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mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the concluding book in T. Frohock's wonderful historical horror/dark fantasy series, Los Nefilim. Highly recommended, but, as usual with a series, it's best to begin at the start. In this case, I'd recommend beginning with the trio of novellas--collectively published as "Los Nefilim"--that precede the trio of novels.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Spoiler
Set in Europe during World War II, it's no surprise that there's some very grim materal, including brief scenes in concentration camps. What may came as a surprise to anyone new to the series is how much lightness offsets the dark. The friendships and compassion of the ensemble cast are a delight. I love Frohock's characters, most of all Diago. I love that he is in an established, committed, supportive relationship with another man (well, not exactly a man, neither Miquel nor Diago being human). I love that they have raised their son with warmth and understanding. Together they form one of my favorite fictional families, and it feels like a loss that there will be no more stories about them. I also like how music is used to shape the casting of magic, an unusual and well-executed variation on a fantasy standard. And I like the careful, meticulously researched attention to historical detail.About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
bookish_notes's review
4.0
Okay. So. The only reason this isn't 5 stars for me, is because apparently this is the last book in the series, but it doesn't FEEL like the last book in a series. So, I'm left feeling a bit adrift at the whole thing. The feeling of "that's it?" shouldn't be something I should be thinking at the end of the last page. I just feel a tiny bit disappointed. This book doesn't really wrap up much, and there's still so many possibilities of more to come with all the characters? It's weird.
Content notes include war, violence, death, torture, PTSD, mentions of abuse, mentions of rape, homomisia, racism, concentration camps, mentions of mass deaths, drug use, loss of limbs, starvation, and suicide.
This book is naturally much darker and much more grim than the books before. This book takes place roughly between 1943 through 1945, and mostly in France. The prologue touches on events since the last book in 1940. Everyone is trying their best to stay under the radar from German forces, while trying to find a way to help the Allied forces stop the war. While the previous books presented an alternate universe in history where nefilim and daimons exist, I think this is the book where most readers will be able to pinpoint the real life events the most? This story takes place at the height of World War II and it's a LOT, as you all can imagine. For the first time, the series isn't harrowing because of the supernatural threats, but for the very real life ones.
If you have this book in text, the beginning of this book does include a recap of the previous books and events that have taken place so far. Just a note that this recap is not included with the audiobook.
There are, once again, multiple storylines from multiple perspectives. But the hardest to read was definitely Nico's. In previous books, I didn't have a very strong opinion on whether I liked him or not. Just not much on him at all. He was definitely more of a side character in those? But here, he is captured by the Nazis and eventually taken to one of the many concentration camps. He is "saved" from the camps by a mysterious Herr Teufel, whose name translates ominously to Sir Devil. Nico's storyline is devastating. We do not witness what actually happens to him, but the aftermath is enough.
Nico needs a break. Badly. He needs a happy ending is all I'm saying. He's been through a LOT, and it made me sad that Miquel still didn't like Nico for so much of the book when Nico wanted nothing more than for Miquel to be proud of him? Is there a sequel where Nico finds true happiness and a loved one, and also gets the therapy he so desperately needs? I would read the shit out of that.
So there are a lot of new characters in this book. Listening on audio, I did find it hard to keep track of who was who. It did get confusing at times, and I'm still not sure I have a good grasp on who all the new characters were even once I finished. Thankfully, there's no quiz at the end.
Most of the plot in this book is how Los Nefilim can help the Allied forces escape notice from Les Nefilim (the German equivalent to Los Nefilim) in order to aid in the fight in Europe. History buffs, or just war movie watchers, will see what events this coincides with a mile away. I don't HATE hate it, but it does feel like a let down? Like, THIS is the moment we were waiting for after three books? I do not feel impressed for some reason.
Since the beginning of book 1, we learn that Diago has been in charge of composing a Key that will be the key to unlocking realms, which is a thing currently only angels can do. Apparently. Diago has had help from Guillermo along the way to help compose the Key, but in this book we find out that almost everyone (of note) has been helping. And if I'm understanding correctly, the various parts of this composition have to be kept so secret, pieces of the composition have been hidden across the continent to keep others from discovering the full thing.
There's a LOT I'm not understanding with how the Key works, because the meaning and reason for it seems to have changed so much from what we know about it from the first book. And it seems to no longer need Diago's violin to tie it all together? Juanita is an angel, why is she not enough to open that path between realms (whatever that means, I'm still not clear). Let's not forget that the Key is also a myth, so nobody even knows if this thing will work for the nefils. How did they know that they'd need this composition in 1932 for something that will happen here in this book around 1944? Maybe I'm missing some important details since I listened on audio instead of slowly absorbing the details in text, but the whole plot around the Key is confusing and doesn't make any sense to me at all. It's just vibes here.
