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cdoubet'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
4.25
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Death of parent, Terminal illness, Ableism, Suicidal thoughts, War, Genocide, Death, Physical abuse, Confinement, Grief, Medical content, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Torture, Murder, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Animal death, Body horror, Cancer, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Suicidal thoughts
sirkeili's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I found Harper to be both intriguing, but also sometimes frustrating when she takes things too literally. She grows a lot during book, but I still found most of her troubles could be solved by trusting Rhen and Grey a lot more than she initially did (even when they proved they meant no ill will).
I think Grey was my favourite, as he seemed the most well rounded and intruguing character. His abilities, attitude and mysterious past seem to all line up in a way that I wanted to follow along with him and see his side of the story. He has so much to tell, and yet so much to unravel about himself as well. Despite the rough and scatter hand of cards he's been given, Grey still shows an innate softness and care for those he holds close.
Harper has all the aspects of a great heroine, but I feel the author hinges everything on her disability, and yet its rarely addressed in the novel. It's almost as though it's just for the ✨ d r a m a ✨ and the "I'm not like other girls" trope (ugh), and not to really showcase how exceptional Harper is despite - and because- of it. I think if there was substance and heart going into developing her character more, Harper could really shine as bright as I know she can. She has a spark big enough to even set Emberfall ablaze, truly.
If you need a softer, yet still slightly gritty retelling, this is a solid one. Very spunky, goofy and generally easy-going-ish book.
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Torture, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, War, Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Stalking, Terminal illness, Ableism, Bullying, Confinement, Gun violence, and Medical content
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Classism, Misogyny, and Sexism
eve_reads'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
3.75
⁕ I wouldn't say there is anything special about the plot or character development in comparison to other YA retellings. But goodness was it an addicting comfort read. The fast-paced chapters and familiar tropes had me devouring this in a day. It's like brain junk food.
⁕ This tries and fails so hard to be a feminist story. Harper is a kick-butt heroine, but it doesn't negate the "pick me"/"not like other girls" energy, strong enforcement of traditional gender roles, and lack of consent that is prevalent throughout the text.
⁕ The ending has a wacky, cobbled-together feel to it. A solution to one of the major conflicts appears out of seemingly no where and it didn't feel as satisfying as I would have hoped.
⁕ The characters in this book are more diverse than other Beauty and the Beast retellings. I especially appreciate the disability rep.
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Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Ableism, Cancer, Gun violence, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual content