You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
lockleson's review against another edition
4.0
Long story short, I read this in 2020, but when I picked up book 2 last year, I was completely lost and knew I'd need to reread this one. I had to wait forever on hold for this, but it was worth it. I liked this book even better the second time around.
dedica's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
sadiestephens's review against another edition
5.0
Of all the books I’ve read, and all the books I’m likely to read in the future, I think this one will always be my favourite
shubhisinghal17's review against another edition
5.0
It's sooo good. Some people didn't like the first half of the book but that's not my opinion. I feel that the first half really helped us understand the characters better. The last 200 pages or so were explosive. I loved it overall
iwasmidnightrain's review against another edition
5.0
I did it! I have officially entered the insanely enchanting world of the Crescent City series. What a fucking journey.
I think no matter what I would have found a way to really love this book, but two pieces of advice I had seen on Reddit before diving in really made all the difference here: One, this book has a shit ton of world building, so be mentally prepared for that; Two, this first book reads like more of a murder-mystery, so try to keep that in mind. Both of these tidbits really allowed me to just slow the fuck down and enjoy the ride. And I am so glad I did.
Before I continue to rave about this book, I will say I truly had my doubts about this series beforehand. I love the ACOTAR series. The TOG series is my favorite series of all time. I thought there was no way I had any more room in my heart for a new SJM series. I had gone into this hoping to just like it, and at best finally explore more of the Maasverse crossover theories that have been floating around for years. Well, I definitely achieved the latter, but the former has been blown open wide. I didn't just like it. I loved it.
The relationships in this book are truly the best part for me. I love that the theme of this book was love, and all the types that fall under that umbrella. I love the brother-sister relationship with Ruhn and Bryce (don't even get me started on how emotional those two make me). I love the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship between Bryce and Hunt (swoon!). I love the fucking friendships! Danika and Bryce are such a beautiful, platonic otp. I cried for them so much throughout! I love the other family relationships. I even love all the different work relationships that were shown! This book clearly centers on love, and in that regard Maas knocked it out of the park.
I love Bryce as the main heroine. In a lot of ways she reminds me of a more modern version of Aelin. Ruhn reminds me of Dorian. Hunt reminds me of Rowan. Queen Hypaxia (one of the coolest characters to emerge from this book btw!) reminds me of a Yrene-Manon hybrid. I don't know if all this was intentional or if Maas just has a Type of character she likes to write in her books, but I can't wait to continue the journey with this cast of characters. All of them!
I will say, I did not enjoy the modern warfare aspects very much (guns, bombs, tanks, etc.) since I prefer traditional/high fantasy over urban, but they did fit in well with the tone of the book and the general character of the book's world. Other than that, very interesting to see how implementing modern technology raises the stakes for these characters in a lot of ways. I think the urban setting also helps to distinguish this series from Maas' other two as well.
Great plot. Great tension. Great characters. Great ending. Can't wait to read the next one!
I think no matter what I would have found a way to really love this book, but two pieces of advice I had seen on Reddit before diving in really made all the difference here: One, this book has a shit ton of world building, so be mentally prepared for that; Two, this first book reads like more of a murder-mystery, so try to keep that in mind. Both of these tidbits really allowed me to just slow the fuck down and enjoy the ride. And I am so glad I did.
Before I continue to rave about this book, I will say I truly had my doubts about this series beforehand. I love the ACOTAR series. The TOG series is my favorite series of all time. I thought there was no way I had any more room in my heart for a new SJM series. I had gone into this hoping to just like it, and at best finally explore more of the Maasverse crossover theories that have been floating around for years. Well, I definitely achieved the latter, but the former has been blown open wide. I didn't just like it. I loved it.
The relationships in this book are truly the best part for me. I love that the theme of this book was love, and all the types that fall under that umbrella. I love the brother-sister relationship with Ruhn and Bryce (don't even get me started on how emotional those two make me). I love the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship between Bryce and Hunt (swoon!). I love the fucking friendships! Danika and Bryce are such a beautiful, platonic otp. I cried for them so much throughout! I love the other family relationships. I even love all the different work relationships that were shown! This book clearly centers on love, and in that regard Maas knocked it out of the park.
I love Bryce as the main heroine. In a lot of ways she reminds me of a more modern version of Aelin. Ruhn reminds me of Dorian. Hunt reminds me of Rowan. Queen Hypaxia (one of the coolest characters to emerge from this book btw!) reminds me of a Yrene-Manon hybrid. I don't know if all this was intentional or if Maas just has a Type of character she likes to write in her books, but I can't wait to continue the journey with this cast of characters. All of them!
I will say, I did not enjoy the modern warfare aspects very much (guns, bombs, tanks, etc.) since I prefer traditional/high fantasy over urban, but they did fit in well with the tone of the book and the general character of the book's world. Other than that, very interesting to see how implementing modern technology raises the stakes for these characters in a lot of ways. I think the urban setting also helps to distinguish this series from Maas' other two as well.
Great plot. Great tension. Great characters. Great ending. Can't wait to read the next one!
alison_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
bookaroundandfindout's review against another edition
5.0
This book was extraordinary!! SJM really upped her creativity and complexity in this fantasy world. I’m amazing at how many different creature and politics, culture, and the mix of magic and technology in this novel, making it honestly of the best modern fantasy books I’ve read. I also loved that she trolled her town ACOTAR series with the mating and manly Fae men
dalinarsreads's review against another edition
5.0
this book gave me a stress headache from all the crying i did.