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bubbly_lara's review
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Short glimpse into Genya's life at court and her work in supporting the Darkling. The horrible things hinted at in Shadow & Bone are only vaguely extended on, so even though nothing is explicitly mentioned, you get an even better idea of what terrible position Genya was in at the palace.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Alcoholism, Bullying, and Body shaming
addieisreading's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Heavy but Necessary
I've missed this character so so much and I feared reading this short story because of the possibility of seeing her suffering (because Genya has been through a lot already) but here I am, feeling even more pain for my favorite grisha of all time. She deserved so much more and seeing her past in here just made me realize how much she had to bear in order to reach her goals and, to be fair, I don't know if I can say that her dreams came true.
It's one of the most tragic characters I've ever read about or related to.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
bookaholiz's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.0
Genya suffered more than Jesus.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
fatkidatheartreads's review
dark
emotional
5.0
I revisited the Grishaverse. This is a short story told in Genya's POV.
"It hurts, but I can bear it. Because I am a doll, and a servant. Because I am a pretty thing and a soldier all the same."
This story was set between book 1 and 2 of the Shadow and bone series and because I've read the rest of the books in the series(other than these novellas), I came to the conclusion that Genya was and is the most tragic character in the entire universe ( closely followed by Nina). Her story was marred by sexual and physical violence and this book was no exception.
"If I could wish for anything in this world, it wouldn't be jewels or a coach or a palace in the lake district. I'd wish to be a true Grisha again, of course –but short of that, I'd settle for a lock on my chamber door."
Oh Genya! 😭
There was also a brief mention of David.
"...but I can still treat myself to a glimpse of David's bent shoulders and messy hair. I'm deep in a daydream of him letting me cut it..."
That also had me fighting tears.
Genya's story is a rough one and the fact that she looked to the Darkling for help( we all know how that went) and still went through all this gaslighting, emotional, physical and sexual abuse...and later grief..sigh.
She just deserves better honestly!
This was less than 20 pages but I am so emotional for her. She deserves the world.
"It hurts, but I can bear it. Because I am a doll, and a servant. Because I am a pretty thing and a soldier all the same."
This story was set between book 1 and 2 of the Shadow and bone series and because I've read the rest of the books in the series(other than these novellas), I came to the conclusion that Genya was and is the most tragic character in the entire universe ( closely followed by Nina). Her story was marred by sexual and physical violence and this book was no exception.
"If I could wish for anything in this world, it wouldn't be jewels or a coach or a palace in the lake district. I'd wish to be a true Grisha again, of course –but short of that, I'd settle for a lock on my chamber door."
Oh Genya! 😭
There was also a brief mention of David.
"...but I can still treat myself to a glimpse of David's bent shoulders and messy hair. I'm deep in a daydream of him letting me cut it..."
That also had me fighting tears.
Genya's story is a rough one and the fact that she looked to the Darkling for help( we all know how that went) and still went through all this gaslighting, emotional, physical and sexual abuse...and later grief..sigh.
She just deserves better honestly!
This was less than 20 pages but I am so emotional for her. She deserves the world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, and Rape
thebaddestbookworm's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Slavery
Minor: Medical content
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