Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

4 reviews

stitchbooks22's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This was incredibly boring, full of plot holes and wasn’t well written. Whoever marketed this as adult must not have read it, given it felt more like a YA with a vague attempt at romantasy that just didn’t work. Also predicted the plot twist at the end.

The idea of an enchanted library, cottagecore and cosy vibes with magic for a book could’ve been so good, but was executed poorly. I’m very disappointed I can’t lie.

The only redeeming features were the small portion of the enchanted library we got as well as the characters of Isla, Gryph, Grey and the fox who were barely in it. Milo also seemed like a sweet kid and I liked him despite his also limited presence. 

I have mixed feelings about Lore as she acted like an ungrateful brat at times, though could be wonderful at others. Finn is another character I have mixed feelings on, but he is growing on me.

Will I read the next one? Possibly. I would like to see some of the characters again and see if the duology can be redeemed. It’s a decision for a later date.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, Death of parent, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, Violence, Colonisation, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, War, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Classism, Murder, and Physical abuse

naomi_k's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, and Violence

Moderate: Classism, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Colonisation, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual content

Minor: War and Alcohol

jei_reads_sometimes's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Classism, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Violence

Moderate: Death of parent, Police brutality, Rape, Sexual violence, and Gaslighting

camiclarkbooks's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I think this might be the next big fantasy series! 

Sbrana wrote an engaging high fantasy tale that was loaded with everything a reader could want—and enchanted library, fantastical beings, a love triangle, and a shocking twist.  “Lore of the Wild” also adds some desperately needed diversity to the genre.

The book had some pacing problems and I got a little lost on the timeline near the last quarter of the story, but this is probably more of a reviewer problem than a reader problem.

A few times in the book I got whiplash from the story swinging back and forth from YA to New Adult. The majority of the book felt more YA—in the best possible way—but there were definitely places tailored for older audiences. They felt shoehorned in, like Sbrana had intended to write a YA book but her team recommended New Adult instead. 

Despite those two complaints, I loved the “Lore of the Wilds!” The titular character of Lore was absolutely sensational! She was so realistic for a high fantasy heroine. It was extremely refreshing to read a fantasy about a twenty-something year old heroine, instead of the usual sixteen or seventeen year old. Lore handled everything Sbrana threw at her with human ingenuity and determination, which was the perfect juxtaposition to her being trapped in the land of her enemies. 

Overall, “Lore of the Wild” was a wonderful fantasy story about human resilience and am so excited for the sequel—I have to know what happens after the twist!

I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual content, Trafficking, Slavery, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Sexual assault