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jesshaleth's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-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
4.75
If there had been slightly fewer moments meriting a content warning it would've been 5 stars for me, so maybe it will be for you. But yeah - I think it ticked more content warnings than it didn't, so, at your own risk.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Homophobia, Murder, Outing, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Self harm, Sexism, Infidelity, Suicide, Xenophobia, Body shaming, Kidnapping, Lesbophobia, Transphobia, Vomit, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, War, Abortion, Blood, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Misogyny, Miscarriage, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
fkshg8465's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Had some brilliant moments, but got the most part, it was too convoluted. I loved the first book in the series, so I kept at it, but it was a very long book, and I regret putting the time into it.
vanessa_books26's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
pennyforyourthoughts's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book continued the dense and detailed world of its prequel. The story went forward to the end that has been just out of sight since the start of the first book. One hard thing about it was the number of different POVs(more than before), that became a bit overwhelming. All of the characters had their own reasons for what they did, but some of the choices felt petty. The characters sat in their own emotional pain a lot which got repetitive, but they were in a war so it was sometimes warranted. Also the ending twisted quickly in a new direction that felt odd to appear in an instant, it wasn’t super satisfying to have a sudden change. Overall, amazing writing and plot direction with bits that just didn’t really work well for me.
leighryks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
shanthecitygirl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
The first book in this duology is so strong but I am glad to say that this second book sticks the landing! We finish the many weaved stories of the Radiant King, Ouyang the eunuch general and more all with the signature prose we expect from the first book. These plots are full of intrigue and strategy but the author does a great job of grounding all if it in the character's WHY for their moves which helps you trace them better. That doesn't mean you are not sometimes surprised by a twist based on a character's machination (I gasped on at least one occasion). All in all, this is a gorgeous pair of book and one very strong story.
kaila_robertson's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rat_leooo's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- 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
wum's review against another edition
i'll come back to this when my brain is able to handle it!!