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helynalc's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this too! I'm so happy I found these books and now I'm so sad they're over but I'm also happy because I loved the second installment and it was nice to follow these characters to the conclusion of the story.
We find the world in quite an upheaval after the events of the first book - our heroes are assembled, but there's a looming danger of something big, something world-turning. My wish from the first book, to know more about events that unfolded long before with the Stars and how magic worked back then, was fulfilled! Lore galore! I wanted even more, but it was enough here, to understand the context. It's hard to write this review without spoilers, but let me tell you, all our faves were in for quite a challenge, emotionally and physically as well. But I especially loved the way side characters managed to get a bit more "screentime" this time: it was needed and very much appreciated. A good first half of the book felt like preparing for the conclusion, with slowly rising tension, but when it exploded, boy, it did explode. And then there's a big old extended "final battle" at the end which was awesome and exciting, and heartbreaking and satisfying.
I loved Ellen and Iori, again and still...how their relationship and trust in each other evolved (and there were serious wrenches thrown into that process, involving one of my favourite tropes), and I loved Alexander and Kyani too, even more than in the first book. These four turned into such a team that it was a joy to watch. And every positive thing I wrote about the first novel, the writing, the imagery, the action, still counts for this one. I had loads of fun, and the pages zoomed by before my eyes. And at the end, things settled and I could say goodbye to the characters pleased with the direction their lives went and you know...it's finished, but there's the promise of a continuation if nowhere else, then my imagination.
My thanks go out to the author for the ARC and the experience. Needless to say, I'll read whatever new book she throws my way in the future!
I loved this too! I'm so happy I found these books and now I'm so sad they're over but I'm also happy because I loved the second installment and it was nice to follow these characters to the conclusion of the story.
We find the world in quite an upheaval after the events of the first book - our heroes are assembled, but there's a looming danger of something big, something world-turning. My wish from the first book, to know more about events that unfolded long before with the Stars and how magic worked back then, was fulfilled! Lore galore! I wanted even more, but it was enough here, to understand the context. It's hard to write this review without spoilers, but let me tell you, all our faves were in for quite a challenge, emotionally and physically as well. But I especially loved the way side characters managed to get a bit more "screentime" this time: it was needed and very much appreciated. A good first half of the book felt like preparing for the conclusion, with slowly rising tension, but when it exploded, boy, it did explode. And then there's a big old extended "final battle" at the end which was awesome and exciting, and heartbreaking and satisfying.
I loved Ellen and Iori, again and still...how their relationship and trust in each other evolved (and there were serious wrenches thrown into that process, involving one of my favourite tropes), and I loved Alexander and Kyani too, even more than in the first book. These four turned into such a team that it was a joy to watch. And every positive thing I wrote about the first novel, the writing, the imagery, the action, still counts for this one. I had loads of fun, and the pages zoomed by before my eyes. And at the end, things settled and I could say goodbye to the characters pleased with the direction their lives went and you know...it's finished, but there's the promise of a continuation if nowhere else, then my imagination.
My thanks go out to the author for the ARC and the experience. Needless to say, I'll read whatever new book she throws my way in the future!
claudiearseneault's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
deviya's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i love this duology so much, the cast, the plot, the world... i cant remember a time where i had so much fun reading. loved this. absolute 10/10. iori my beloved, ellen my beloved. beautiful.
good_names_dont_exist's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
HUGE tonal shift from first half to second. (Somewhat) light and fluffy to dark and dangerous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and War
Minor: Sexual content, Vomit, and Car accident
thetomatowriter's review
5.0
I was given an ARC of Bleeding Heart in exchange for an honest review.
This duology has my entire heart. I'm so emotional about finishing it, and I'm going to buy book two as soon as it hits the shelves next month. If you're like me, and Ellen was your favorite character in Bloody Spade, this book will be a treat. Ellen's development really shines in Bleeding Heart, and the relationship between Ellen and Iori, MY EMOTIONS.
This series is so queer in a very normalized way, full of magic and heart and beautiful dynamics between characters. I need both books so I can reread them regularly, and I need to autoread everything that Willows puts out.
This duology has my entire heart. I'm so emotional about finishing it, and I'm going to buy book two as soon as it hits the shelves next month. If you're like me, and Ellen was your favorite character in Bloody Spade, this book will be a treat. Ellen's development really shines in Bleeding Heart, and the relationship between Ellen and Iori, MY EMOTIONS.
This series is so queer in a very normalized way, full of magic and heart and beautiful dynamics between characters. I need both books so I can reread them regularly, and I need to autoread everything that Willows puts out.
nikereadsbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.5
ARC Review <3
It's almost a year since I was so lucky to read and review the first book of this wonderful duology by Brittany M. Willows!
And now, I am here (one day before its pub day!) with Bleeding Heart and my girl Ellen in all her glory.
While I have to say Bloody Spade was more of my cup of tea, there's really nothing unenjoyable about the second book. The characters are still the strongest point and I just couldn't help but love all four of the MCs as they navigated all the high stakes situations and the 'quiet before the storm' fist half of the book. And of course the aftermatch of the final battle. All five acts had something to add to the story and were enjoyable to read, especially the first two as they gave the story many opportunities to explore the individual characters and their relationships. What especially made me happy was how the book focused on the aspec identities, it was so great to see <3
While reviewing BS, I mentioned there that Iori's my favourite character, but oh no, he was dethroned by none other than Alexander Jane himself! I love him and just want to put him into a microwave and watchim him spin around.
The action was great too and I loved how each character had a distinct style of fighting that allowed the scenes to be really creative. This goes for the side characters too.
I am really thankful to be able to review this arc, thanks to the author for gifting me one!
