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musebeliever's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I really wanted to like this. I thought the system and culture surrounding the beast was fascinating and well thought. That aspect of the world-building truly fascinated me. I loved the writing and how well the two pov narration worked to build the story.
But reading this book was frustrating and heavy for me. That is pretty much a me thing. But the highly binary reverse sexism of the matriarchal system really brought me down. It leads to a lot of toxicity in family relations, physical and psychological abuse starting from the very first chapter. And I get that it makes sense relating to the world-building, but it made ut impossible for me to like the main character who is blinded by her own privilige and make sexist and transphobic remarks. It's definitely a me thing. I need to like the characters to push enjoy reading but that aspect hit too close to home for me to enjoy it.
They are a few plots holes in the second part but I think they may be addressed by book 2.
All in all a book with amazing creativity and world-building, but which is not suited for me.
But reading this book was frustrating and heavy for me. That is pretty much a me thing. But the highly binary reverse sexism of the matriarchal system really brought me down. It leads to a lot of toxicity in family relations, physical and psychological abuse starting from the very first chapter. And I get that it makes sense relating to the world-building, but it made ut impossible for me to like the main character who is blinded by her own privilige and make sexist and transphobic remarks. It's definitely a me thing. I need to like the characters to push enjoy reading but that aspect hit too close to home for me to enjoy it.
They are a few plots holes in the second part but I think they may be addressed by book 2.
All in all a book with amazing creativity and world-building, but which is not suited for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Transphobia, and Child abuse
dominicangirl's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Physical abuse, Slavery, and Violence
ohlhauc's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-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? Yes
Vivid, imaginative world building that made it easy to imagine yourself within the body of the Zenzee/beast the society was living in (note: If you dislike graphic depictions of bodily functions and organs, this is not for you). The development of the physical environment was hands-down the best part. Unfortunately, we didn't get as much detail on the social structure and culture of the society itself, and I would have liked more discussion of this to better understand the actions of several plot points.
The character development was hit or miss for me. I adored the characters of Adalla and Laisze, and felt their growth, motivations, and reactions were clear and well done. They were also two of the only characters who seemed to think ofother characters whereas the others were more selfish, which made the others hard to root for. The other characters were either highly unlikable or underdeveloped.
Another thing that didn't work for me is that it felt some scenes were rushed over, especially the plot which went by so quick. I would've liked to see a slower pace and more detail into the psychologies of the characters so it felt like what was happening had more consequences and impact.
The character development was hit or miss for me. I adored the characters of Adalla and Laisze, and felt their growth, motivations, and reactions were clear and well done. They were also two of the only characters who seemed to think of
Another thing that didn't work for me is that it felt some scenes were rushed over, especially the plot which went by so quick. I would've liked to see a slower pace and more detail into the psychologies of the characters so it felt like what was happening had more consequences and impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Blood, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Slavery
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