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venti's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
i liked this a lot more than i thought i would. the strength of this novel definitely resides in its characters — and also the subtle worldbuilding behind the adept. i loved ryia as a character, because oddly there is a very unexpanded upon market for unrepentant female murderers in fantasy. clem was another surprising second favourite, and i thought his air of menace was well communicated even with him not being the focus of many chapters.
there’s a little weakness in the backstory of some characters — especially ryia — but i suppose it’s expanded upon in the following entry (out july 2023) rather than vague flashbacks for her i would have preferred to live in ambiguity (or if mj kuhn had gone full throttle in favour of a backstory also) for the entirety of the book and been happy, but that’s a personal preference more than anything. i am a go big or go home kind of person.
as for the fact this is labelled as lgbtq+ i would not completely disagree with that idea but i would protest to it being a driving force for why you should read this novel. it’s very vague, but once again i suppose it’s expanded upon in the following entry, which i’m sorely wishing is releasing on schedule.
i liked it! give it a shot if you like evil women
there’s a little weakness in the backstory of some characters — especially ryia — but i suppose it’s expanded upon in the following entry (out july 2023) rather than vague flashbacks for her i would have preferred to live in ambiguity (or if mj kuhn had gone full throttle in favour of a backstory also) for the entirety of the book and been happy, but that’s a personal preference more than anything. i am a go big or go home kind of person.
as for the fact this is labelled as lgbtq+ i would not completely disagree with that idea but i would protest to it being a driving force for why you should read this novel. it’s very vague, but once again i suppose it’s expanded upon in the following entry, which i’m sorely wishing is releasing on schedule.
i liked it! give it a shot if you like evil women
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War and Body horror
theteamsreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An incredible read from beginning to end. The literal form of edge-of-seat writing and action. All characters presented well with different attitudes and skills required for the heist, and the plotting itself was superb. Definite reread required, but mixed feelings on whether or not I want a sequel. Recommend to anyone wanting a badass selection of characters (all morally grey of course), found family, huge diversity, a realistic heist, and a well thought Medieval-esque world for these characters to cause chaos in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Slavery, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, and Torture
Minor: Alcohol and Abandonment
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