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schnaucl's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
For a while when I was reading this book I thought it was the best fantasy book I'd read in quite a while. By the time I finished I wasn't quite as enthusiastic, although I still enjoyed it and definitely plan to read the next book in the series. I can see what what Rollins was going for with Kanthe's twin brother, and I wish it had been done with more subtlety instead of turning him into an actual sadist who doesn't understand or care his actions would be perceived by the people he will rule or the soldiers he will one day command. All of the antagonists are rather one dimensional, in fact. For the most part they're open (at least in their private thoughts) about just wanting power, they don't even try to convince themselves that they want what's best for the country or even their faction (which would coincidentally also mean they become more powerful. They just want power to be powerful. It may be an honest motivation, but it's not an interesting one.
The beginning of the book was especially compelling. The set up with Nyx, her school and family was interesting and richly drawn. I was definitely the most interested in her story, although Kanthe's story was also compelling. I was less interested in Rhaif, but perhaps he'll grow on me. The bats were fascinating, and the jungles were richly drawn.
I will also say I'm not a huge fan of alternate fantasy spellings (let's add some extra y's to words!). Fortunately it was mostly, though not entirely, confined to the "quotes" at the beginning of the sections which read like fantasy old English.
The beginning of the book was especially compelling. The set up with Nyx, her school and family was interesting and richly drawn. I was definitely the most interested in her story, although Kanthe's story was also compelling. I was less interested in Rhaif, but perhaps he'll grow on me. The bats were fascinating, and the jungles were richly drawn.
I will also say I'm not a huge fan of alternate fantasy spellings (let's add some extra y's to words!). Fortunately it was mostly, though not entirely, confined to the "quotes" at the beginning of the sections which read like fantasy old English.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Torture, Violence, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Death, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, Pregnancy, Slavery, and Child death
Minor: Alcoholism and War
pvbobrien's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual harassment, Pregnancy, Medical content, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence, Ableism, Slavery, Murder, Gore, Grief, Bullying, Animal death, Child abuse, Alcohol, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Death of parent and Rape
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