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silly_little_clown's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I don’t think I’ve ever read any historical fiction written in the modern times that felt so much like I was reading about people that were actually living in that era. Even the parts that were set in Japan, I felt totally immersed into the world. The author has such a way of building up atmosphere and creating dialogues that just makes everything feel so realistic despite the fact that there are some magical realism aspects to it. I also love the work that has gone into researching all the politics at the time. It’s very interesting to have a glimpse of the international power struggles in the past.
One weird thing that I really appreciate about this book is the casual racism that were expressed by multiple characters. As a POC, while I do not condone and tolerate racism, I think it’s important to acknowledge that those were the norm in those days and they usually went on unchallenged. We are growing to evolve out of it, can’t say the same about everyone, but racism is definitely not cool now. It’s not to say that the POC characters just silently takes it, I loved it when Mori casually refuted the police’s own logic when he was confronted at the end. But I’m glad that the author decided to include those things in the story, even though it might be difficult to read for some people. It made the story all the more real, and I think as readers with critical minds, we should be well equipped to understand that depiction of a horrible thing does not mean condoning of said thing.
I love Thaniel and Mori’s dynamic so much!! They’re not the kind of couple that has a lot of tension going on, but I think that made them even more lovable. The simmering longing that is just bubbling under the surface. That’s how I would describe their pining of each other. It’s especially angsty for Mori because
I must say I’m not a fan of Grace. Her
To end this review with a positive note, I can’t wait to read to spin-off and sequel! :D
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Classism, Death, Misogyny, Xenophobia, Blood, Domestic abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Murder and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Suicide attempt, War, Chronic illness, and Death of parent
hexe_19's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, Biphobia, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Police brutality
Minor: Classism and Sexism
cookiecat73's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Racism, Gun violence, Blood, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Sexism, Fire/Fire injury, and Misogyny
Minor: Outing, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Stalking, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Kidnapping, Suicide, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, and Classism
breadwitchery's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Xenophobia, Violence, and Racial slurs
Minor: Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, and Homophobia
looking4thedr's review against another edition
- 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
This book is mysterious and has wonderful payoffs at the end. I will definitely read it again sometime in the future.
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Police brutality