Scan barcode
saurahsaurus'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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Self harm, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Blood, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Murder, Suicide attempt, Confinement, Gore, and Violence
readwithde's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? No
4.25
My opinion on this book changed frequently, but I think, in the end, that's what partly made it excellent and definitely memorable.
I appreciated how the early sections of lore and worldbuilding were handling all *in media res* as Red prepared to leave for the Wilderwood. For the first 100-ish pages, though, most of Red's story is lore and worldbuilding with little character development or character building. Her sister Neve, friend Raffe, and beau Arick all enjoy time apart from this influx of lore, and therfore are much more interesting towards the start of the story.
As Red learns to live with the Wolf and the others bound, Fife and Lysa, she grows in both knowledge and power, as well as developing a strong bond with Eammon, the Wolf. The middle of the book shines with their budding partnership and slow-burn romance, effectively pushing Neve's narrative to the side.
The conclusion was a bit jarring for me.The deck was stacked for a courtly intrigue/persuasive fight between the sisters, but quickly veered off course to what seemed like a climatic end. As things started towards a denouement, the action picks back up, the descriptions moving so quickly I had trouble understanding what was actually happening. It did slow back down, giving the characters a proper battle and more complete ending, but it still felt a bit vague and hollow to me.
Some of the most interesting worldbuilding I've read in a long time, and very descriptive magic; captivating.
I appreciated how the early sections of lore and worldbuilding were handling all *in media res* as Red prepared to leave for the Wilderwood. For the first 100-ish pages, though, most of Red's story is lore and worldbuilding with little character development or character building. Her sister Neve, friend Raffe, and beau Arick all enjoy time apart from this influx of lore, and therfore are much more interesting towards the start of the story.
As Red learns to live with the Wolf
The conclusion was a bit jarring for me.
Some of the most interesting worldbuilding I've read in a long time, and very descriptive magic; captivating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Minor: Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Murder, and Sexual content
More...