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bethanyangharads's review against another edition
4.0
Re-read this in anticipation for the upcoming Netflix show and as a school book club read. I have to say, the version of me who read this exactly three years ago (like, literally to the day) and rated it 4 stars, 2021 me agrees. When doing my re-read I really read it like a novel I would have studied at University. Looking at things with a fine tooth comb and generally just having more YA fantasy experience than my last read. Anyway, I'm rambling, here are my spoiler free thoughts:
- Still enjoyed the writing style as it was easy to read
- The love triangle seemed a bit trite this time round and I am currently Team Mal at the end of this book (interesting because I remember being a strong Team Darkling when I read the series last year)
- World building as great as ever and I really liked the Genya character this time round
- Only a few moments where I thought, yeah nah mate that doesn't make sense e.g. Alina falling asleep on a cantering horse
- The whole letters thing felt like a ploy to just get Alina moody... and like, it worked. Slight
This time I also had the edition with the bonus content of Mal's letter and Genya's POV/mini story. Mal's letter felt was cool and Genya's story made her role feel all that more important. I feel like both of these lil snippets also worked in favour of Team Mal as they explained things and really made him seem like a good guy.
- Still enjoyed the writing style as it was easy to read
- The love triangle seemed a bit trite this time round and I am currently Team Mal at the end of this book (interesting because I remember being a strong Team Darkling when I read the series last year)
- World building as great as ever and I really liked the Genya character this time round
- Only a few moments where I thought, yeah nah mate that doesn't make sense e.g. Alina falling asleep on a cantering horse
- The whole letters thing felt like a ploy to just get Alina moody... and like, it worked. Slight
Spoiler
This also tied in with Alina's quick to change loyalties?This time I also had the edition with the bonus content of Mal's letter and Genya's POV/mini story. Mal's letter felt was cool and Genya's story made her role feel all that more important. I feel like both of these lil snippets also worked in favour of Team Mal as they explained things and really made him seem like a good guy.
emmagarthur's review against another edition
3.0
It was a good first book and it got some reactions out of me. I found it boring at some parts though.
p4rths's review against another edition
4.0
A good YA Fantasy book.
The concept of magic system is fresh and well executed. The character arcs are interesting to follow.
Definitely going to continue with the trilogy.
The concept of magic system is fresh and well executed. The character arcs are interesting to follow.
Definitely going to continue with the trilogy.
lauracatherineauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I reads this after watching the tv adaptation. The book is so well written and the characters come to life. I really enjoyed reading this to fill the itch after finishing the show. Can't wait to read the other two books and see what happens.
theblackbride's review against another edition
3.0
I finally read this after MONTHS of trying to read it. personally I liked malina in this book lmao honestly the darkling is pretty messed up but I do pity him a little bit
karabooks's review against another edition
4.0
Good plot for YA. I couldn’t help but find similarities to Harry Potter. The writing feels rushed but at the same time not detailed enough
bugareads's review against another edition
5.0
¿Realismo mágico con un sistema de magia bien desarrollado en Rusia zarista? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP!!!!!
In all seriousness, ya me gustaba mucho la forma de escribir de Leigh Bardugo después de leer Alex Stern y DEVORÓ. Mucha gente me dijo que Alina era una protagonista insoportable y, la verdad, no estoy de acuerdo; me parece que, teniendo 17 años, se pueden justificar muchas de las cosas que hace y hasta disfruté mucho de su desarrollo de personaje.
Todos los personajes de este libro son muy queridos, hasta Zoya que es una asquerosa. Btw, la primera vez que describieron al Oscuro con su pelo negro largo y sus ojos grises, me imaginé a Sirius Black, y hoy a la mañana una amiga me dijo que en la serie lo interpreta FUCKING BEN BARNES HIMSELF, así que este libro ahora tiene a Sirius Black cuarentón de villano, I don't make the rules.
Intentaré no devorarme esta saga como un gremlin, pero estoy cada vez más enganchada con el Grishaverse. Esta es definitivamente una de las mejores lecturas de 2024.
In all seriousness, ya me gustaba mucho la forma de escribir de Leigh Bardugo después de leer Alex Stern y DEVORÓ. Mucha gente me dijo que Alina era una protagonista insoportable y, la verdad, no estoy de acuerdo; me parece que, teniendo 17 años, se pueden justificar muchas de las cosas que hace y hasta disfruté mucho de su desarrollo de personaje.
Todos los personajes de este libro son muy queridos, hasta Zoya que es una asquerosa. Btw, la primera vez que describieron al Oscuro con su pelo negro largo y sus ojos grises, me imaginé a Sirius Black, y hoy a la mañana una amiga me dijo que en la serie lo interpreta FUCKING BEN BARNES HIMSELF, así que este libro ahora tiene a Sirius Black cuarentón de villano, I don't make the rules.
Intentaré no devorarme esta saga como un gremlin, pero estoy cada vez más enganchada con el Grishaverse. Esta es definitivamente una de las mejores lecturas de 2024.
tarahnova's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0