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eatallthestars's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I would rate higher but it just didn't have that 'spark' for my personal taste of books. Absolutely fantastic book for anyone a fan of Romeo&Juliet rewrites.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Death, Sexual harassment, and Murder
Minor: Sexism and Misogyny
irenetrexqueen's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I love twists on classics, fantasy IRL, and Russian culture, so one would think this was perfect for me and boy would they be wrong.
I like the Atlas series so I though give this one a try and honestly if not for my reading goal for the month this would have been a DNF 20% in. I dislike the explanation of the characters at the beginning, the way it is likened to a play, but lacks that structure. Almost no world building as one has to keep up with the 25 (exaggeration) characters and their 2 to 4 names. If the story was good I could get past that, but really it was the definition of meh.
I like the Atlas series so I though give this one a try and honestly if not for my reading goal for the month this would have been a DNF 20% in. I dislike the explanation of the characters at the beginning, the way it is likened to a play, but lacks that structure. Almost no world building as one has to keep up with the 25 (exaggeration) characters and their 2 to 4 names. If the story was good I could get past that, but really it was the definition of meh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Murder, Alcohol, and Bullying
Minor: Sexism
amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A spectacular r+j retelling. I don’t usually like r+j retellings as the plot is too obvious but this was a really interesting take on it. It follows two magical mob families, The Federovs-a patriarch and his three sons, and The Antanovas-a matriarch and her 7 daughters. We slowly find out the reason why they are rivals as it destroys all of their lives. A story of political intrigue, mafia deals and murders, and forbidden loves.
I loved the characters and the plot kept me guessing. The constant perspective switching was also fun. The shakespeare/r+j references were also great.
My only complaint is that Olivia Blake’s writing can sometimes be too long and flowery. It’s lovely to read but sometimes I just want to read faster.
I loved the characters and the plot kept me guessing. The constant perspective switching was also fun. The shakespeare/r+j references were also great.
My only complaint is that Olivia Blake’s writing can sometimes be too long and flowery. It’s lovely to read but sometimes I just want to read faster.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Stalking, Death, Gun violence, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual harassment, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Grief, and Sexism
gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In true Shakespearean fashion, this was full of tragedy, star crossed lovers, murder, and fae. But! It is also filled with witty dialogue, magical crimes, family secrets and drama. I loved most of the characters and wish that we got more screen time with Lev and Sasha, versus the surrounding epic of their families, but overall it was a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Drug use
Moderate: Medical trauma, Grief, and Sexism
Minor: Suicide and Sexual harassment
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