It's almost a year since I was so lucky to read and review the first book of this wonderful duology by Brittany M. Willows!
And now, I am here (one day before its pub day!) with Bleeding Heart and my girl Ellen in all her glory.
While I have to say Bloody Spade was more of my cup of tea, there's really nothing unenjoyable about the second book. The characters are still the strongest point and I just couldn't help but love all four of the MCs as they navigated all the high stakes situations and the 'quiet before the storm' fist half of the book. And of course the aftermatch of the final battle. All five acts had something to add to the story and were enjoyable to read, especially the first two as they gave the story many opportunities to explore the individual characters and their relationships. What especially made me happy was how the book focused on the aspec identities, it was so great to see <3
While reviewing BS, I mentioned there that Iori's my favourite character, but oh no, he was dethroned by none other than Alexander Jane himself! I love him and just want to put him into a microwave and watchim him spin around.
The action was great too and I loved how each character had a distinct style of fighting that allowed the scenes to be really creative. This goes for the side characters too.
I am really thankful to be able to review this arc, thanks to the author for gifting me one!
rattletheshelves's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
If you loved the first book, you will love the continuation, too. We get to see much more of all the characters and the relations between them have time to develop.
It's a character-driven story with not a lot of action until the second half, which is fine by me (but something to keep in mind so you pick it up when you're in the right mood!). There's so much of the characters' bickering and just being together which I enjoyed a lot.
I loved all the queerness and sooooo many aspec characters š
Just like with the first book, I'd definitely say it would make an amazing anime. The author promises anime vibes and definitely delivers on that front.
Overall, a fun, queer book filled with loveable characters.
***Thank you to the author for the eARC!***
It's a character-driven story with not a lot of action until the second half, which is fine by me (but something to keep in mind so you pick it up when you're in the right mood!). There's so much of the characters' bickering and just being together which I enjoyed a lot.
I loved all the queerness and sooooo many aspec characters š
Just like with the first book, I'd definitely say it would make an amazing anime. The author promises anime vibes and definitely delivers on that front.
Overall, a fun, queer book filled with loveable characters.
***Thank you to the author for the eARC!***
theespressoedition's review
4.0
I'm completely aware that using the rollercoaster comparison is overdone and mildly cliche, BUT I think it's a great way to go about describing this book. And I'm not going to just say "It was like a rollercoaster." No. This book was like getting on the tallest, most twisty rollercoaster at the park. Let me explain...
You know how you have to grip your seat during the climb up to the first drop? It's a slow build. That's what the beginning of this book was like. It picked up immediately following the events of Bloody Spade and took its time reintroducing you to the characters you already know, getting you acquainted with the ones who were new, and building on the already existing relationships. There were elements to the magic system that were explained in ways that hadn't been touched on before, which I loved. While it might have been a slower ride to the top of the coaster, it was anything but boring. You could see the scenery around you and anticipate what might be coming.
Then, you reach the top and while you might have been prepared for the first drop (I'm looking at Iori and some of the events that take place with his character during the festival), you certainly aren't expecting the way the rollercoaster immediately does a loop upon reaching the bottom... and then another loop, twist, and turn after that. This is where things began to get incredibly interesting and I couldn't put it down!
Thisrollercoaster book made me want to scream, throw my hands in the air, and maybe weep a little bit a few times. It was an absolutely wonderful sequel to Bloody Spade, it gave me everything I wanted with each of the characters, there was so much incredible magic, and I just loved it. If you've ever played the Persona video games, you might love this a little extra. It gave me those vibes, but better because it was way more in-depth and gave way more information about what was taking place.
I think I said it before with the first book, but this would make an absolutely phenomenal anime (and now, I think it would be an incredible video game as well)! I truly look forward to reading the entire duology again in the future. It was fantastic, adventurous, heartwarming, and just plain FUN. It deserves a round of applause upon reaching the end of that wild rollercoaster ride.
You know how you have to grip your seat during the climb up to the first drop? It's a slow build. That's what the beginning of this book was like. It picked up immediately following the events of Bloody Spade and took its time reintroducing you to the characters you already know, getting you acquainted with the ones who were new, and building on the already existing relationships. There were elements to the magic system that were explained in ways that hadn't been touched on before, which I loved. While it might have been a slower ride to the top of the coaster, it was anything but boring. You could see the scenery around you and anticipate what might be coming.
Then, you reach the top and while you might have been prepared for the first drop (I'm looking at Iori and some of the events that take place with his character during the festival), you certainly aren't expecting the way the rollercoaster immediately does a loop upon reaching the bottom... and then another loop, twist, and turn after that. This is where things began to get incredibly interesting and I couldn't put it down!
This
I think I said it before with the first book, but this would make an absolutely phenomenal anime (and now, I think it would be an incredible video game as well)! I truly look forward to reading the entire duology again in the future. It was fantastic, adventurous, heartwarming, and just plain FUN. It deserves a round of applause upon reaching the end of that wild rollercoaster ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Violence, Blood, Body horror, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent, Vomit, Car accident, and Sexual content
themargherita_s's review
5.0
I received an ARC and Iām leaving an honest review.
You know that meme of the cat screaming in agony, with tears in its eyes? Yeah... that's me right now. I feel like I just said goodbye to my own children.
I love this duology so damn much and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story.
Iori and Ellen, Alexander and Kyani, the pining, the STRESS of everything falling apart.... It was amazing.
You know that meme of the cat screaming in agony, with tears in its eyes? Yeah... that's me right now. I feel like I just said goodbye to my own children.
I love this duology so damn much and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story.
Iori and Ellen, Alexander and Kyani, the pining, the STRESS of everything falling apart.... It was amazing.
mhubby's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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