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tired_cicada's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Listen I am a simple woman. You give me a sad man who is so unbelievably in love with a woman and I will fold every time.
That said, don’t go into this expecting a romance. It’s a mystery through and through.
It did start off really slow, but picked up eventually.
The mystery was done well. I managed to guess the killer but in a way that made me feel accomplished for figuring it out. Not in a “oh this was so predictable” kinda way.
Handles delicate situations like death, social injustice, and the ramifications of war (including but not limited to PTSD) with grace.
This implication that Damian is on the aroace spectrum (Demi) was so nice to see!
Very good! I enjoyed it!
That said, don’t go into this expecting a romance. It’s a mystery through and through.
It did start off really slow, but picked up eventually.
The mystery was done well. I managed to guess the killer but in a way that made me feel accomplished for figuring it out. Not in a “oh this was so predictable” kinda way.
Handles delicate situations like death, social injustice, and the ramifications of war (including but not limited to PTSD) with grace.
Very good! I enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Abandonment, Dementia, Murder, and Blood
Minor: Sexual content and Torture
scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
2.5
An interesting religion based magic, good world-building, but I just couldn't quite connect well with the characters or the plot. Might still give the sequel a chance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
mattiedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Writing: 3.75⭐️/5
The writing in this novel was solid, but not outstandingly strong. At times, sections fell flat and felt a bit typical, but overall it was a solidly written read.
Characters: 4⭐️/5
The characters were interesting and engaging. I enjoyed seeing the world through their eyes. Again, at times I felt Lobb leaned a bit too heavily on certain tropes.
Plot: 4.25⭐️/5
I really enjoyed the world and how Lobb brought it to life. In turn, the plot really felt engaging and intriguing. I did really love how the fantasy elements mixed in with the murder mystery plot.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of fantasy and mystery novels
- Those okay with a Young Adult (~15+) read
- Those looking for a quick read with an intriguing concept
Content Warnings?
- Death of a parent, death, illness, war, sexual content, child death, violence
Post-Reading Rating: 4⭐️/5
Would have definitely picked up the second book in the series if it was out.
Final Rating: 4⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child death, Death of parent, War, Sexual content, Chronic illness, Death, and Mental illness
kirstenf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Classism, Murder, Grief, Alcohol, War, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual content
frantically's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.0
I loved the world building in this and I'm always here for a good friends-to-enemies-to-lovers but the characterisation was off at times — there's this obvious goal of making Roz into a morally grey character and it doesn't work at all. I'm not gonna start thinking that a woman's whose a part of the rebellion is morally grey just because of it (no matter how much Damian was convinced of it). There's a lot of telling and little of showing and I just wish I could've been more immersed into the story. I have to say, I absolutely loved the writing style though! Some of the quotes about their relationship...damn, that's a romance writer in the making 😉
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Gun violence, Violence, War, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, Mental illness, Religious bigotry, and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual content
moonchild_cos's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Violence, Gun violence, Death of parent, Murder, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Sexual content, War, and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Mental illness, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Cursing, and Dementia
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Unique world, has interesting commentary about belief. Note context some language and sexual situations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
dinipandareads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.75
I received this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good YA/NA fantasy thriller debut that I really enjoyed! Unfortunately, I read this during a tumultuous time in my life so it took me an uncharacteristically long time to read it; however, I'm 100% certain that if I had read this at any other time, I would've flown through it one sitting because it had that unputdownable quality that made me want to keep reading to learn the truth! Though not all the twists were entirely surprising, they did keep me on my toes and eager to see if my theories proved correct. That said, while this story balances being plot and character driven very well, it was the characters who, IMO, made this great! I already can't wait for the next book because I need to know what happens next—dark things are definitely coming their way and I can't wait to see just what it turns out to be.
This was a fast-paced murder mystery and I really enjoyed Lobb's writing. It was descriptive enough to get a good sense of the story's atmosphere and the author did a great job of ramping up the tension as more truths are revealed the further we progress. It's set in the city of Ombrazia and there's a bleakness to it that sets quite an eerie and sombre mood that fits with the oppressiveness of this society where the saints blessed are rewarded and the unfavoured are expendable. I liked the glimpses that we get into the history of Ombrazia, the lore of the seven saints, and the blessings they bestow, but I wanted more. I wouldn't say it was 'info dumping' at the start but the world-building wasn't consistent and it was very surface-level when we could've got more detail about the way the world works (rather than, let's say, the more romantic aspects)! I also wasn't entirely sure if this had a more historical or modern setting as it wasn't very clear.