Easier to understand plots is Ysabel going to collect the different parts of the Key her father had hidden away, and the last piece they need to get back is missing by the time she goes to collect it. Instead, she finds herself confronted by the last person she'd want to see in this situation.
Meanwhile, there's Jordi and I don't get his whole deal. He wanted nothing more than to dispatch his brother Guillermo and rule Los Nefilim, but he's SO erratic. Yes, part of it stem from his drug use, but we're supposed to believe he's the big bad. Obviously, he aligns himself with the worst people in this war, but he's characterization through this series has been strange to me. Because we're also supposed to believe that Guillermo wants to save his brother and still loves him unconditionally? I just find the whole thing with Jordi very weird. The way this all ends is very sad, and I feel like I want more of a definitive ending between Jordi and Guillermo.
That said, I love Diago and Miquel's relationship. No surprise there. I feel like I'll only love them more once I get my hands on the prequel novellas and read those.
I also love their son Rafael and their doting relationship with him. Rafael is 17 at the start of this book. He's grown a lot since we first met him, and it's interesting to see how much he and Ysabel have changed since we first saw them as kids. Of course, I read this series pretty much back-to-back-to-back, so it feels like they grew up at warp speed. I'm still unclear what the relationship is between them (and a third teenager in their group because they call themselves the Three Musketeers, but who I weirdly don't really even recall from previous books), but ARE they just friends? I'm fine if they're all just best friends, but half the time I'm questioning their relationship like are they going to be together romantically one day? Again, we don't really know anything by the time this book ends. I'm curious about Ysabel's future and how everything plays out for her and her new role. How is that going to work in the long run? What does this mean for Los Nefilim?
Also, Christina (Diago's daimon cousin) still wants revenge at the end of this book. There's a whole daimon plot here where Diago pretends to align himself with the daimons and I only question why the daimons think he would turn on Guillermo, his husband, and his son so easily. Maybe this is the daimon way? I do not know.
I thought it was interesting how the nefilim and daimon who escaped, or the ones in exile, all ran to Argentina. Why Argentina specifically? Because what happens in the late 1940s and early 1950s? Juan and Eva Peron. That's what happens. So, are we getting a book about THOSE nefils and daimons in Argentina? For better or worse I love the musical Evita, so now I'm like, please give me a story of these corrupt as hell paranormal beings in Argentina because that sounds very messy.
Though this series takes place in Europe, and focuses on the war in Europe, mentions are made about the nuclear bombs the US drops on Japan. There's really no mentions though of the supernatural in the Asian countries, or how that might have changed the outlook of the war from that side at all. It's really just all mentioned almost as an afterthought. I would've liked a deeper look into all that.
Again, I think the audiobook is still amazing. Vikas Adams must be getting quite a workout pronouncing all the different names and settings that takes place in this series. He really helps to elevate the books with his performance as all the characters, and I loved that he got to do all these books. I would love it even more if the publisher could bundle the novellas into an audiobook and have him narrate? That would be the DREAM! Unfortunately the prequel novellas are only available in text at the moment.
Overall, I don't think this book ever FEELS like the last book in a series. There's a lot of open ended-ness to it and I wouldn't hate it if we got a sequel of sorts (even a novella would be fine with me!) more in the present-day following these characters around, or even seeing another incarnation of a certain someone who dies in this book. Or even a look into what's going on with those who went to Argentina. Even though a lot of this book was just vibes for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on, I still found the book's intensity and story compelling, and the narration pulling me through. I love the characters, and it's sad to leave them. At least I left the prequel novellas to read only after I finished the novels, because I'm still not ready to let them go just yet.
Content notes include war, violence, death, torture, PTSD, mentions of abuse, mentions of rape, homomisia, racism, concentration camps, mentions of mass deaths, drug use, loss of limbs, starvation, and suicide.
This book is naturally much darker and much more grim than the books before. This book takes place roughly between 1943 through 1945, and mostly in France. The prologue touches on events since the last book in 1940. Everyone is trying their best to stay under the radar from German forces, while trying to find a way to help the Allied forces stop the war. While the previous books presented an alternate universe in history where nefilim and daimons exist, I think this is the book where most readers will be able to pinpoint the real life events the most? This story takes place at the height of World War II and it's a LOT, as you all can imagine. For the first time, the series isn't harrowing because of the supernatural threats, but for the very real life ones.
