Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Cursed Crowns

Reviews tagging 'Animal cruelty'

Cursed Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

3 reviews

natashaleighton_'s review

adventurous emotional funny 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

4.5

It’s pacy and plot twisty, and I’m soo glad I decided to wait until closer to Burning Crowns’ release to read. As I don’t think I could’ve handled the wait after THAT ending or the rollercoaster-esque events that took place.

Suffice to say I absolutely loved it! Though I am still processing everything that happened (and there’s a lot, so do pick a comfy seat as you’ll be on the edge of it a good long while.)

I really enjoyed delving into the character development of the ensemble cast that we haven’t had much time with, particularly our frosty king of Gevra, Alaric, who I was not expecting to like at all after the events of Twin Crowns. However, like Wren he hides behind a guarded exterior (preferring to be seen as as callous and cruel), in order to protect the people he loves most. But the small glimpse of humanity (and his love of painting) that we briefly see has me all kinds of intrigued as to what his journey will entail next.

Though, I admit it was the sisterly bond between our witchy Twin Queens and their very different methods of ruling (and general problem solving) that I found myself most interested in. Separated for quite a large chunk of the book, and with very limited means of communication it was fascinating to see how they coped with troubleshooting without each other to lean on quite as much.

Wren, unsurprisingly is still the sarcastic, impulsive and chaos inclined twin that I’ve adored from the beginning. But I was most impressed with Rose, whose emotional journey (and maturity) has seen her thrive in her new role as Queen. Which given how unsure and self conscious she was previously is a significant achievement. She definitely came off as more at ease in this position than Wren (who still thinks like a rebel witch than a Queen governing her kingdom) and I look forward to seeing how they both they progress in the third and final instalment.

There’s plenty of swoon worthy moments (Shen and Rose had some particularly cute ones) however, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get much time with Tor, who was wuite possibly my fave love interest in book one.

Wren does have some surprisingly intense scenes with a different character that did take me by surprise—the beginnings of a love triangle, perhaps? I can’t really explain further without spoilers, but just know it’s deliciously good.

Overall, a fun and fabulously witchy, YA fantasy that grumpy/ sunshine and enemies to lovers fans don’t want to miss!

Content Warnings

oystersauce's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.25

Content Warnings

bzliz's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This sequel falls squarely into the “middle book” slump. Rose and Wren are starting their rule as twin queens but Wren cannot shake her worry for their grandmother who was captured and taken to Gevra at the end of the previous book. Wren escapes during the night to attempt a rescue, leaving Rose to deal with the mounting threat of anti-magic rebels.

A few writing conventions made themselves more apparent here than in the first book and made me want to start a drinking game every time I noticed them. For one- people always show up just in time before something catastrophic happens and thanks to the alternating perspectives, we never see the lead up to the rescues. Second- if I had a dollar for every time one of these girls passes out, I could’ve paid for the book twice over. Third- side characters change personalities at the drop of a hat. I really dislike the arc of the Sunkissed Kingdom for how much Shen Lo changes and then the conflict resolves in about fifteen minutes because it was a cheap plot device.

On the flip side, I did enjoy most of Wren’s time in Gevra. Her flirtation with the dark side of magic was the most interesting plotline even if I had to tolerate the “Beauty and the Beast” side plot of her complicated relationship with Alarick.

The twists are generally predictable and the ending was dissatisfying to me. I hope the third book will explore the growing darkness Wren is facing more so there can be a proper resolution.

Content warnings:
Violence:

general war like violence, battle between witches and non-witches, etc.

Murder:

attempted murder of Shen Lo by his cousin and uncle, murder of Banba by Oonagh Starcrest after she is freed by Wren

Death:

general death as would be seen in battles and in revolutions, see Murder for a specific death

Grief:

Wren witnesses the grief of the Gevran royal family for Ansel, leads them to extreme acts. Wren deals with her own grief, see Murder for details

Blood:

Wren dabbles in blood magic to fulfill her agreement with Alarick, leading to several instances of injury and blood description.

Body horror:

As a result of Wren’s deal with Alarick, Ansel is brought back to life but his body is falling apart, losing fingers, toes and teeth until he is laid to rest once more

Animal cruelty:

As Rose escapes the Sunkissed Kingdom, Kai follows to attack and he deliberately injures her horse. During the attack on the castle, animals are injured as the Arrows attempt to breach the gates. No animal death is ever mentioned.

Alcohol:

Some mentions of an alcoholic beverage in Gevra. There is one scene where Celeste seems to be deliberately getting Anika drunk so she can secretly speak with Wren.

Content Warnings

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