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shivani_reads's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Well, I'm still here, and I still don't know why I'm so into these books 🤷🏽♀️
While the writing has improved slightly compared to the first book, it's still not great. And there's still some problematic stuff in here, particularly in the way mental health and trauma are portrayed/dealt with.
...Yet these books continue to have me in a chokehold 🫣
One thing I noticed Nora has improved on by this point is her descriptions of the Exy games. Whereas I could barely understand the sport in TFC, I find I'm able to picture the games much more clearly this time around. Also, I'm actually enjoying it!? Maybe I do like sports fiction after all... What are these books doing to me? 😩
The found family aspect is really starting to shine through in this story. And it's actually really heartwarming to see all these broken individuals slowly learning to trust and care for one another 🖤
Also, as oblivious as Neil is most of the time, he and Andrew are flirting up a storm (in their own deranged way), and I am HERE FOR IT.
I've surprised myself with how invested I'm becoming in some of these characters. Andrew in particular is quickly becoming a favourite, despite the fact I thought he was a complete asshole in the first book. But learning more about him and his past has me feeling so sorry for him. His trauma is endless, and I just want him to heal and be loved 🥺
As with book one, PLEASE check the content warnings going into this! Because lord do they really come into play in this one. Ch.11 was particularly hard to get through - I sat shell-shocked while those awful events played out. I honestly felt so sick and was close to tears by the end of *that* scene.
And that ending, whew. I'm nervous to see how Neil is going to deal with everything he's just been through with the Ravens. And how Andrew will fare going forward, since his rehabilitation.
Also, fuck Riko Moriyama.
Still not recommending this mess, but good god am I in too deep to get out now. On to the finale!
Graphic: Violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Murder, and Mental illness
Moderate: Drug use and Ableism
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Self harm, and Alcohol
kaib55's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual assault, Drug use, Drug abuse, Violence, Mental illness, Homophobia, Death, and Rape
sophreadsshit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Blood, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Alcohol, Violence, Murder, Rape, and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Drug abuse
Minor: Religious bigotry, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
aylen_96's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Sexual assault, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Incest, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Gaslighting, Rape, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Sexual violence, and Torture
princescirclet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Self harm, Torture, Murder, Addiction, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Drug use, and Violence
trappedinthestars13's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Addiction, Drug use, Sexual assault, Rape, Violence, Homophobia, and Death
blubonby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
I did enjoy the story a bit more than the first book but I still can't bring myself to rate it anything over a 2. Why the hell I'm rereading this is truly a mystery.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Torture, Violence, Murder, Sexual assault, Addiction, Child abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Self harm, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
melani_e4's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Cursing, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Drug use, Murder, Sexual assault, and Alcohol
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Homophobia
its_erin's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child abuse and Rape
Moderate: Physical abuse and Drug use
Minor: Homophobia
lucy11110's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Drug use, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Rape, Alcohol, Child abuse, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Murder