If you have this book in text, the beginning of this book does include a recap of the previous books and events that have taken place so far. Just a note that this recap is not included with the audiobook.
There are, once again, multiple storylines from multiple perspectives. But the hardest to read was definitely Nico's. In previous books, I didn't have a very strong opinion on whether I liked him or not. Just not much on him at all. He was definitely more of a side character in those? But here, he is captured by the Nazis and eventually taken to one of the many concentration camps. He is "saved" from the camps by a mysterious Herr Teufel, whose name translates ominously to Sir Devil. Nico's storyline is devastating. We do not witness what actually happens to him, but the aftermath is enough.
Nico needs a break. Badly. He needs a happy ending is all I'm saying. He's been through a LOT, and it made me sad that Miquel still didn't like Nico for so much of the book when Nico wanted nothing more than for Miquel to be proud of him? Is there a sequel where Nico finds true happiness and a loved one, and also gets the therapy he so desperately needs? I would read the shit out of that.
So there are a lot of new characters in this book. Listening on audio, I did find it hard to keep track of who was who. It did get confusing at times, and I'm still not sure I have a good grasp on who all the new characters were even once I finished. Thankfully, there's no quiz at the end.
Most of the plot in this book is how Los Nefilim can help the Allied forces escape notice from Les Nefilim (the German equivalent to Los Nefilim) in order to aid in the fight in Europe. History buffs, or just war movie watchers, will see what events this coincides with a mile away. I don't HATE hate it, but it does feel like a let down? Like, THIS is the moment we were waiting for after three books? I do not feel impressed for some reason.
Since the beginning of book 1, we learn that Diago has been in charge of composing a Key that will be the key to unlocking realms, which is a thing currently only angels can do. Apparently. Diago has had help from Guillermo along the way to help compose the Key, but in this book we find out that almost everyone (of note) has been helping. And if I'm understanding correctly, the various parts of this composition have to be kept so secret, pieces of the composition have been hidden across the continent to keep others from discovering the full thing.
There's a LOT I'm not understanding with how the Key works, because the meaning and reason for it seems to have changed so much from what we know about it from the first book. And it seems to no longer need Diago's violin to tie it all together? Juanita is an angel, why is she not enough to open that path between realms (whatever that means, I'm still not clear). Let's not forget that the Key is also a myth, so nobody even knows if this thing will work for the nefils. How did they know that they'd need this composition in 1932 for something that will happen here in this book around 1944? Maybe I'm missing some important details since I listened on audio instead of slowly absorbing the details in text, but the whole plot around the Key is confusing and doesn't make any sense to me at all. It's just vibes here.
Easier to understand plots is Ysabel going to collect the different parts of the Key her father had hidden away, and the last piece they need to get back is missing by the time she goes to collect it. Instead, she finds herself confronted by the last person she'd want to see in this situation.
Meanwhile, there's Jordi and I don't get his whole deal. He wanted nothing more than to dispatch his brother Guillermo and rule Los Nefilim, but he's SO erratic. Yes, part of it stem from his drug use, but we're supposed to believe he's the big bad. Obviously, he aligns himself with the worst people in this war, but he's characterization through this series has been strange to me. Because we're also supposed to believe that Guillermo wants to save his brother and still loves him unconditionally? I just find the whole thing with Jordi very weird. The way this all ends is very sad, and I feel like I want more of a definitive ending between Jordi and Guillermo.
That said, I love Diago and Miquel's relationship. No surprise there. I feel like I'll only love them more once I get my hands on the prequel novellas and read those.
I also love their son Rafael and their doting relationship with him. Rafael is 17 at the start of this book. He's grown a lot since we first met him, and it's interesting to see how much he and Ysabel have changed since we first saw them as kids. Of course, I read this series pretty much back-to-back-to-back, so it feels like they grew up at warp speed. I'm still unclear what the relationship is between them (and a third teenager in their group because they call themselves the Three Musketeers, but who I weirdly don't really even recall from previous books), but ARE they just friends? I'm fine if they're all just best friends, but half the time I'm questioning their relationship like are they going to be together romantically one day? Again, we don't really know anything by the time this book ends. I'm curious about Ysabel's future and how everything plays out for her and her new role. How is that going to work in the long run? What does this mean for Los Nefilim?
Also, Christina (Diago's daimon cousin) still wants revenge at the end of this book. There's a whole daimon plot here where Diago pretends to align himself with the daimons and I only question why the daimons think he would turn on Guillermo, his husband, and his son so easily. Maybe this is the daimon way? I do not know.
I thought it was interesting how the nefilim and daimon who escaped, or the ones in exile, all ran to Argentina. Why Argentina specifically? Because what happens in the late 1940s and early 1950s? Juan and Eva Peron. That's what happens. So, are we getting a book about THOSE nefils and daimons in Argentina? For better or worse I love the musical Evita, so now I'm like, please give me a story of these corrupt as hell paranormal beings in Argentina because that sounds very messy.
Though this series takes place in Europe, and focuses on the war in Europe, mentions are made about the nuclear bombs the US drops on Japan. There's really no mentions though of the supernatural in the Asian countries, or how that might have changed the outlook of the war from that side at all. It's really just all mentioned almost as an afterthought. I would've liked a deeper look into all that.
Again, I think the audiobook is still amazing. Vikas Adams must be getting quite a workout pronouncing all the different names and settings that takes place in this series. He really helps to elevate the books with his performance as all the characters, and I loved that he got to do all these books. I would love it even more if the publisher could bundle the novellas into an audiobook and have him narrate? That would be the DREAM! Unfortunately the prequel novellas are only available in text at the moment.
Overall, I don't think this book ever FEELS like the last book in a series. There's a lot of open ended-ness to it and I wouldn't hate it if we got a sequel of sorts (even a novella would be fine with me!) more in the present-day following these characters around, or even seeing another incarnation of a certain someone who dies in this book. Or even a look into what's going on with those who went to Argentina. Even though a lot of this book was just vibes for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on, I still found the book's intensity and story compelling, and the narration pulling me through. I love the characters, and it's sad to leave them. At least I left the prequel novellas to read only after I finished the novels, because I'm still not ready to let them go just yet.
chromatick's review
5.0
Honestly, what else can I say about this series at this point?
I fell in love with Frohock's writing from the very first snippet and have devoured everything since then. This book was such a joy to read, but also sad because I know it's the last one. I wanted to savor it as much as possible, to draw out my time spent with such wonderfully drawn characters.
One of the most difficult things to achieve in writing I believe is a solid ending. This one delivered. The two final climaxes were incredible (especially the first one), and these were followed by a nice epilogue that wrapped things up in a good way, but also left the possibility open for re-visiting these characters again in the future.
I can't wait to see what Frohock does next, whether it's in this world or a new one.
I fell in love with Frohock's writing from the very first snippet and have devoured everything since then. This book was such a joy to read, but also sad because I know it's the last one. I wanted to savor it as much as possible, to draw out my time spent with such wonderfully drawn characters.
One of the most difficult things to achieve in writing I believe is a solid ending. This one delivered. The two final climaxes were incredible (especially the first one), and these were followed by a nice epilogue that wrapped things up in a good way, but also left the possibility open for re-visiting these characters again in the future.
I can't wait to see what Frohock does next, whether it's in this world or a new one.
karireads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
queenterribletimy's review against another edition
5.0
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum!
I got an ARC via Netgalley from HarperVoyager in exchange of an honest review.
Finishing a series is always a bittersweet experience, especially if it’s a series you fell in love with. I admit it took me a while to do so with Los Nefilim, but once I got my feet, there was no turning back. I can say with certainty, that it had become one of my all-time favorite series.
Before we get to A Song with Teeth, don’t forget to check out our reviews of Los Nefilim (the novella omnibus), Where Oblivion Lives and Carved from Stone and Dream, aka the road that led to this moment. I’ll try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, but no guarantees for not having minor spoilers for previous books.
Right, now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about A Song with Teeth. As with the previous books, this one also takes place amid real historical events, namely World War II. The year is 1944, France is occupied by Nazi Germany, Jews, homosexuals and everyone who is against the Reich finds themselves in labor camps. The Spanish Inner Guard led by Guillermo is stretched thin as they try to help people to get away from Spain (which is still under Franco’s reign), help the Allies, and try to prevent the Nazis to win the war. And if that weren’t enough, the daimon-born Nefilim have their own plans to take over the world. Let’s just say our characters are having some hard times.
