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lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
5.0
I know vampires aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. But this book was a great vampire fantasy. It was also super long, which I appreciate from time to time so I can curl up with my characters for days on end. The vampires in this novel are not good guys; they are not romantic lovers. They are nasty killers, full stop. And our vampire hunting hero is a prisoner telling his tale to a vampire historian. Gabriel reminds me of the Witcher. Gruff, tough, and yet a softy at heart. Other reviewers have criticized this novel for how women are represented. But I didn’t find that to be true; there are very strong women in the character lineup, and unlike other fantasy novels they don’t live to serve men or go to bed with them. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next novel in the series to be written!
dothelindyhop's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
eheust's review against another edition
Couldn’t get myself out of a reading slump so will come back to this.
julesbarthe10's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
Belmont from castlevania and geralt from the Witcher are made into one as Gabriel the non hero who is here for vengeance and alcohol. Combining interview of the vampire, a similar vibe of Nevernight, and the quest for the holy grail this book was absolutely fantastic and fun to read. The quirks of each character, the twists and sadness to the tale. Jay Kristoff has sucked me into another series.
kashna83's review against another edition
5.0
Mi 2º libro de Kristoff (1º fue Nuncanoche... y no me gustó, aunque seguramente en algún momento le daré la oportunidad a la 2ª parte...)
Este, en cambio, me ha gustado muchísimo: la historia, los personajes...
Me ha sorprendido y me ha emocionado.
Esperando con ganas la continuación.
Este, en cambio, me ha gustado muchísimo: la historia, los personajes...
Me ha sorprendido y me ha emocionado.
Esperando con ganas la continuación.
natsocenis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ava_bean1717's review against another edition
3.5
I’m not too sure how I feel about this. The first half I hated. But the last portion was alright and I actually really enjoyed. I would pick up the rest of the series , so long as it’s like the latter half of the book. So I’m stuck between a 3 and a 4 leaving me at 3.5⭐️
dedere's review against another edition
5.0
I would give 4,7/5 points, and I have to add, this might have been the best fantasy book I've read in the last few years.
I just love long books. If used right, the more details about the world, plot, characters..., the better for the reader and easier for them to transport themselves into the book. And this was all just done beautifully within the book. There is also so much space for the reader to work out the little details and events in the story on their own (and then celebrate their detective work).
I did have few doubts at first - about the story being told in retrospect and in two timelines, about narration switching between 1st and 3rd person point of view, and about the world's religion reminding very closely of an actual existing one. However, all those concerns were a false alarm on my side and I totally lost them after few chapters.
And well, MC is just loveable. 'Tall, dark and damaged' - exactly how we like them.
There's only one thing that makes me give (only) 4.7 points. The story is told in retrospect and some things are hinted before we actually get to them in the plot. Due to them being hinted on, I found it a bit hard to relate to the events emotionally as much as I'd like to. I could not cry or celebrate with the characters as I love to.
Overall, I am very hyped for the second book. I have a big fat theory about one thing, and since I luckily haven't seen any spoilers so far, I can't wait to be proven right/wrong!
I just love long books. If used right, the more details about the world, plot, characters..., the better for the reader and easier for them to transport themselves into the book. And this was all just done beautifully within the book. There is also so much space for the reader to work out the little details and events in the story on their own (and then celebrate their detective work).
I did have few doubts at first - about the story being told in retrospect and in two timelines, about narration switching between 1st and 3rd person point of view, and about the world's religion reminding very closely of an actual existing one. However, all those concerns were a false alarm on my side and I totally lost them after few chapters.
And well, MC is just loveable. 'Tall, dark and damaged' - exactly how we like them.
There's only one thing that makes me give (only) 4.7 points. The story is told in retrospect and some things are hinted before we actually get to them in the plot. Due to them being hinted on, I found it a bit hard to relate to the events emotionally as much as I'd like to. I could not cry or celebrate with the characters as I love to.
Overall, I am very hyped for the second book. I have a big fat theory about one thing, and since I luckily haven't seen any spoilers so far, I can't wait to be proven right/wrong!
jkaym89's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0