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dharshanirymond's review against another edition
4.0
Though the initial pace of the book was slow with more of world and character building, the story had me gripped. It is true that the mystery continues till more than 60% of the book about the antagonist and his motive, but I liked the way how slowly all the pieces of puzzle were aligned to solve the mystery. The concept of soulwalking and it's mythological connection to Sun and Moon seemed to be very fresh and interesting. I loved each and every twist in the plot. The MC, Kamai is an asexual but her feelings are contradictory to asexuality and it's logically confusing which lost more than half a star in my perspective. Hence the 4 star rating!
Watch the full spoiler free review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKBlI0_LcZU
Watch the full spoiler free review here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKBlI0_LcZU
sausome's review against another edition
2.0
The description of this book really drew me in, and, initially, the plot was fascinating. The idea that people can traverse sleeping souls; the mysterious forbidden black door; the non-information Kamai's mother gives as warning. But then it just went on and on and on, and dragged a bit, if I'm honest. Once Kamai's mother dies I just sort of lost interest in the kingdom-intrigue segment of the book, preferring to stay in the soul-walking part of the story. But the back and forth and double plot just didn't feel seamless to me, and made it a chore to return to. Disappointing, since the premise was so interesting.
whatlouiseisreading's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books where it’s not a favourite personally but I think it objectively deserves a 5 star rating. I don’t have any gripes with it at all! I thought it was great! The only reason I took so damn long to finish it is my own brain deciding I don’t like reading books anymore, which I’m actively trying to revolt against.
rheam1224's review
2.0
A unique story with beautiful imagery and engaging world-building for the souls and the religion. Absolutely intrigued and impressed by the character's journey of asexuality and romanticism with Vehyn and others. Vehyn's fortress reminded me of the alien's home in "Under the Skin" with Scarlett Johansson.
rwxtd's review against another edition
4.0
My feelings about this book changed so drastically from chapter to chapter. There was a lot of stuff that I really liked about it, but there were a few things that just drove me up a wall. The things I was most frustrated by:
1. Kamai makes some...decisions. There were a number of points where I was tearing my hair out because I was so incredibly frustrated with her course of action, because her reasoning was stupid or because she was keeping secrets and lying about things that she absolutely did not need to be lying about. Also, she changes her mind about lying/secret keeping like halfway through the book. There are reasons for it, but it's very abrupt, and I wish it were less sudden.
2. Kamai's and Vehyn's relationship is so absolutely screwed up. (I actually don't believe "screwed up" is a strong enough phrase, but I can't remember if I'm allowed to swear in these reviews.) I just... I can't. I can't with those two
That being said, there is a reason that this book gets four stars! (The reason is that I really liked it.)
1. I would die for Nikha
2. The representation was actually quite good, in my opinion. Primarily it was ace representation, because Kamai is ace, although there was also some trans representation and plenty of wlw and mlm scattered around as well. They used something called a "soul chart" to discuss sexuality/gender identity, and while it was a somewhat simplified explanation of an extremely complicated topic, it was a good way to address something that was important and deserved attention, but wasn't the main focus of the plot. It was a simplified explanation, but it was still a pretty good explanation, at least in my opinion.
3. I wasn't ever bored- there was always some question that I wanted to know the answer to, and there weren't really any plot points that I didn't care about. Even when Kamai was being foolish, I still wanted to know what happened.
4. Lots of feminism, even though they live in a very sexist society, gotta love feminism
5. Again, I would die for Nikha
I did really like this one! Even if the main character made some very questionable decisions. Love to see some good LGBTQIA+ representation. The actual plot itself is good and intriguing, and includes secret societies, political intrigue, mythology, and magic. If you're looking for ace representation in particular, this is a good book for that!
1. Kamai makes some...decisions. There were a number of points where I was tearing my hair out because I was so incredibly frustrated with her course of action, because her reasoning was stupid or because she was keeping secrets and lying about things that she absolutely did not need to be lying about. Also, she changes her mind about lying/secret keeping like halfway through the book. There are reasons for it, but it's very abrupt, and I wish it were less sudden.
2. Kamai's and Vehyn's relationship is so absolutely screwed up. (I actually don't believe "screwed up" is a strong enough phrase, but I can't remember if I'm allowed to swear in these reviews.) I just... I can't. I can't with those two
That being said, there is a reason that this book gets four stars! (The reason is that I really liked it.)
1. I would die for Nikha
2. The representation was actually quite good, in my opinion. Primarily it was ace representation, because Kamai is ace, although there was also some trans representation and plenty of wlw and mlm scattered around as well. They used something called a "soul chart" to discuss sexuality/gender identity, and while it was a somewhat simplified explanation of an extremely complicated topic, it was a good way to address something that was important and deserved attention, but wasn't the main focus of the plot. It was a simplified explanation, but it was still a pretty good explanation, at least in my opinion.
3. I wasn't ever bored- there was always some question that I wanted to know the answer to, and there weren't really any plot points that I didn't care about. Even when Kamai was being foolish, I still wanted to know what happened.
4. Lots of feminism, even though they live in a very sexist society, gotta love feminism
5. Again, I would die for Nikha
I did really like this one! Even if the main character made some very questionable decisions. Love to see some good LGBTQIA+ representation. The actual plot itself is good and intriguing, and includes secret societies, political intrigue, mythology, and magic. If you're looking for ace representation in particular, this is a good book for that!
roseth0rns's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
oletheo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
toriaalexandra's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
lisamparkin's review against another edition
4.0
Unlike anything I've ever read before. The mythology of the world in Beyond the Black Door is so interesting (three gods representing the sun, moon and earth) and woven into the story beautifully.
I love a good romance in my fantasy books, so I wasn't sure how the story would play out with a asexual main character, but I really appreciate how the author presented Kamai's feelings - especially in all the ways being biromantic asexual is nuanced.
All the twists and secrets kept me on my toes. I just simply wanted to keep reading because the world created was fascinating and dark and magical.
Recommended.
I love a good romance in my fantasy books, so I wasn't sure how the story would play out with a asexual main character, but I really appreciate how the author presented Kamai's feelings - especially in all the ways being biromantic asexual is nuanced.
All the twists and secrets kept me on my toes. I just simply wanted to keep reading because the world created was fascinating and dark and magical.
Recommended.