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fromjuliereads'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
I love the characters in this duology and how their flaws and what they are going through in finding themselves is front and center. They are trying to stay true to themselves while making it a better world. And it is fantastic to read about.
I had thought the part with the Underworld might be longer or more integral to the book - it was pretty short for having worked up to it since book 1. But I still loved the story and of course the characters.
Moderate: Classism, Mental illness, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Violence, and War
rhm04'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: Grief, Murder, Blood, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
theespressoedition's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was one of those duologies that had a strong start that very quickly became a story that dragged way more than was necessary. When I finished the first book, I felt discouraged that I didn't love it, but I wanted to give the sequel a chance to redeem everything for me. Sadly, the sequel only made me more disinterested in everything.
The characters never felt particularly likable. The storyline was really cyclical and slow. And overall, I was just thoroughly unimpressed by how little I even retained. Maybe I was just not in the right mood for this kind of lore? I'm not sure. It reminded me of some books that I love but it just didn't have the oomph it needed to make me totally entranced from beginning to end.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
jupiterlee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Minor: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Misogyny, Genocide, War, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
brokenbodybitch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“in the words of my council sister Queen Min Ja,” I whispered back, “that’s what makes me so popular”
Graphic: Death, Acephobia/Arophobia, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Child death, Abandonment, Death of parent, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, and Violence
mental illness - heavy on intrusive thoughts *these are only ones that I caught/remembered please do not take this as the end all be all*lisa_m's review
- 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
Raybearer was one of my favourite books this year so naturally I was super excited for the sequel.
I feel like most of the praise I have for this book would just be me repeating my last review.. but still:
There are strong friendships, self doubts, goals, betrayal, righteousness and justice, power structures and questioning of the way things are run.
There is a great mixture between political, mystical and emotional content.
I loved the setting, the characters and it is amazingly connected. The ending was something I did not expect and I was wondering throughout the entire book how the whole story will tie up. The author didn't change the characters personalities and everything made sense while still being quite idealistic.
I don't think I can say much more without spoiling this book for anyone who hasn't read it. I can only say that I HIGHLY recommend this Duology and it is a clear 5 star book. This is how you do a conclusion to a series!!
I just want to write down a list of things I really liked about these books / that inspired me :
- dangerous magic is called 'the pale arts'
- power structures like royalty, though presented are criticised
- the solving of the problems of the empire is one that (in a magical world) would actually work
- everything is really well thought out
- the characters remain consistent in their traits and characteristics throughout the books
- the use of song and music
- the different 'hollows' and how they each got used
- the concept of pure love even if it is just platonic
- asexual representation
- compassionate partners and understanding without pressure
- realistic fights and issues that are not purely made up but would realistically happen in those situations
- self doubt in the form of ghostly figures and the journey from believing them because they do speak true sometimes to seeing how they undermined ones self worth and confidence
- toxic relationships with parents and how sometimes we may love someone even if they were toxic and that we can love someone deeply and still decide to sever ties
- that some people never change and if they tell you who they are, you should believe them
- it doesn't make you weak to believe in justice or fairness
- you could love anyone if you knew their whole story, their pain, wishes, hopes and dreams. Loving someone is knowing someone. Even the parts they don't love about themselves.
- not everyone is destined for greatness but everyone can play a part in something great
- your past does not define you. You are more than your parents and more than your past choices.
- if you are going through hardship, remember the ones you love and let them guide you through
- I thought it was so interesting how Tarisai explained why she deserved to live. It was such a strong statement.
- you have to be able to live for yourself. You can't live for other people.
- you have to find a passion but don't let it consume you. You are more than what you can do.
- let people who love you, love you. We don't control who loves us, how much or why. We can only let them.
- let others help you. Asking for help is strong. You don't have to do everything on your own. Even if your thoughts tell you that no one understand you, still try to talk to the people you love. They just want to help and understand you.
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Classism, Murder, Death, War, Body horror, and Abandonment
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Also the narrator is fantastic! Joniece Abbott Pratt embodies Tarisai perfectly and does a great job with the other characters as well.
Moderate: Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Mental illness, Violence, Death, and Death of parent
hkburke2'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: War, Death, and Murder
queergoth_reads'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
5.0
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and War
Minor: Death of parent
overbooked207's review
- 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
1st book of February 2022 and 11th of the year:
I absolutely LOVED this duology, and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story! Once again, the writing, story, and world building were beautiful, immersive, and expansive; the audiobook was beautifully done; the characters were strong, badass, caring, and new favorites of all time, and I love them with all my heart; the representation was great; the quotes and themes were fantastic and important; and I loved the found family aspect so much! These books are definitely two of my new favorite books of all time, and I want everyone to read them! Also, they’re getting adapted, and I couldn’t be more excited! TW for death, murder, blood, war, anxiety, panic attacks, parental neglect and abuse, drug & alcohol use, ableism, suicidal thoughts, negative self image, grief, gaslighting, injuries, misogyny, and violence📚💜🏳️🌈
Graphic: Alcohol, Torture, Grief, Abandonment, Ableism, Blood, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, Violence, War, Death, Classism, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism