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jessieliah's review against another edition
4.0
SPOILERS! In light of the ending reveal, which I strongly suspected was what was going to happen after Emory left the castle, I actually don't see this as purely a feminist fairy tale. That is of course the context of the story. But having read it all, I see it more as a commentary on humanity's folly in trying to control nature and the inherent self-destruction that comes from doing so. I think the parallel story line of Sorrow/Fury supports this. And that the Damsel isn't a woman at all but the dragon.
At least I hope this is the point. Otherwise, as a feminist tale its very disturbing, shallow, and not at all productive to the conversation.
At least I hope this is the point. Otherwise, as a feminist tale its very disturbing, shallow, and not at all productive to the conversation.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
Trigger warnings: domestic violence and sexual assault. This is a fairy tale, but brutal. Power and beauty and the trope of the damsel in need of rescuing are explored here among sharp, cold language.
leari's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Apart from being way too predictable from the start and not having any loveable characters in it, the story was entertaining, fast-paced due to its short chapters, and quite dark. Sorrow, the lynx, was what kept me going honestly. Loved her! And the last chapter - the last page really - was exquisite.
ariamelia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Devastating in the best way. I sobbed through most of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Animal cruelty, Blood, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Violence
parpacifica's review against another edition
3.0
Damsel is a gross book. I personally think the worst, the absolutely god-awful word to describe sex has to be the word “rutting.” It just brings this horrible image in my head of two pigs having at it.
*i apologize for disturbing you with that visual.*
When the prince first used that word to describe his sexcapades, I knew he was a weird one, and that this story was going places. Also figured this book might not be for the YA audience? I definitely don’t think it is for the YA audience given the amount of blunt, sexual, lewd references. Also note that there are strong appearances of rape/assault, abuse, trauma, and so on. Oh and bestiality.
Yeah I gagged too.
I’m still a bit shocked at the ending.
Let me just say this: the story is a fantastic and twisted fairytale with a brilliant ending. I can totally see why people hate it, I was on the brink of hating it myself, but towards the middle, it completely engrossed me.
It kept me guessing at each page turn.
With an excellent...moral...shall we say?
A definite read for everyone, I believe.
*i apologize for disturbing you with that visual.*
When the prince first used that word to describe his sexcapades, I knew he was a weird one, and that this story was going places. Also figured this book might not be for the YA audience? I definitely don’t think it is for the YA audience given the amount of blunt, sexual, lewd references. Also note that there are strong appearances of rape/assault, abuse, trauma, and so on. Oh and bestiality.
Yeah I gagged too.
I’m still a bit shocked at the ending.
Let me just say this: the story is a fantastic and twisted fairytale with a brilliant ending. I can totally see why people hate it, I was on the brink of hating it myself, but towards the middle, it completely engrossed me.
It kept me guessing at each page turn.
With an excellent...moral...shall we say?
A definite read for everyone, I believe.
leurireads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
semiprecious's review against another edition
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
I wish the main character would have found her strength before the last page of the book. I wanted this to be hopeful, to show women fighting back, to maybe even feel anger, but instead it just filled me with sorrow for how the world is. Even when Sorrow was renamed Fury, it didn't feel like there was any present.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Suicide and Sexual assault
Minor: Death
readingmothman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0