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michellemaas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First Read: 4.5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Second Read: 5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen a few other people say it as well, but I'll reiterate in case you missed it: best book in the series BY FAR! So many plot points finally came to rise in this installment, including but not limited too, Malina's rule, Rip and Auren's relationship, and Midas's relationship with Auren. There were also another few plot twists that were masterfully done, so that's something to look forward to.
Going on to some specifics, we'll start with AuRip. Kennedy has been teasing us with their undeniable sexual tension and chemistry since book one, so having that be resolved in Gleam was so satisfying. I enjoyed that their relationship wasn't immediately perfect and that Auren's feelings for Midas weren't immediately resolved as soon as Rip came into her life. Also, we get arguably one of the most iconic "Who did this to you?" scenes ever, so immediate props for that.
Next, I want to discuss the multiple point-of-views. Kennedy has been including multiple perspectives in this series since book 1, but this is the first book where I felt that truly added something to the stories. We got chapters from Auren, Midas, Rip, and Malina's perspectives and Kennedy did a masterful job of conveying each character's essence in their chapter. At the end of the book, we also get the climax told from both Auren and Rip's point-of-view which was especially cool as we always wonder what's going on in the other main charter' head when something big happens.
Then there was the inclusion of "the wrath". We got to see quite a bit more on them in Gleam and it was very refreshing. They are without a doubt some of the best charters in the series so having them be featured more was a definite highlight. I am crossing my fingers that some of them (I am totally talking about Lu) get their own chapters told from their perspectives in the next book.
I also can't do this review without mentioned Auren's meltdown. LEGENDARY I say. It was so well written and such a perfect end to her arc with Midas. Everything about the scene was brilliant and I want to give a shoutout to that.
Lastly, I just want to commend Kennedy for the way she resolved her plotlines. She brought an end to several storylines that started in book 1, without leeching the plot for future books. The way she resolved the plotlines she chose to end gave rise to new ones in a way that was fresh and makes me excited for the 4th installment.
Great book and great writing. In case it wasn't clear, I am sitting on the edge of my seat until the next book gets released.
P.S. I am pretty sure I have mentioned this on every entry I've done on this series, but there are some major From Blood and Ash vibes to this series, so if you liked this series and are looking for something to read until Glow comes out, you should definitely give it a try.
Second Read: 5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've seen a few other people say it as well, but I'll reiterate in case you missed it: best book in the series BY FAR! So many plot points finally came to rise in this installment, including but not limited too, Malina's rule, Rip and Auren's relationship, and Midas's relationship with Auren. There were also another few plot twists that were masterfully done, so that's something to look forward to.
Going on to some specifics, we'll start with AuRip. Kennedy has been teasing us with their undeniable sexual tension and chemistry since book one, so having that be resolved in Gleam was so satisfying. I enjoyed that their relationship wasn't immediately perfect and that Auren's feelings for Midas weren't immediately resolved as soon as Rip came into her life. Also, we get arguably one of the most iconic "Who did this to you?" scenes ever, so immediate props for that.
Next, I want to discuss the multiple point-of-views. Kennedy has been including multiple perspectives in this series since book 1, but this is the first book where I felt that truly added something to the stories. We got chapters from Auren, Midas, Rip, and Malina's perspectives and Kennedy did a masterful job of conveying each character's essence in their chapter. At the end of the book, we also get the climax told from both Auren and Rip's point-of-view which was especially cool as we always wonder what's going on in the other main charter' head when something big happens.
Then there was the inclusion of "the wrath". We got to see quite a bit more on them in Gleam and it was very refreshing. They are without a doubt some of the best charters in the series so having them be featured more was a definite highlight. I am crossing my fingers that some of them (I am totally talking about Lu) get their own chapters told from their perspectives in the next book.
I also can't do this review without mentioned Auren's meltdown. LEGENDARY I say. It was so well written and such a perfect end to her arc with Midas. Everything about the scene was brilliant and I want to give a shoutout to that.
