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slawler's review
5.0
I loved the mythology and the subtle magic. I was pleased to finally read a book about healing from trauma and giving voice to victims.
bookph1le's review
4.0
I loved most everything about this book, but I wanted to throttle Blackthorn near the end, even though I could see why she acted the way she did. The best thing about this book, in my opinion, is Grim, who tugged at all my heartstrings.
I also want to note that I think this book's cover, while pretty, is deceptive. This isn't a princess-y romance tale, it's a fascinating and richly developed look at how trauma has affected Grim and Blackthorn. It's also an interesting story about power and how those who possess it choose to use it.
Also, Blackthorn is great. She is a strong character without diving headfirst into Strong Female Character tropes, and I loved her for it. She's also one of the most feminist characters I've read in a fantasy novel, but not in a way that seems incongruous with the setting.
The book's feminist themes about how some men deprive women of their power and agency is well-done and nuanced, and using Prince Oran as a lens for how a narrow view of masculinity also adversely affects men was an excellent literary device.
One last comment: I think other reviewers' critiques about the way female sexuality is treated in this book are fair. I'm not giving the book a pass per se, but I think the book's overall message on the subject are mixed. There are clear and emphatic messages about consent, but I found the messages about sexuality much more muddied.
I also want to note that I think this book's cover, while pretty, is deceptive. This isn't a princess-y romance tale, it's a fascinating and richly developed look at how trauma has affected Grim and Blackthorn. It's also an interesting story about power and how those who possess it choose to use it.
Also, Blackthorn is great. She is a strong character without diving headfirst into Strong Female Character tropes, and I loved her for it. She's also one of the most feminist characters I've read in a fantasy novel, but not in a way that seems incongruous with the setting.
The book's feminist themes about how some men deprive women of their power and agency is well-done and nuanced, and using Prince Oran as a lens for how a narrow view of masculinity also adversely affects men was an excellent literary device.
One last comment: I think other reviewers' critiques about the way female sexuality is treated in this book are fair. I'm not giving the book a pass per se, but I think the book's overall message on the subject are mixed. There are clear and emphatic messages about consent, but I found the messages about sexuality much more muddied.
chantellereads's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jocelyn822's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.0
adventuresofmomzilla's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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
4.0
This one started really slow, but I really liked how it all came together. It was an interesting and unique story, with great characters. I'm interested to see what happens with Blackthorn and Grim in the rest of the series.
hair_apparent's review
4.0
Considered giving this 5 stars. I really enjoyed it - but I'm comparing it (probably unfairly) to unforgettable books I've read over the years. It has a dog in it:) Plus friendship, magic and princesses.
intisarspeaks's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
3.75
I love fairy tales and this book has reignited my will to read. I immediately took to Blackthorn and hope there’s a concrete end to her revenge plot line in the rest of the trilogy. Really strong characters overall, even though i wanted less of the prince’s pov i still grew to appreciate him. Will be reading the sequels, asap no yams.
mogffm3's review
4.0
I enjoyed this audio-book. Blackthorn and Grim solve the mystery of Lady Flittis and become friends.