really hard to add descriptive language, and use a lot of metaphors, but they're so forced and weird that they miss the mark most of the time. So many of them made me cringe, and really took me out of the book. Like 'his words stick to the soles of my feet' and 'white sheets over the furniture like cumbersome ghosts'. (?) what are cumbersome ghosts? Are the ghosts that get in the way?
The dialogue is also a real weakness, with many conversations lacking chemistry or flow, because they feel very clichéd. Or because it is necessary for exposition, so it feels inorganic.
I do think that the main characters development is interesting, which is something people emphasised in their reviews of it. But she's still kind of dumb? We're told that she understands Midas' mind, and his motivations. But she still plays into his hand over and over again. And the book ends that way too.
Idk the plot is good, and the pacing is good, but the naive main character and clichéd prose bring the book down significantly.
I also think constant sexual assault of the main character is gratuitous and over done, and I'm tired of it. It's not plot necessary at all.
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Slavery
joannatav's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence