Scan barcode
kera_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Cannibalism, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Slavery, Vomit, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Drug use, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
justbooker's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The conflicts between Hunt and Bryce felt unnecessary and, frankly, annoying. Bryce also felt a bit wishy-washy in terms of her goals and overall feelings. One moment she's Queen, the other she wants to burn it all down, and then she's right back to Queen mode . There's also Ithan, who I could not have cared less about for most of the book. It felt like he only became truly relevant at the end. I understand what his character development was supposed to be throughout the book and why everything happened with him. However, ever chapter from his perspective felt like a slog.
On the other hand, I believe this book has the best lore building moments of the series. The information dumps were easy to follow and engaging. With the lore building in the first book, it felt very scattered and needlessly confusing. This books had smooth, consistent lore that felt properly woven between character dialogue.
As far as characters go, Lidia is probably my favorite. I appreciate the depth and growth that she shows with Ruhn. Every development between her and Ruhn kept me on the edge of my seat, desperately rooting for them. I would love to seeher children be further developed in the next book.
Overall, the plot felt alright. I appreciated the loose ends that were tied up. I cheered when Ruhngot to finally kill his father , when Lidia got to kill Pollux , and just all characters getting their moment of justice. The Asteri conflict has been resolved, and while there is the oncoming struggle of setting up a new government , it feels like everything is alright. The saying "Through love, all things are possible" is repeated time and time again, and this book really drives that theme home. I will not forget the frustrations I had with the book/series, but in the end I enjoyed my time in the world and am glad to have read it.
On the other hand, I believe this book has the best lore building moments of the series. The information dumps were easy to follow and engaging. With the lore building in the first book, it felt very scattered and needlessly confusing. This books had smooth, consistent lore that felt properly woven between character dialogue.
As far as characters go, Lidia is probably my favorite. I appreciate the depth and growth that she shows with Ruhn. Every development between her and Ruhn kept me on the edge of my seat, desperately rooting for them. I would love to see
Overall, the plot felt alright. I appreciated the loose ends that were tied up. I cheered when Ruhn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Classism