katelynbursack's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
reading_ro's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was quite nuanced for a YA novel and I loved the message. The fantasy world was well drawn and interesting, if a bit predictable. I really like Elena K. Arnold's writing. I can see this book resonating with young readers just as well as her material for younger audiences.
abbiemens's review against another edition
2.0
I understand the endless metaphors and themes used throughout the novel are supposed to draw attention to how women are countlessly mishandled and abused in fairytales (and real life) but it was written in such a way that I was too angry throughout the novel to really enjoy it. Every character, male or female, worked against Ama in some fashion that it was just a constant onslaught of "women are weak, women are submissive, women can't do shit, women have no voice, etc etc". And then the "justice" for Ama happened in the span of the last couple sentences of the novel
ptaradactyl's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
3.0
The flaws of the MC were not a huge plot issue, but the flaws of every other character were. It was interesting, but somehow unsatisfying.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
This fantasy novel is like a mash-up of fairy tale and #MeTooMovement. Emery is an abusive, awful person in the beautiful robes of a king. He attempts to rape Ama. He manipulates her mentally, and threatens her get his own way. Ama is isolated and lonely. She doesn't understand what is happening to her and she fights back as best she can. When she discovers the ovens in the deep basements of the castle where glass is blown into bowls and the all-knowing eyes, she finds an outlet for her creativity and warmth for her ever-cold bones. Finally, Ama has enough insight to challenge Emery's claim on her.
When my children were little I used to read a cute and funny picture book to them, The Paper Bag Princess. In this story the princess is supposed to be wowed by the Prince, who is a real dud. Eventually, this princess decides she can do much better on her own and tells him off. I kept thinking about this funny book while I read this very unfunny novel by Alana K. Arnold. Ama clearly needed to get to the point where she told off Emery and went her own way but could she do it?
When my children were little I used to read a cute and funny picture book to them, The Paper Bag Princess. In this story the princess is supposed to be wowed by the Prince, who is a real dud. Eventually, this princess decides she can do much better on her own and tells him off. I kept thinking about this funny book while I read this very unfunny novel by Alana K. Arnold. Ama clearly needed to get to the point where she told off Emery and went her own way but could she do it?
alyram4's review against another edition
4.0
First off, let it be known that this book is technically New Adult.
This also has a crap ton of triggers. Rape, bestiality, abuse, animal abuse, self-harm, multiple types of violence...these are the main ones my mind can think of off the top of my head. If any of these have a major influence on you, I highly recommend that you proceed with extreme caution. This book doesn't hold back. Even if you DNF this book, just know that's it's ok and that this is a tough book to get through.
I actually really enjoyed the book! It was so well done, and even the ending may catch you by surprise if you don't pay too much attention to the little details. We get hints here and there about Emory and Ama, so it's quite easy to see where the story may possibly be going. I'd say more...but this is a book that needs to just be read blindly. I do recommend reading this if you can get through the triggers. I don't have too many issues when it comes with trigger warnings, but even I was a bit uncomfortable at times.
This also has a crap ton of triggers. Rape, bestiality, abuse, animal abuse, self-harm, multiple types of violence...these are the main ones my mind can think of off the top of my head. If any of these have a major influence on you, I highly recommend that you proceed with extreme caution. This book doesn't hold back. Even if you DNF this book, just know that's it's ok and that this is a tough book to get through.
I actually really enjoyed the book! It was so well done, and even the ending may catch you by surprise if you don't pay too much attention to the little details. We get hints here and there about Emory and Ama, so it's quite easy to see where the story may possibly be going. I'd say more...but this is a book that needs to just be read blindly. I do recommend reading this if you can get through the triggers. I don't have too many issues when it comes with trigger warnings, but even I was a bit uncomfortable at times.
rschunke's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
schnatti's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicide and Self harm