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_viv_'s review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Firstly can we all appreciate the cover art! It's stunning and what originally got me into picking up this book. Then I read the blurb and I knew it was for me. Roadtrip (urban) fantasy/dystopian books are my absolute favorite niche and I want to find more of them. Which "The Black Veins" fit right into.
I loved this book for a number of reasons: the found family trope, the urban fantasy setting that incorporated its magics well, the characters. This book is extremely character-driven, while the plot is always there overhanging and influencing their actions...it's still a roadtrip book. There are teenage shenanigans mixed in that I guess you could say distract from the plot if that's what your focus is entirely on. Personally I think there's a good balance between the two, but I am bias because I love the characters so much.
That being said there are a few nitpick details to go over. Mainly, I was upset that Jamie (Blythe's friend) was almost entirely forgotten/relevant after the first few chapters. I feel like we could've taken them out of the book, said Blythe has friends at home but is mostly a loner, and nothing would really change. If I remember correctly they're mentioned only a few times and Blythe never really pays them much mind. We are told the two have a tight friendship/bond but that's largely ignored.
Secondly, there are a few spelling or grammar errors throughout the book. None of that really bothered me but I did catch a couple.
Lastly, with such a large cast of characters I find that a few traits fail the "show don't tell" test. While I'm not super big on using that term, as I think there are a ton of acceptations to that "rule." The reader sometimes just gets told things about the character's friendships or relationships with each other. Though this detail was so minor it didn't hinder or bother my reading experience.
Summary:
This book fits my niche and I love it to bits. The cover is gorgeous and the characters are amazing. A few details like the lack of Jamie's character after they are introduced, spelling errors, and the reading being told things are in this book. But the flaws are so minimum that it never really hindered my experience reading.
Graphic: Kidnapping and Violence
directorpurry's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Confinement, and Blood
Moderate: Car accident
liaandersson's review
- 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
Graphic: Violence and Stalking
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Car accident, and Racism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
longlost's review
- 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
5.0
I knew I had to read this book the minute I read the "no-love-interest, found family adventure you’ve been searching for," tag in the summary. And while it took me a little while to really get into the story, I'm glad I stuck it out because it was all worth it for that ending.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is its characters. The development between the Guardians' relationship was incredible, both heartwarming and heartbreaking when it needed to be. I adored each and every one of them; Blythe for her determination to rescue her family, Cordelia for how
Ashia Monet crafts a rich inner world just beyond the reach of the Common - where magic sings in your veins, and where dangers lurk in every corner. While I was incredibly attached to the Guardians and their characters, the other characters that Monet places into this world were just as full of depth and each provided a new window into this world of magic that the book draws us into. Despite their brief appearance, I loved reading about Jamie and their attempts to befriend Blythe, and Katia was frustratingly endearing even if I still don't understand a lot of her character.
You can really feel the love Monet has for this world in her writing. The fondess for the characters, the detail for the world they inhabit, the power behind this found family adventure that comprises of queer POC teenagers finding themselves and finding each other. Every word is crafted with such care, such indisputable respect for each of the characters and their stories. I can't stress enough how much I loved reading about the Guardians and their storylines. Definitely a book I'd recommend to anyone fond of the found family trope, and to anyone who's looking for a road trip rescue mission with a lot of bonding and some bombass worldbuilding.
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Cursing, and Gore
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Car accident, and Grief
Minor: Death, Transphobia, Death of parent, and Panic attacks/disorders
Content warnings from the author: Discussion of deceased parents, siblings, and potential parental and familial death. Description of mild bloodshed in violent scenes. Mention of drugs and drug use, primarily marijuana. Gun use. Supernatural horror in the form of monsters, primarily found in Chapters 6, 12, and 25. Car accident in Chapter 19 Discussion of anxiety disorders and panic disorders primarily found in Chapters 22, 23, and 25 Racial n-word slur, ending in -a, found in Chapter 21 (before you drag me, yes, I am Black). Mild anxiety attack in Chapter 25. GRAPHIC: Cursing: The characters curse quite often. Kidnapping: The book is about Blythe's journey to rescue her family after they are kidnapped. Violence / gore: There are various fight scenes throughout the book. MODERATE: Adult/minor relationship: Blythe makes the observation thatyvonne_cl's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
waterlilyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gun violence and Racial slurs
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
ramunepocky's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The ending goddamn made me cry, and I just very much would like more of them please and thanks !!!
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Drug use and Car accident
margotnelson's review
- 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
3.0
I'd say if you're looking for a fun, slightly corny book of magic antics with a diverse cast of goofy teenagers, this is a good pick!
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, and Cursing
Moderate: Stalking, Blood, Car accident, and Confinement
Minor: Gun violence, Grief, Death, and Death of parent