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Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Une Fenêtre sur les ténèbres by Benjamin Peylet, Rachel Gillig

24 reviews

barbarianmissy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

4.5⭐️

K this book was a solid 4 stars for me until the last 50 pages BECAUSE THAT ENDING (WOWZA!) easily bumped it up to 4.5. I love it when authors aren’t afraid of switching up the dynamics of the characters. 

The reason it wasn’t a solid 5 stars is cause I felt the romance plot was a little rushed. I didn’t dislike it, but at the same time it was a smidge forced in my opinion. Needed a little more banter and build up rather than just obviously already secretly being in love with each other pretty much the whole time. Like even when he has a right to be mad at her for her keeping a rather big secret from him, he forgives her almost immediately before he’s even upset. There’s no fight for it. Idk, it was just too easy!!! 

But I kind of liked that the romance wasn’t the main focus of the book, there was way more important shit to focus on. 

As for stand out characters, man, I love “the Nightmare”. He’s just a crazy lil guy who loves word play. Go off, king! What an icon. Excited for more from this lil psychopath. 

Also, I truly love Elm. Why did Elm and Elspeth have more chemistry than her and Ravyn? Like, I felt like they even had more scenes together?! Ravyn trusted and loved her from the start, so I felt like the relationship didn’t build, BUT Elm is super wary of her and RIGHTFULLY SO and they have a fun bantery dynamic! IDK, I FEEL LIKE THERES POTENTIAL THERE. NO? JUST ME?! ok whatever. Anyways. Loved him. He’s great. 

Ione, I’m interested in seeing more from her. I feel like she’s a part of some grand sub plot. Excited for her potential. 

In conclusion… The world building, magic system, overall badassery and concept of this book is outstanding. It was so friggin cool. Loved it. If the author took a smidge more time building the relationships between the characters it would’ve been an easy 5 stars for me. 

Excited for BOOK 2! LETS GO GIRLS!

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erinreadsbooks's review against another edition

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

2.75

This book just didn’t grip me. I felt like the first 75% of the book moved really slowly and I felt myself getting bored. The reveal of
the Nightmare being the old king
also felt prolonged—it was fairly obvious that this was the case so when it was “revealed” to Elspeth and the reader, it just felt underwhelming. I don’t enjoy when it feels like the author is underestimating the reader, and this was one of those times.

I also wasn’t a big fan of the romance, but that may be personal preference as I don’t enjoy the “love at first sight” trope. 

The concept of the story—a bargain with a greater entity that takes more each time one asks for favors—is really compelling, and the ending was interesting. I just wanted the whole book to be as eventful and impactful as the last 25%. 

Read if you like dark fantasy involving bargains for power with a tiny bit of romance. 

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scarlett_librarian's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5


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janieboucher's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5


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kennyleigh1999's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was so unique and unlike anything I’ve read. The fantasy elements were well crafted, and the magic system is SO cool. Throw in a little romance, and this is what you get. 

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ihonkfordragons's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Loved this book! The mystery kept me guessing, but at the end I could look back and see all the hints had been there all along. The Providence  Cards, the magic system, and the overall world had great dark fairy tale vibes. I cannot express how much I enjoyed the use of rhyme in this story!! Great change of pace. 🌶🌶 Very mild spice but a very tender romance with a slow, gradual build that felt so natural and right.

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mzquirk's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75


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athenap92's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5


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cashcatz's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5


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katievallin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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