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amberflo's review against another edition
DNF’d this book about a quarter of the way in. I wish I liked it more
austenheroineinprogress's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
historysworstmonster's review against another edition
5.0
After reading this book 2 times I think I have a decent grasp on it. James' talent is clear in his ability to weave fiction, traditional African folklore, and themes that have interested him before all into one huge bouncing narrative filled with magical elements. On the second time around some of the queer elements jumped out at me. Internalized homophobia, homophobia being a symptom of misogyny, sexual power dynamics and how they connect to queer relationships. There is a lot in there, and I don't often read books more than once, especially not back to back, but I can see myself reading this yet again sometime in the future. Maybe when the 2nd book is released.
rosekk's review against another edition
1.0
Nope, not for me.
I almost never put books down without finishing them. On the odd occasion I find myself having to skim-read a book, but I usually at least commit to seeing the story to it's end. I tried to do the same with this one, but couldn't do it.
My problem was with the writing style. Usually I like books that mimic an oral story-telling style, and I like first-person narrators giving accounts of their lives (especially if the can be described as amoral or immoral, as I like seeing how they judge their own actions). I'm also quite happy with non-linear story structures, and vague or mystical elements. This, then, should have been right up my street. Instead, I hated the style and it made me hate the main character. I tried skim-reading the book for a bit, in an effort to at least see the tale to it's conclusion, but I found I just didn't care enough to push through to the end.
I almost never put books down without finishing them. On the odd occasion I find myself having to skim-read a book, but I usually at least commit to seeing the story to it's end. I tried to do the same with this one, but couldn't do it.
My problem was with the writing style. Usually I like books that mimic an oral story-telling style, and I like first-person narrators giving accounts of their lives (especially if the can be described as amoral or immoral, as I like seeing how they judge their own actions). I'm also quite happy with non-linear story structures, and vague or mystical elements. This, then, should have been right up my street. Instead, I hated the style and it made me hate the main character. I tried skim-reading the book for a bit, in an effort to at least see the tale to it's conclusion, but I found I just didn't care enough to push through to the end.
alettarrr's review against another edition
1.0
Enjoyed the writing style but too much rape/gore for my liking. Dnf after 200 pages.
christianholub's review against another edition
4.0
An engrossing fantasy with incredible world-building, beautiful language, vivid imagery…that also happens to be one of the most upsetting books I’ve read in some time. Those last ~100 pages are merciless! Gave me bad dreams for a couple days.
thonoir's review against another edition
Then book just utterly failed to get my attention. It didn't feel like particularly hard work but I also had no inclination to go back to it after putting it down. I remembered it today and nah, I'll pass.