Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

6 reviews

lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced
  • 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? No

2.5

I received a copy of this book as part of my subscription to FairyLoot.
"Lore of the Wilds" follows Lore, a human taken into the Fae world. Lore is tasked with trying to find some magical texts in the library in exchange for the promise that her people will be kept safe while she is gone. What Lore discovers is her own magic, and secrets that have been buried for decades.
Overall, this book felt very okay. It did not feel like a fantasy with any new ideas, but it was still fine to read. I think this book relies a lot on cliches from the genre that have historically worked well, and although there is nothing wrong with that, it was not the most engaging thing to read if you have enjoyed a lot of fantasies previously. I felt like I knew where the story was ultimately going the entire time I was reading. The ending is also a MOJOR cliffhanger. I think this was a decision intended to shock the reader and entice them to pick up more from this series, not necessarily a decision made to propel the story forward.
In the story, Lore has two potential love interests, and honestly, I did not love either of them. Both men felt flat to me and not genuinely interested or compatible with Lore. Lore does not need a romance, what she needs is someone to help her figure out what is going on. The smut scenes I think were thrown in there mainly because of how popular romance has become lately. They are written well, and they are spicy, but I did not think they are necessary for the story.
I *might* pick up the next book in this series out of curiosity because the ending was wild, but I was not overly invested in the story as a whole. I would recommend this to someone who wants to see more diversity in fantasy or someone who has not read a lot of fantasy before.

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stardust22's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0


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marirene's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5


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katrinaslibrary's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-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

4.5

I’m shaken by this book! 

I enjoyed the beginning premise of this book, it drew me in with its magic and wonder. Lore is a relatable main character, she’s kind and imaginative. However as I read, I progressively felt more shaken.

Analeigh has created a fae world that is dark and terrifying. Lore’s character as a young black woman in this world that imprisons humans makes the parallels to our own a chilling read. 

The story balanced the two love interests development well. I felt that Lore liked them both and it made the ending even more devastating. *Spoiler alert* there are plot twists! I registered the clues but the plot twist got me. I’m sure others would have put two and two together.  

Overall, this was one of my most anticipated books this year and it didn’t disappoint. However I would have wished I paid more attention to the trigger warnings for the book. Which I highly recommend you do.

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noellelovesbooks's review against another edition

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3.75

Content Warnings: violence, blood, death, murder, classism, and racism. 
Mention of: kidnapping, slavery, death of loved ones, and rape.

***I received and e-ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley***

From reading the summary of this book I knew I wanted...no needed to dive into the world and see what it was all about. 

From the start it was easy to love and cheer for Lore. 

I do feel the pacing was a bit off in this book...the first 3/4 feels like a lot of day to day things as we get to know Lore and the other cast of characters and then the last 1/4 of the book is like we're racing down the autobahn. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE everything about this story I just think maybe the last 1/4 should have been stretched out a bit more. This easily could have been a 500 page book and I would have devoured it and loved it just as much.

I do wish I had known in advance that it would be part of a series...the way it's advertised and labeled online was giving "standalone" vibes...so the entire time I was reading I was wondering how the heck they were going to wrap up the story...on to have it end on a ..." to be continued..." I'm guessing...it'll be a duology...though it's a bit to early to tell.

When this book releases next month I plan on purchasing it so I can reread it, possibly a few times, before book 2 inevitably releases. 

If you're looking for a book that gives fall magical vibes with a strong leading lady who's fierce determination to bring peace and happiness to her people had me ready to go to battle...you won't want to pass on this book. 💜


Only read the below paragraph if you've read this book already! Major spoiler warnings below.

Okay, so I feel like Asher revealed himself entirely too early...AND I would have loved to see a slightly stronger relationship develop between Lore and Finn before this reveal...because I feel like going forward Finn may feel like a 2nd string pick...when really she's felt connected to him almost from their first meeting...and it was only his grumpiness keeping her from attempting a deeper connection...

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gillmomi's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5


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