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planetesastraea's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.75
I read this book in two days (and only because I had to sleep)
I haven't felt this enthusiastic about a book in a long time. I came in basically only aware of the arranged-mariage trope and I got my ass kicked.
The writing is incredible. I have fallen in love with both Kiem and Jainan in different ways. The way their points of view alternate and each tell their own story blew me away. I've particularly admired the subtle build up that brings us to the story of Jainan's past.
The world-building is amazing. I've always been shy to read "hard" sci-fi because, well, as Kiem would say I don't really have a brain for politics, but the author introduces us to the inner-workings of this society smoothly.
Needless to say that on top of perfectly hitting both the space-opera and romance categories, this novel also includes a cleverly written investigation because apparently nothing can anything stop Everina Maxwell (I certainly won't)
I've been floored by this book, really. I'll be keeping both eyes open for anything Everina Maxwell will publish in the future, I'm hooked.
I haven't felt this enthusiastic about a book in a long time. I came in basically only aware of the arranged-mariage trope and I got my ass kicked.
The writing is incredible. I have fallen in love with both Kiem and Jainan in different ways. The way their points of view alternate and each tell their own story blew me away. I've particularly admired the subtle build up that brings us to the story of Jainan's past.
The world-building is amazing. I've always been shy to read "hard" sci-fi because, well, as Kiem would say I don't really have a brain for politics, but the author introduces us to the inner-workings of this society smoothly.
Needless to say that on top of perfectly hitting both the space-opera and romance categories, this novel also includes a cleverly written investigation because apparently nothing can anything stop Everina Maxwell (I certainly won't)
I've been floored by this book, really. I'll be keeping both eyes open for anything Everina Maxwell will publish in the future, I'm hooked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Death
Minor: Body shaming
welkinvault's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
It was wonderfully written, and I found I liked the two main characters so much. There are misunderstandings, but these are part of a coherant plot, not rammed in to make the story jog along. It does help that the POV of the main characters shows the background to the misscommunication. The mystery part of the plot kept me guessing.
I really hope that the author gives us more in this universe. This was like catnip for me. It was likened to Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series, and you know, it kind of was with wonderful world building.
As an example - people being male and female (wood and flint) but some characters are referred to as they (glass); it is not a huge aspect of the story, but again, satisfying.
This is *not* a steamy romance.
I really hope that the author gives us more in this universe. This was like catnip for me. It was likened to Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series, and you know, it kind of was with wonderful world building.
As an example - people being male and female (wood and flint) but some characters are referred to as they (glass); it is not a huge aspect of the story, but again, satisfying.
This is *not* a steamy romance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Body shaming, and Emotional abuse
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