Reviews tagging 'War'

La Oradora by Traci Chee

2 reviews

nighttgarden's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I didn't rlly like what Archer did, but it was very understandable.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Torture, Trafficking, Violence, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death, Death of parent, War, Domestic abuse, and Gun violence

emily_mh's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Definitely some mixed feelings about this second instalment so here goes nothing! 

First up, Sefia and Archer’s storyline, which bored me to tears. It was SO repetitive and chapters in their perspective didn’t move the plot along much. It was also filled to the brim with angsty allocishet romance which has to be my least favourite thing on this planet. I also seem to remember that their perspectives are the focus of the book, which means this read dragged for me. On the other hand, the other POVs were sick!! There was treasure hunting, political intrigue and QUEER love!!! I just wanted the whole book about the others and their nuanced and intriguing situations. Reed was once again such an interesting character. This book really explored how he is so focussed on immortality that he forgets act honourably while chasing honourable deeds. 

Some other positives! This instalment followed up on the meta elements of the first, raising questions of predetermination and free will that I found chilling and fascinating all at once. Also, the ending ended up being super engaging. 

But one last negative: the world-building is still very much lacking. It continues to feel flat and in need of some serious fleshing out. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Murder, and Gun violence

Moderate: Mental illness, Death of parent, Child death, Gore, Kidnapping, Trafficking, Suicide, Torture, Alcohol, Physical abuse, Pandemic/Epidemic, Suicide attempt, War, and Child abuse

Minor: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Rape, Animal death, Slavery, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Dementia, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Excrement, Cancer, Terminal illness, Medical content, Suicidal thoughts, Drug abuse, and Addiction

Moderate: PTSD, loss of a loved one Minor: fainting, gambling