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toffishay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
I found the plot interesting and I love Dante and Alessa, but some of the character relationships were grating, <SPOILER> especially with Alessa's family and relationship with Renata and Tomo. They are given redemption of some sort and to varying degrees by the end, but because so much of the middle of the book is dedicated to Alessa learning to work with the Fontes, the resolution with the family, Renata, and Tomo feel a little undeserved. Some people who actively betrayed Alessa were far too readily forgiven in my opinion. I also am uncomfortable with the implication at the end of the book that those who have been prosecuted by the dominate culture and government would be recruited to be an army on their behalf. And that is the term used, not that they would necessarily be reintegrated into the community or asked for forgiveness, but that they needed them as fodder in the coming fight. It may be addressed tactfully in the inevitable next edition, but I am wary. <END SPOILER> The book is funny though and the relationships develop in interesting ways. The understanding paid to Alessa's isolation and pain is really well done too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Blood, Alcohol, War, Death, Murder, Xenophobia, Violence, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Grief, Genocide, Confinement, and Child death
Moderate: Abandonment
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an alc of this book.
The Finestra has one job--to find a Fonte, enhance their power, and save the island from the encroaching demon army. But Alessa is unable to touch a fonte without killing them, and her time is running out.
This book was so good! I absolutely devoured the audiobook and could hardly put it down to sleep. Alessa is an amazing main character and I love her growth and passion and raw need. I love that her strength is in the way she loves and not just her magical powers. I love the lessons of family and togetherness and hope and faith. The magic system is so interesting and I loved watching Alessa learn to wield her gift. And, of course, I love Dante.
The Finestra has one job--to find a Fonte, enhance their power, and save the island from the encroaching demon army. But Alessa is unable to touch a fonte without killing them, and her time is running out.
This book was so good! I absolutely devoured the audiobook and could hardly put it down to sleep. Alessa is an amazing main character and I love her growth and passion and raw need. I love that her strength is in the way she loves and not just her magical powers. I love the lessons of family and togetherness and hope and faith. The magic system is so interesting and I loved watching Alessa learn to wield her gift. And, of course, I love Dante.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide attempt
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