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doodeedoda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, War, Blood, Confinement, Death, and Violence
marine2907's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Violence, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As a huge fan of fairytale retellings I was really excited to dive right into this decadently dark and deliciously enthralling YA fantasy reimagining of Rapunzel, in which Christo skillfully reinvents the eponymous, long haired damsel into a sharp and wickedly compelling witch determined to find a way out of her predestined life of magical servitude—foretelling deaths and stealing souls for the tyrannical, immortal king Seryth.
It’s told through the dual POVs of Selestra and Nox which I really enjoyed—their initial opposition to one another was really intriguing and I loved that we get to explore both of their respective (and deeply emotional) journeys together. Especially when you realise how closely tied they are (thanks to a mutual friend) which I felt really added another layer of dimension to their friendship/ relationship.
I really liked Selestra (our witchy female protagonist) who starts off as a really fearful and cautious young woman eager to inherit her powers if only so she can leave the isolation of her tower. She absolutely despises the king she’ll one day be forced to serve. But it’s not until she and Nox cross paths that we get to see Selestra truly contemplate a life beyond what was predetermined for her—and I loved the confidence and fierceness it begins to inspire in her.
Nox, Selestra’s enemy turned partner in crime (and love interest) was an absolutely phenomenal (and probably my favourite) character; he’s a cocky, charismatic soldier with a laser focus on avenging his father but, when things take a turn for the worse (and his fate ends up entangled with Selestra’s) we get to see a softer more compassionate and complex side to Nox, which I loved. Not to mention how off the charts good his swoon-worthy, enemies to lovers romance with Selestra is!
The world building was gorgeously lush and incredibly immersive—I especially loved the magic system which was darker than I imagined it would be, but deliciously intriguing all the same. If you love your fantasy fast paced and heart-stoppingly action packed then you’re going to absolutely love this, I just wish it was a little longer cause I didn’t want to leave!
Overall, a beautifully written and richly magical reimagining of Rapunzel that all fairytale lovers and witchy YA fans should check out.
Also, huge thank you to Insta Book Tours and Hot Key Books for the stunning finished copy.
It’s told through the dual POVs of Selestra and Nox which I really enjoyed—their initial opposition to one another was really intriguing and I loved that we get to explore both of their respective (and deeply emotional) journeys together. Especially when you realise how closely tied they are (thanks to a mutual friend) which I felt really added another layer of dimension to their friendship/ relationship.
I really liked Selestra (our witchy female protagonist) who starts off as a really fearful and cautious young woman eager to inherit her powers if only so she can leave the isolation of her tower. She absolutely despises the king she’ll one day be forced to serve. But it’s not until she and Nox cross paths that we get to see Selestra truly contemplate a life beyond what was predetermined for her—and I loved the confidence and fierceness it begins to inspire in her.
Nox, Selestra’s enemy turned partner in crime (and love interest) was an absolutely phenomenal (and probably my favourite) character; he’s a cocky, charismatic soldier with a laser focus on avenging his father but, when things take a turn for the worse (and his fate ends up entangled with Selestra’s) we get to see a softer more compassionate and complex side to Nox, which I loved. Not to mention how off the charts good his swoon-worthy, enemies to lovers romance with Selestra is!
The world building was gorgeously lush and incredibly immersive—I especially loved the magic system which was darker than I imagined it would be, but deliciously intriguing all the same. If you love your fantasy fast paced and heart-stoppingly action packed then you’re going to absolutely love this, I just wish it was a little longer cause I didn’t want to leave!
Overall, a beautifully written and richly magical reimagining of Rapunzel that all fairytale lovers and witchy YA fans should check out.
Also, huge thank you to Insta Book Tours and Hot Key Books for the stunning finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Confinement, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent
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