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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Slavery, Trafficking, Torture, Violence, Sexism, and Body horror
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Vomit
alannah_m'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
4.25
This book was so compelling that I read it pretty much in one day. The characters were fantastic, and no spoilers but while a little predictable, I loved where the story went. While I’m taking .75 off for pacing, because I felt the ending was a little rushed, overall I really enjoyed this. At first I thought maybe it was a little too happy but, you know what? Why shouldn’t books be happy- especially right now.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Torture
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Murder, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Slavery
plumpaperbacks'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
This is one of the most unique, immersive stories I’ve read in some time. Forna created a brilliantly intricate world that, despite a few basic similarities to other fictional worlds, is overall unlike any I’ve read about before. The mythology is so vivid it nearly seems real, the creatures and setting so impressively creative, yet none of it is confusing or difficult to understand.
Forna outdid herself writing a complex, diverse and lovable cast of characters. Deka is a protagonist I rooted for as soon as I met her, and it took very little time for me to be equally charmed by her friends, Britta, Belcalis, and Adwapa. These girls have endured so many hardships and gotten stronger because of them, without losing their vulnerability or the best parts of their personalities. Not only were they all great on their own, but their friendship was phenomenal and so heartwarming. One of the best girl squads I’ve ever read about, undeniably.
I would say the romance was one of the best parts, but honestly, every part of this book could be described the same way. The romance is subtle until the final third of the book, when it becomes clear that Deka and Keita have feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. Their slow-burn romance is memorable because it’s written differently than those in so many other books. It’s focused not on passion and lust but a deep connection between two people, a tender, unwavering affection. I love them so much, more than I can express.
Although the ending was emotional in numerous ways, it wasn’t a cliffhanger, and I appreciate that very much. Even without one, I’m extremely eager for the second book. I’ll be eagerly awaiting any scrap of news I can find.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s spectacular in every aspect, and the fact that it’s Forna’s debut novel is mind-blowing. I can definitely see the Deathless trilogy becoming an all-time favorite, since the first book is already there. Highly, highly recommended for those who can handle the content.
Representation
- Black protagonist
- side characters of color (includes Black rep)
- sapphic side characters
- minor sapphic side romance (f/f)
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Gore, Death, Blood, Body horror, Torture, Misogyny, Sexism, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Racism, Racial slurs, Self harm, Xenophobia, Body shaming, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Genocide, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia, Pregnancy, Trafficking, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
It can be very grotesque at times, so be careful if you’re squeamish.adelaidebijou's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death of parent, Gore, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
kimi72714'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
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Death, Murder, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Death of parent, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Vomit, and Excrement
There are distressing themes in this book, but they are within context, handled well in the text, and to be expected for a book about young, female soldiers.charlottesomewhere's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
introvertinterrupted'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? It's complicated
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Violence, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Trafficking, and Grief
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
mindforbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This is probably aimed more at the younger side of YA, even though it's super violent, so it's hard for me to review because it's not really for me, but I was entertained and I enjoyed the characters. I'll be interested to see where the story goes in the future books as it felt like this could be a standalone.
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Vomit, Slavery, Physical abuse, Gore, Emotional abuse, Death, and Misogyny
Minor: Rape and Child abuse