The stakes are even higher than before and hard choices are had to be made. In A Song with Teeth Ysa steps up to be a POV character along with Diago. Of course, all of the characters make their appearance for the end game, but Ysa gets a more prominent role than ever before. It’s pretty crazy to see her all grown up – I remember her in Where Oblivion Lives – she was a little girl, curious, smart and sharp as her papá. It was good to get to know her a bit better and her plotline offered one of the biggest twists in the book.
As with the previous books, A Song With Teeth doesn’t shy away from dealing with heavy topics. In this case, the horrors of WWII get addressed, especially the aspects of the camps and the prejudice against homosexuals. We get just enough scenes to drive home the message but it’s not too in your face. But then, the greatness of the Los Nefilim series is that while you get to fall in love with awesome characters, it also conveys subtle messages about love, family, and above anything else, acceptance. Be it accepting who you are, your demons, your path in life, your roots. And did I mention yet the absolutely kick-ass music-based magic?
A Song with Teeth is a worthy finale to an amazing series. The tension builds up right from the beginning and at one point I was seriously worried about the characters as we neared the end game, because I had no idea what was coming. I was nearly literally biting my nails.
This series was an emotional ride all around as we got to watch these characters grow so much and overcome so much hurt and horror. Frohock doesn’t shy away from giving them (and us) punches and then watch them as they become stronger not least thanks to the support of their friends and family.
If you are looking for a Historical Fantasy series with kick ass magic, strong messages, LGBTQ+ rep, and loveable characters, then you definitely should give a go to Los Nefilim. It’s raw, brutal, emotional and so damn satisfactory.
I got an ARC via Netgalley from HarperVoyager in exchange of an honest review.
“Diago sang for the child he was; he sang for the broken man he became; he sang for a hundred years of loneliness and pain; for the dark nights that left him walking… walking… walking… placing sigils on the doors and windows, one of the father, one for the son, and one to drive away the ghosts.”
Finishing a series is always a bittersweet experience, especially if it’s a series you fell in love with. I admit it took me a while to do so with Los Nefilim, but once I got my feet, there was no turning back. I can say with certainty, that it had become one of my all-time favorite series.
Before we get to A Song with Teeth, don’t forget to check out our reviews of Los Nefilim (the novella omnibus), Where Oblivion Lives and Carved from Stone and Dream, aka the road that led to this moment. I’ll try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, but no guarantees for not having minor spoilers for previous books.
Right, now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about A Song with Teeth. As with the previous books, this one also takes place amid real historical events, namely World War II. The year is 1944, France is occupied by Nazi Germany, Jews, homosexuals and everyone who is against the Reich finds themselves in labor camps. The Spanish Inner Guard led by Guillermo is stretched thin as they try to help people to get away from Spain (which is still under Franco’s reign), help the Allies, and try to prevent the Nazis to win the war. And if that weren’t enough, the daimon-born Nefilim have their own plans to take over the world. Let’s just say our characters are having some hard times.
The stakes are even higher than before and hard choices are had to be made. In A Song with Teeth Ysa steps up to be a POV character along with Diago. Of course, all of the characters make their appearance for the end game, but Ysa gets a more prominent role than ever before. It’s pretty crazy to see her all grown up – I remember her in Where Oblivion Lives – she was a little girl, curious, smart and sharp as her papá. It was good to get to know her a bit better and her plotline offered one of the biggest twists in the book.
As with the previous books, A Song With Teeth doesn’t shy away from dealing with heavy topics. In this case, the horrors of WWII get addressed, especially the aspects of the camps and the prejudice against homosexuals. We get just enough scenes to drive home the message but it’s not too in your face. But then, the greatness of the Los Nefilim series is that while you get to fall in love with awesome characters, it also conveys subtle messages about love, family, and above anything else, acceptance. Be it accepting who you are, your demons, your path in life, your roots. And did I mention yet the absolutely kick-ass music-based magic?
A Song with Teeth is a worthy finale to an amazing series. The tension builds up right from the beginning and at one point I was seriously worried about the characters as we neared the end game, because I had no idea what was coming. I was nearly literally biting my nails.
This series was an emotional ride all around as we got to watch these characters grow so much and overcome so much hurt and horror. Frohock doesn’t shy away from giving them (and us) punches and then watch them as they become stronger not least thanks to the support of their friends and family.