Lastly, I just want to commend Kennedy for the way she resolved her plotlines. She brought an end to several storylines that started in book 1, without leeching the plot for future books. The way she resolved the plotlines she chose to end gave rise to new ones in a way that was fresh and makes me excited for the 4th installment.
Great book and great writing. In case it wasn't clear, I am sitting on the edge of my seat until the next book gets released.
P.S. I am pretty sure I have mentioned this on every entry I've done on this series, but there are some major From Blood and Ash vibes to this series, so if you liked this series and are looking for something to read until Glow comes out, you should definitely give it a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Abandonment, Sexism, Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Violence, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Minor: Body shaming and Mental illness
chellbear's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Death, War, Violence, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexism
Minor: Pregnancy
theheirlooms's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Sexual content
Moderate: Body horror
ktbookbug's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
RATING SYSTEM
I give up to 1 star for each category: characters, world, plot, my emotional investment, and my entertainment/interest level. My rating break down is below.
REVIEW
WOW I loved this book. HUGE payoff culminated from the journey we've been on through all 3 books. I was initially terrified to start this one when I did since the 4th one wasn't scheduled to drop until May 2022 (and at this point it was July 2021) and I didn't know if I could deal with a book hangover for that long, especially if I didn't like the ending. But honestly I'm so glad I did because the ending puts you in this perfect place where you can't wait to find out what happens next but you aren't left absolutely devastated. This book does everything right. Spoilers because I can't help but want to talk about it:
I absolutely LOVED that she saved herself with the very power that others have been controlling her whole life. I also couldn't get over how perfect the love story has been set up to be. He did not save her, he supported her and wiped the fog from her eyes so she could see her own power. He let her decide, every time. But most importantly, he was her ally first before "the love interest." He had nothing to gain because she could have walked away. And when all other books would have had a scene at the end that showed he would "burn the world for her" she not only prevented it, saving his reputation, but saved both of their lives in the process.
This is not the best or most clear book review because I'm still so wound up from it but man, I CANNOT wait until May 2022!
Here's my rating break down:
I give up to 1 star for each category: characters, world, plot, my emotional investment, and my entertainment/interest level. My rating break down is below.
REVIEW
WOW I loved this book. HUGE payoff culminated from the journey we've been on through all 3 books. I was initially terrified to start this one when I did since the 4th one wasn't scheduled to drop until May 2022 (and at this point it was July 2021) and I didn't know if I could deal with a book hangover for that long, especially if I didn't like the ending. But honestly I'm so glad I did because the ending puts you in this perfect place where you can't wait to find out what happens next but you aren't left absolutely devastated. This book does everything right. Spoilers because I can't help but want to talk about it:
This is not the best or most clear book review because I'm still so wound up from it but man, I CANNOT wait until May 2022!
Here's my rating break down:
- Characters - 1 star
- Each character, no matter how small, is so well written and has a part to play.
- World - 1 star
- Cannot WAIT to see where we go from here, through the main character's point of view AND Queen Malina's!
- Plot - 1 star
- Everything tied up so nicely and everything played out better than I could have expected or thought of myself.
- Emotional Investment - 1 star
- I think I read this all in one sitting, it was insane. Loved every second of it.
- Entertainment/Interest - 1 star
- I can't think of one dull moment throughout this whole book, everything seemed so intentional and important.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Torture
Minor: Death and Gaslighting
corporial's review against another edition
dark
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, Torture, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, and Drug use
folkofthebook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Each book just gets better. Firstly, the slow burn of #Aurip pays off … UNFFFF. There is one scene that though I saw it coming was very hard to read. I have to see how it plays out from here. The political intrigue is thickening, I used to hate Malina’s POV but I appreciated it this time around. Can’t believe I’m going to have to wait for the next (final?) book in this dark horse of a series. Til then!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Torture
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