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stardust_heidi'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, Physical abuse, and Gore
kat_184's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved that the main character, Charlie, is in her late-twenties. It's believable that she could have the knowledge she possesses for the crimes she commits - but I was expecting some more greatness to her skill than what we got to see (and never understood why she had to use ariel-silks to train since they never came up again).
The fantasy story in modern-day setting was a little jarring to me at first, but I settled into it eventually.
I've recently become a fan of Holly Black. I love her writing style and find she has a fascinating way of describing the most horrific scenes. In terms of romance, her slow-burn in The Folk of The Air series is more satisfying than what was in this Adult fiction - I don't particularly care, but some readers might come from the YA to this adult debut expecting more, so just cap your expectations.
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, and Gore
pvbobrien's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Gun violence, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Murder, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Body horror, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Torture
em_aune's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Body horror, Violence, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Gun violence and Vomit
norwegianforestreader'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
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Body horror, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Blood, Child abuse, Vomit, Violence, Emotional abuse, Murder, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Gore, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Child death
Minor: Addiction
lauramparis's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Body horror and Death
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Car accident, Child abuse, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
qilsu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Blood, Drug use, Murder, and Violence
lisa_m's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I like the mystery aspect of it and also the reveal at the end! The whole revenge aspect of it was quite satisfying to read about as well.
This book wasn't the most fun time but it was definitely entertaining. And I think especially people who like their books a bit more brutal will like this.
I do have to say that I am quite confused by the worldbuilding still. I don't quite understand what exactly it is that shadows do and what they are? Also the magical powers seemed quite random. You can just do what you want? Also what are Cabal and Carapace and all those important people? Why do you need a Hierophant? Why did no one check if the Shadow took over?
Well anyways I have loads of questions and I really hope they will get resolved in book 2. (Oh and I hope it's a Duology because I feel like the story should have been a standalone and I hope it won't just be stretched out..
I think mainly what I didn't like where the flashbacks. Not because they were bad but because I didn't like the things that happened. It was great because that way we got to get to know the characters but still.
I really dislike Charlie's mum and I have to say I don't particularly like her sister either.. I did really like Vincent though but oh well hahah
The ending was great though. I saw a few things coming but definitely not all of them! If I could I would start reading the second book immediately! So I'm absolutely going to pick it up when it comes out :)
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Addiction, Death, Death of parent, Child death, Classism, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Self harm, and Violence
cgp1234's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Body horror, Death, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Drug use and Incest
black_cat_iiix's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Vomit and Gore
Moderate: Body horror, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Violence, and Child abuse
Minor: Abandonment and Panic attacks/disorders