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malalaisee'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
4.5
Graphic: Terminal illness, Ableism, Chronic illness, and Injury/Injury detail
elskabee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
While a little cliche and predictable at times, I'd happily recommend it to virtually anyone and I'm keen to check out more of Brando Sando's work after this little taste test
Edit to add: as much as I liked the disability rep and some great anti-misogyny moments, I was really disappointed to read a couple of fatphobic lines in the book, so heads up on that. They're minor and fleeting, but still a shame.
Minor: Fatphobia, Confinement, Classism, and Ableism
amphibianwitch'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
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Ableism
Ableism explanation:lizziaha's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Gore, Kidnapping, Murder, Trafficking, Blood, and Violence
Minor: Classism, Fatphobia, Ableism, and Excrement
divine529'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
This follows our main protagonist, Tress, who ends up going on a quest to save Charlie, the man she loves, from an evil sorceress in a distant land. This reads like a grown-up fairytale. That's the best way to describe this - think Stardust meets Princess Bride and Good Omens and that's kind of the vibe you have here. Everything about this book was very solid, but particularly the world-building and the characters (and Hoid is the narrator! I adore Hoid at all times).
Definitely one I can see myself reread many times in the future.
Graphic: Death, Confinement, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Vomit, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Ableism and Slavery
tinyelfarcanist'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? No
5.0
Tress is one of the most sensible heroines you'll find in YA. She seeks help, talks openly with her parents, and admits when she's scared. She also goes on a suicidal mission for the man she loves, but that's love for you.
This book features beautiful relationships (romantic or otherwise), tons of adventure, and FEELINGS. Even deaths that should have been insubstantial pack a punch. Also, as expected from Sanderson's fantasy novels, a fascinating and innovative magic system. You may need to have read other of his books (The Way of Kings, Elantris) to appreciate it fully.
I LOVED the fairytale vibes. It's no coincidence that it was inspired by one of my favourite books of all time: The Princess Bride. This book has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read. It's funny, it's witty, and full of insightful lessons. I kept highlighting passage after passage. I hope Sanderson keeps exploring this narrator.
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Classism, Ableism, and Chronic illness
Minor: Medical content, Alcohol, Bullying, Slavery, Vomit, Terminal illness, and Torture