If you are looking for a Historical Fantasy series with kick ass magic, strong messages, LGBTQ+ rep, and loveable characters, then you definitely should give a go to Los Nefilim. It’s raw, brutal, emotional and so damn satisfactory.
peireads's review against another edition
5.0
A Song With Teeth seriously blew me away, and I say that as someone who loved all the previous books and novellas. I was almost nervous to read it because my expectations were so high but guess what? Frohock easily met and exceeded them. If you’ve read the other books, you’ll know that she is an absolute master of prose and seamlessly meshes history and fantasy. The story is engaging and fast-paced with a beautiful music-based magic system and a brilliant cast of characters that wraps up the series wonderfully with each page leaving you on the edge of your seat.
What I really enjoyed about ASWT was that we get to see more of Rafael, a cinnamon roll, has never done anything wrong in his life, and Ysabel, who has mainly played a supporting role in the series, despite her significant political role in the previous book. Although the novellas are not required in order to enjoy and understand the full length novels, they offer glimpses of Rafael and Ysabel as children, and through the timeline of the series, we get to see them grow up and grow into their roles as members of Los Nefilim.
While this is a series and book that I absolutely love to recommend, please be mindful that the story takes place during World War 2 and references real life events. It does not shy away from the horrors that many people experienced during those times. Content warnings for A Song With Teeth (highlight to view, may contain spoilers, may be incomplete):Please feel free to drop me a message if you’d like spoilers/more detail! I’ve tried to keep this review vague to avoid spoiling anything for interested readers but am happy to chat! I’d recommend this series to anybody looking for a gritty dark fantasy with an interesting magic system and great characters. While the author does provide a brief synopsis prior to each full-length novel so each works alone (and no cliffhangers!), I do recommend reading the novellas and the series in order for maximum enjoyment. I say this as someone who hasn’t finished reading all the novellas.. But you can count on a full series review when I do!
What I really enjoyed about ASWT was that we get to see more of Rafael, a cinnamon roll, has never done anything wrong in his life, and Ysabel, who has mainly played a supporting role in the series, despite her significant political role in the previous book. Although the novellas are not required in order to enjoy and understand the full length novels, they offer glimpses of Rafael and Ysabel as children, and through the timeline of the series, we get to see them grow up and grow into their roles as members of Los Nefilim.
While this is a series and book that I absolutely love to recommend, please be mindful that the story takes place during World War 2 and references real life events. It does not shy away from the horrors that many people experienced during those times. Content warnings for A Song With Teeth (highlight to view, may contain spoilers, may be incomplete):
Spoiler
Violence, use of weapons (knives, guns), descriptions of injuries, Nazis, concentration camps, starvation, homophobia, racism, sexism/misogyny, abduction, death, murder, consensual drug use, non-consensual drug use, physical torture, human experimentation, disfigurement, gore, suicide, references to previous rape, references to previous abusive relationships.badmc's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The conclusion of Nefilim series. The World War II: fractions of nefilim are fighting among themselves, and daimons are preparing for attack.
All the characters are back, and they show how they're grown. Alas, it also meant a bunch of them, and I felt nobody got their time to shine. It all happened pretty fast, with much telling, and emotions weren't as strong as in the previous book.
The stakes are high but somehow muddled, rushed, and the threat didn't feel as prevalent. The various plot lines didn't blend as well as previous books, and there was a lot of repetition. The nefil spies-is captured- is trethened and/or tortured- tries to escape; and then repeat with every character.
My concerns aside, the series as a whole was pretty satisfying. First book was the best, the second I've read in one sitting, and prequels offered a nice insight into worldbuilding and characters.
All the characters are back, and they show how they're grown. Alas, it also meant a bunch of them, and I felt nobody got their time to shine. It all happened pretty fast, with much telling, and emotions weren't as strong as in the previous book.
The stakes are high but somehow muddled, rushed, and the threat didn't feel as prevalent. The various plot lines didn't blend as well as previous books, and there was a lot of repetition. The nefil spies-is captured- is trethened and/or tortured- tries to escape; and then repeat with every character.
My concerns aside, the series as a whole was pretty satisfying. First book was the best, the second I've read in one sitting, and prequels offered a nice insight into worldbuilding and characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Addiction
Minor: Torture
upsidedown10's review against another edition
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? Yes
5.0
This family, every single member of it (yes, that includes Nico), was so important to me. These characters were amazingly written and I would watch them do anything, even go to war. Usually I would not pick up a book like this because I'm not a fan of wartime novels, especially WWII. These characters were so good that I would read one of my least favorite genres and like it. This one took me a long time to read because I kept putting it down when it became too stressful, which was all the time. Once again, the love and care that this family has for each other saved the day and I'm so glad that I got to go along in this journey.
qace90's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
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