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story_goblin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-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
5.0
I was slightly concerned at the beginning because something seemed off and uncomfortable about the Mothers but once it became apparent that that was on purpose, I got even more into the book than I expected to. There are very few (no?) other books that so deftly address the nuance and complications of true conflict like this one- maybe Hunger Games, but it's been too long since I've read them. All the characters have differing and complex reasons for participating in the conflict they ways that they do, and precious few (only 1, which is honestly arguable) of those reasons are "I'm just evil". As much as I want and need stories that give me hope that humanity can find a way to stop destroying everything, many of those stories oversimplify into villain vs hero. This book does not. I am slightly worried about where the next book is going- Deka being a goddess instead of humanity's rescue being human despite the very strong religion corrupts messages - but Forna surprised me with the first two books, so I'll absolutely give her the chance to surprise me again.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, Violence, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Misogyny
Moderate: Blood, Murder, Sexual violence, Torture, and Rape
Minor: Pregnancy, Classism, Cursing, and Homophobia
kshertz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is just as good as Gilded Ones. The twists and turns were fantastic. Everything I thought I knew from the first book gets turned on it’s head. There are some moments I actually gasped out loud. Other moments I had tears in my eyes. The writing is just fantastic and the underlining themes are subtle but there if you look. I just love everything about it and now I can’t wait for book 3. I have sooo many questions and theories. I love it. Officially invested highly in all these characters though so I’m hoping they all make it through book 3.
Minor: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Abandonment, Blood, and Emotional abuse
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