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angel_kiiss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.25
Not much to say other than it’s a good book with a good premise that keeps the pages turning well into the night.
Both protagonists are complex, flawed, and lovable characters who don’t feel like props or objects to be pushed around. Lila, the girl protagonist, is not pushed around by the plot but in fact, dictates how the plot will happen. Most, if not all, of her decisions, have significant effects on the story and change the male protagonist's path several times.
Personally, Kell took a bit to get used to; I didn’t connect with the character initially and naturally leaned toward Lila, but as he came into his own he revealed characteristics that I identified with. Once with him - and once the plot really began to thicken - I couldn’t put this book down. I drank it down like sweet tea, I had to know what happened. And even then, at every point the book could have thrown trouble in their way, it did, and the slow realization that the protagonists were never safe only fueled the fire.
I read a review that argued this was a ploy for a screenplay, and let’s be clear - I agree, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. Let people movie-bait. Let women write just as cheesy as men.
Lila also seems to be a derisive character in that many people find her annoying. To that, I ask: is she annoying or are you still working through internalized misogyny? Do you always find cutthroat characters only out to save themselves hard to connect to? Or is it a subconscious belief that aggressive women characters are annoying? Either way, I loved her and would prefer to read about how her life of conquest and adventure unfolds.
Both protagonists are complex, flawed, and lovable characters who don’t feel like props or objects to be pushed around. Lila, the girl protagonist, is not pushed around by the plot but in fact, dictates how the plot will happen. Most, if not all, of her decisions, have significant effects on the story and change the male protagonist's path several times.
Personally, Kell took a bit to get used to; I didn’t connect with the character initially and naturally leaned toward Lila, but as he came into his own he revealed characteristics that I identified with. Once with him - and once the plot really began to thicken - I couldn’t put this book down. I drank it down like sweet tea, I had to know what happened. And even then, at every point the book could have thrown trouble in their way, it did, and the slow realization that the protagonists were never safe only fueled the fire.
I read a review that argued this was a ploy for a screenplay, and let’s be clear - I agree, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. Let people movie-bait. Let women write just as cheesy as men.
Lila also seems to be a derisive character in that many people find her annoying. To that, I ask: is she annoying or are you still working through internalized misogyny? Do you always find cutthroat characters only out to save themselves hard to connect to? Or is it a subconscious belief that aggressive women characters are annoying? Either way, I loved her and would prefer to read about how her life of conquest and adventure unfolds.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Murder, Self harm, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror and Child death
eve_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ If you’re someone who enjoys YA fantasy but want to introduce more adult fantasy into your reading, this book is the perfect stepping stone! There are lots of mature themes present, but it’s not overly complicated and still has some quirky banter and other YA staples.
⁕ This book is SUPER fast-paced and action-packed (hello, fight scenes!).
⁕ Schwab sets the stage beautifully for the character development of our two main heroes by introducing us to all their desires, ugly fears, and bad habits.
⁕ I would take a bullet for Lilah Bard. That is all.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ If you’re someone who enjoys YA fantasy but want to introduce more adult fantasy into your reading, this book is the perfect stepping stone! There are lots of mature themes present, but it’s not overly complicated and still has some quirky banter and other YA staples.
⁕ This book is SUPER fast-paced and action-packed (hello, fight scenes!).
⁕ Schwab sets the stage beautifully for the character development of our two main heroes by introducing us to all their desires, ugly fears, and bad habits.
⁕ I would take a bullet for Lilah Bard. That is all.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Torture, and Violence
micheala's review against another edition
slow-paced
- 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
3.5
The first half of this book is so slow. I originally read the first 40% in one sitting almost 2 years ago, and then put it down. I've now read the first chunk of this book three times before I was able to finish it. The second half has a lot more plot movement and I did enjoy it a lot more, but the overall pacing just threw me off too much to give it a higher rating.
I am interested to see where the rest of the trilogy goes, however as I've been warned that the pacing of the second book is similar to this one, I will probably hold off until I have time to read the entire sequel in one sitting.
I am interested to see where the rest of the trilogy goes, however as I've been warned that the pacing of the second book is similar to this one, I will probably hold off until I have time to read the entire sequel in one sitting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Torture, Self harm, Murder, and Gore
Moderate: Slavery
meg_elyse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Not as wholly immersive and I was hoping for, but I love the worlds Schwab builds and the magic that lives there. Having read a good portion of her works last year, I have to say that this one felt different. It felt more like a Leigh Bardugo world, perhaps because the other books I have read from Schwab had more contemporary settings than Darker Shade and its multiple Londons.
Overall, I adored it. While I didn't have an overly large amount of plot or foreshadowing to puzzle through, it was a great adventure to go on, and I look forward to meeting Delilah again. Or to Rhy meeting Delilah again. Hard to tell.
Overall, I adored it. While I didn't have an overly large amount of plot or foreshadowing to puzzle through, it was a great adventure to go on, and I look forward to meeting Delilah again. Or to Rhy meeting Delilah again. Hard to tell.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Gore and Murder
shannonmarie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.75
Absolutely loved this book. Was a bit worried I would be confused about the world based on the summary but the author did an amazing job setting it up and bringing the reader into the world. I am extremely excited to read the other books in this series.
The only thing I did not love about the book was the random kiss between the two main characters that came out of no where for me. I thought of them as having a much more platonic brother-sister relationship throughout the book so it took me off guard. However it was very short and was not built upon afterwards. Maybe the next book will either build that relationship up or go back to being very platonic.
Overall one of the best books I have read in awhile.
Overall one of the best books I have read in awhile.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Death
Minor: Misogyny and Sexual content
bibookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5 Stars! The world building in this story is so unique and entirely different than anything I’ve read before. Then there is the amazing cast of characters! Lila, the kick ass take names future pirate and certified bad bitch. Kell, the caring and dashing antari and doting brother to Rhy. This brings me to Rhy. Rhy is snarky bi/pan prince who just wants to be the best for his people! Anyway if you like magic and adventure and captivating writing, then pick up this beautiful book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Torture, Gore, and Sexual assault
The sexual assault is attempted and Lila ends up killing the man
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