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acrosstheskyinstars's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely adored this book! It's going on my list of top books of 2024. This is a feminist retelling of the King Arthur story from the perspective of The Lady of Shalott. I've been trying to find this again ever since I read Avalon High in high school. I loved this take on the story and I honestly loved the character of Elaine. I found her relatable, as someone with a tendency to not let others get too close. I can't recommend this enough to anyone who loves retellings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, War, Gore, Mental illness, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
eve_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ Sebastian uses Elaine's Seer abilities to develop a powerful narrative about anxiety, control, and safety.
⁕ I've read a lot of Arthurian retellings, and this one is certainly one of the most creative. Not only are the events and relationships between characters rearranged, but there is a much greater emphasis on players that are usually secondary to the main story. Getting to see their motivations and arcs reimagined was such a treat.
⁕ [spoiler] I'm still struggling to determine whether or not I believe this to be a truly feminist text. On one hand, Elaine claims that she makes the "choice" to accept her fate of drowning at the end of the book, and a core principle of feminism is that women, in fact, get to choose how to live their lives. On the other hand, does fate really allow choice? It seems like she was actually just backed into a corner and accepted it.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ Sebastian uses Elaine's Seer abilities to develop a powerful narrative about anxiety, control, and safety.
⁕ I've read a lot of Arthurian retellings, and this one is certainly one of the most creative. Not only are the events and relationships between characters rearranged, but there is a much greater emphasis on players that are usually secondary to the main story. Getting to see their motivations and arcs reimagined was such a treat.
⁕ [spoiler] I'm still struggling to determine whether or not I believe this to be a truly feminist text. On one hand, Elaine claims that she makes the "choice" to accept her fate of drowning at the end of the book, and a core principle of feminism is that women, in fact, get to choose how to live their lives. On the other hand, does fate really allow choice? It seems like she was actually just backed into a corner and accepted it.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexism, Confinement, Infidelity, Death, and War
caidyn's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Major Circe vibes from this book. I fully expect I'll enjoy this more on a reread. But I enjoyed it the first time around. A fresh take on Arthurian mythos while empowering the women who are so shunted to the side and used for male growth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
bookishkale's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual assault
Minor: Abandonment, Body horror, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Suicide
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