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theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Talk about an absolutely breathtaking book. The writing alone was enough to make me fall in love - and then you add a brilliant plot and swoon-worthy characters and it’s everything I could possibly ask for in a fantasy novel.
I was fascinated by the Beauty and the Beast-esque retelling that morphed into something entirely its own as the story went on. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect next and I loved every second of it. It was unpredictable and gripping!
The magic system was phenomenally creative. I mean, blood magic isn’t uncommon in fantasy - but blood and earth magic combined into something dark and vicious but also beautiful??? Now that is incredible!
I was absolutely shocked and pleasantly surprised to read a BatB retelling that didn't have a manipulative, possessive, or even abusive "beast" character. Eammon was a consent king and I appreciated every minute of it.
It got to the point where even when I would wind up slightly confused by what was happening, I still absolutely had to know what came next. It had me on the edge of my seat.
Now, I’m desperate to know what kind of wood and shadow will follow Red, Eammon, Neve, and the rest of the cast into the next book.
I was fascinated by the Beauty and the Beast-esque retelling that morphed into something entirely its own as the story went on. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect next and I loved every second of it. It was unpredictable and gripping!
The magic system was phenomenally creative. I mean, blood magic isn’t uncommon in fantasy - but blood and earth magic combined into something dark and vicious but also beautiful??? Now that is incredible!
I was absolutely shocked and pleasantly surprised to read a BatB retelling that didn't have a manipulative, possessive, or even abusive "beast" character. Eammon was a consent king and I appreciated every minute of it.
It got to the point where even when I would wind up slightly confused by what was happening, I still absolutely had to know what came next. It had me on the edge of my seat.
Now, I’m desperate to know what kind of wood and shadow will follow Red, Eammon, Neve, and the rest of the cast into the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, and Blood
Moderate: Torture and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
dernhelms_bag's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent
librarianlex's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Sexual content
jamieleepilk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5 Rounded Up 🌟
Thank you so much to Orbit Books/Little Brown for the Proof Copy. UK Release 17.6.21.
'The first daughter is for the Throne. The second daughter is for the Wolf.'
If you love dark, angsty, dark fairy tale inspired fantasy with epic romance do not hesitate in picking up this incredible debut.
In the beginning there is a fair bit of world building that takes a little while to sink in but once you've got your head around everything you'll be fine. I admire the sheer scale of this new world and it's mythology that went into this book. You instantly root for all the characters in this book, Red is a strong protagonist and I loved reading from her POV. I love fantasy books that give you brilliant ensemble characters and this book is no exception Lyra and Fife were so lovely that I really would like a spin off. The romance in this book is so well done and didn't feel forced or off.
Also where can I buy a red cloak for daily wear??
I can't wait to see where she takes this story in the the sequel because this was a wild ride.
If you liked/For Fans of...
📚 'The Once & Future Witches' by Alix E Harrow
🎬 'The Brothers Grimm' 2005
📚 'The Bear & the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden
Thank you so much to Orbit Books/Little Brown for the Proof Copy. UK Release 17.6.21.
'The first daughter is for the Throne. The second daughter is for the Wolf.'
If you love dark, angsty, dark fairy tale inspired fantasy with epic romance do not hesitate in picking up this incredible debut.
In the beginning there is a fair bit of world building that takes a little while to sink in but once you've got your head around everything you'll be fine. I admire the sheer scale of this new world and it's mythology that went into this book. You instantly root for all the characters in this book, Red is a strong protagonist and I loved reading from her POV. I love fantasy books that give you brilliant ensemble characters and this book is no exception Lyra and Fife were so lovely that I really would like a spin off. The romance in this book is so well done and didn't feel forced or off.
Also where can I buy a red cloak for daily wear??
I can't wait to see where she takes this story in the the sequel because this was a wild ride.
If you liked/For Fans of...
📚 'The Once & Future Witches' by Alix E Harrow
🎬 'The Brothers Grimm' 2005
📚 'The Bear & the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Body horror and Murder
Minor: Sexual content, Vomit, and Death of parent