Scan barcode
kidcorvus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
First, I'll say that the world-building in this novel is incredible. It feels entirely fleshed out, realistic in ways that many books aren't with all its lost and warped history. The customs of the world's people feel believable, and understandable as a response to the world itself.
That being said, I had a lot of trouble, particularly near the start of the novel, with the narrative style. It felt almost condescending at times, and I was a bit confused by who the target audience is -- the voice seemed to be intended for younger teens, but there is heavy content that doesn't feel all that appropriate for most 13 year olds (as one can see from the looooong list of trigger warnings). The style did settle in eventually, though, seeming to figure itself out. There were still a couple of issues with pacing, with characters often coming to realizations a page or two later than me (despite it being written as if it was a Big Reveal to both the character and the reader), or figured something out that I hadn't yet, without quite fully explaining the realization (which was never too much of a problem since I pieced them together after a page or so, but did make me feel as though I was lagging behind).
I found that some of the heavy content felt a bit overdone or sensational, especially right at the start but also in combat scenes throughout the book. That's the nature of the genre, though, so I can't hold it against the novel too hard.
I thought that the perspective changes were well done, and details were woven in throughout the story that supported the slight twist that happens near the end.
That being said, I had a lot of trouble, particularly near the start of the novel, with the narrative style. It felt almost condescending at times, and I was a bit confused by who the target audience is -- the voice seemed to be intended for younger teens, but there is heavy content that doesn't feel all that appropriate for most 13 year olds (as one can see from the looooong list of trigger warnings). The style did settle in eventually, though, seeming to figure itself out. There were still a couple of issues with pacing, with characters often coming to realizations a page or two later than me (despite it being written as if it was a Big Reveal to both the character and the reader), or figured something out that I hadn't yet, without quite fully explaining the realization (which was never too much of a problem since I pieced them together after a page or so, but did make me feel as though I was lagging behind).
I found that some of the heavy content felt a bit overdone or sensational, especially right at the start but also in combat scenes throughout the book. That's the nature of the genre, though, so I can't hold it against the novel too hard.
I thought that the perspective changes were well done, and details were woven in throughout the story that supported the slight twist that happens near the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gore, Grief, Sexual content, and Torture
Minor: Vomit and Pedophilia
Child death appears right at the start of the book, without buildup, so be prepared for thatyrioona's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It took me a long time to get to this book, despite lots of recommendations, because I'm not really a fantasy reader, but I'm so glad I did! The characters are compelling, the worldbuilding is incredibly well thought out, the prose is beautiful, the story is gut-wrenching and suspenseful. NK Jemisin uses her alternate world to explore deep real-world conflicts and anxieties without being heavy-handed or skimping on the details that make this universe feel rich and textured and real. Plus there are canon queer and trans characters! There were a couple plot points that felt too predictable and overly foreshadowed for me, but that didn't stop me from buying the next book in the series the second I finished this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Torture, Slavery, Physical abuse, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Genocide, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Mental illness
Minor: Vomit
imiji's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
okay okay okay i understand the hype now. n.k. jemisin's worldbuilding is so good it is simply not to be believed, she handles three parallel timelines with frankly mind-blowing ease, and her wryly observant / massively-scaled / profoundly moving prose carries the whole thing. to finish this on the eve of a national election was terrifying and timely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Cannibalism and Vomit
More...