Even though I would've liked to know more about the world, it didn't present too much of a problem for me because where the author really excelled was in the characters and their relationships with themselves, each other, and society. Told in alternative perspectives, I love how we really get to understand both Roz and Damian throughout the story, and there is something about the way they're written that made them feel so real and their connection so personal. While they might not always be entirely likeable, I think they're both very easy to empathise with and root for. Roz, the more morally grey of the two, presents a much tougher murderous exterior because she wears her anger and grief like a shield around her. She's not just thirsty for revenge but to dismantle the oppressive system that keeps the unfavoured down. I think her character was pretty straightforward in her motives but I thought Lobb did a fantastic job portraying her journey with grief and coming to terms with the anger and love that she warrs with internally. As much as I liked Roz, it was Damian who I thought was the more nuanced and interesting character with his crisis of faith, his daddy issues, and his PTSD from the war. He's always been the good devout son who does everything by the book, even when it ends up hurting others. He was admittedly a bit of a drone in the first few chapters but that changes the minute Roz re-enters his frame and he starts to question his faith, all while he struggles with his actions in the war. He had such a soft and kind (albeit misguided) heart in this bear of a package and I'm a sucker for those kinds of characters!
I absolutely LOVED the yin-yang of Roz and Damian's chemistry. I was constantly wondering if they were gonna kill each other or maybe hug it out. And that's not to say that their physical chemistry wasn't there because they had it in spades! They were so well-balanced as she would make him question his unquestioning subservience and he would soften her sharp edges. I really loved these two together and there were moments when my heart was in my throat with worry, and honestly, did the ending of this book really change that? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! 😂 But seriously, they also had so much romantic chemistry! This is peak friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-frenemy lovers and if you love a simp, then you'll definitely love Damian. His simphood energy was off the charts cos he worshipped at the altar of Roz and some of the things he said really had me melting. 🥹 Safe to say, the author has me *invested* in these two!
Other than these two and their very alive chemistry, there was quite a big cast of side characters from both sides. Sadly, both groups of secondary characters were one-dimensional and interchangeable as nothing about them stood out, especially with Damian's fellow guards at the palazzo. I think if these characters were a little bit more developed it would help to increase the tension and stakes of the story as there would be more people to care about. As it is now, I don't particularly care if anything were to happen to them. Overall though, I thought that this was a great debut and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This was a good YA/NA fantasy thriller debut that I really enjoyed! Unfortunately, I read this during a tumultuous time in my life so it took me an uncharacteristically long time to read it; however, I'm 100% certain that if I had read this at any other time, I would've flown through it one sitting because it had that unputdownable quality that made me want to keep reading to learn the truth! Though not all the twists were entirely surprising, they did keep me on my toes and eager to see if my theories proved correct. That said, while this story balances being plot and character driven very well, it was the characters who, IMO, made this great! I already can't wait for the next book because I need to know what happens next—dark things are definitely coming their way and I can't wait to see just what it turns out to be.
This was a fast-paced murder mystery and I really enjoyed Lobb's writing. It was descriptive enough to get a good sense of the story's atmosphere and the author did a great job of ramping up the tension as more truths are revealed the further we progress. It's set in the city of Ombrazia and there's a bleakness to it that sets quite an eerie and sombre mood that fits with the oppressiveness of this society where the saints blessed are rewarded and the unfavoured are expendable. I liked the glimpses that we get into the history of Ombrazia, the lore of the seven saints, and the blessings they bestow, but I wanted more. I wouldn't say it was 'info dumping' at the start but the world-building wasn't consistent and it was very surface-level when we could've got more detail about the way the world works (rather than, let's say, the more romantic aspects)! I also wasn't entirely sure if this had a more historical or modern setting as it wasn't very clear.
