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sophiesmovingcastle's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This type of fantasy fiction is not usually my cup of tea, but I was pleasantly intrigued by this shrouded fairytale-like world, dominated by "cards". Found it refreshing how confined this world was, especially when a lot of fantasy lit tends to flesh out whole countries or worlds even. The isolated setting helped add even more to that looming sense I felt as I read.
Characters do take a backseat here, compared to the unique word /magic system, they all felt a bit generic - if you're expecting morally grey leads, you're not going to get them here.
However, if you don't mind the occasional moments that make you think that was a bit convenient, I'd recommend this as a unique fantasy. Will check out the sequel when I can.
Characters do take a backseat here, compared to the unique word /magic system, they all felt a bit generic - if you're expecting morally grey leads, you're not going to get them here.
However, if you don't mind the occasional moments that make you think that was a bit convenient, I'd recommend this as a unique fantasy. Will check out the sequel when I can.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
wellreadandhalfdead's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This captivating realm of mystique and dark fantasy is a wild ride. Gillig pulls of a ground breaking magic system unlike any I have seen in other fantasy novels. The intricate card based magical system is nothing short of phenomenal and leaves me wanting to have an actual collection of my own of providence cards. This was utterly gripping until the very end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit, Murder, Gaslighting, and Violence
Moderate: Grief and Sexual content
mtorma13's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Child death and Child abuse
neffypants's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
The world building of this book is absolutely fantastic, from the way the magic system is set up to the way it is used throughout the whole. How Espeth talks with the nightmare is fantastic and really gives a certain kind of perspective to the FMC than just a 'damsel in distress' . Also, I wouldn't call this a enemies to lovers, but it has that vibe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
payton_layne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Sexual content
jaeru33's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual content
gracemcbee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Blood, and Violence
peppermint_pink's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Thoroughly enjoyed the writing in this one. I usually dislike love interests at first but Ravyn is just wonderful and Elspeth is an awesome, pretty grounded protagonist. Highly recommend! Also, the magic system's rules are quite interesting and reminds me of equivalent exchange in alchemy. Everything has a price.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Death
Minor: Death of parent
alba_1994's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This had a great premise. I just felt the character design was very shallow which resulted in inconsistent actions and undeep relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
Moderate: Genocide, Murder, Child death, Death of parent, Child abuse, Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content