Even though I would've liked to know more about the world, it didn't present too much of a problem for me because where the author really excelled was in the characters and their relationships with themselves, each other, and society. Told in alternative perspectives, I love how we really get to understand both Roz and Damian throughout the story, and there is something about the way they're written that made them feel so real and their connection so personal. While they might not always be entirely likeable, I think they're both very easy to empathise with and root for. Roz, the more morally grey of the two, presents a much tougher murderous exterior because she wears her anger and grief like a shield around her. She's not just thirsty for revenge but to dismantle the oppressive system that keeps the unfavoured down. I think her character was pretty straightforward in her motives but I thought Lobb did a fantastic job portraying her journey with grief and coming to terms with the anger and love that she warrs with internally. As much as I liked Roz, it was Damian who I thought was the more nuanced and interesting character with his crisis of faith, his daddy issues, and his PTSD from the war. He's always been the good devout son who does everything by the book, even when it ends up hurting others. He was admittedly a bit of a drone in the first few chapters but that changes the minute Roz re-enters his frame and he starts to question his faith, all while he struggles with his actions in the war. He had such a soft and kind (albeit misguided) heart in this bear of a package and I'm a sucker for those kinds of characters!
I absolutely LOVED the yin-yang of Roz and Damian's chemistry. I was constantly wondering if they were gonna kill each other or maybe hug it out. And that's not to say that their physical chemistry wasn't there because they had it in spades! They were so well-balanced as she would make him question his unquestioning subservience and he would soften her sharp edges. I really loved these two together and there were moments when my heart was in my throat with worry, and honestly, did the ending of this book really change that? READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! 😂 But seriously, they also had so much romantic chemistry! This is peak friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-frenemy lovers and if you love a simp, then you'll definitely love Damian. His simphood energy was off the charts cos he worshipped at the altar of Roz and some of the things he said really had me melting. 🥹 Safe to say, the author has me *invested* in these two!
Other than these two and their very alive chemistry, there was quite a big cast of side characters from both sides. Sadly, both groups of secondary characters were one-dimensional and interchangeable as nothing about them stood out, especially with Damian's fellow guards at the palazzo. I think if these characters were a little bit more developed it would help to increase the tension and stakes of the story as there would be more people to care about. As it is now, I don't particularly care if anything were to happen to them. Overall though, I thought that this was a great debut and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, War, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
marleywrites's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The prose of this story was magnificent. It felt simultaneously beautiful and fierce, which I appreciated. The way the religion was described by people who believed in it, contrasted with how the anger Roz felt towards it, was jarring in the best way.
Lobb wrote an engaging murder mystery, and I felt like the clues were enough that I understood the fact it was a clue, but I didn’t quite know what to do with it. And that to me was excellent because the build up to the ending and the reveal was that much better because of it. I did not see the ending coming.
I rated this a 4/5 stars because the beginning of the story was a bit slower paced for my liking, and because I felt frustrated with Roz. I understand she’s meant to be an unlikeable character, at times I felt frustrated by how easily she would throw herself into an unsafe situation for the sake of revenge. But I also understand that that’s who she is- she’s angry and seeking justice. So the character being written that way makes sense.
I will be excited to read the sequel, Disciples of Chaos. Looking forward to more by this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Classism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, War, Cursing, Gun violence, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Child death, and Suicidal thoughts
inlibrisveritas's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I loved the world-building, the mystery, and the entire plot..but what I didn't like was the lack of self-awareness when the romance plot deemed it necessary. Prickly characters are my jam, I love characters that avoid being close to others. But I don't like when they can both acknowledge the sheer magnitude of the prickliness and then be clueless about why everyone thinks the worst of them.
You can't spend 90% of your time lying, having people know you lie and then be upset when someone thinks you're lying. Come on now...get it together. She's also unnecessarily cruel towards her love interest, which is partially understandable in the beginning portion but becomes more and more unwarranted as more of the reason, motivations, and feelings are revealed.
All of that being said, by the end of the book the MCs got a point where I think the second book will go much better for me, and I am genuinely interested in seeing what more the world and it's saints have in store.
You can't spend 90% of your time lying, having people know you lie and then be upset when someone thinks you're lying. Come on now...get it together. She's also unnecessarily cruel towards her love interest, which is partially understandable in the beginning portion but becomes more and more unwarranted as more of the reason, motivations, and feelings are revealed.
All of that being said, by the end of the book the MCs got a point where I think the second book will go much better for me, and I am genuinely interested in seeing what more the world and it's saints have in store.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gun violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Sexual content
PTSD depictions